IMAX CORP (IMAX) Business
This page reproduces the company's own Item 1 Business text from the linked SEC filing. It is filer text, not grepcent analysis, scoring, or investment advice.
Informational only - not investment advice. See Disclaimer.
Item 1. Business
IMAX Corporation (the “Company” or “IMAX”) is a Canadian corporation that was formed in March 1994 as a result of an amalgamation between WGIM Acquisition Corp. and the former IMAX Corporation (“Predecessor IMAX”). Predecessor IMAX was incorporated in 1967.
As of December 31, 2025, the Company indirectly owned 71.57% of IMAX China Holding, Inc. (“IMAX China”), whose shares trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. IMAX China is a consolidated subsidiary of the Company.
GENERAL
IMAX is a premier global technology platform for entertainment and events. Through its proprietary software, auditorium architecture, patented intellectual property, and specialized equipment, IMAX offers a unique end-to-end solution to create superior, awe-inspiring immersive content experiences for which the IMAX® brand is globally renowned. Top filmmakers, movie studios, artists, and creators utilize the cutting-edge visual and sound technology of IMAX to connect with audiences in innovative ways. As a result, IMAX is among the most important and successful global distribution platforms for domestic and international tentpole films. The Company’s global content portfolio includes blockbuster films, both from Hollywood and local language film industries worldwide; IMAX documentaries, both original and acquired (“IMAX Documentaries”); and IMAX events and experiences in emerging verticals, including music, gaming, and sports.
The Company leverages its proprietary technology and engineering in its business, which principally consists of the digital remastering of films and other content into the IMAX format for distribution across the IMAX network (“IMAX Film Remastering”) and the sale or lease of premium IMAX theater systems (“IMAX System(s)”).
IMAX Systems are based on proprietary and patented image, audio and other technology developed over the course of the Company’s history. The customers for IMAX Systems are principally exhibitors that operate commercial multiplex theaters, and, to a much lesser extent, institutional locations, including museums and science centers, and destination entertainment sites. The Company does not own the locations in the IMAX network, except for one, and is not an exhibitor, but instead sells or leases the IMAX System to exhibitor customers along with licenses to use its trademarks and ongoing maintenance services for which there are annual payments by the exhibitors to IMAX.
IMAX has the largest global premium format network, more than double the size of its nearest competitor. As of December 31, 2025, there were 1,864 IMAX Systems operating in locations in 91 countries and territories, including 1,796 commercial multiplexes, 10 commercial destinations, and 58 institutional locations in the Company’s global network. This compares to 1,807 IMAX Systems operating in 90 countries and territories as of December 31, 2024, including 1,735 commercial multiplexes, 11 commercial destinations, and 61 institutional locations in the Company’s global network. Additional information on the composition of the IMAX network is provided in the discussion under the caption “Marketing and Customers.”
IMAX Systems provide the Company’s exhibitor customers with a combination of the following benefits:
•the ability to exhibit content that has been enhanced through the IMAX Film Remastering process, which results in higher image and sound fidelity than conventional cinema experiences;
•advanced, high-resolution projectors with specialized equipment and automated theater control systems, which generate significantly more contrast and brightness than conventional theater systems;
•large screens and proprietary auditorium geometry, which result in a substantially larger field of view than conventional theater systems so that the screen extends to the edge of a viewer’s peripheral vision and creates more realistic images;
•advanced sound system components, which deliver more expansive sound imagery than conventional theater systems and pinpointed origination of sound to any specific spot in an auditorium equipped with an IMAX System;
•specialized theater acoustics, which result in a four-fold reduction in background noise compared to conventional cinema experiences;
•ongoing maintenance and extended warranty services to ensure a consistent image and sound quality presentation across the IMAX global network ; and
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•a license to the globally recognized IMAX brand, as well as benefits from IMAX marketing of films being shown in its network and IMAX’s growing social media followership.
The Company believes that the benefits related to the enhanced and differentiated image quality and film aspect ratio enable audiences in IMAX locations to feel as if they are a part of the on-screen action, creating a more intense, immersive, and awe-inspiring experience than a conventional cinematic format. For additional discussion, see section titled “IMAX Film Remastering” below.
As a result of the engineering and scientific achievements that are a hallmark of The IMAX Experience®, the Company’s exhibitor customers typically charge a premium for films released in IMAX’s format versus films exhibited in their other auditoriums. The premium pricing, combined with the higher attendance levels associated with IMAX films, generates incremental box office receipts (“global box office”) for the Company’s exhibitor customers and for the movie studios releasing their films to the IMAX network. The incremental global box office generated by IMAX films combined with IMAX’s leading global network footprint and scale has helped establish IMAX as a key premium distribution and marketing platform for Hollywood and foreign local language movie studios.
In 2025, the Company’s diversified global programming and marketing strategy resulted in a global box office record of $1.28 billion, surpassing its previous record of $1.13 billion in 2019 by 13% and a 40% increase over the prior year comparative period. The Company achieved its highest grossing year at the domestic (United States and Canada) box office in 2025. Additionally, the Company had record box office in over 30 countries and territories worldwide in 2025, including China, Japan, Germany, India, Australia and Vietnam. The Company’s 2025 film slate was the largest in history, with 122 new films and other content released during the year, including a record 67 local language films. The top grossing titles released in 2025 included the Chinese film Ne Zha 2, which became the highest grossing IMAX release of all time in China and contributed to the highest grossing Chinese New Year in the Company’s history; Avatar: Fire and Ash, the Company’s highest grossing Hollywood release of the year, achieving 15% of the film’s total domestic opening weekend box office; F1: The Movie, Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, and the Japanese film Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle. Local language content in 2025 generated $405.4 million in global box office for the Company or 32% of its total global box office, surpassing its previous record of $243.5 million set in 2023 by 66%. Throughout the year, the Company continually optimized its global IMAX network by taking a heavily diversified programming approach, playing multiple titles contemporaneously, and maintaining maximum scheduling flexibility.
