Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The first quarter of 2025 saw a 12.4% decline in the North American box office compared to the previous year, while AMC's domestic admissions revenue declined by only 10.9%, outperforming the market by approximately 150 basis points [12][18] - Consolidated revenue per patron increased by 1.6% year over year and 40% compared to pre-pandemic 2019, driven by a 49% increase in food and beverage revenue per patron and a 26% increase in admissions revenue per patron [13][16] - AMC ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $378.7 million, excluding restricted cash of $49 million, and anticipates being free cash flow positive for the nine months ending December 31, 2025 [18][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. operations achieved an all-time Q1 record for admissions revenue per patron at $12.31, with domestic revenue per patron up more than 45% compared to pre-pandemic 2019 [14][15] - International markets also showed strong growth, with total revenue per patron up 32% and contribution margin per patron up approximately 39% on a constant currency basis compared to pre-pandemic 2019 [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The first quarter of 2025 was noted as the lowest industry-wide domestic box office since 1996, but there is optimism for a strong recovery in the remainder of 2025 and into 2026 [6][7] - The April 2025 box office was reported to be double that of April 2024, indicating a significant rebound in moviegoing demand [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is implementing the AMC Go Plan, which focuses on enhancing the guest experience through premium large format screens, innovative food and beverage offerings, and customer loyalty programs [21][22] - Plans include increasing the number of premium large format screens from over 600 to more than 1,000 and expanding Dolby Cinema screens by nearly 25% [23][24] - The company aims to continue optimizing its theater portfolio by closing underperforming locations and investing in high-performing theaters [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management believes that the first quarter results do not reflect the current strength of the movie theater business and expects a dramatic reawakening of the industry-wide domestic box office [5][6] - The company anticipates that the full year 2025 box office will be at the high end of the previously forecasted range of $500 million to $1 billion ahead of 2024 [7][9] - There is confidence that the upcoming slate of blockbuster films will drive significant attendance and revenue growth [8][10] Other Important Information - The company has closed 200 theaters and opened 62 since January 2020, resulting in a net reduction of 138 theaters, which has allowed for better management of lease costs and overall quality of earnings [17] - The company has raised approximately $170 million of incremental equity capital at the beginning of the year and has reduced total debt and deferred rent by $1.34 billion since early 2022 [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are your thoughts about the current discussions around tariffs in Hollywood? - Management noted that there are no final specific plans regarding tariffs and will closely monitor developments in this area [34] Question: What proportion of AMC locations do you think could include a premium format auditorium? - Management indicated that they plan to have premium large format screens in about three-quarters of their theaters worldwide, with potential for further expansion based on consumer response [36] Question: At what point do you expect the business to generate positive free cash flow? - Management stated that if internal forecasts are met, the company will be free cash flow positive for the nine-month period from April to December 2025 [43] Question: Are there plans to enhance and expand food and beverage offerings? - Management confirmed ongoing innovation in food and beverage, with significant increases in spending per patron and plans for new offerings [44][46] Question: How sustainable is the profitability per patron as the box office recovers? - Management expressed optimism that revenue and contribution per patron could continue to improve even with increased attendance, citing recent performance metrics [52]

Core Insights - Cinemark Holdings reported $540.7 million in revenue for Q1 2025, a year-over-year decline of 6.7% and an EPS of -$0.32 compared to $0.19 a year ago, with revenue exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $519.59 million by 4.06% [1] Financial Performance - The average ticket price in the U.S. Operating Segment was $10.08, exceeding the estimated $9.87, while the International Operating Segment's average ticket price was $3.53, slightly below the estimated $3.62 [4] - Concession revenues per patron in the U.S. Operating Segment were $7.98, above the estimated $7.78, and in the International Operating Segment, it was $2.88, slightly above the estimated $2.87 [4] - U.S. Operating Segment admissions revenue was $207.60 million, compared to the average estimate of $205 million, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 10.4% [4] - International Operating Segment admissions revenue was $56.50 million, surpassing the average estimate of $51.54 million, with a year-over-year decline of 2.6% [4] - U.S. Operating Segment concession revenue was $164.40 million, exceeding the estimated $161.53 million, but down 8% year-over-year [4] - International Operating Segment concession revenue was $46 million, above the average estimate of $40.83 million, showing a year-over-year increase of 0.9% [4] - Total admissions revenue was $264.10 million, compared to the average estimate of $259.33 million, representing a year-over-year decline of 8.9% [4] - Other revenue was reported at $66.20 million, exceeding the estimated $61.03 million, with a year-over-year increase of 1.5% [4] - Total concession revenue was $210.40 million, above the estimated $205.44 million, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 6.2% [4] Stock Performance - Cinemark shares have returned +19.6% over the past month, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite has seen a -0.5% change, indicating a stronger performance relative to the broader market [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

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 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]