Q4 2025 Cineplex Inc Earnings Call

February 11, 2026

Speaker #2: Good day, ladies and gentlemen,

Operator: Good day, ladies and gentlemen, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the Cineplex Q4 Year-End 2025 Earnings Conference Call. At this time, all participants are on a listen-only mode. After the speaker's presentation, there will be a question-and-answer session. To ask a question, you will need to press star 1 1 on your telephone keypad. As a reminder, this conference call is being recorded. I would now like to turn the conference over to Mr. Rayhan Azmat. Sir, please begin.

Speaker #2: And thank you for standing by. Welcome to the Cineplex fourth quarter year-end 2025 earnings conference call. At this time, all participants are on a listen-only mode.

Speaker #2: After the speaker's presentation, there will be a question-and-answer session. To ask a question, you will need to press star 11 on your telephone keypad.

Speaker #2: As a reminder, this conference call is being recorded. I would now like to turn the conference over to Mr. Rayhan Azmat. Sir, please begin.

Speaker #3: Good morning, everyone. I'd like to welcome you to Cineplex's fourth quarter 2025 earnings release conference call. I'm Rayhan Azmat, Vice President, Investor Relations, Corporate Development, and Financial Planning and Analysis at Cineplex.

Rayhan Azmat: Good morning, everyone. I would like to welcome you to Cineplex's Fourth Quarter 2025 Earnings Release Conference Call. I'm Rayhan Azmat, Vice President, Investor Relations, Corporate Development, and Financial Planning and Analysis at Cineplex. Joining me today are Ellis Jacob, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Gord Nelson, our Chief Financial Officer. I'll remind you that certain statements made today are forward-looking and subject to various risk and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements are based on management's beliefs and assumptions regarding the information currently available. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. Information regarding factors that could cause results to vary can be found in the company's most recently filed annual information form and management discussion and analysis. Following today's remarks, we will close the call with our customary question-and-answer period. I will now turn the call over to Ellis Jacob.

Speaker #3: Joining me today are Ellis Jacob, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Gord Nelson, our Chief Financial Officer. I’ll remind you that certain statements made today are forward-looking and subject to various risks and uncertainties.

Speaker #3: Such forward-looking statements are based on management's beliefs and assumptions regarding the information currently available. Our actual results may differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements.

Speaker #3: Information regarding factors that could cause results to vary can be found in the company's most recently filed annual information form and management discussion and analysis.

Speaker #3: Following today's remarks, we will close the call with our customary question-and-answer period. I will now turn the call over to Ellis Jacob.

Speaker #2: Thank you, Rayhan, and good morning, everyone. I'm pleased to present our fourth quarter and full year 2025 results with you today. We'll start with a look at the fourth quarter, which featured a broad and compelling film slate that appealed to audiences across a wide range of genres.

Ellis Jacob: Thank you, Rayhan, and good morning, everyone. I'm pleased to present our Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 results with you today. We'll start with a look at the Fourth Quarter, which featured a broad and compelling film slate that appealed to audiences across a wide range of genres. The Quarter's performance was led by James Cameron's third installment in the Avatar franchise, Avatar: Fire and Ash, which delivered a strong performance and over-indexed at Cineplex, powered by audience demand for our premium experiences. Following close behind was family title Zootopia 2, which provided incredible results and has become the highest-grossing Disney animation release of all time globally. The musical Wicked: Part Two enchanted audiences and contributed meaningfully to the Quarter's performance. In addition, Five Nights at Freddy's 2 delivered the largest December opening ever for a horror film.

Speaker #2: The quarter's performance was led by James Cameron's third installment in the Avatar franchise, Avatar: Fire and Ash. Which delivered a strong performance and over-indexed at Cineplex, powered by audience demand for our premium experiences.

Speaker #2: Following Close Behind was Family Titled Zootopia 2, which provided incredible results and has become the highest-grossing Disney animation release of all time globally. The musical Wicked for Good enchanted audiences and contributed meaningfully to the quarter's performance.

Speaker #2: In addition, Five Nights at Freddy's 2 delivered the largest December opening ever for a horror film. Together, these results reinforce the familiar truth: when compelling content is available, guests choose to experience it at our theaters.

Ellis Jacob: Together, these results reinforce a familiar truth: when compelling content is available, guests choose to experience it at our theaters. While the Quarter included several standout films and strong performances in our premium formats, Q4 results were down compared to last year, driven primarily by the weakest October since 2020. After the slow start to the Quarter, the slate strengthened significantly through November and December, supported by the wide range of high-performing titles and leading to our strongest December since 2019. In fact, our Fourth Quarter box office performance exceeded the domestic market by 218 basis points, marking the third consecutive Quarter where we outpaced the North American industry performance. Our premium formats remain one of Cineplex's competitive advantages, with guests overwhelmingly choosing to view films in one of the many enhanced formats we offer. In Q4, 43% of our box office came from premium experiences versus 41% in 2024.

Speaker #2: While the quarter included several standout films and strong performances in our premium formats, Q4 results were down compared to last year, driven primarily by the weakest October since 2020.

Speaker #2: After the slow start to the quarter, the slate strengthened significantly through November and December, supported by the wide range of high-performing titles and leading to our strongest December since 2019.

Speaker #2: In fact, our fourth quarter box office performance exceeded the domestic market by 218 basis points. Marking the third consecutive quarter where we outpaced the North American industry performance.

Speaker #2: Our premium formats remain one of Cineplex's competitive advantages, with guests overwhelmingly choosing to view films in one of the many enhanced formats we offer.

Speaker #2: In Q4, 43% of our box office came from premium experiences versus 41% in 2024. Our premium formats continue to play a major role in the performance of 2025's biggest titles, with our top five films averaging 62% of our box office from premium formats.

Ellis Jacob: Our premium formats continue to play a major role in the performance of 2025's biggest titles, with our top five films averaging 62% of our box office from premium formats. The strong demand for premium experiences, combined with strategic pricing and a continued focus on the guest experience, contributed to new all-time records. In Q4, we delivered the highest quarterly box office per patron in our history at CAD 13.87 and a Q4 record for concession per patron at CAD 9.92. Our distribution business, Cineplex Pictures, also had a strong fourth quarter. The Housemaid opened in Q4 and has delivered impressive holding power into January, and Now You See Me 3 performed exceptionally well in Canada.

Speaker #2: The strong demand for premium experiences, combined with strategic pricing and a continued focus on the guest experience, contributed to new all-time records. In Q4, we delivered the highest quarterly box office per patron in our history at $13.87, and a Q4 record for concession per patron at $9.92.

Speaker #2: Our distribution business, Cineplex Pictures, also had a strong fourth quarter. The housemade opened in Q4 and has delivered impressive holding power into January, and now you see me, now you don't, performed exceptionally well in Canada.

Speaker #2: Our distribution team continues to demonstrate that we can drive better results as a distributor because of our deep understanding of the Canadian movie goal allowing us to effectively position and market titles to maximize their potential in this market.

Ellis Jacob: Our distribution team continues to demonstrate that we can drive better results as a distributor because of our deep understanding of the Canadian moviegoer, allowing us to effectively position and market titles to maximize their potential in this market. The success of our distribution business in Q4 was also highlighted by Jujutsu Kaisen. The anime title performed well and is part of a broader resurgence in the genre. Earlier in 2025, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle became the highest-grossing foreign language film of all time at the domestic box office. Its performance reinforced how anime titles can drive exceptional results when they tap into large, passionate fan bases built over years of televised storytelling. This dynamic extends beyond anime with the Stranger Things series finale, which sold out at 97% of our locations showing the event.

Speaker #2: The success of our distribution business in the fourth quarter was also highlighted by Jujitsu Kaisen, the anime title performed well and is part of a broader resurgence in the genre.

Speaker #2: Earlier in 2025, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle became the highest-grossing foreign-language film of all time at the domestic box office. Its performance reinforced how anime temples can drive exceptional results when they tap into large passionate fan bases built over years of televised storytelling.

Speaker #2: This dynamic extends beyond anime, with the Stranger Things series finale, which sold out at 97% of our locations showing the event. These events reinforce that audiences are choosing to come to our theaters for moments they could easily watch at home, drawn to shared and immersive cultural experiences that resonate more deeply in our cinemas.

Ellis Jacob: These events reinforced that audiences are choosing to come to our theaters for moments they could easily watch at home, drawn to shared and immersive cultural experiences that resonate more deeply in our cinemas. The fourth quarter once again showcased the value of our data-driven audience targeting and localized market expertise. International content represented more than 11% of our Q4 box office, nearly double the North American average, further demonstrating our ability to identify titles that resonate with specific demographic groups. One of the standout performers this quarter was Dhurandhar, which became the highest-grossing Hindi language film in North America, where Cineplex delivered an impressive 31% market share and ranked among our top five films for the quarter.

