How Imax makes millions from theaters it doesn't own

IMAX stock reached a new all-time high on Monday, rising 3.89% to $54.79. The surge was driven by the record-breaking success of The Odyssey, which became the highest-grossing IMAX release. CEO Rich Gelfond expects this to be their best year. Analyst Steve Frankel predicts IMAX will exceed estimates in the second half of 2026, with shares potentially rising to $60. The company's Q2 2026 revenue grew 12% to $103 million, with adjusted earnings up 65% to $0.43 per share.

IMAX reported Q2 2026 revenue of $103M (up 12% YoY) and EPS of $0.43 (up 65%), driven by strong demand for 'The Odyssey'. The stock has gained 42% YTD, with institutional inflows contributing to a 103.5% rise over the past year. IMAX shows strong sales and EPS growth rates of 11.7% and 18.7% respectively over three years, with EPS expected to rise 14% this year.

IMAX shares rose about 5% on Monday after the company said Christopher Nolan’s film The Odyssey became the highest-grossing IMAX release of all time. IMAX reported $289 million in ticket sales, plus $37 million in the fourth weekend, and said IMAX theaters account for 26% of total tickets. IMAX added that 70mm locations have grossed over $37 million and presales near $40 million.

IMAX said The Odyssey helped it post its highest-ever monthly box-office results, with July box-office revenue of $257 million, up 47% from the prior record. Ticket sales for The Odyssey totaled $221 million. IMAX also announced an upcoming run for Spider-Man: Brand New Day and shares closed Monday nearly 7% higher.

Imax shares hit an all-time high Monday, up nearly 6%, after box office momentum from Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey.” The company said the film is tracking almost double “Oppenheimer” (2023) and generated $221 million globally, about 25% of Universal’s total. CEO Rich Gelfond attributed results to a “flywheel” of theater expansion and recurring cash flow.

IMAX, JPMorgan Chase, and CSX shares hit 52-week highs after Wall Street price-target hikes and momentum from recent earnings. IMAX reported Q2 revenue of $102.8M (+12.2% YoY) and adjusted EPS $0.43 (+65%). JPM posted Q2 EPS $7.7 on $57.35B revenue. CSX Q2 revenue rose 10% to $3.94B and diluted EPS to $0.54.