Core Insights - Imax and AMC Entertainment have expanded their partnership to deploy laser technology across 80 more large screen auditoriums in the U.S. [1] - AMC will add twelve new Imax locations and upgrade an additional 68 to Imax with Laser, resulting in a total of 180 Imax with Laser locations in the U.S. [1][2] - This agreement is the largest systems agreement Imax has signed in the U.S. since 2018 [2] Company Developments - AMC CEO Adam Aron highlighted the high regard for the Imax brand among filmmakers and moviegoers, reflecting the success shared between AMC and Imax [3] - Imax CEO Rich Gelfond described the agreement as a validation of efforts to strengthen technology and expand content, enhancing the customer experience [4] - AMC operates eight of the top ten highest grossing Imax locations in the U.S. and leads in per screen averages [4] Historical Context - The partnership between AMC and Imax began with their first agreement in 2007 [5]

Core Insights - Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (DLB) is expanding its collaboration with AMC Entertainment (AMC) by adding 40 more Dolby Cinema locations across the United States by the end of 2027, resulting in a total of over 200 locations, marking a 25% increase [1] - Dolby Cinema offers an immersive movie experience with Dolby Vision's picture quality and Dolby Atmos' sound, reinforcing both companies' commitment to enhancing the existing network [2][3] - The expansion aligns with AMC's strategy to enhance premium offerings, ensuring audiences receive the best visual experience [3] Industry Trends - The industry is shifting towards premium formats, with audiences increasingly preferring higher-quality viewing experiences [4] - In 2024, Dolby Cinema achieved its strongest box office performance, surpassing revenues from 2023, with 49 out of the top 50 films presented in Dolby Cinema over the past five years [4] - The robust content pipeline, with over 725 theatrical features confirmed in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, is a key driver of Dolby Cinema's success [5] Technological Advancements - Advancements in visual and audio technology are expected to enhance the Dolby Cinema experience as the collaboration between Dolby and AMC continues [6] - The adoption of Dolby Atmos in various sectors, including music production, is driving top-line momentum for DLB, with 93% of Billboard's 2024 Top 100 Artists releasing music in Dolby Atmos [7] - In 2024, nearly 80% of the domestic box office and almost 70% of global box office titles were released in Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision formats [8] Financial Outlook - For fiscal 2025, DLB expects growth of around 15% from Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision, along with imaging patents [9] - DLB currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), with shares having lost 3.7% in the past year compared to a 15.7% decline in the Zacks Audio Video Production industry [10]

Group 1 - AMC Entertainment is expanding its premium screen offerings by adding 40 Dolby Cinema theaters in the U.S. by the end of 2027, resulting in a 25% increase in the number of branded premium screens to over 200 [1][7] - The partnership with Dolby Laboratories aims to enhance the moviegoing experience, providing audiences with immersive film experiences through Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos technology [2][4] - The expansion follows AMC's recent partnership with CJ 4DPLEX to introduce 65 Screen X auditoriums and 40 4DX theaters globally, indicating a strong focus on premium large format (PLF) experiences [2][7] Group 2 - Premium large format screens (PLFs) are characterized by elevated viewing experiences, often featuring larger screens and superior sound systems, which command higher ticket prices [3] - PLF ticket sales have significantly benefited blockbuster films, with titles like "Oppenheimer," "Avatar: The Way of Water," and "Dune" capturing a large share of the PLF box office [5] - As of 2024, there were over 950 theaters in North America with PLF screens, marking a 33.7% increase from five years prior, and these screens accounted for approximately 9.1% of the domestic box office, generating around $600 million [8][9] Group 3 - The average premium ticket price is just under $17, reflecting an 8% increase since 2021, indicating a growing willingness among audiences to pay for enhanced viewing experiences [8] - The PLF box office has experienced a 33% growth over the past five years, although it still represents a small portion of the overall box office, with most audiences still opting for traditional digital screens [9] - The upcoming box office slate for 2025 and 2026 is filled with major franchise films, which are expected to drive further demand for premium viewing experiences [6]