Speaker #2: The fourth quarter once again showcased the value of our data-driven audience targeting and localized market expertise. International content represented more than 11% of our Q4 box office, nearly double the North American average, further demonstrating our ability to identify titles that resonate with specific demographic groups.

Speaker #2: One of the standout performers this quarter was Duhandahar which became the highest-grossing Hindi-language film in North America where Cineplex delivered an impressive 31% market share and ranked among our top five films for the quarter.

Speaker #2: This underscores how alternative and international content remain key differentiators for Cineplex and positions us well for 2026, which includes a number of highly anticipated international releases including Blades of the Guardians and Scare Out, both of which debut at the start of Lunar New Year, as well as a sequel to Duhandahar in March, and Ramayana Part One later this year during the Indian Festival Diwali.

Ellis Jacob: This underscores how alternative and international content remain key differentiators for Cineplex and positions us well for 2026, which includes a number of highly anticipated international releases, including Blades of the Guardians and Scare Out, both of which debut at the start of Lunar New Year, as well as a sequel to Dhurandhar in March, and Ramayana: Part 1 later this year during the Indian festival Diwali. Our programming strengths form an important competitive advantage, reflecting the power of our analytical capabilities and reinforcing the essential role this content plays in the future of theatrical. Turning to our media business, cinema media continue to perform well despite a softer advertising market. Q4 revenues increased 12.5% over the prior despite a decrease in attendance. As a result, our cinema media per patron reached a Q4 record of CAD 3.33. Advertisers remain attracted to the high-attention environment that only theatrical can offer.

Speaker #2: Our programming strengths form an important competitive advantage, reflecting the power of our analytical capabilities and reinforcing the essential role this content plays in the future of theatrical.

Speaker #2: Turning to our media business, cinema media continue to perform well despite a softer advertising market. Q4 revenues increased 12.5% over the prior despite a decrease in attendance.

Speaker #2: As a result, our cinema media per patron reached a Q4 record of $3.33. Advertisers remain attracted to the high attention environment that only theatrical can offer.

Speaker #2: Our team continues to leverage data and analytics to optimize campaign performance and demonstrate clear value to our agency partners and clients. We successfully closed the sale of Cineplex Digital Media to creative realities Inc. on November 7, 2025.

Ellis Jacob: Our team continues to leverage data and analytics to optimize campaign performance and demonstrate clear value to our agency partners and clients. We successfully closed the sale of Cineplex Digital Media to Creative Realities, Inc., on 7 November 2025. The transaction unlocks meaningful value for shareholders while strengthening our balance sheet. The initial cash proceeds of approximately CAD 60 million provide flexibility for share buybacks, debt reduction, and general corporate purposes. Importantly, Cineplex Media will continue as CDM's exclusive advertising sales agent for its digital out-of-home networks across Canada, ensuring continuity for clients and maintaining a strong presence in this market. Turning to our location-based entertainment business, revenue increased 6.8% to CAD 35.9 million in Q4, driven by the contribution of new locations opened in the prior year.

Speaker #2: The transaction unlocks meaningful value for shareholders while strengthening our balance sheet. The initial cash proceeds of approximately $60 million provide flexibility for share buybacks, debt reduction, and general corporate purposes.

Speaker #2: Importantly, Cineplex Media will continue as CDN's exclusive advertising sales agent for its digital out-of-home networks across Canada, ensuring continuity for clients and maintaining a strong presence in this market.

Speaker #2: Turning to our location-based entertainment business, revenue increased 6.8% to $35.9 million in the fourth quarter driven by the contribution of new locations opened in the prior year.

Speaker #2: This performance comes against the backdrop of broader industry trends where many operators seem same-store revenue decline in the same range we are. Despite the softer top-line results, we continue to demonstrate strong operational discipline which helped us maintain flat same-store margins.

Ellis Jacob: This performance comes against the backdrop of broader industry trends where many operators see same-store revenue decline in the same range we are. Despite the softer top-line results, we continue to demonstrate strong operational discipline, which helped us maintain flat same-store margins. This reflects the expertise of our teams and our ongoing efforts to optimize the operations of our locations. During the quarter, we announced that construction of a new Playdium is underway at Vaughan Mills, one of Canada's most visited shopping and entertainment destinations. This location will further strengthen our position in the GTA and expand our ability to offer guests a dynamic social entertainment experience, anchored in gaming, attractions, and food and beverage. Our CineClub program remains a powerful driver of engagement and frequency.

Speaker #2: This reflects the expertise of our teams and our ongoing efforts to optimize the operations of our locations. During the quarter, we announced that construction of a new Palladium is underway at Vaughan Mills, one of Canada's most visited shopping and entertainment destinations.

Speaker #2: This location will further strengthen our position in the GTA and expand our ability to offer guests a dynamic social entertainment experience anchored in gaming, attractions, and food and beverage.

Speaker #2: Our Cineplex Club program remains a powerful driver of engagement and frequency. Membership has now surpassed 225,000 members and we continue to see strong adoption of the annual plan which helps reduce churn and support more consistent visitation throughout the year.

Ellis Jacob: Membership has now surpassed 225,000 members, and we continue to see strong adoption of the annual plan, which helps reduce churn and supports more consistent visitation throughout the year. CineClub members visit more often, choose premium formats at a higher rate, and spend more on concessions. All signs, the program is delivering meaningful value both for our guests and our business. Our new Monday surprise premieres have also been extremely well received, offering moviegoers early access to select titles and creating a sense of exclusivity that strengthens loyalty and deepens engagement. Our broader loyalty ecosystem has also taken an important step forward with the expansion of Scene+ to include Shell as a national partner. This addition enhances the everyday utility of Scene+ by connecting entertainment, groceries, travel, dining, and now gas into a holistic value proposition.

Speaker #2: CineClub members visit more often and choose premium formats at a higher rate and spend more on concessions. All signs the program is delivering meaningful value both for our guests and our business.

Speaker #2: Our new Monday surprise premieres have also been extremely well received, offering moviegoers early access to select titles and creating a sense of exclusivity that strengthens loyalty and deepens engagement.

Speaker #2: Our broader loyalty ecosystem has also taken an important step forward with the expansion of ScenePlus to include Shell as a national partner. This addition enhances the everyday utility of ScenePlus by connecting entertainment, groceries, travel, dining, and now gas into a holistic value proposition.

Speaker #2: The ability for guests to own and redeem points across such a wide range of touch points in their daily lives strengthens ScenePlus as one of Canada's leading loyalty programs.

Ellis Jacob: The ability for guests to own and redeem points across such a wide range of touchpoints in their daily lives strengthens Scene+ as one of Canada's leading loyalty programs. I'd like to provide a brief update on our appeal of the Competition Tribunal's decision regarding our online booking fee. The Federal Court of Appeal has upheld the Competition Tribunal's September 2024 decision related to Cineplex's presentation of its online booking fee, including the CAD 39 million administrative monetary penalty. We respectfully disagree with the Federal Court of Appeal's decision, and 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 and seek the stay of this penalty.

Speaker #2: I'd like to provide a brief update on our appeal of the competition Tribunal's decision regarding our online booking fee. The Federal Court of Appeal has upheld the competition Tribunal's September 2024 decision related to Cineplex's presentation of its online booking fee including the $39 million administrative monetary penalty.

Speaker #2: We respectfully disagree with the Federal Court of Appeal's decision and 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.

Speaker #2: We have reviewed the Federal Court of Appeal's decision and will seek leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada and seek a stay of this penalty.

Speaker #2: As we look back on the full year, we started with a soft first quarter but Q2 to Q4 benefited from a relatively consistent release schedule and a diverse slate of quality films contributing to a solid and steady performance through the balance of the year.

Ellis Jacob: As we look back on the full year, we started with a soft first quarter, but Q2 to Q4 benefited from a relatively consistent release schedule and a diverse slate of quality films, contributing to a solid and steady performance through the balance of the year. From April through December, we delivered box office revenues of 105% of the prior year and outperformed the domestic market over the same period, reflecting the unique strength of our programming strategy and the engagement we continue to see from Canadian moviegoers. Our investment in premium experiences continued to resonate with 44.8% of our box office from Q2 through Q4, generated from premium experiences, the highest proportion since the same time frame in 2018. Audiences embraced a wide range of genres and formats. Superman and The Fantastic Four: First Steps both became the highest-grossing films in their franchise.