In 2025, the Company released several films shot with IMAX proprietary cameras under the Filmed For IMAX® program, that generated more than $40.0 million in global IMAX box office on a per-title basis. IMAX captured at least 20% of the domestic opening weekend box office on each of Sinners, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, F1: The Movie, and Tron: Ares. Despite increasing competition for consumer attention across both out‑of‑home and in‑home entertainment, demand for premium large‑format experiences continued to strengthen. The Filmed For IMAX program helped drive the Company’s domestic box office market share to a record 5.2% and to a record global market share of 3.8%, up from 4.5% and 3.1%, respectively, in the prior year, even though IMAX represents only approximately 1% of domestic screens and less than 1% of screens worldwide.
A cornerstone of the IMAX brand for almost 60 years, the Company’s IMAX Documentaries strategy focuses on a new generation of narrative-driven original and acquired documentary films, as well as downstream revenue opportunities through partnerships with leading streaming platforms. In 2025, the Company released the institutional 3D version of The Blue Angels across select IMAX locations in North America, Europe, and Australia. In early 2026, The Last Wolves of Yellowstone, and French language documentary Athos, produced by Federation Studio France were released. Additional forthcoming IMAX Documentaries are scheduled to include Stormbound, Frontier, and The Elephant Odyssey. In collaboration with The National Basketball Association (“NBA”), Unanimous Media, and Religion of Sports, the Company will also release Portrait of an Artist offering an intimate glimpse into the life of NBA superstar Stephen Curry.
In 2025, the Company partnered to release exclusive concert films and limited-run theatrical events, including Becoming Led Zeppelin with Sony Pictures, Prince - Sign O’ The Times and Rolling Stones - At The Max with Mercury Studios, Pink Floyd at Pompeii - MCMLXXII, Depeche Mode: M, and j-hope Tour ‘Hope on Stage’ The Movie with Trafalgar Releasing, One to One: John & Yoko with Magnolia Pictures, Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere with 20th Century Studios, and G-Dragon in Cinema [Übermensch] with CJ CGV Co. Ltd. The Company also partnered with Bleecker Street for the release of Spinal Tap II: The End Continues, including a live Q&A event.
The Company also continued its partnership with A24 to present one-night-only IMAX releases of classic A24 titles, including Talk to Me, Moonlight, and Spring Breakers.
In addition, the Company released several event-based and live screenings in 2025, including Dead & Company Live in IMAX from Golden Gate Park with Los Muertos, The Grateful Dead Movie 2025 Meet-Up, and David Gilmour Live at the Circus Maximus, Rome with Trafalgar Releasing, and Girl Climber with Red Bull Studios. In collaboration with Runway AI, Inc, Runway’s 2025 AI Film Festival was released across ten North American IMAX locations. The Company further expanded its live content offerings through partnerships with NBC Universal for the SNL50: The Homecoming Concert in select IMAX North American locations, DAZN for the
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PSG v Marseille Le Classique Match in select IMAX locations across France, Wanda Film for the F1 Spanish Grand Prix screening across six IMAX locations in China, Major League Baseball for a live streaming of a World Series game across two IMAX locations in Japan and with multiple exhibitor partners in China the League of Legends Video Games 2025 finals across over 100 IMAX China locations. Furthermore, in 2025, the Company partnered with Netflix for release of Frankenstein across select IMAX locations.
The Company will continue to expand its partnerships and the scope and diversity of content it releases across its platform. Already announced for 2026 are the following concert films and events, many of which have exclusive IMAX windows: Stray Kids: The dominATE Experience, Eric Church: Evangeline vs. The Machine Comes Alive, Twenty One Pilots: More Than We Ever Imagined, and EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert. In addition, IMAX is working with Apple TV to bring the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship live to select IMAX locations across the United States for the first time ever. Five of the most iconic Grands Prix in F1 — Miami, Monaco, Silverstone, Monza, and Austin — will be available across at least 50 IMAX locations nationwide.
The Company strives to remain at the forefront of advancements in technology. The Company offers a suite of laser-based digital projection systems (“IMAX Laser Systems”), which deliver increased resolution, sharper and brighter images, deeper contrast, and the widest range of colors available to filmmakers today. The Company further believes that its suite of IMAX Laser Systems is helping facilitate the next major renewal and upgrade cycle for the global IMAX network.
The Company utilizes AI tools and technology across its products and business operations. Within its products, AI is used for purposes such as image enhancement and video streaming optimization. In its business operations, the Company employs AI in various functions, including research, data analysis, marketing, theater operations, slate programming, and general productivity improvements. It is actively exploring other global use cases for AI to improve its products, operations, and efficiency.
IMAX NETWORK
The IMAX network is the most extensive premium network in the world with 1,864 IMAX Systems operating in locations in 91 countries and territories, including 1,796 commercial multiplexes, 10 commercial destinations and 58 institutional locations as of December 31, 2025.