Core Insights - AMC and Dolby are expanding their partnership by adding 40 new Dolby Cinema locations in the US by the end of 2027, representing a nearly 25% increase in Dolby Cinema auditoriums, bringing the total to over 200 [2][4] - Dolby Cinema offers a premium moviegoing experience with Dolby Vision ultra-vivid picture quality and Dolby Atmos immersive sound, enhancing the overall cinematic experience for audiences [3][4] - The partnership reflects AMC's commitment to innovative technology and premium experiences, which are increasingly defining the modern box office [4][5] Company Overview - Dolby Laboratories is a leader in immersive entertainment experiences, with a strong content pipeline of over 725 theatrical features released or confirmed in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos [6][7] - AMC Entertainment is the largest theatrical exhibitor globally, with approximately 900 theatres and 10,000 screens, and has been a pioneer in the exhibition industry through various innovations [8][9]

Core Insights - AMC Entertainment and CJ 4DPLEX have formed a global partnership to introduce 65 premium ScreenX and 4DX locations worldwide, marking a significant step in enhancing the cinematic experience in theaters [1][2][5] Group 1: Partnership Details - The partnership will see the opening of 40 4DX theaters and 25 ScreenX theaters across key AMC and Odeon locations in the U.S. and Europe starting this summer [1][3] - This collaboration represents the first global partnership between AMC, the largest theatrical exhibitor, and CJ 4DPLEX, the leading producer of premium film formats [2][5] Group 2: Technology and Experience - ScreenX technology offers a 270-degree panoramic viewing experience, enhancing the storytelling by extending visuals onto the auditorium walls [3][7] - 4DX provides a multisensory experience with motion, vibration, and environmental effects, allowing audiences to connect with films in a unique way [3][9] Group 3: Market Context - The deal comes as theaters are striving to revive moviegoing after a prolonged slump, with premium formats showing increased popularity among ticket buyers [5][6] - AMC operates 900 theaters and 10,000 screens globally, while CJ 4DPLEX aims to expand its total premium screen count to over 1,200 worldwide [5][6] Group 4: Upcoming Titles - Upcoming films set to be featured in ScreenX and 4DX include major titles from Warner Bros., Marvel Studios, Paramount Pictures, and Universal Pictures, indicating a strong film slate for both formats [10]

Core Insights - Social media, particularly TikTok, has significantly influenced investment trends, with influencers reaching millions and impacting stock market decisions [1][2][3] - TikTok's short video format allows for rapid dissemination of stock tips, but raises questions about the long-term viability of these investment strategies and the qualifications of the influencers [2][3][15] - The phenomenon of meme stocks, exemplified by companies like GameStop and AMC, illustrates the volatile nature of stocks driven by social media hype [4][8] Group 1: TikTok's Role in Investing - TikTok has emerged as a leader in social media investing, leveraging its structure for easy virality and engagement [2][3] - Influencers on TikTok often promote both educational content and quick-gain strategies, leading to mixed reliability in stock recommendations [3][15] - The platform has created a new generation of young investors who are more aware of market dynamics, although the quality of analysis is often lacking [15][18] Group 2: Successes and Failures - Notable success stories from TikTok include stocks that saw massive gains during the meme stock craze, although their long-term performance is debatable [5][8] - Conversely, many hyped stocks failed to deliver on promises, serving as cautionary tales for investors [6][19] - The volatility of TikTok stock picks can lead to significant losses for those who invest based on trends without thorough analysis [9][12] Group 3: Risks and Considerations - TikTok stock advice can be exciting but often lacks rigorous analysis, making it essential for investors to conduct their own research [9][10][20] - The potential for pump-and-dump schemes exists, where influencers promote stocks they own to drive up prices before selling [14][16] - Investors should be cautious of unrealistic promises and verify claims against credible financial news sources [11][12]

