IMAX Corporation and Australia’s largest cinema chain, HOYTS Cinemas, announced a partnership that will add ten new IMAX with Laser theatres to the region, expanding the joint footprint from four to fourteen locations. The new screens will be installed in key markets such as Melbourne, Sydney and Perth, with at least three venues slated to open before the end of 2026 and the remaining sites scheduled for 2027 and 2028.
The expansion underscores Australia’s status as one of IMAX’s highest‑performing markets, where demand for the premium format has consistently outstripped the current footprint. By nearly doubling the number of IMAX with Laser venues, the deal positions the company to capture a larger share of the growing premium‑experience segment while maintaining a low‑leverage, capital‑efficient growth model that has driven record revenue and margin expansion in 2025.
IMAX’s laser‑based projection system delivers 4K resolution, precision audio and a brighter image, reinforcing the brand’s premium positioning for blockbuster releases. The technology’s higher‑resolution capability and improved sound quality are key differentiators that attract audiences seeking an immersive cinema experience, supporting the company’s strategy to drive higher ticket prices and repeat attendance.
Financially, IMAX reported record full‑year 2025 revenue of $410 million, up 16% year‑over‑year, and a record adjusted EBITDA margin of 45%. Q4 2025 revenue of $125.2 million beat forecasts by 4%, while Q1 2026 guidance of $81.8 million in revenue and $0.18 per share in earnings reflects a seasonal dip but maintains confidence in long‑term growth. CEO Richard Gelfond’s temporary medical leave in late March 2026 adds a brief leadership uncertainty, but the company’s management team remains focused on executing the expansion plan.
Damian Keogh, HOYTS Group CEO, said the partnership will give more audiences access to an immersive experience and reflects HOYTS’s commitment to innovation. Giovanni Dolci, IMAX Chief Commercial Officer, highlighted that Australia is a top‑performing market and that the new installations will meet surging demand. Rich Gelfond, IMAX CEO, noted that the expansion is a “sign of strong momentum” in a thriving movie‑going market and that the company is “looking forward to getting back in business” with HOYTS to satisfy growing demand.
The deal is expected to strengthen IMAX’s competitive moat in the Pacific, increase revenue‑sharing opportunities with exhibitors, and reinforce its position as the global leader in large‑format cinema. The expansion aligns with the company’s broader strategy to grow its installed base while preserving financial flexibility and operational efficiency.
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