IMAX grew its network by 3.2% in 2025, driven by 98 new IMAX Systems installations, and ended the year with a backlog (as defined and discussed under the caption “IMAX SYSTEMS” below) of 434 IMAX Systems. The Company believes that the majority of its future network growth will come from international markets (defined as all countries other than the United States and Canada). In 2025, the Company experienced a significant expansion of 8.4% in its commercial network outside of North America and Greater China, including expansion into two new countries, Lithuania and Iraq. In countries such as Japan and Australia, the network increased by 17% and more than 100%, respectively, as compared to the prior year. During 2025, the Company also achieved growth of more than 10% in Western Europe, primarily due to expansion in France, Germany, and the Netherlands. While the Company’s international market share has grown 800 basis points over the past five years, it is less than half of its domestic market share. The Company believes that such underrepresentation and the increasing interest and demand in premium large-format experience in recent years present a significant market expansion opportunity for IMAX. As of December 31, 2025, 76% of IMAX Systems in the global commercial multiplex network were located within international markets. Revenues and gross box office (“GBO”) derived from international markets continue to exceed revenues and GBO from the United States and Canada combined.
(Refer to “Risk Factors – The Company conducts business internationally, which exposes it to uncertainties and risks that could negatively affect its operations, sales, and future growth prospects,” “– The Company faces risks in connection with its significant presence in China and the continued expansion of its business there,” “– General political, social and economic conditions can affect the Company’s business by reducing both revenues generated from existing IMAX Systems and the demand for new IMAX Systems,” and “– The Company may not convert all of its backlog into revenue and cash flows” in Part I, Item 1A.)
PRINCIPAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
The Company is an innovator in entertainment technology, combining proprietary software, auditorium architecture, and specialty projection and sound system equipment to deliver what it believes is the most immersive in-theater experience in the world while also distributing a significant and growing portfolio of films and other content across its global network.
The Company’s principal products and services are as follows:
•IMAX Film Remastering – The digital remastering of films and other content into IMAX formats for distribution to the IMAX network.
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•Film Distribution, Production and Post-Production – The distribution of large-format documentary films, primarily to institutional IMAX theaters, and, increasingly, the distribution of exclusive IMAX events and experiences, including music, gaming, and sports to commercial IMAX theaters, as well as the provision of film post-production services.
•IMAX Systems – The sale or lease of premium IMAX Systems to exhibitor customers.
•IMAX Maintenance – The provision of preventative and emergency maintenance services and quality monitoring to the IMAX network.
•Other – Principally includes the Company’s Streaming and Consumer Technology business, as well as other ancillary activities.
The Company assesses and evaluates its performance based on the operating results of the Content Solutions and Technology Products and Services segments, which largely reflect the different customer bases the Company serves. The Content Solutions segment principally focuses on content enhancement and distribution services for the Company’s movie studio customers and content creators. The Technology Products and Services segment primarily consists of products and services for the Company’s exhibitor customers, including the sale, lease, and ongoing maintenance of IMAX Systems. The Company’s segment information is provided in Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Note 20 to “Consolidated Financial Statements” in Part II, Item 8.
IMAX FILM REMASTERING
IMAX Film Remastering is a proprietary technology that digitally remasters films into IMAX formats. IMAX Film Remastering digitally enhances the image resolution of films for projection on IMAX screens while maintaining or enhancing the visual clarity and sound quality to levels for which The IMAX Experience is known. In addition, the original soundtrack of a film to be exhibited across the IMAX network is remastered for IMAX digital sound systems. IMAX remastered soundtracks are uncompressed and full fidelity. IMAX sound systems use proprietary loudspeaker systems and proprietary surround sound configurations that ensure every seat in an auditorium is an optimal listening position.
The IMAX Film Remastering process can involve:
•scanning, at the highest possible resolution, each individual frame of the film and converting it into a digital image;
•optimizing the image using proprietary image enhancement tools;
•enhancing the digital image using techniques such as sharpening, color correction, grain, noise, and unwanted artifacts removal, and unsteadiness elimination;
•recording the enhanced digital image into an IMAX digital cinema package format or onto IMAX 15/70-format film; and
•specially remastering the soundtrack to take full advantage of the unique sound system of IMAX Systems.
IMAX films also benefit from enhancements made by individual filmmakers exclusively for the IMAX release of the film. Collectively, the Company refers to these enhancements as “IMAX DNA.” Filmmakers and movie studios have sought IMAX-specific enhancements in recent years to generate interest in and excitement for their films. Such enhancements include shooting films with IMAX cameras to increase the audience’s immersion in the film and to take advantage of the unique dimensions of the IMAX screen by projecting the film in a larger aspect ratio that delivers up to 26% more image onto a standard IMAX screen versus a conventional screen. In select IMAX locations worldwide, movies filmed with IMAX cameras have an IMAX-exclusive 1.43 film aspect ratio, with up to 67% more image compared to a standard conventional movie screen.
Filmed For IMAX is IMAX’s filmmaker partnership program. Filmmakers who participate in the program leverage IMAX technology throughout the production process to deliver a movie that is meant to be seen in an IMAX location. From pre-production, through to release, the Company works closely with filmmakers to maximize The IMAX Experience® for audiences. Filmed For IMAX movies are shot using either an IMAX certified digital camera or an IMAX film camera with the IMAX Post-Production team working closely with the filmmaker from camera testing before the shoot begins, to on-set support, to test screenings, and post-production. Most Filmed For IMAX movies leverage IMAX’s exclusive expanded aspect ratio for select sequences and, occasionally, the entire film, and benefit from unique marketing support.
Management believes that growth in global box office remains an important driver of growth for the Company. To support continued growth in international markets, the Company is focused on the expansion of the IMAX network and has sought to bolster
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its international film strategy, supplementing its slate of Hollywood films with appealing local language films released in select markets, including China, Japan, India, South Korea, and France. More recently, the Company has further expanded its strategy by distributing local language content beyond native markets.
Refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ― Sources of Revenue” for the number of new films and other content released to the Company’s global network during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, and announced titles to be released to the IMAX network in 2026 in Part II, Item 7.
