AMC shares surge as movie theater chain narrows losses

Shares of AMC Entertainment rose 8% in early trading Monday after the movie theater chain reported stronger-than-expected second-quarter results.

The company posted revenue of nearly $1.4 million, up about 35% year over year and topping the $1.35 billion Wall Street estimate, according to LSEG.

AMC reported a net loss of $4.7 million, or just 1 cent per share, notably narrower than the loss of $32.8 million, or 10 cents per share, the company reported in the second quarter of 2024.

On an adjusted, per-share basis, AMC reported breaking even. Wall Street analysts had expected AMC to report an adjusted loss per share of 8 cents, per LSEG.

AMC also said it saw a 26% increase in moviegoers’ attendance compared to last year.

CEO Adam Aron said the company’s results are indicative of a “recovering industry-wide box office” after previously struggling to pare losses amid dual writers’ and actors’ strikes and an overall post-pandemic decline in movie attendance.

The company is also navigating a significant debt load.

“We’ve now addressed all of our 2026 debt maturities pushing them out to 2029,” Aron said. “In so doing, we have put in place a solid foundation to capitalize on what we believe will be our industry’s continued growth momentum, especially evident in the fourth quarter of 2025 and continuing deep into 2026.”

Aron also said the company saw consolidated admissions revenue per patron topping $12 for “the first time ever,” with total consolidated revenue per patron reaching an “unprecedented” $22.26.

The company reported significant growth in its premium offerings, including its AMC Go Plan, with premium auditoriums operating at nearly three times the occupancy of regular auditoriums.

“The combination of a resurgent box office, our unparalleled theatre footprint with premium experiences galore, our compelling marketing programs and our increasing financial strength have a flywheel impact when they all are happening simultaneously,” Aron said.