Speaker #2: From April through December, we delivered box office revenues of $105% of the prior year and outperformed the domestic market over the same period reflecting the unique strength of our programming strategy and the engagement we continue to see from Canadian moviegoers.

Speaker #2: Our investment in premium experiences continues to resonate, with 44.8% of our box office from Q2 through Q4 generated from premium experiences—the highest proportion since the same timeframe in 2018.

Speaker #2: Audiences embraced a wide range of genres and formats. Superman and the Fantastic Four First Steps, both became the highest-grossing films in their franchise. Live-action films remakes of Lilo and Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon both outperformed their original films.

Ellis Jacob: Live-action film remakes of Lilo & Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon both outperformed their original films. A Minecraft Movie delivered the biggest opening ever for a video game adaptation. Best Picture nominee F1: The Movie became Apple's highest-grossing film of all time, driven by exceptional performance in our premium formats. Horror film The Conjuring: Last Rites became the highest-grossing in its franchise, and the original titles Sinners and Weapons were both standout performances and exceeded expectations. Despite this breadth of success, no film surpassed $500 million at the domestic box office. The first time this has occurred since 2016. We do not expect this anomaly to occur again. What gives us more confidence is that the 2026 film slate is shaping up to be significantly stronger than 2025, with both mega blockbusters and depth.

Speaker #2: A Minecraft movie delivered the biggest opening ever for a video game adaptation. Best Picture nominee F1: The Movie became Apple's highest-grossing film of all time driven by exceptional performance in our premium formats.

Speaker #2: Horror film The Conjuring: Lost Rights became the highest-grossing in its franchise and original title Sinners and Weapons were both standout performances and exceeded expectations.

Speaker #2: Despite this breadth of success, no film surpassed $500 million at the domestic box office the first time this has occurred since 2016. We do not expect this anomaly to occur again.

Speaker #2: What gives us more confidence is that the 2026 film slate is shaping up to be significantly stronger than 2025 with both mega blockbusters and depth.

Speaker #2: Audience engagement through trailers and teasers is suggesting that consumers are meaningfully more interested in 2026 titles than they were in 2025. The 2026 lineup features a remarkable collection of strong intellectual property when incredible brand recognition including the Super Mario Galaxy movie, Toy Story 5, a live-action remake of Moana, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Dune Part III, and Avengers: Doomsday.

Ellis Jacob: Audience engagement through trailers and teasers is suggesting that consumers are meaningfully more interested in 2026 titles than they were in 2025. The 2026 lineup features a remarkable collection of strong intellectual property with incredible brand recognition, including the Super Mario Galaxy movie, Toy Story 5, a live-action remake of Moana, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Doom Part 3, and Avengers: Doomsday. The slate also includes compelling original titles such as Pixar's Hoppers, Steven Spielberg's Disclosure Day, and Chris Nolan's epic The Odyssey. Cineplex Pictures will be distributing the highly anticipated film Michael, which is the most-watched biopic trailer ever. It is also acting as distributor for the new installment from the Hunger Games franchise, Sunrise on the Reaping. These releases position 2026 as a year with significant strength and greater depth than 2025.

Speaker #2: The slate also includes compelling original titles such as Pixar's Hoppers, Steven Spielberg's Disclosure Day, and Chris Nolan's epic The Odyssey. Cineplex Pictures will be distributing the highly anticipated film Michael which is the most-watched biopic trailer ever.

Speaker #2: It is also acting as distributor for the franchise, Sunrise on the new installment from The Hunger Games Reaping. These releases position 2026 as a year with significant strength and greater depth than 2025.

Speaker #2: With our focus on premium experiences, innovative programming, loyalty engagement, and increasing diverse slate, Cineplex is well positioned to capture demand as it develops over the course of the year.

Ellis Jacob: With our focus on premium experiences, innovative programming, loyalty engagement, and an increasingly diverse slate, Cineplex is well positioned to capture demand as it develops over the course of the year. Before I close, I'm pleased to announce the appointment of Sean McGuckin to our board of directors. As the former group head and CFO at Scotiabank, Sean brings intensive leadership experience in finance, governance, and executive management, and his strategic insight will be a huge asset. We look forward to the valuable perspective he will bring to the board. I would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Rob Bruce for his many years of dedicated service and meaningful contributions to Cineplex. His leadership, counsel, and support have played an important role in guiding the company, and we are deeply appreciative of his commitment throughout his tenure.

Speaker #2: Before I close, I'm pleased to announce the appointment of Sean McGuckin to our board of directors. As the former group head and CFO at Scotiabank, Sean brings intensive leadership experience in finance, governance, and executive management, and his strategic insight will be a huge asset.

Speaker #2: We look forward to the valuable perspective he will bring to the board. I would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Rob Bruce for his many years of dedicated service and meaningful contributions to Cineplex.

Speaker #2: His leadership, counsel, and support have played an important role in guiding the company and we are deeply appreciative of his commitment throughout his tenure.

Speaker #2: I will now turn the call over to Gord Nelson, our Chief Financial Officer, to walk you through the financials in more detail. Thank you.

Ellis Jacob: I will now turn the call over to Gord Nelson, our Chief Financial Officer, to walk you through the financials in more detail. Thank you. Thanks, Alice. I am pleased to present a condensed summary of the fourth quarter and full year 2025 results for Cineplex Inc. For further reference, our financial statements and MD&A have been filed on SEDAR+ and are also available on our investor relations website at cineplex.com. Our MD&A and earnings press release include a complete narrative on the operational results. So I will focus on highlighting select items in addition to providing commentary on liquidity, capital allocation priorities, and our outlook. For my comments on operations, all amounts falling will be from continuing operations unless otherwise stated. As Alice mentioned, the fourth quarter was supported by several highly anticipated releases. Our EBITDA remained relatively flat to the prior year despite lower attendance.

Gord Nelson: Thanks, Alice. I am pleased to present a condensed summary of the fourth quarter and full year 2025 results for Cineplex Inc. For further reference, our financial statements and MD&A have been filed on SEDAR+ and are also available on our investor relations website at cineplex.com. Our MD&A and earnings press release include a complete narrative on the operational results. So I will focus on highlighting select items in addition to providing commentary on liquidity, capital allocation priorities, and our outlook. For my comments on operations, all amounts falling will be from continuing operations unless otherwise stated. As Alice mentioned, the fourth quarter was supported by several highly anticipated releases. Our EBITDA remained relatively flat to the prior year despite lower attendance.

Speaker #2: Thank you, Alice. I am pleased to present a condensed summary of the fourth quarter and full year 2025 results for Cineplex Inc. For further reference, our financial statements and MD&A have been filed on SEDAR+ and are also available on our investor relations website at cineplex.com.

Speaker #2: Our MD&A and earnings press release include a complete narrative on the operational results, so I will focus on highlighting select items in addition to providing commentary on liquidity, capital allocation priorities, and our outlook.

Speaker #2: For my comments on operations, all amounts following will be from continuing stated. operations unless otherwise Alice mentioned, the fourth quarter was supported by several highly anticipated releases.

Speaker #2: Our EBITDA remained relatively flat to the prior year despite lower attendance. Total revenue for the quarter was $334.8 million, a decrease of 1.8% from Q4 2024.

Ellis Jacob: Total revenue for the quarter was CAD 334.8 million, a decrease of 1.8% from Q4 2024, driven primarily by lower attendance. Adjusted EBITDA was CAD 35.1 million, just below the CAD 35.8 million reported in the prior year, reflecting the impact of the lower theater volumes related to a weak start to the quarter, partially offset by strong per-patron performance and continued cost discipline. Our consolidated EBITDA margin remained steady at 10.5%, consistent with the prior year. So now let's take a closer look at the segments. In the film entertainment and content segment, box office revenue for the quarter was CAD 140.7 million, down 4.7%, reflecting the 8.9% decrease in attendance to 10.1 million guests. October results were impacted by a softer film slate and competing live events such as the MLB playoffs and World Series, which featured our Toronto Blue Jays and generated record-breaking viewership across Canada.

Gord Nelson: Total revenue for the quarter was CAD 334.8 million, a decrease of 1.8% from Q4 2024, driven primarily by lower attendance. Adjusted EBITDA was CAD 35.1 million, just below the CAD 35.8 million reported in the prior year, reflecting the impact of the lower theater volumes related to a weak start to the quarter, partially offset by strong per-patron performance and continued cost discipline. Our consolidated EBITDA margin remained steady at 10.5%, consistent with the prior year. So now let's take a closer look at the segments. In the film entertainment and content segment, box office revenue for the quarter was CAD 140.7 million, down 4.7%, reflecting the 8.9% decrease in attendance to 10.1 million guests. October results were impacted by a softer film slate and competing live events such as the MLB playoffs and World Series, which featured our Toronto Blue Jays and generated record-breaking viewership across Canada.