FILM DISTRIBUTION, PRODUCTION AND POST-PRODUCTION
The Company believes that the IMAX network is a valuable global platform to launch and distribute original content, including documentaries. The Company receives, as its distribution fee, either a fixed amount or a fixed percentage of the box office receipts and, following the recoupment of its costs, is typically entitled to receive an additional percentage of gross revenues as participation revenues.
The Company distributes large-format documentary films, primarily to institutional customers, and other original content. The ownership rights to documentary content may be held by the film sponsors, the film investors and/or the Company. As of December 31, 2025, the Company had distribution rights with respect to approximately 75 films, which cover subjects such as space, wildlife, music, sports, history, and natural wonders.
The Company provides film post-production and quality control services for films, whether produced by IMAX or third parties, and digital post-production services. In addition, the Company also provides IMAX film and digital cameras to content creators under the IMAX certified camera program.
In addition, the Company continues to evolve its platform to bring new, innovative IMAX events and experiences to audiences worldwide. As of December 31, 2025, the Company was able to deliver live and interactive events to over 400 locations worldwide.
IMAX SYSTEMS
The Company’s primary products are its various digital and laser projection systems, which are either sold or leased to exhibitor customers along with a license for the use of the globally recognized IMAX brand. The Company’s projection systems include a projector that offers superior image quality and stability and a digital theater control system; a digital audio system; a screen with a proprietary coating technology and, in certain situations, 3D glasses and cleaning equipment. The Company’s projection systems provide a premium and differentiated experience to audiences that is consistent with what they have come to expect from the IMAX brand, while providing exhibitor customers with the compelling economics and flexibility that digital technology affords.
As part of the arrangement to sell or lease an IMAX System, the Company provides extensive advice on auditorium planning and design, as well as supervision of installation services. The terms of each sale or lease arrangement vary according to the configuration of the IMAX System, as well as the cinema and film distribution markets relevant to the geographic location of the customer.
Revenue from the sale or lease of an IMAX System may be recognized at a different time from when cash is collected from the exhibitor customer. Further discussion of the Company’s revenue recognition policies is provided in “Critical Accounting Estimates” in Part II, Item 7 and “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies — Revenue Recognition” in Note 2 to “Consolidated Financial Statements” in Part II, Item 8.
The following table presents the number of IMAX Systems that were in the network and in backlog, by configuration, as of December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| System NetworkBase | New Backlog | Upgrade Backlog | System Network Base | New Backlog | Upgrade Backlog | |||||||||||
| IMAX Laser Systems | 757 | 216 | 131 | 607 | 250 | 85 | ||||||||||
| IMAX Xenon Systems | 1,089 | 87 | — | 1,178 | 105 | — | ||||||||||
| IMAX Film Systems(1) | 52 | 3 | — | 44 | — | — |
(1)In certain IMAX commercial locations, IMAX Film Systems operate alongside an IMAX Laser System or IMAX Xenon System and are interchanged depending on the format of the content being shown, and are not included in the total IMAX Network or System Backlog.
IMAX Laser Systems
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The Company currently sells or leases two different configurations of the IMAX Laser Systems. IMAX Laser Systems present greater brightness and clarity, higher contrast, a wider color gamut and deeper blacks, consume less power and last longer than other digital projection technologies, and are capable of illuminating the largest screens in the IMAX network.
IMAX Xenon Systems
In 2008, the Company introduced its digital IMAX Xenon System. Prior to 2008, all of the IMAX Systems offered by the Company were film-based and required analog film prints. While the Company continues to support the Xenon network base, it is no longer offering this system for new signings.
IMAX Film Systems
IMAX Film Systems include various configurations, including 2D and 3D systems, and screen sizes. Following the introduction of the digital IMAX Xenon System in 2008, the number of IMAX Film Systems in the IMAX network decreased significantly. However, IMAX’s proprietary format, the IMAX 70mm Film System, continues to be a sought-after IMAX viewing experience. The existing network of 52 unique locations are being actively supported and leveraged for special event releases throughout the year such as with the 2023 release of Oppenheimer in IMAX 70mm film, which garnered significant consumer interest and demand for this format. The IMAX Film Systems were more recently in use for the re-release of Interstellar in 2024 and Sinners in April 2025, and will be used for Project Hail Mary in March 2026 and Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey in July 2026.
Backlog
“Backlog” reflects the minimum number of commitments for IMAX Systems according to the signed contracts. The Company believes that the contractual obligations for IMAX System installations that are listed in the backlog are valid and binding commitments.
The following table provides information about the Company’s backlog by deal type as of December 31, 2025 and 2024:
| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Systems | Number of Systems | |||||||||||||
| (In thousands of U.S. Dollars, except number of systems) | New | Upgrade | New | Upgrade | ||||||||||
| Sales Arrangements(1) | 120 | 19 | 153 | 11 | ||||||||||
| Hybrid JRSA(2) | 92 | — | 94 | — | ||||||||||
| Traditional JRSA(2) | 91 | 112 | 108 | 74 | ||||||||||
| Total | 303 | 131 | 355 | 85 | ||||||||||
| (1)Includes Sales and Sales-Type Lease deal types.(2)The consideration owed under traditional joint revenue sharing arrangement (“JRSAs”) is typically a percentage of contingent box office receipts rather than a fixed upfront fee or fixed annual minimum payments. |
From time to time, in the normal course of its business, the Company will have customers who are unable to proceed with an IMAX System installation for a variety of reasons, including the inability to obtain certain consents, approvals, or financing. Once the determination is made that the customer is unable to proceed with installation, the agreement with the customer may be terminated or amended. If the agreement is terminated and there are no future obligations under the agreement, all or a portion of the initial rents or fees that the customer previously made to the Company are recognized as revenue. (Refer to “Risk Factors ― The Company may not convert all of its backlog into revenue and cash flows” in Part I, Item 1A.)
