USA
Cinemark, AMC Entertainment Report Record Profits as US Cinema Industry Stages Strong Comeback: Two of America’s biggest cinema chains deliver outstanding third-quarter 2026 results, with combined quarterly revenue exceeding $2.77 billion and net earnings of more than $232 million, driven by stronger box office performance and growing moviegoing demand.
The US cinema industry is showing renewed financial strength as two of its leading exhibition companies, Cinemark Holdings, Inc. and AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc., report impressive third-quarter 2026 results, with record revenues, rising profits and significant growth in adjusted EBITDA.
The results highlight a strong quarter for theatrical exhibition, supported by successful summer movie releases, increased cinema attendance, premium-format experiences and higher spending on food, beverages and merchandise.
Together, the companies generated approximately $2.77 billion in quarterly revenue and $232 million in net earnings for the three months ended September 30, 2026.
AMC Entertainment Sets All-Time Financial Records
AMC Entertainment Holdings (NYSE: AMC) reported revenue of $1.711 billion, an increase of 31.6% compared with $1.300 billion in the third quarter of 2025.
The company achieved net earnings of $109.3 million, compared with a net loss of $298.2 million in the same period last year, representing a $407.5 million improvement.
AMC’s adjusted EBITDA reached an all-time quarterly record of $347.5 million, increasing 183.7% year-over-year. Its adjusted EBITDA margin also reached a record 20.3%.
AMC Chairman and CEO Adam Aron highlighted the company’s second consecutive record-setting quarter, crediting strong box office performance, market share gains, premium cinema formats, loyalty programmes and operational improvements.
AMC also reported $109.3 million in free cash flow during the quarter, bringing its year-to-date free cash flow to $124.7 million. Management expressed confidence in achieving positive full-year free cash flow in 2026.
Cinemark Reports 146% Growth in Net Income
Cinemark Holdings (NYSE: CNK) also delivered strong third-quarter results, generating revenue of $1.059 billion, representing a 23.5% increase compared with $857.5 million in the previous-year quarter.
Net income attributable to Cinemark increased 146% to $122.8 million, compared with $49.5 million in the third quarter of 2025.
Adjusted EBITDA reached $267.6 million, compared with $177.6 million a year earlier.
Cinemark entertained approximately 63.7 million moviegoers during the quarter across its international operations, spanning 14 countries.
The company achieved its highest-ever third-quarter revenue and adjusted EBITDA, with particularly strong performance across premium large-format cinema experiences, including XD, IMAX and ScreenX.
Premium large-format box office increased 50% year-over-year, while motion-seat revenue grew 62%. Worldwide concession revenue per patron also reached a third-quarter record of $6.50.
Cinemark President and CEO Sean Gamble attributed the performance to positive box office momentum, a compelling summer film release schedule and the company’s operational initiatives.
Stronger Moviegoing Demand Supports Cinema Recovery
The financial results from both companies point to renewed consumer interest in theatrical entertainment.
Cinema operators are increasingly investing in premium experiences, including larger screens, advanced projection technology, immersive sound, luxury recliner seating and enhanced food and beverage offerings.
Both companies are also benefiting from higher attendance and improved spending per customer, demonstrating how cinema operators are expanding revenue opportunities beyond traditional movie tickets.
AMC’s record adjusted EBITDA of $347.5 million and Cinemark’s $267.6 million demonstrate the earnings potential of large-scale theatrical exhibition when audiences respond strongly to movie releases.
Hollywood Box Office and Cinema Operators Look Ahead
The third-quarter performance provides encouraging momentum for the cinema exhibition business heading into the final quarter of 2026.
With major film releases, holiday programming and continued investments in premium cinema experiences, AMC and Cinemark are positioning their businesses to attract audiences seeking entertainment experiences outside their homes.
The results also underline the continuing importance of theatrical releases to the wider entertainment ecosystem, including film studios, distributors, exhibitors and cinema-related businesses.
As streaming platforms continue to compete for audiences, the latest financial results from AMC and Cinemark demonstrate that movie theatres remain an important part of the global entertainment industry.