Speaker #2: Driven primarily by lower attendance. Adjusted EBITDA was 35.1 million, just below the the prior year, reflecting the impact of the lower theater volumes related to a weak start to the quarter partially offset by strong per patron performance and continued cost discipline.

Speaker #2: Our consolidated EBITDA margin remained steady at 10.5%, consistent with the prior year. So now let's take a closer look at the segments. In the film entertainment and content segment, box office revenue for the quarter was $140.7 million, down 4.7%, reflecting the 8.9% decrease in attendance to 10.1 million guests.

Speaker #2: October results were impacted by a softer film slate and competing live events, such as the MLB playoffs and World Series, which featured our Toronto Blue Jays and generated record-breaking viewership across Canada.

Speaker #2: As a result, the Canadian market underperformed the North American market by 480 basis points in October. These softer results were partially off to set by a strong rebound in the latter half of November and through December, led by Wicket for Good, Zootopia 2, and Avatar: Fire and Ash.

Ellis Jacob: As a result, the Canadian market underperformed the North American market by 480 basis points in October. These softer results were partially offset by a strong rebound in the latter half of November and through December, led by Wicked: Part Two, Zootopia 2, and Avatar: Fire and Ash. The strength in the latter half of the period contributed to Cineplex outperforming the North American box office by 218 basis points for the fourth quarter. Our Q4 BPP of CAD 13.87 was the highest delivered in any quarter on record and represents an increase of 4.6% from last year. This was supported by strategic pricing initiatives and a strong mix of premium products. Similarly, concession per patron reached a Q4 record of CAD 9.92 and our second highest quarterly result ever, up 5.4%, driven by continued enhancements in menu offerings, purchase incidents, and service execution.

Gord Nelson: As a result, the Canadian market underperformed the North American market by 480 basis points in October. These softer results were partially offset by a strong rebound in the latter half of November and through December, led by Wicked: Part Two, Zootopia 2, and Avatar: Fire and Ash. The strength in the latter half of the period contributed to Cineplex outperforming the North American box office by 218 basis points for the fourth quarter. Our Q4 BPP of CAD 13.87 was the highest delivered in any quarter on record and represents an increase of 4.6% from last year. This was supported by strategic pricing initiatives and a strong mix of premium products. Similarly, concession per patron reached a Q4 record of CAD 9.92 and our second highest quarterly result ever, up 5.4%, driven by continued enhancements in menu offerings, purchase incidents, and service execution.

Speaker #2: The strength in the latter half of the period contributed to Cineplex outperforming the North American box office by $218 basis points for the fourth quarter.

Speaker #2: Our Q4 BPP of $13.87 was the highest delivered in any quarter on record and represents an increase of 4.6% from last year. This was supported by strategic pricing initiatives and a strong mix of premium products.

Speaker #2: Similarly, concession per patron reached a Q4 record of $9.92 and our second highest quarterly result ever, up 5.4%, driven by continued enhancements in menu offerings, purchase incidents, and service execution.

Speaker #2: Well, our cash rent paid and payable is lower due to closed locations and the renegotiation of leases upon renewal. Theater occupancy increased approximately $3 million over the prior year, primarily due to tax and insurance recoveries reflected in the prior year.

Ellis Jacob: While our cash rent paid and payable is lower due to closed locations and the renegotiation of leases upon renewal, theater occupancy increased approximately CAD 3 million over the prior year, primarily due to tax and insurance recoveries reflected in the prior year. Segment adjusted EBITDA for film entertainment and content was CAD 14.9 million compared to CAD 26.6 million last year, reflecting the attendance decline and higher film settlement rates on this quarter's top performing titles. In our media segment, cinema media revenue increased 12.5% to CAD 33.8 million, driven primarily by higher demand for showtime advertising with strong contributions from pharmaceutical, retail, and fragrance and cosmetic clients. The launch of programmatic cinema in the fourth quarter also unlocked incremental demand from connected TV budgets, bringing new advertisers into the cinema environment, particularly within the consumer packaged goods category.

Gord Nelson: While our cash rent paid and payable is lower due to closed locations and the renegotiation of leases upon renewal, theater occupancy increased approximately CAD 3 million over the prior year, primarily due to tax and insurance recoveries reflected in the prior year. Segment adjusted EBITDA for film entertainment and content was CAD 14.9 million compared to CAD 26.6 million last year, reflecting the attendance decline and higher film settlement rates on this quarter's top performing titles. In our media segment, cinema media revenue increased 12.5% to CAD 33.8 million, driven primarily by higher demand for showtime advertising with strong contributions from pharmaceutical, retail, and fragrance and cosmetic clients. The launch of programmatic cinema in the fourth quarter also unlocked incremental demand from connected TV budgets, bringing new advertisers into the cinema environment, particularly within the consumer packaged goods category.

Speaker #2: Segment adjusted EBITDA for film entertainment and content was 14.9 million, compared to 26.6 million last year, reflecting the attendance decline and higher film settlement rates on this quarter's top-performing titles.

Speaker #2: In our media segment, cinema media revenue increased 12.5% to $33.8 million. Driven primarily by higher demand for showtime advertising, with strong contributions from pharmaceutical, retail, and fragrance and cosmetic clients.

Speaker #2: The launch of programmatic cinema in the fourth quarter also unlocked incremental demand from connected TV budgets. Bringing new advertisers into the cinema environment, particularly within the consumer packaged goods category.

Speaker #2: Cinema media per patron increased 23.3% to a Q4 record of $3.33, reflecting strong advertising engagement, especially during an uneven attendance quarter. As a result of the revenue increase, segment adjusted EBITDA was 28.3 million, up from 24.9 million in the prior year.

Ellis Jacob: Cinema media per patron increased 23.3% to a Q4 record of CAD 3.33, reflecting strong advertising engagement, especially during an uneven attendance quarter. As a result of the revenue increase, segment adjusted EBITDA was CAD 28.3 million, up from CAD 24.9 million in the prior year. On a full year basis, EBITDA margin in this segment increased to 80.5% from 79.2% in the prior year. Location-based entertainment revenue for the quarter was CAD 35.9 million, an increase of 6.8% from the prior year, driven primarily by the three new locations that opened in late 2024 and contributed a full quarter of results this year versus only partial contribution last year. Same-store revenue declined 4.1%, consistent with trends observed across the broader LBE industry. Despite these revenue declines, same-store adjusted EBITDA margin of 23.1% remains stable year over year, demonstrating the operational improvements and cost discipline we've executed on.

Gord Nelson: Cinema media per patron increased 23.3% to a Q4 record of CAD 3.33, reflecting strong advertising engagement, especially during an uneven attendance quarter. As a result of the revenue increase, segment adjusted EBITDA was CAD 28.3 million, up from CAD 24.9 million in the prior year. On a full year basis, EBITDA margin in this segment increased to 80.5% from 79.2% in the prior year. Location-based entertainment revenue for the quarter was CAD 35.9 million, an increase of 6.8% from the prior year, driven primarily by the three new locations that opened in late 2024 and contributed a full quarter of results this year versus only partial contribution last year. Same-store revenue declined 4.1%, consistent with trends observed across the broader LBE industry. Despite these revenue declines, same-store adjusted EBITDA margin of 23.1% remains stable year over year, demonstrating the operational improvements and cost discipline we've executed on.

Speaker #2: On a full-year basis, EBITDA margin in this segment increased to 80.5% from 79.2% in the prior year. Location-based entertainment revenue for the quarter was 35.9 million, an increase of 6.8% from the prior year.

Speaker #2: Driven primarily by the three new locations that opened in late 2024 and contributed a full quarter of results this year, versus only partial contribution last year.

Speaker #2: Same-store revenue declined 4.1%, consistent with trends observed across the broader LBE industry. Despite these revenue declines, same-store adjusted EBITDA margin of 23.1% remains stable year over year.

Speaker #2: Demonstrating the operational improvements and cost discipline we've executed on. These efficiencies helped mitigate the impact of minimum wage increases. Overall, adjusted store-level EBITDA for the quarter was $7.6 million, compared to $7.9 million last year, with an overall margin of 21.1%.