Certain of the Company’s contracts contain options for the exhibitor customer to elect to upgrade the system type configuration during the term or to alter the contract structure (for example, from a JRSA to a sale) after signing, but before installation. Backlog information as of December 31, 2025, reflects all known elections as of such date.
IMAX MAINTENANCE
IMAX System arrangements also include a requirement for the Company to provide maintenance services over the life of the arrangement in exchange for an extended warranty and annual maintenance fee paid by the exhibitor. Under these arrangements, the Company provides preventative and emergency maintenance services to ensure that each presentation is up to the highest IMAX quality standard. Annual maintenance fees are paid throughout the duration of the term of the system agreements. (Refer to “Manufacturing and Services—Maintenance and Extended Warranty Services” below.)
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OTHER PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Streaming and Consumer Technology
IMAX’s Streaming and Consumer Technology (“SCT”) business offers a single unified program: IMAX Enhanced®. This umbrella program builds on IMAX’s brand and proprietary VisionScience™ technology to deliver The IMAX Experience to users across streaming platforms and consumer devices. The new IMAX Enhanced program for partners includes three core elements:
1.IMAX Enhanced Live: Real-time enhancement for sports, concerts, and events using SCT’s proprietary technology to measure, enhance, optimize, and validate premium color, contrast, and clarity at the speed of live.
2.IMAX Enhanced On-Demand: Quality preservation and optimization for films and series to preserve creative intent with IMAX-calibrated fidelity and remastering, offering viewers a differentiated, premium IMAX-assured experience. IMAX Enhanced on-demand content is currently available for fan-favorite titles across leading services such as Disney+, Sony Pictures Core, and Tencent Video.
3.Device Certification & Calibration: Establishes IMAX quality standards for consumer devices to ensure playback meets IMAX benchmarks. It assures that the enhancement and preservation of quality applied upstream for both Live and On-Demand workflows are maintained faithfully and experienced as intended on consumer devices. As of December 31, 2025, IMAX Enhanced certified devices in-market are with partners including Sony Electronics, Hisense, TCL, LG, and Philips.
The SCT products previously branded as StreamSmart™ (encoding optimization) and StreamAware™ (quality assurance and monitoring) have been integrated into the IMAX Enhanced program, streamlining operations and enabling partners to deliver premium viewing experiences validated through IMAX’s proprietary quality standards.
IMAX’s SCT represents an extension of the IMAX brand and technology beyond traditional theatrical programming into live streaming for connected theaters and live and on-demand streaming home entertainment experiences. Leveraging IMAX’s globally recognized brand and proprietary technology, IMAX Enhanced is designed to drive consumer engagement and create incremental return on investment for content owners and rights holders.
Other
The Company derives a small portion of its revenue from other sources including one owned and operated IMAX System in Sacramento, California; a commercial arrangement with one theater resulting in the sharing of profits and losses; and the provision of management services to three other theaters.
MARKETING AND CUSTOMERS
The Company markets IMAX Systems through a direct sales force and marketing staff located in offices in Canada, the United States, Greater China, Europe, and Asia. In addition, the Company has agreements with consultants, business brokers, and real estate professionals to locate potential customers for IMAX System locations for the Company on a commission basis.
IMAX currently estimates a worldwide commercial multiplex addressable market of 4,466 commercial locations, of which there were 1,796 commercial IMAX Systems operating as of December 31, 2025, representing a market penetration of only 40%. Commercial multiplex systems are the largest part of the IMAX network, comprising 1,796 or 96%, of the 1,864 IMAX Systems in the IMAX network as of December 31, 2025. The Company’s institutional customers include science and natural history museums, zoos, aquariums, and other educational and cultural centers. The Company also sells or leases IMAX Systems to commercial destinations such as theme parks, private home theaters, tourist destination sites, fairs, and expositions. As of December 31, 2025, approximately 75% of total open and operational IMAX Systems were in locations outside of the United States and Canada.
The following table provides detailed information about the IMAX network by system type and geographic location as of December 31, 2025 and 2024:
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| December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Multiplex | CommercialDestination | Institutional | Total | Commercial Multiplex | CommercialDestination | Institutional | Total | ||||||||
| United States | 385 | 4 | 24 | 413 | 370 | 4 | 24 | 398 | |||||||
| Canada | 45 | 1 | 5 | 51 | 44 | 1 | 5 | 50 | |||||||
| Greater China(1) | 797 | — | 13 | 810 | 796 | — | 13 | 809 | |||||||
| Asia (excluding Greater China) | 201 | 1 | 2 | 204 | 185 | 1 | 2 | 188 | |||||||
| Western Europe | 152 | 3 | 7 | 162 | 135 | 4 | 8 | 147 | |||||||
| Latin America(2) | 64 | 1 | 6 | 71 | 62 | 1 | 7 | 70 | |||||||
| Rest of the World | 152 | — | 1 | 153 | 143 | — | 2 | 145 | |||||||
| Total(3) | 1,796 | 10 | 58 | 1,864 | 1,735 | 11 | 61 | 1,807 | |||||||
| (1)Greater China includes China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau.(2)Latin America includes South America, Central America, and Mexico.(3)Period-to-period changes in the table above are reported net of the effect of permanently closed locations. |
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
Competition
The out-of-home entertainment industry is very diverse with numerous companies vying for the public’s leisure time, and the Company faces competition as a consequence. Within the theatrical space, exhibitors and entertainment technology companies have introduced their own branded, large-screen 3D auditoriums or other premium theater systems, some of which include laser-based projectors, and in many cases have marketed those auditoriums or theater systems as having similar quality or attributes to an IMAX System. The rising consumer interest in premium cinematic experiences has resulted in demand for premium formats and may drive more investment into the Company’s competitors.
