- Cineplex (TSX:CGX) reported record second-quarter revenue of C$383.7 million, with attendance rising 9.3 per cent to 12.7 million moviegoers
- Box office revenue reached C$176.2 million and theatre food service hit a record C$132.5 million, while per-patron spending set new company highs
- Adjusted EBITDAaL increased 20.4 per cent to C$40.8 million, net income improved to C$7.8 million and adjusted free cash flow climbed 41.2 per cent to $23.8 million.
- Cineplex stock (TSX:CGX) opened trading at C$12.69
Canada’s largest theatre chain isn’t showing signs of going extinct in this era of streaming.
Cineplex (TSX:CGX) delivered a record-breaking second quarter in 2026, posting the highest second-quarter revenue in the company’s history as strong movie attendance, higher spending per customer, and growth across key business segments drove a significant increase in profitability.
The entertainment giant reported total revenues of C$383.7 million, up 9.8 per cent from the same period a year earlier. The company welcomed 12.7 million moviegoers during the quarter, a 9.3 per cent increase year-over-year, benefiting from a robust theatrical slate and continued consumer demand for premium cinema experiences.
The quarter also marked a major profitability milestone, with adjusted EBITDAaL rising 20.4 per cent to C$40.8 million, compared with C$33.9 million in the second quarter of 2025. Net income from continuing operations improved dramatically to C$7.8 million, up from just C$0.1 million in the prior-year period.
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Box office rebounds to pre-pandemic strength
Cinema attendance remained the primary growth driver during the quarter. Cineplex generated C$176.2 million in box office revenue, an increase of 11.2 per cent from the C$158.5 million reported a year ago. The result represented the company’s strongest second-quarter box office performance since 2019.
Moviegoers also spent more on tickets than ever before. Cineplex reported a record box office per patron of C$13.91, up 1.7 per cent from C$13.68 in the prior-year quarter.
The company’s exhibition business benefited from a diverse lineup of blockbuster and international releases. During the quarter, Cineplex Pictures distributed Michael, which became the highest-grossing film ever released by the company’s distribution arm. Other releases included The Furious, Power Ballad, and Mobile Suit Gundam Hathaway: The Sorcery of NymphCirce.
Alternative programming also continued to gain traction. Cineplex hosted live screenings of select 2026 FIFA World Cup matches in partnership with TSN, alongside Metropolitan Opera performances, BTS concert broadcasts, and special event cinema presentations.
Food service hits new high
Theatre food service emerged as another standout performer, generating an all-time quarterly record of C$132.5 million in revenue, up 11.7 per cent from the previous year.
Within its theatre operations, food service revenues totaled C$130.0 million, up 11.8 per cent, primarily driven by higher attendance levels. The company also reported a record concession per patron of C$10.26, an increase of 2.2 per cent year-over-year.
Cineplex attributed the increase to strategic pricing initiatives, a higher purchase rate among moviegoers, and continued consumer demand for premium concession offerings.
During the quarter, the company also expanded its sustainability efforts through a partnership with Too Good to Go, allowing people to purchase discounted concession products while helping reduce food waste across Canada. Who wouldn’t want to take an extra bag of popcorn home, on the cheap?
Cinema media and loyalty programs continue growing
Cinema Media revenues reached C$20.2 million, an increase of 4.4 per cent from the prior year.
Meanwhile, the company’s Scene+ loyalty program continued to expand, surpassing 15 million members as of June 30, 2026. The program gained additional momentum through a nationwide partnership with Shell Canada, launched in May, giving members new opportunities to earn and redeem points.
Location-based entertainment faces headwinds
Not all business segments experienced growth during the quarter.
Cineplex’s location-based entertainment division reported C$32.0 million in revenue, a decline of 3.7 per cent compared with the prior year. Adjusted store-level EBITDAaL for the segment fell 32.8 per cent to C$3.9 million.
Despite the softer results, Cineplex continued to invest in expansion, opening its 17th location-based entertainment venue, Playdium Vaughan, in Vaughan, Ontario, on June 17.
Strong cash flow generation
The company also strengthened its financial position through improved cash generation. Adjusted free cash flow increased 41.2 per cent to C$23.8 million, reflecting stronger operating performance and disciplined capital management.
The results highlight Cineplex’s continued recovery and growth several years after the pandemic disrupted the cinema industry. Higher attendance, record customer spending, and diversified entertainment offerings have helped the company capitalize on a strong theatrical market.
“These record results reflect a more consistent and diverse film slate, the enduring appeal of shared entertainment experiences, and our team’s ability to capitalize on those opportunities,” the company’s president and CEO, Ellis Jacob, said in a news release. “From younger moviegoers embracing breakout original films to families and long-time fans returning for major theatrical events, we saw strong engagement across demographics throughout the quarter. Audiences were not only coming to see great content at our theatres but were also choosing to fully immerse themselves in the moviegoing experience, contributing to record box office per patron and concession per patron results.”
This follows Cineplex’s Q1 2026 revenues of C$291.0 million, marking its highest first-quarter revenue since 2019 and a roughly 16 per cent increase from the year before.
Positive start to the third quarter
Looking ahead, Cineplex said July box office performance was roughly in line with the previous year’s strong comparison period.
Strong performances from The Odyssey (the highest-grossing Imax film of all time) and the record-breaking debut of Spider-Man: Brand New Day helped offset comparisons against a July 2025 lineup that featured full-month runs of Jurassic World Rebirth and F1: The Movie, as well as the opening of Superman.
With a strong theatrical release schedule, growing loyalty membership base, and continued investment in entertainment experiences, Cineplex appears well-positioned to build on its record-setting second-quarter performance through the remainder of 2026.
The big picture
Cineplex Inc. is a household Canadian brand active in the film entertainment and content, amusement and leisure and media sectors. It operates more than 169 movie theatres and entertainment venues across the country.
Cineplex stock (TSX:CGX) opened trading at C$12.69 and though it was down roughly 5 per cent in early Tuesday trading, it has risen nearly 14 per cent since the year began.
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