Ellis Jacob: These efficiencies helped mitigate the impact of minimum wage increases. Overall, adjusted store-level EBITDA for the quarter was CAD 7.6 million compared to CAD 7.9 million last year, with an overall margin of 21.1%. At the segment level, adjusted EBITDA margin improved to 16.4%, up from 10.2% due to fewer pre-opening costs in 2025. G&A expenses for the quarter were CAD 14 million, down CAD 5.2 million from the prior year. This decrease was primarily driven by lower LTIP expenses due to increased forfeitures associated with the cost restructuring program, and a lower share price. In November, we completed the sale of Cineplex Digital Media and received CAD 60 million in initial cash proceeds. We recognized a gain of CAD 3.3 million and have presented the gain in net income from discontinued operations.

Gord Nelson: These efficiencies helped mitigate the impact of minimum wage increases. Overall, adjusted store-level EBITDA for the quarter was CAD 7.6 million compared to CAD 7.9 million last year, with an overall margin of 21.1%. At the segment level, adjusted EBITDA margin improved to 16.4%, up from 10.2% due to fewer pre-opening costs in 2025. G&A expenses for the quarter were CAD 14 million, down CAD 5.2 million from the prior year. This decrease was primarily driven by lower LTIP expenses due to increased forfeitures associated with the cost restructuring program, and a lower share price. In November, we completed the sale of Cineplex Digital Media and received CAD 60 million in initial cash proceeds. We recognized a gain of CAD 3.3 million and have presented the gain in net income from discontinued operations.

Speaker #2: At the segment level, adjusted EBITDA margin improved to 16.4%, up from 10.2% due to fewer pre-opening costs in 2025. G&A expenses for the quarter were $14 million, down 5.2 million from the prior year.

Speaker #2: This decrease was primarily driven by lower LTIP expenses due to increased forfeitures associated with the cost restructuring program and a lower share price. In November, we completed the sale of Cineplex Digital Media and received $60 million in initial cash proceeds.

Speaker #2: We recognize the gain of $3.3 million and have presented the gain in net income from discontinued operations. Importantly, Cineplex will continue as the exclusive advertising sales agent for CDM's digital out-of-home networks nationwide, under a long-term agreement, preserving continuity and value in our media business.

Ellis Jacob: Importantly, Cineplex will continue as the exclusive advertising sales agent for CDM's digital out-of-home networks nationwide under a long-term agreement, preserving continuity and value in our media business. We ended the quarter with CAD 134 million in cash on the balance sheet and no drawings under our CAD 100 million covenant-lite credit facility. The December cash balance is higher than the prior period due to the CAD 60 million in initial cash proceeds received on the sale of CDM, in addition to working capital, NCIB, and operating results impacting this balance. With respect to CapEx, net cash capital expenditures for the fourth quarter were CAD 8.1 million, reflecting lower growth spending following the completion of our major LBE openings in late 2024. For the full year, net CapEx was CAD 32.7 million, lower than the CAD 65.9 million in the prior year, which included the three new LBE locations and one CDM.

Gord Nelson: Importantly, Cineplex will continue as the exclusive advertising sales agent for CDM's digital out-of-home networks nationwide under a long-term agreement, preserving continuity and value in our media business. We ended the quarter with CAD 134 million in cash on the balance sheet and no drawings under our CAD 100 million covenant-lite credit facility. The December cash balance is higher than the prior period due to the CAD 60 million in initial cash proceeds received on the sale of CDM, in addition to working capital, NCIB, and operating results impacting this balance. With respect to CapEx, net cash capital expenditures for the fourth quarter were CAD 8.1 million, reflecting lower growth spending following the completion of our major LBE openings in late 2024. For the full year, net CapEx was $32.7 million, lower than the $65.9 million in the prior year, which included the three new LBE locations and one CDM.

Speaker #2: We ended the quarter with $134 million in cash on the balance sheet and no drawings under our $100 million covenant white credit facility. The December cash balance is higher than prior period due to the $60 million in initial cash proceeds received on the sale of CDM, in addition to working capital NCEIB and operating results impacting this balance.

Speaker #2: With respect to CapEx, net cash capital expenditures for the fourth quarter were $8.1 million, reflecting lower growth spending following the completion of our major LBE openings in late 2024.

Speaker #2: For the full-year net CapEx was $32.7 million, lower than the $65.9 million in the prior year, which included the three new LBE locations and one theater.

Speaker #2: Our guidance for 2026 is $50 million. Our capital allocation priorities remain unchanged and include maintenance capital expenditures, strengthening the balance sheet to achieve our target leverage ratios, providing shareholder returns in the form of share buybacks and/or dividends, and selective investment in growth opportunities.

Ellis Jacob: Our guidance for 2026 is CAD 50 million. Our capital allocation priorities remain unchanged and include maintenance capital expenditures, strengthening the balance sheet to achieve our target leverage ratios, providing shareholder returns in the form of share buybacks and/or dividends, and selective investment in growth opportunities. During Q4, we repurchased approximately CAD 7 million in common shares for cancellation under the NCIB, and we repurchased an additional CAD 5 million in shares in January 2026. We expect the remaining funds from the sale of CDM to be allocated toward a contribution combination of debt reduction, opportunistic buybacks, or other corporate purposes, consistent with our capital priorities. As Alice mentioned, with respect to the Federal Court of Appeal upholding the Competition Bureau September 2024 decision related to the presentation of our online booking fee, we had previously accrued for the CAD 39 million administrative monetary penalty during Q3 2024.

Gord Nelson: Our guidance for 2026 is $50 million. Our capital allocation priorities remain unchanged and include maintenance capital expenditures, strengthening the balance sheet to achieve our target leverage ratios, providing shareholder returns in the form of share buybacks and/or dividends, and selective investment in growth opportunities. During Q4, we repurchased approximately $7 million in common shares for cancellation under the NCIB, and we repurchased an additional CAD 5 million in shares in January 2026. We expect the remaining funds from the sale of CDM to be allocated toward a contribution combination of debt reduction, opportunistic buybacks, or other corporate purposes, consistent with our capital priorities. As Alice mentioned, with respect to the Federal Court of Appeal upholding the Competition Bureau September 2024 decision related to the presentation of our online booking fee, we had previously accrued for the CAD 39 million administrative monetary penalty during Q3 2024.

Speaker #2: During the fourth quarter, we purchased we repurchased approximately $7 million in common shares for cancellation under the NCIB, and we repurchased an additional $5 million in shares in January 2026.

Speaker #2: We expect the remaining funds from the sale of CDM to be allocated toward a contribution combination of debt reduction, opportunistic buybacks, or other corporate purposes.

Speaker #2: Consistent with our capital priorities. As Alice mentioned, with respect to the federal Court of Appeal, upholding the competition bureau's September 2024 decision related to the presentation of our online booking fee, we had previously accrued for the $39 million administrative monetary penalty during the third quarter of 2024.

Speaker #2: There's no impact to our financial statements as a result of this decision, and we will seek leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada and seek a stay of this penalty.

Ellis Jacob: There's no impact to our financial statements as a result of this decision, and we will seek leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada and seek a stay of this penalty. Full year results reflect consistent performance across our business. For 2025, total revenues increased 0.8% to CAD 1.2 billion, supported by record per-patron metrics, strong media performance, and stabilized margins in the LBE segment despite macroeconomic impacts. Adjusted EBITDA increased to CAD 91.6 million, up from CAD 90 million in the prior year, reflecting continued operational discipline and the strength of our teams despite slightly lower attendance. While our consolidated results in 2025 showed modest growth relative to 2024, a notably weak film slate in the first quarter and start to Q4 hindered our results.

Gord Nelson: There's no impact to our financial statements as a result of this decision, and we will seek leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada and seek a stay of this penalty. Full year results reflect consistent performance across our business. For 2025, total revenues increased 0.8% to CAD 1.2 billion, supported by record per-patron metrics, strong media performance, and stabilized margins in the LBE segment despite macroeconomic impacts. Adjusted EBITDA increased to CAD 91.6 million, up from CAD 90 million in the prior year, reflecting continued operational discipline and the strength of our teams despite slightly lower attendance. While our consolidated results in 2025 showed modest growth relative to 2024, a notably weak film slate in the first quarter and start to Q4 hindered our results.

Speaker #2: Full-year results reflect consistent performance across our business for 2025. Total revenues increased 0.8% to $1.2 billion, supported by record per-patron metrics. Strong media performance and stabilized margins in the LBE segment, despite macroeconomic impacts.

Speaker #2: Adjusted EBITDA increased to 91.6 million, up from $90 million in the prior year reflecting continued operational discipline and the strength of our teams despite slightly lower attendance.