The Company also faces in-home competition from a number of alternative film distribution channels such as subscription streaming services, transactional and advertiser-supported video-on-demand, internet, and broadcast and cable television. The Company further competes for the public’s leisure time and disposable income with other forms of entertainment, including gaming, sporting events, concerts, live theater, social media, and restaurants. Furthermore, the Company may continue to face competition in the future from companies in the entertainment industry with new technologies and/or greater capital resources to develop and support them.
The Company believes that its competitive strengths include the value of the IMAX brand name, the premium IMAX consumer experience and consumer loyalty, its relationships with prominent Hollywood and international filmmakers and other content creators (a number of whom desire to film their movies and events with IMAX cameras), the tailored distribution and marketing support by dedicated IMAX teams worldwide, and the return on investment of an IMAX System for exhibitors.
Furthermore, from a technological perspective, the Company believes that its competitive strengths include the design, quality, and historic reliability rate of IMAX Systems (including the IMAX Laser Systems), the IMAX immersive sound system, the level of the Company’s service and maintenance, including its global Network Operations Centre (“NOC”) and extended warranty efforts, the number and quality of IMAX films that it distributes, the availability of Hollywood and international films to the IMAX network through IMAX Film Remastering technology, and the availability of unique and innovative events and experiences such as live streaming of sporting events, esports, distributed concerts, special theatrical screenings, and live Q&A sessions with top content creators.
The Company believes that these competitive formats deliver overall experiences that are inferior to The IMAX Experience and do not have IMAX’s brand trust, filmmaker endorsement, loyal fan base, or global footprint and scale.
Exhibitor and Studio Consolidation
The Company’s primary customers are commercial multiplex exhibitors and studios. Since 2016, the commercial exhibitors and studios industry have undergone significant consolidation both domestically and internationally. For example, in 2025 South Korea’s Megabox and Lotte Cinema entered into a merger agreement and are expected to form that nation’s largest theatrical exhibition entity.
The Company believes that such consolidation in the entertainment industry has helped facilitate the growth of the IMAX network. The Company has historically enjoyed strong relationships with large commercial exhibitor chains, which have greater capital to
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purchase, lease, or otherwise acquire IMAX Systems, and major Hollywood studios. The Company believes that consolidation can help strengthen existing relationships and add expanded opportunities. For example, as larger commercial chains such as American Multi-Cinema (“AMC”) and Cineworld have purchased smaller chains, those smaller chains have in turn become part of the IMAX network. For instance, following AMC’s acquisition of Odeon and Nordic in 2016, the Company and AMC entered into an agreement for 25 new IMAX Systems across the Odeon Cinemas Group Limited and Nordic Cinema Group Holding AB network. The Company believes that continued consolidation could facilitate further signings and other strategic benefits going forward. However, exhibitor consolidation has also resulted in individual exhibitor chains constituting a material portion of the Company’s revenue and network.
The Company also receives revenues from studios and other creators for releasing content across the global IMAX platform. Hollywood studios have also experienced and continue to experience consolidation, as evidenced by the recent acquisitions of 20th Century Fox by Walt Disney Company and of Paramount Global by Skydance Media. In 2025, Warner Bros. Discovery (“WBD”) announced it was considering a sale of its assets and in December 2025, WBD announced it had signed a merger agreement with Netflix, although WBD continues to evaluate offers from Paramount Skydance. Studio consolidation could result in individual studios comprising a greater percentage of the Company’s business and overall Content Solutions segment revenue. The Company actively partners with more than 60 content owners worldwide, including increasingly streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon and Apple.
Continued industry consolidation may present risks to the Company. (Refer to “Risk Factors – Consolidation among commercial exhibitors and studios reduces the breadth of the Company’s customer base, and could result in a narrower market for the Company’s products and reduced negotiating leverage. A deterioration in the Company’s relationship with key partners could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operation. In addition, an adverse economic impact on a significant customer’s business operations could have a corresponding material adverse effect on the Company.” in Part I, Item 1A.)
THE IMAX BRAND
IMAX is a premier global technology platform for entertainment and events.
The Company relies on its brand to communicate its market leadership and singular goal of creating entertainment experiences that exceed consumer expectations. Top filmmakers, studios, and other content creators use the IMAX brand to message that a film will connect with audiences in unique and extraordinary ways.
The Company has a Filmed For IMAX program through which filmmakers partner closely with IMAX to craft films that fully leverage IMAX technology and where every frame, from inception, is intentionally designed to maximize The IMAX Experience. Global box office metrics have demonstrated that audiences respond favorably to Filmed For IMAX titles. To capture content in a resolution appropriate for IMAX screens, filmmakers utilize IMAX 65mm film cameras or IMAX-certified digital cameras with leading brands, including ARRI, Panavision, RED Digital Cinema, and Sony. When this content is paired with IMAX’s proprietary post-production process, the result is a truly immersive experience for IMAX audiences globally.
