Cineplex Inc. released on Monday its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2026.
Q1 2026 Highlights:
- Recorded $291.0 million in total revenues, the highest first quarter revenue since 2019
- Achieved box office revenues of $127.4 million, an increase of 25% over the prior year
- Set first quarter records for Box Office Per Patron at $12.94 and Concession Per Patron at $9.54
- International film product represented 13.0% of total box office revenues and delivered the highest first quarter box
office revenues from international content in the Company’s history - Location-Based Entertainment delivered store-level EBITDAaL Margin of 25% in line with target
- Reported net loss from continuing operations of negative $22.4 million, an improvement compared to $35.1 million in
the prior year - Generated $4.1 million in Adjusted EBITDAaL compared to negative $10.7 million in the prior year
- Repurchased 463,506 shares for cancellation under the Normal Course Issuer Bid
“Moviegoers continue to demonstrate that great content and shared moments are best experienced in theatres,” said Ellis Jacob, President & CEO. “Audiences responded strongly in the first quarter to standout original films, including Project Hail Mary and Hoppers, alongside well known franchise titles. International programming continued its momentum, with record-setting international films now being released in four of the past five quarters, highlighted in Q1 by Cineplex delivering over 30% of the
domestic box office for Dhurandhar: The Revenge, the highest grossing Hindi language film in North American history.
“Collectively, the breadth of content in Q1 drove strong guest engagement, resulting in record first-quarter box office per patron and concession per patron as well as our highest Q1 revenue since 2019.
“First-quarter Media results reflected lower demand for in-theatre advertising, driven by the diversion of spend toward the 2026 Winter Olympics and a tougher year-over-year comparison following higher pharmaceutical advertising in the prior year.
“Despite these near-term factors, advertisers continue to value cinema as a premium platform for reaching highly engaged audiences. Our Location-Based Entertainment business achieved its target store-level margin despite broader macroeconomic pressures.
“We remain focused on strengthening our balance sheet, enhancing financial flexibility, and delivering shareholder returns. During the quarter, we extended the maturity of our Bank Credit Agreement and returned capital to shareholders through share repurchases under our NCIB, reinforcing our commitment to a balanced and disciplined capital allocation strategy.
“Following a positive first quarter, April box office revenues were up 17% year over year. With the excitement coming out of CinemaCon, the industry is energized by the strength of the theatrical slate. With our ongoing focus on delivering premium guest experiences, we are well positioned to capitalize on the compelling film slate to deliver improved cash flow.”
Cineplex is a top-tier Canadian brand that operates in the Film Entertainment and Content, Amusement and Leisure, and Media sectors. It has 169 movie theatres and location-based entertainment venues. It operates The Rec Room, Playdium and Cineplex Junxion.
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