IMAX, the sole and standalone large format cinema company, is up for sale. It's looking for a suitor in an all-cash deal.
Naturally, AMC Theatres and Cinemark Theatres are possible buyers, but others such as Apple, Sony, and Netflix are also in the mix.
For Apple, the IMAX purchase would be equivalent to a rounding error on its balance sheet and would make a good partner for Apple+. And let's not leave out Amazon and Disney. What is agreed to is that IMAX would remain an entity unto itself and not be merged into another existing cinema business.
In the first quarter of this year, IMAX reported revenue of $81.4 million with income of $6.1 million. So, although not that large, it has a global, well-recognized brand, which could enhance an existing media brand.
IMAX would certainly benefit if it diversified beyond Hollywood tentpoles and included local language and alternative concerts, such as screening live performances.
As one would expect, IMAX stock has risen due to the buy-out speculation, rising to $37.50 (as of this post), up over 11% for the month.
IMO, IMAX will be sold for a cash deal in 2026.
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