- The Federal Court of Appeal upheld the Competition Tribunal’s September 2024 ruling against Cineplex (TSX:CGX) over its online booking fee, including a C$39 million penalty
- Cineplex disagreed with the decision and announced plans to seek leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada
- Cineplex will release its Q4 and year‑end 2025 results on February 11, 2026, and has brought back C$5 Tuesdays—with C$5 tickets and C$5 popcorn—through February 24, 2026
- Cineplex stock (TSX:CGX) last traded at C$10.01
The Federal Court of Appeal has upheld the Competition Tribunal’s September 2024 ruling concerning Cineplex’s (TSX:CGX) presentation of its online booking fee, affirming the associated C$39 million administrative monetary penalty.
In its decision, the Court found no error in the Tribunal’s conclusion that Cineplex’s fee disclosure did not meet required standards—a matter rooted in long‑standing concerns over drip pricing practices in Canada’s entertainment and ticketing sectors.
Cineplex responds, will seek leave to appeal
Cineplex, Canada’s largest film exhibitor and entertainment company, issued a statement expressing its disagreement with the ruling in a media statement.
“We respectfully disagree with the Federal Court of Appeal’s decision. We continue to believe that our online booking fee has always been presented in a clear and prominent manner that fully complies with the spirit and letter of the law. We have reviewed the Federal Court of Appeal’s decision and will seek leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada.”
The company’s continuing legal battle underscores the broader industry debate on transparency in digital pricing.
Upcoming financial results: Q4 and year‑end 2025
Cineplex also confirmed that it will release its Q4 and year‑end 2025 results on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, followed by a webcast that morning at 10:00 a.m. ET.
This earnings release is expected to provide further insight into the company’s financial performance amid ongoing legal and market challenges.
C$5 Tuesdays return
Despite the legal headwinds, Cineplex is rolling out a popular consumer promotion: the return of its C$5 Tuesdays, running from January 20 through February 24, 2026.
For a limited time, moviegoers can purchase:
- General admission movie tickets for C$5 each, plus tax
- Small bags of popcorn for C$5 each, plus tax
The offer aims to provide Canadians with an affordable winter outing, encouraging audiences to return to theatres during a typically slower season at the box office.
Tickets may be purchased in theatres or online. Cineplex notes that online purchases may include those nasty booking fees of up to C$1.50, plus tax, depending on membership status.
A winter boost for theatres
The combination of discounted Tuesday prices and a major court decision makes for a pivotal start to 2026 for Cineplex. As the company prepares to update investors next month, the theatre chain also wants to draw audiences back with value‑driven promotions and reaffirm its position in a competitive entertainment landscape.
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) last traded at C$10.01 and has lost C$10.78 per cent since this time last year.
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