Speaker #2: While our consolidated results in 2025 showed modest growth relative to 2024, a notably weak film slate in the first quarter and stark to Q4 hindered our results.

Speaker #2: We have said that quality content and consistency brings guests to our theaters, and looking ahead to 2026, we expect to benefit from year-over-year improvements in the strength and depth of the film slate.

Ellis Jacob: We have said that quality content and consistency brings guests to our theaters, and looking ahead to 2026, we expect to benefit from year-over-year improvements in the strength and depth of the film slate. So in summary, we have a strong pipeline of product coming in 2026. Particularly in Q2 through Q4, we remain focused on creating long-term value for shareholders, and our long history of disciplined operations and capital management will lead us there. With that, I would like to turn things over to the conference operator for questions.

Gord Nelson: We have said that quality content and consistency brings guests to our theaters, and looking ahead to 2026, we expect to benefit from year-over-year improvements in the strength and depth of the film slate. So in summary, we have a strong pipeline of product coming in 2026. Particularly in Q2 through Q4, we remain focused on creating long-term value for shareholders, and our long history of disciplined operations and capital management will lead us there. With that, I would like to turn things over to the conference operator for questions.

Speaker #2: So in summary, we have a strong pipeline of product coming in 2026, particularly in Q2 through Q4. We remain focused on creating long-term value for shareholders and our long history of disciplined operations and capital management will lead us there.

Speaker #2: With that, I would like to turn things over to the conference operator for questions.

Speaker #1: Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, if you have a question or comment at this time, please press star 11 on your telephone keypad. If your question has been answered or you wish to remove yourself from the queue, simply press star 11 again.

Operator: Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, if you have a question or comment at this time, please press star 11 on your telephone keypad. If your question has been answered or you wish to remove yourself from the queue, simply press star 11 again. Again, if you have a question or comment, please press star 11 on your telephone keypad. Please stand by while we compile the Q&A roster. Our first question or comment comes from the line of Derek Lessard from TD Cowen. Mr. Lessard, your line is open.

Speaker #1: Again, if you have a question or comment, please press star one one (*) on your telephone keypad. Please stand by while we compile the Q&A roster.

Speaker #1: Our first question or comment comes from the line of Derek Lesard from TD Callen. Mr. Lesard, your line is open.

Speaker #3: Yeah, good morning, Alice and Gord. Hope you're doing

Ellis Jacob: Yeah, good morning, Alice and Gord. Hope you're doing well.

Lessard Derek: Yeah, good morning, Alice and Gord. Hope you're doing well.

Speaker #3: well. Thanks,

Gord Nelson: Thanks, Sarah. I just wanted to maybe hit down on the media business. Obviously, it was a pretty good quarter. But you did talk about the launch of programmatic cinema. Could you maybe just add some color around this business and then further around the comments of how it's unlocking new advertisers for you?

Gord Nelson: Thanks, Derek.

Speaker #4: Sir, I just wanted to maybe hit down on the media business. Obviously, it's a pretty good quarter, but you did talk about the launch of programmatic cinema.

Lessard Derek: I just wanted to maybe hit down on the media business. Obviously, it was a pretty good quarter. But you did talk about the launch of programmatic cinema. Could you maybe just add some color around this business and then further around the comments of how it's unlocking new advertisers for you?

Speaker #4: Could you maybe just add some color around this business and then further around the comments of how it's unlocking new advertisers for

Speaker #4: Could you maybe just add some color around this business, and then further around the comments of how it’s unlocking new advertisers for you? Sure.

Ellis Jacob: Sure. So we had adopted programmatic, slowly ramping it up over the past year or so. It's been very effective, particularly in the out-of-home networks. And we've relaunched it in Q4 as it relates to kind of opportunities in the cinema market. And so although we've had programmatic and our learnings in the out-of-home market, we're really seeing value as we can move budgets away from connected TVs into our programmatic markets. And we saw some great insights in that first quarter of deployment in the Q4 2025.

Speaker #3: So we had adopted programmatic slowly ramping it up over the past year or so, it's been a very effective, particularly in the out-of-home networks.

Speaker #3: And we've relaunched it in Q4 as it relates to kind of opportunities in the cinema market. And so although we've had programmatic and are learning from the out-of-home market, we're really seeing value as we can move budgets away from connected TVs into our programmatic markets.

Speaker #3: And we saw some great insights in that first quarter of deployment in 2020, in the fourth quarter of—

Speaker #3: 2025. Okay, that's

Operator: Okay. That's helpful. Then on the BPP, CPP, both records. So how should we be thinking about, I guess, your ability to further pricing and/or mix optimization going forward?

Lessard Derek: Okay. That's helpful. Then on the BPP, CPP, both records. So how should we be thinking about, I guess, your ability to further pricing and/or mix optimization going forward?

Speaker #1: helpful. And then on the BPPCPP, both records so how should we be thinking about, I guess, your ability to further pricing and/or mix optimization going forward?

Speaker #3: Yeah, so in our comments on a sort of Q3 as we in Q3 results, we launched some additional $5 discount days which went through the Labor Day weekend in 2025, which did not happen in 2024.

Gord Nelson: Yeah. So our comments on sort of Q3 is, in Q3 results, we launched some additional CAD 5 discount days, which went through the Labor Day weekend in 2025, which did not happen in 2024. So in Q3, when you look at our full year results, really look at Q3 as a bit of an anomaly, and we mentioned that during the call. So you see the rebound of the growth in both BPP and CPP in the fourth quarter of 2024. And so as we look forward, we had always said we look to pass on kind of CPI increases in terms of BPP and CPP growth. And then as premium mix shifts, we also benefit from that perspective.

Speaker #3: So, in Q3, when you look at our full-year results, really look at Q3 as a bit of an anomaly, and we mentioned that during the call.

Speaker #3: So you see the rebound of the growth in both BPP and CPP in the fourth quarter of 2024. And so as we look forward, we had always said we looked to pass on kind of CPI increases in terms of BPP and CPP growth.

Speaker #3: And then as premium mix shifts, we also benefit from that perspective. Now, in any given quarter, the film slate and the type of audience that it attracts, whether it's kids or whether it's seniors or whether it's people looking to see in the big screens like ultra AVX and IMAX, that impacts the overall BPP.

Gord Nelson: Now, in any given quarter, the film slate and the type of audience that it attracts, whether it's kids or whether it's seniors or whether it's people looking to see in the big screens like UltraAVX and IMAX, that impacts the overall BPP. But on a long-term basis, we would look to continue to take price through CPI increases as we have done historically, and balancing out the value offerings that we have, which is our Tuesday offerings, our CineClub program, and the other offerings that are at the.

Speaker #3: But on a long-term basis, as we would look to continue to take price through CPI increases as we have done historically, and balancing out the value offerings that we have, which is our Tuesday offerings and our cinema club program and the other offerings that are at.

Speaker #1: Okay, thanks. Thanks, Gord. I'll reach

Operator: Okay. Thanks, Gord. I'll reach you.

Lessard Derek: Okay. Thanks, Gord. I'll reach you.

Speaker #1: you. Thank you.

Operator: Thank you. Our next question or comment comes from the line of Aravinda Galappatthige from Canaccord Genuity. Mr. Galappatthige, your line is open.

Speaker #5: Our next question or comment comes from the line of Charles Zhang from Conoco Ingenuity, Mr. Zhang, your line is open.

Speaker #6: All right, thank you. Just regarding the court decision, so as you mentioned, Gordon, the provision was already made in last Q3, right? Just to

Aravinda Galappatthige: All right. Thank you. Just regarding the court decision. So as you mentioned, Gord, the provision was already made in last Q3, right? Just to confirm.

Speaker #6: confirm. Correct. Yeah.

Gord Nelson: Correct. Yeah.

Speaker #3: Yep.

Aravinda Galappatthige: Yeah. Maybe on OpEx and some costs tied to the online tickets, maybe paper off in the future. I mean, do you see any rooms for further cost reductions going forward on that aspect?

Speaker #6: OPEX and And maybe on some costs tied to the online tickets, maybe paper off in the future. I mean, do you see any rooms for further cost reductions going forward on that aspect?

Speaker #3: Sorry, I missed the first part of the question related to which aspect?

Gord Nelson: Sorry, I missed the first part of the question related to which aspect?

Aravinda Galappatthige: Related to the online booking fees.

Speaker #6: Related to online booking fees.

Speaker #3: So look, I'm not sure that there are costs related to the online operating OPEX kind of matters related to the online booking fee matter.