Group 1 - AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc. reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter revenue, indicating a strong position for growth [1] - The company's fourth-quarter 2024 performance exceeded consensus expectations, highlighting strong consumer demand and operational efficiency [2] - AMC's improving financial flexibility, premium format expansion, and favorable content slate for 2025 and 2026 are key factors for its continued growth [2]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - AMC's revenue in Q4 2024 increased by 18% year-over-year, reaching a post-pandemic record of $1.3 billion [9][26] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2024 was $164.8 million, more than triple the adjusted EBITDA reported for Q4 2023, reflecting a 240% increase [10][30] - The company generated over $200 million in cash from operating activities and $114 million in free cash flow in Q4 2024, marking the highest quarterly cash flow post-pandemic [11][31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Attendance reached over 62 million guests in Q4 2024, a 20% increase compared to Q4 2023, setting a post-pandemic record [12][25] - Food and beverage revenue per patron reached an all-time fourth quarter record of $7.15, while admissions revenue per patron was $11.56, the second highest for Q4 [25][26] - For the full year 2024, AMC achieved all-time records for admissions revenue per patron, food and beverage revenue per patron, and total revenue per patron [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The domestic industry box office increased from $3.6 billion in the first half of 2024 to $5.1 billion in the second half, indicating a significant recovery in the market [15][16] - The overall box office for 2024 was flat compared to 2023, primarily due to the impact of strikes in the first half of the year [20][121] Company Strategy and Development Direction - AMC's "GO Plan" aims to leverage strengths and accelerate recovery by enhancing guest experiences and increasing attendance [41][42] - The company plans to invest in premium experiences, including upgrading IMAX auditoriums and adding more Dolby Cinema screens [43][44] - AMC is focused on strengthening its balance sheet while pursuing growth initiatives to enhance financial returns [56][68] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2025, projecting a potential increase in the number of wide-release films by approximately 17% compared to 2024 [19] - The company believes that the box office will grow significantly in 2025 and 2026, with expectations of $0.5 billion to $1 billion growth compared to 2024 [22][124] - Management acknowledged the challenges faced by the industry, including a 40% decline in attendance compared to pre-pandemic levels, but highlighted improvements in profit per patron [61][63] Other Important Information - AMC successfully sold approximately $65 million in movie-themed merchandise in 2024, with a profit margin around 50% [88] - The company has expanded its popcorn sales significantly, doubling sales in 2024 compared to 2023 and increasing distribution to 11,000 retail stores [102][105] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding the AMC GO Plan and CapEx - Management indicated that CapEx will remain around $200 million until access to growth capital is secured, with future increases flagged in advance [73][75] Question: Thoughts on streaming and theatrical releases - Management noted that some streaming services are embracing theatrical releases, which could benefit both industries, and highlighted ongoing discussions with major studios about release windows [78][114] Question: Update on merchandise and collectible items - Management reported strong sales in movie-themed merchandise and plans to increase inventory to meet demand [88][93] Question: Opportunities for negotiating longer windows for theatrical releases - Management expressed hope for longer release windows, believing it would benefit both theaters and studios financially [109][115] Question: When might the industry reach a steady state closer to pre-pandemic levels? - Management projected that the box office will grow significantly in 2025 and 2026, with expectations of blockbuster films driving attendance [124]

Financial Performance - Total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2024, were $4,637.2 million, a decrease of 3.6% compared to $4,812.6 million in 2023 [459]. - Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2024, was $352.6 million, an improvement from a net loss of $396.6 million in 2023 [461]. - Admissions revenue decreased to $2,560.5 million in 2024 from $2,690.5 million in 2023, reflecting a decline of 4.8% [459]. - Food and beverage revenue also saw a decline, totaling $1,624.9 million in 2024 compared to $1,669.8 million in 2023, a decrease of 2.7% [459]. - Operating loss for 2024 was $79.3 million, slightly worse than the operating loss of $74.3 million in 2023 [459]. - Cash and cash equivalents decreased to $632.3 million as of December 31, 2024, down from $884.3 million in 2023 [464]. - Total assets decreased to $8,247.5 million in 2024 from $9,009.2 million in 2023, a decline of 8.4% [464]. - Total liabilities decreased to $10,008.0 million in 2024 from $10,857.1 million in 2023, a reduction of 7.8% [464]. - Net cash used in operating activities improved to $50.8 million in 2024 from $215.2 million in 2023 [466]. - The company reported a net cash decrease of $230.6 million for the period, compared to an increase of $257.0 million in the previous period [467]. Debt and Financing - The company has an aggregate principal balance of $2,014.2 million outstanding under New Term Loans, with interest rates ranging from 11.356% per annum [420]. - A 100-basis point increase in market interest rates would increase interest expense on New Term Loans by approximately $20.