The IMAX brand is a promise to deliver what today’s audiences crave, which is a memorable, more emotionally engaging, more thrilling and shareable experience. IMAX commissions ongoing third-party consumer research to measure the strength of its brand in numerous markets. The Company’s latest 2025 studies show that the IMAX brand is uniquely recognized as a leading, ultra-premium brand, and offers one of the most differentiated movie-going experiences. The IMAX brand has been also shown to signal a special, must-see event. Based on brand tracking research, the IMAX brand ranged from two to 10 times more powerful than other entertainment technology brands across various measures of brand equity and health. The Company believes that its strong brand equity supports consumers’ predisposition to choose IMAX over competing brands and to pay a premium for The IMAX Experience.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The Company believes that its proprietary expertise in digital and film-based projection and sound system component design, engineering, and imaging technology, particularly in laser-based technology results in superior, immersive content experiences for which the IMAX brand is known. A significant portion of the Company’s research and development efforts has been focused on the IMAX Laser Systems, which the Company believes are capable of illuminating the largest screens in the IMAX network and provide greater brightness and clarity, higher contrast, a wider color gamut and deeper blacks, while consuming less power and lasting longer than existing digital technology, to ensure that the Company continues to provide the highest quality, premier cinematic experience available to consumers. The Company has continued research and development aimed at creating more affordable laser-based solutions with various screen sizes for its commercial multiplex customers.
The Company intends to continue research and development to further evolve its end-to-end technology. This includes bringing connectivity to the Company’s global network to support live and interactive events worldwide; expanding its live content streaming platform across the global IMAX network at scale; further improving its proprietary Film Remastering and distribution process for the
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delivery of content for both theatrical (including local language content) and home entertainment; further improving the reliability of its projectors; and enhancing the Company’s image and sound quality.
The Company also continues to invest in new film cameras and other related technologies to bring bespoke capabilities and innovative technology to its 15/65mm camera fleet. The Company completed and deployed four of its all-new fleet of IMAX 65mm film cameras. The new film cameras offer enhanced image quality while incorporating new electronics and software, a more modern design, improved functionality, and breakthrough accompanying technologies that achieve significant noise reduction.
Within the Company’s SCT business, there is ongoing research and development in perceptual metrics including novel measurement and optimization techniques. Investments are also being made to expand existing and/or develop new technologies that are expected to foster innovative content creation, enhance video and audio quality, support delivery at scale, and ensure premium presentation of content across consumer electronic devices. Furthermore, the Company intends to invest in activities that will capture opportunities to create/build AI and automation into its operations and processes.
MANUFACTURING AND SERVICE
Projector Component Manufacturing
The Company assembles IMAX System projectors at its facility in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada (outside of Toronto). With a few exceptions, the Company develops and designs all of the key elements of the proprietary technology involved in this component. The fabrication of a majority of parts and sub-assemblies is subcontracted to a group of carefully pre-qualified third-party suppliers. Manufacture and supply contracts are signed for the delivery of the component on an order-by-order basis. The Company believes its significant suppliers will continue to supply quality products in quantities sufficient to satisfy its needs. The Company inspects all parts and sub-assemblies, completes the final assembly, and then subjects the projector to comprehensive testing individually and as a system prior to shipment. Historically, these projectors have had reliability rates based on scheduled shows of approximately 99%.
Sound System Component Manufacturing
The Company develops, designs, and assembles the key elements of the theater sound system component. The standard IMAX sound system component consists of parts from a variety of sources, with approximately 50% of the materials of each sound system attributable to proprietary parts provided under original equipment manufacturers agreements with outside vendors. These proprietary parts include custom loudspeaker enclosures and horns, specialized amplifiers, and signal processing and control equipment. The Company inspects all parts and sub-assemblies, completes the final assembly, and then subjects the sound system to comprehensive testing as a system.
Screen and Other Components
The Company purchases its screen components and glasses cleaning equipment from third parties. The standard screen system component consists of a projection screen manufactured to IMAX specifications and a frame to hang the projection screen. The glasses cleaning machine is a stand-alone unit that is connected to the theater’s water and electrical supply to automate the cleaning of 3D glasses.
Maintenance and Extended Warranty Services
The Company provides ongoing maintenance and extended warranty services to IMAX Systems. These arrangements are usually made for a separate fee from purchases. The maintenance and extended warranty arrangements include service, maintenance, and replacement parts for IMAX Systems.
To support the IMAX network, the Company has personnel stationed in major markets throughout the world, including in its NOCs, who provide periodic and emergency maintenance and extended warranty services on existing IMAX Systems. The Company’s NOC is responsible for round-the-clock monitoring of the global IMAX network to ensure that every IMAX system has a consistent quality and performance level. The Company provides various levels of maintenance and warranty services, which are priced accordingly. Under full-service programs, Company personnel typically visit each IMAX location every six to twelve months to provide preventative maintenance, and cleaning and inspection services, as well as emergency visits to resolve problems and issues with the system. Under some arrangements, customers can elect to participate in a service partnership program whereby the Company trains a customer’s technician to carry out certain aspects of maintenance. Under such shared maintenance arrangements, the Company participates in certain of the customer’s maintenance checks each year, provides a specified number of emergency visits, and provides spare parts, as necessary.
PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS
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The Company’s inventions cover various aspects of its proprietary technology and many of these inventions are protected by letters of patent or applications filed throughout the world, most significantly in the United States, Canada, China, India, Japan, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The subject matter covered by these patents and applications includes auditorium design and geometry, audio and display technology, mechanisms employed in projectors and projection equipment (including 3D projection equipment), stereoscopic (3D) imaging, digital remastering, dynamic range and contrast of projectors, seaming or superimposing images from multiple projectors, and other inventions relating to imaging technology, digital projection, laser projection, and video quality assessment. Included in the Company’s patent portfolio are patent families acquired from the Eastman Kodak Company covering laser projection technology. The Company has been and will continue to be diligent in the protection of its proprietary interests.
As of December 31, 2025, the Company held 89 patents and had 13 patents pending in the United States and has corresponding patents or filed applications in many countries throughout the world. While the Company considers its patents to be important to the overall conduct of its business, it does not consider any particular patent essential to its operations. Certain of the Company’s patents expire between 2026 and 2043.