Gord Nelson: So look at it. I'm not sure that there are costs related to the online operating OpEx kind of matters related into the online booking fee matter. We always strive for, from an OpEx perspective, is looking for automation and AI to help us drive efficiencies and opportunities for savings. And so we would continue to do that. Our online ticketing offering is one of our kind of guest service initiatives that we have out there. And as we look to create digital connections with customers, it's just another element of those connections.

Speaker #3: We always strive for, from an OPEX perspective, is looking for automation and AI to help us drive efficiencies and opportunities for savings. And so we would continue to do that.

Speaker #3: The online ticketing offering is one of our kind of guest service and initiatives that we have out there. And as we look to create digital connections with customers, it's just another element of those connections.

Speaker #6: Okay, thank you. Maybe on media, I mean, cinema media definitely delivers strong Q4 results and also we're looking at a pretty strong film slate coming this year in '26, including Super Mario Spider-Man, Avengers, and I'm wondering how are you thinking about the outlook there for the cinema media?

Aravinda Galappatthige: Okay. Thank you. Maybe on media, I mean, cinema media definitely delivered strong Q4 results. Also, we're looking at a pretty strong film slate coming this year in 2026, including Super Mario, Spider-Man, Avengers. I'm wondering, how are you thinking about the outlook there for the cinema media?

Speaker #3: Yeah, we are pretty confident on the media side of the business as a result of, like you mentioned, there is some extremely good content that we have in 2026.

Gord Nelson: Yeah, we are pretty confident on the media side of the business. As a result of, like you mentioned, there is some extremely good content that we have in 2026. So we should be able to continue to move forward strongly. And also on the digital media side, we are still providing that selling for those particular locations across the country.

Speaker #3: So we should be able to continue to move forward strongly. And also on the digital media side, we are still providing that selling for those particular locations across the country.

Speaker #3: So, we should be able to continue to move forward strongly. And also, on the digital media side, we are still providing that selling for those particular locations across the country.

Speaker #6: Okay, thank you. I'll pass the

Aravinda Galappatthige: Okay. Thank you. I'll pass the line.

Speaker #6: line. Thank

Operator: Thank you. Our next question or comment comes from the line of Maher Yaghi from Scotiabank. Mr. Yaghi, your line is open.

Speaker #5: Thank you. Our next question or comment comes from the line of Emir Yagi from Scotiabank. Mr. Yagi, your line is open.

Speaker #4: Great. Thank you for taking my question.

Maher Yaghi: Great. Thank you for taking my questions. I noticed that your theater occupancy expenses were up 20% year-over-year in Q4, but also 6% on the year, mostly from a line other occupancy cost line. Can you provide some insight on what is driving this, even though you are down 4 theaters year-over-year, and how do you expect that cost line to behave next year?

Speaker #1: My . noticed I that your theater occupancy expenses were up 20% year on year in . Q4 Are also 6% on the year , mostly from a line 20% year on , year .

Speaker #1: In Q4 and also 6% on the year , mostly from a line . You know , other occupancy cost line . Can you provide some insight on what is driving this , even though you are down four theaters year on year ?

Gord Nelson: Yeah, sure. Gord Nelson here. I called out a couple of items. So in that cost category, so this is typically non-contractual rent. So it would include related, sorry, occupancy, which does not include contractual rent obligations. So it would include common area maintenance costs. It would include property taxes. It would include insurance on the facilities. And those would be the kind of the core main categories in that line item. I called out a few things in that last year. During the quarter, we had some insurance recoveries as well as some property tax recoveries that caused Q4 to be last year to be lower than typical run rate. If you look at each of the quarters, that line item for that category for each of the quarters of the year, you'll see that it's a relatively consistent number.

Speaker #1: And how do you expect that cost line to behave next year ?

Speaker #2: Yeah , sure . Merrythought here , I called out a items . So in that , in couple that cost category . is typically non US contractual rent .

Speaker #2: So it would include related . Sorry occupancy which does not include contractual rent obligations . So it would include common area maintenance costs .

Speaker #2: It would property include taxes . It include insurance on the facilities . And those would kind of be the the core main categories in that line item .

Speaker #2: I called out a few things in that last year during the quarter , we had some insurance recoveries as as well some property tax recoveries that caused Q4 to be last be year to lower than typical run rate .

Speaker #2: you look If at the quarters , each of the quarters , that line item for or that category for each of the quarters of the year , you'll see that it's a relatively consistent number .

Gord Nelson: So it will go up and down with where property tax assessments go typically.

Maher Yaghi: Okay. And it could increase a bit, I guess, for next year if it's linked a lot to property taxes?

Speaker #2: It will go up and down with where property tax assessments go, typically.

Speaker #2: .

Gord Nelson: Yeah. I mean, you would expect I mean, look at it. We're seeing a couple of things out there. One is we're seeing ongoing increases in property taxes. We are seeing some level of reduction in insurance costs, though, as we look forward. But the big increase will be related to property taxes. But again, when you look at roughly CAD 240 million in total overall occupancy costs, which includes the rent, the rent component is continuing to go down.

Speaker #1: It’s okay. It could increase a bit next year, I guess, if it's linked to property and taxes. And if it's a lot, property and taxes.

Speaker #2: mean Yeah , I you expect I we're there . things out couple of mean we is seeing ongoing increases you're in in property taxes .

Speaker #2: We are seeing some level of reduction in insurance costs , though , as we look forward . So but the big increase will be related to , you know , property taxes .

Speaker #2: But when you again , look at , you know , roughly $240 million in total , you know , overall costs , occupancy which includes the rent , the rent component is continuing to go down .

Maher Yaghi: Yeah. Okay. And just to follow up on that, in terms of theater account for 2026, how should we think about your year-end getting to from a starting base here in Q1? Is it going to continue to decline like we saw in 2024 and 2025?

Speaker #1: Yeah . Okay . And just to follow up on that , in terms of theater count for 2026 , how should we think ?

Speaker #1: You know , about your year end getting to from from a starting base here in Q1 ? Is it going to continue to decline like we saw in 24 and 25 ?

Gord Nelson: No, we don't expect in 2026 that it continues to decline. We will have a number of closures. I'm sure you've heard about The Beaches, which was announced. But we feel that the overall box office will be much stronger in 2026 compared to 2025 because of the content that we have and the great product for the balance of the year.

Speaker #3: No , we don't expect in 2026 it that continues to decline . We will have a number of closures . I'm sure . You know , you've about the was beaches , heard which announced and but we feel that , you know , the overall box office will be much stronger in 2026 compared to 2025 because of the content that we have .

Maher Yaghi: Okay. But the theater account will be roughly the same as you ended in 2025?

Speaker #3: And the great product for the balance of the year.

Gord Nelson: No, we'll be down 2 to 3 theaters.

Speaker #1: Okay , but the theater count will will be roughly the same as you ended in 2025 .

Maher Yaghi: Okay. Okay. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you for clarifying that. That was what I was trying to get down to. So in terms of just final question here for me, looking at the last two years, you've been holding steady at around CAD 92 to 94 million of EBITDA. And I assume this is a good starting base for us to use it for 2026, but I'm sure you're expecting growth, as you mentioned, from your expectations of better movie, theater deployments, and shows. But roughly speaking, how should we think about 2026 in terms of EBITDA cash generation?

Speaker #3: No , we'll be down 2 to 3 theaters .

Speaker #1: Okay ? Okay . That was yeah . Thank you . Thank you for clarifying that . That was what I was trying to get down to .

Speaker #1: So in terms of just final question here for me , you know , looking at the last two years , you've been holding steady at around 92 , 94 million of EBITDA and is this , I assume this is a good starting base for , you , for us to use for 26 .

Speaker #1: But you I'm sure you're growth , as expecting you mentioned in from expectations of your better movie theater deployments and shows . So but you know , roughly speaking , you know , how should we about 2026 in terms of EBITDA , cash generation ?

Gord Nelson: Well, the industry is predicting box office increases from 8% to 15% over 2025. With our international content and our distribution business, we should be well engaged in getting reasonably strong numbers for 2026. That will result in stronger EBITDA as we look forward.

Speaker #3: Well , the industry is predicting , you know , box office increases from 8 to 15% over 2025 . And with our international content and , you know , our distribution business , we should be well engaged in getting reasonably strong numbers for 2026 .

Maher Yaghi: Okay. Great. Thank you for that. Have a nice day.

Speaker #3: And that will result in stronger EBITDA as we look forward .

Gord Nelson: Thank you.

Operator: Thank you. Our next question or comment comes from the line of Drew McReynolds from RBC Capital Markets. Mr. McReynolds, your line is open.