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 [421]. - The company had an aggregate principal balance of $1,905.0 million outstanding under Existing Term Loans as of December 31, 2023 [424]. - A 100-basis point change in market interest rates would have increased or decreased interest expense on Existing Term Loans by $19.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2023 [424]. - The company anticipates potential dilution of Common Stock due to future share issuances related to debt repayment and refinancing [15]. - The company plans to continue seeking to retire or purchase outstanding debt through cash purchases and/or exchanges for equity or debt [479]. - The company issued $414.4 million in new Exchangeable Notes on July 22, 2024, with a fair value of the derivative liability associated with the embedded conversion feature at $233.4 million [444]. - The Exchangeable Notes have an effective interest rate of 15.12%, with recorded interest expense of $18.2 million for the period from July 22, 2024, to December 31, 2024 [593]. - The New Term Loans mature on January 4, 2029, unless certain conditions regarding the Existing First Lien Notes are met, which could change the maturity date to October 5, 2028 [595]. - The company completed refinancing transactions on July 22, 2024, extending the maturities of approximately $1.6 billion of debt previously maturing in 2026 to 2029 and 2030 [577]. Impairment and Asset Management - The company reported an impairment charge of $51.9 million for long-lived assets in the US and $20.4 million in International markets for the year ended December 31, 2024 [438]. - The company evaluated its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events indicate that the carrying amount may not be fully recoverable [438]. - The company recorded non-cash impairment of long-lived assets totaling $72.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $107.9 million in 2023 and $133.1 million in 2022 [514]. - The company recorded a gain of $15.5 million from the sale of its 10% investment in Saudi Cinema Company LLC, which was sold for SAR 112.5 million ($30.0 million) on January 25, 2023 [561]. Currency and Market Risks - The company is exposed to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, with a hypothetical 10% increase potentially impacting net income [417]. - A hypothetical 10% increase in foreign currency translation rates would increase the aggregate net loss of the company's International theatres by approximately $9.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 [427]. - The company experienced an aggregate net loss increase of approximately $10.9 million due to a hypothetical 10% increase in foreign currency translation rates for the year ended December 31, 2023 [427]. - The foreign currency translation rates increased by approximately 0.7% for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the previous year [428]. Internal Controls and Reporting - The company's internal control over financial reporting was deemed effective as of December 31, 2024, based on the COSO criteria [451]. - The company’s internal control over financial reporting has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, confirming its effectiveness [434]. - The company’s management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024 [430]. - The company’s financial statements were audited and presented fairly in all material respects for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 [433]. Stockholder Equity and Market Performance - The company’s total stockholders' deficit increased to $8.35 billion as of December 31, 2024 [470]. - The company issued 75,497,216 shares, raising $252.8 million during the reporting period [470]. - The company’s cash burn rates are not sustainable long-term, necessitating a return to pre-COVID-19 revenue levels [477]. - The company anticipates that achieving sustainable net positive cash flows will require significant revenue increases [477]. Pension and Employee Benefits - For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company expects to contribute $2.4 million to the U.S. pension plans [520]. - The aggregated projected benefit obligation for U.S. pension benefits at the end of 2024 was $73.8 million, down from $79.3 million in 2023 [519]. - The Company’s net periodic benefit costs for the year ended December 31, 2024, were $1.8 million, an increase from $1.4 million in 2023 [522]. - The Company’s defined contribution plan expenses were $10.5 million, $9.8 million, and $9.