The Company owns or otherwise has rights to trademarks and trade names used in conjunction with the sale of its products, systems, and services. The following trademarks are considered significant in terms of the current and contemplated operations of the Company: IMAX®, IMAX® 3D, Experience It In IMAX®, The IMAX Experience®, DMR®, Filmed For IMAX®, IMAX Live®, and IMAX Enhanced®. These trademarks are widely protected by registration or common law throughout the world.
HUMAN CAPITAL
The Company recognizes that effective human capital management is essential to its success. The Company’s objectives are centered on cultivating a positive culture and employee experience. By doing so, the Company aims to achieve higher levels of employee engagement, which positively impacts workforce retention, enhances performance, and drives greater innovation.
As of December 31, 2025, the Company employed 679 people, with 467 working outside of the United States.
People Strategy
To achieve these objectives, the Company’s people strategy focuses on the following areas:
•The Company is committed to building a compelling employee brand that attracts top talent.
•The Company connects employees with its purpose and values, giving them opportunities to make meaningful contributions.
•The Company’s competitive Total Rewards Program recognizes and rewards employee contributions.
•The Company maintains a strong emphasis on safety to ensure a secure and supportive work environment.
Recruiting Talent
The Company believes that a varied team of committed employees with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences is essential to meeting the needs of its clients, partners, and moviegoers. To support this goal, the Company promotes fair and merit-based interview and hiring practices and provides training for all hiring managers. The Company’s talent acquisition strategy includes leveraging global job boards, engaging with community organizations, partnering with universities, monitoring labor market trends within the industry, and maintaining connections with IMAX alumni. In addition, the Company has adopted and continues to evaluate technologies and solutions designed to enhance the candidate experience and strengthen overall talent management capabilities.
Engaging Employees
The Company believes that a strong organizational culture and a positive employee experience are critical drivers of engagement and performance. In 2025, the Company conducted an engagement survey and, based on employee feedback, developed a comprehensive plan to further enhance the work environment and overall employee experience. Key areas of focus include increasing pay and promotion transparency, strengthening cross-team collaboration, improving employee well-being through deeper leadership connections, and promoting greater consistency in workplace flexibility within the Company’s framework. These initiatives are designed to help employees remain engaged, perform at their highest potential, and stay committed to achieving the Company’s
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business objectives. To sustain progress, the Company implemented an ongoing listening strategy that includes pulse surveys and global virtual focus groups to monitor engagement and is designed to identify opportunities for improvement on an ongoing basis.
Offering Competitive Total Rewards
The Company’s Total Rewards Program is designed to attract, retain, and motivate a highly skilled and varied workforce by offering a competitive and comprehensive mix of compensation, benefits, and well-being resources. The program supports employee engagement and performance while promoting a workplace environment that enables employees to thrive personally and professionally.
Key initiatives to strengthen this program include the following:
•Well-Being Strategy Expansion
The Company advanced the global well-being strategy introduced in 2024 by continuing to build a structured and holistic
framework across emotional, physical, financial, and social health. In 2025, the Company expanded employee support
through the launch of a wellness program, a refreshed Employee Assistance Program, and the introduction of a financial
wellness platform offering personalized guidance and advisor support.
•Benefits Modernization
The Company continued its multi-year modernization of global benefits to create a more flexible and accessible employee
experience. In 2025, the Company prepared for its North America open enrollment cycles and enhanced regional programs
to align more closely with evolving employee needs. In Canada, the Company expanded employee choice by enabling the
use of flex credits toward Registered Retirement Savings Plan contributions, supporting long-term financial
planning and individual flexibility.
•Compensation Governance and Incentive Plan Review
The Company advanced its review of incentive compensation programs, including updates to business unit and
performance factor methodologies and enhancements to plan governance. These efforts are intended to promote internal
equity, market competitiveness, and long-term alignment between employee outcomes and Company performance.
•HR Technology Optimization
The Company progressed its HR technology roadmap, expanded process automation, and planning for future AI-enabled
capabilities. These initiatives are designed to improve data accuracy, strengthen operational consistency, and enhance
employee experience across all stages of the employment lifecycle.
•Employee Experience and Information Accessibility
The Company enhanced its global digital human resource platform that provides centralized access to Total Rewards, benefits, well-being resources, and human resource policies. In 2025, the Company made updates to its platform to improve usability, consistency, and transparency, supporting a more seamless and informed employee experience.
Employee Safety
The Company recognizes that potential risks to employee safety exist across various aspects of its operations. To mitigate these risks, the Company established a comprehensive workplace safety management system that provides a structured framework for identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing effective controls. This system is supported by an internal responsibility model that includes safety committees with employee representatives at all locations. Every employee is expected to actively participate in safety planning and awareness training and activities, while managers are accountable for executing safety programs within their respective areas of responsibility. Through these measures, the Company strives to maintain a safe and healthy work environment for all employees.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Company makes available, free of charge, its Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to such reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after such filings have been made with the SEC and Canadian securities regulators. Reports may be obtained free of charge through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca and through the Company’s Investor Relations website at www.imax.com or by calling the Company’s Investor Relations Department at 212-821-0154.
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The Company announces material information to the public through a variety of means, including filings with the SEC and Canadian securities regulators, press releases, public conference calls, and its website at www.imax.com. The Company uses these channels to communicate with investors and the public about the Company, its products and services, and other matters. Therefore, investors are encouraged to review the information the Company makes public in these locations, as such information could be deemed to be material information. No information included on the Company’s website shall be deemed included or otherwise incorporated into this Form 10-K, except where expressly indicated. All references to the Company’s website are intended to be inactive textual references only.