The Wall Street Journal broke news late in the week on talks of a potential sale of IMAX, with the reporter emphasizing that only “preliminary” discussions were taking place through intermediaries. While the WSJ report did not specify a list of suitors, many are speculating that the possible interested parties could be Netflix, Apple and Sony, rather than another exhibition company. There is also the possibility that a private equity group would get involved in the bidding.
IMAX recent performance has set itself apart from the other exhibitors, with significant accomplishments in growth and profitability. Its success is based in large part on audiences’ growing attracting to see movies in a premium large format venues. PLF screenings account for 16% of all ticket sales in 2025 an increase from 13% in 2021. IMAX is the dominant PLF brand, with their screens grossing $1.28 billion at the global box office in 2025, breaking the previous record set in 2019. With PLF screens more important than ever for a theatrical release, IMAX has outperformed other exhibitor stocks by specializing in the fast growing part of the industry.
While the Wall Street Journal report did not name any of the potential suitors, analysts are pointing to a few major candidates as potential suitors. One is Netflix, as they would be able to wield the IMAX network as a potential incentive for filmmakers to make their movies with Netflix. This would be a concern for both exhibition and other studios. For studios, it would create a barrier for them to have their biggest releases featured on IMAX screens. For exhibitors, it could lure key actors and filmmakers away from legacy studios, who are reliable supporters of theatrical releasing.