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively [526]. Lease and Operating Costs - Total lease costs for the year ended December 31, 2024, were $989.2 million, compared to $967.4 million in 2023 [550]. - The weighted average remaining lease term for operating leases as of December 31, 2024, was 8.1 years, with a discount rate of 10.7% [550]. - The Company had signed additional operating lease agreements for six theatres with total lease payments of approximately $107.3 million, pending commencement [553]. - The Company recorded lease liabilities based on the present value of minimum lease payments, which include base rent and other fixed payments [511].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - AMC's revenue in Q4 2024 increased by 18% year over year, reaching a record of $1.3 billion, marking a post-pandemic high [6][15] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2024 was $164.8 million, more than triple the amount reported in Q4 2023, reflecting a 240% increase [7][17] - The company generated over $200 million in cash from operating activities and $114 million in free cash flow during Q4 2024, the highest quarterly cash flow since the pandemic [7][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Attendance reached 62.4 million guests in Q4 2024, a 20% increase compared to Q4 2023, setting a post-pandemic record [8][14] - Food and beverage revenue per patron hit an all-time fourth quarter record of $7.15, while admissions revenue per patron was $11.56, the second highest for Q4 [15][16] - For the full year 2024, AMC achieved all-time records for admissions revenue per patron, food and beverage revenue per patron, and total revenue per patron [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The domestic industry box office increased from $3.6 billion in the first half of 2024 to $5.1 billion in the second half, indicating a significant recovery [10] - The overall box office for 2024 was approximately $8.75 billion, flat compared to 2023, primarily due to the impact of strikes in the first half of the year [78] Company Strategy and Development Direction - AMC is implementing the "GO" plan to enhance guest experiences and drive attendance, focusing on premium offerings and innovative marketing strategies [25][26] - The company plans to upgrade more IMAX auditoriums and add Dolby Cinema screens, aiming to enhance the overall viewing experience [27][28] - AMC is also expanding its merchandise offerings and enhancing its loyalty programs to stimulate attendance and increase profitability [31][59] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for 2025, projecting a potential increase in the number of wide release films by approximately 17% compared to 2024 [12] - The company believes that the box office will grow significantly in 2025 and 2026, with expectations of an increase of $500 million to $1 billion compared to 2024 [13][80] - Management acknowledged the challenges faced in the past but highlighted the improvements in profit per patron, which is now significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels [39][40] Other Important Information - AMC has reduced its debt by $1.34 billion since early 2022 and extended the maturity of $2.4 billion of debt to 2029 and beyond [23] - The company closed 192 underperforming locations since the pandemic while opening 62 new ones, resulting in a net reduction of approximately 13% of its locations [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding the AMC Go plan and CapEx - Management indicated that the CapEx budget will remain around $200 million until access to growth capital is secured, with potential for future increases [45][46] Question: Thoughts on exclusive theatrical runs and streaming dynamics - Management noted that some streaming services are embracing theatrical releases, which could benefit both industries, and highlighted ongoing discussions with major studios [48][49] Question: Update on merchandise and collectible items - AMC reported $65 million in merchandise sales in 2024, with plans to increase inventory to meet demand and expand offerings [56][58] Question: Opportunities for longer theatrical windows - Management expressed hope for longer theatrical windows, believing that both theaters and studios would benefit from extended release periods [69][75] Question: Industry box office recovery timeline - Management believes the box office will continue to grow, projecting significant increases in 2025 and 2026 compared to previous years [77][80]