Speaker #1: Okay . Great . Thank you for that . Have a nice day .

Speaker #3: Thank .

Speaker #4: Thank you . Our next question or comment comes from of the line drew McReynolds from Rbcm . Mr. McReynolds , your line is open .

Drew McReynolds: Hi there. This is Sarah on for Drew. Thank you for taking my question. I just had a quick question on expectations for same-store revenue growth for 2026 for LBE and additionally when LBE begins to lap the changes in discretionary spending and consumer behavior. Thank you.

Speaker #5: Hi there . This is Sarah on for drew . And taking thank you for my question . I just had a quick question on expectations for same store revenue growth for 2026 .

Speaker #5: For LBE. And additionally, when LBE begins to lap, that in turn changes discretionary spending and consumer behavior. Thank you.

Gord Nelson: We are confident that our continued focus on marketing, expansion, special offers, and growth in groups and event sales will positively impact our performance across both same-store and newer locations for LBE. As we mentioned earlier, that we are going to be opening a location in Vaughan. That will also assist us in continuing to build the business going forward.

Speaker #3: We are confident that our continued focus on marketing expansion, special offers, and growth in groups and event sales will positively impact our performance across both store and newer same locations.

Speaker #3: For LBE. And as we mentioned earlier, we are going to be opening a location in Vaughan, and that will also assist us in continuing to build the business going forward.

Operator: Thank you. Our next question or comment comes from the line of Drew Reichert from BMO Capital Markets. Mr. Reichert, your line is now open.

Speaker #4: Thank you . Our next question or comment comes from the line of Drew Reichardt from BMO Capital Markets . Mr. Reichardt , your line is now open .

Tim Casey: Yeah. Thank you. This is Drew Reichert on for Tim Casey. The film cost as a percentage of box offices trended up slightly year-over-year and has risen steadily over the past few years. How do you see film cost percent playing out in 2026 given film supply and premium mix?

Speaker #6: Thank you . Yeah . This is Reichardt on Drew for Tim Casey . The film cost as a percentage of box has trended up year over slightly year .

Speaker #6: And has risen steadily over the past few years . How do you film see cost percent playing out in 2026 ? Given film supply and premium mix .

Gord Nelson: Film cost is really driven by the performance of the films. One of the challenges we run into is when you have a lot of bigger producing films, the film cost does go up. But I always say I'd rather have higher box office and pay film costs because you've got more attendance and more guests coming through the theaters. That's something that we'll continue to focus and pursue. What helps too for us in certain cases is the increased film costs from Hollywood is basically helped by our international content where we have better film settlements in certain cases.

Speaker #3: Film cost is really driven by the performance of the films, and one of the issues we run into is when you have a lot of bigger, producing films.

Speaker #3: The film cost does go up , but always I say I'd rather have higher box office and pay film costs because more you've got and more , you know , guests coming through the theaters and that's something that , you know , will continue to focus and pursue .

Speaker #3: helps And what to , for us , in certain cases is the increase from costs from Hollywood is basically helped by , you know , our international content , where we have better film settlements in certain cases .

Tim Casey: Okay. Just as a follow-up regarding CapEx trends, CapEx was down pretty significantly in 2025 given the three location expansions in Q4 2024. Could we expect further LBE expansions to return post-summer 2026?

Speaker #6: Okay . just as And a follow up regarding CapEx trends , CapEx was down pretty significantly in 2025 , given the three location expansions in Q4 24 .

Gord Nelson: So we have one location, which we now have the Playdium in Vaughan Mills, which is going to open in the first half of this year. At this point in time, we have described that we have what we described as a prudent pause. We see the disruption in the retail landscape. We think there are going to be, once we see retailers leaving, some great opportunities in great locations of potentially great economics. We have no further commitments at this time. We continue to be monitoring opportunities that may exist out there.

Speaker #6: Could we expect further LBA lbe expansions to return post summer 2026 ?

Speaker #2: So we have one one location , which we announced the Palladium and Vaughn , which is going to open in the first half of this year .

Speaker #2: And we at this point in time , we have described that we're we have what we described as a prudent pause . the We see disruption in the retail landscape .

Speaker #2: We think there are going to be what we see retailers leaving , that there's going to be some great opportunities in great locations , potentially great economics .

Speaker #2: So, we have no further commitments at this time, but we continue to be monitoring opportunities that may exist out there.

Tim Casey: Okay. Thank you very much.

Operator: Thank you. Again, ladies and gentlemen, if you have a question or comment at this time, please press star 11 on your telephone keypad. We have a follow-up question from Mr. Derek Lessard from TD Cowen. Mr. Lessard, your line is open.

Operator: Thank you. Again, ladies and gentlemen, if you have a question or comment at this time, please press star one one on your telephone keypad. We have a follow-up question from Mr. Derek Lessard from TD Cowen. Mr. Lessard, your line is open.

Speaker #6: Okay. Thank you very much.

Speaker #4: Thank you again , ladies and gentlemen . If you have a question or comment at this time , please press star one one on your telephone keypad .

Derek Lessard: Yeah. Thanks. Just a follow-up for me. Now with the 3 LBEs done and cash in the bank from the digital media sales, just curious how you are prioritizing capital between the buyback leverage and sort of other growth initiatives.

Lessard Derek: Yeah. Thanks. Just a follow-up for me. Now with the 3 LBEs done and cash in the bank from the digital media sales, just curious how you are prioritizing capital between the buyback leverage and sort of other growth initiatives.

Speaker #4: We have a follow up question from Mr. Derek from TD Cowan . Mr. Cowan , your line is open .

Speaker #2: Yeah , thanks . Just a follow up for me . with now with the the three lbe done and cash in the bank from the digital media sales .

Speaker #2: Just curious how you are prioritizing capital between the buyback leverage and sort of other growth initiatives . Yeah . So and really those are our priorities .

Gord Nelson: Yeah. Those are really our priorities. So in terms of obviously, the maintenance CapEx is first. Our leverage is we're not where we want to be in our comfort zone. So I would say that's priority two. And then as I believe I described on the call last time, where we exist today is there's a maximum of about CAD 17.5 million that can be allocated to share buybacks. And so we're at 12. So when you think of the overall scheme of things, those are some of the factors that are behind our minds as we go and evaluate how we allocate capital going forward.

Speaker #2: So in terms of , you know , obviously the maintenance CapEx is first , our leverage is , you know , we're not where we are where we want to be in our comfort zone .

Speaker #2: So is that I would say , that priority two . And then as I believe I described , you know , on the call last time , you know , where we exist , where we exist today is of there's a maximum about $17.5 million that can be allocated to share buybacks .

Speaker #2: And so we're at 12. So, so what do you think of the overall scheme of things? Those are some of the factors that you know are behind our minds as we go and evaluate how we allocate capital going forward.

Derek Lessard: Okay. Thanks, Gord.

Lessard Derek: Okay. Thanks, Gord.

Operator: Thank you. I'm sure no additional questions in the queue at this time. I'd like to turn the conference back over to management for any closing remarks.

Speaker #2: Okay. Thanks, Courtney.

Speaker #4: Thank you . I'm showing no additional questions in the queue at this time . I'd like to turn the conference back over to management for any closing remarks .

Gord Nelson: Thank you again for joining the call this morning. We are excited about the outlook for 2026. And even the coming weekend, we're looking forward to three movies that are opening: Wuthering Heights, GOAT, and Crime 101. So make sure you are at the movie theater. And we look forward to sharing our first quarter results in May 2026. Have a wonderful day. Thank you.

Ellis Jacob: Thank you again for joining the call this morning. We are excited about the outlook for 2026. And even the coming weekend, we're looking forward to three movies that are opening: Wuthering Heights, GOAT, and Crime 101. So make sure you are at the movie theater. And we look forward to sharing our first quarter results in May 2026. Have a wonderful day. Thank you.

Speaker #3: Thank you again for joining the call this morning . We are excited about the outlook for 2026 and even the coming weekend . We're looking forward to three movies that are opening Withering Heights , Ghost and Crime 101 .

Speaker #3: So make sure you are at the movie theater and we look forward to sharing our first quarter results in May 2026 . Have a wonderful day !

Operator: Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for participating in today's conference. This concludes the program. You may now disconnect. Everyone, have a wonderful day. Speaker standby.

Speaker #3: you Thank .

Speaker #4: Ladies and gentlemen , thank you for participating in today's conference . This concludes the program . You may now disconnect . Everyone , have a wonderful day .

Q4 2025 Cineplex Inc Earnings Call

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