Multiplex operators have to be clicking their heels this year. Yet another unlikely theatrical release is bringing audiences back to the silver screen, and AMC Entertainment (AMC -1.02%) is soaring again as the country's largest exhibitor.
A24's You Can See Everything -- a film that starts with a Nathan Fielder-led documentary crew covering the last few weeks of disgraced Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes with her family before heading to prison in 2023 -- has more twists than an AMC Bavarian pretzel. It heads into this weekend as one of the rare films projected to likely increase ticket sales after a robust opening weekend.
AMC investors are being rewarded. The stock is up 86% in 2026. Are you really seeing everything?
Image source: Getty Images.
Who is on the first Folks are storming back to the movies in a major way this year. Year-to-date domestic box office receipts are up 21% from this point last year, making this a lock to be the strongest year for multiplex operators since 2019. The biggest movie of the year -- Avengers: Doomsday -- hasn't even come out yet.
At least six films put out this year will top $1 billion in worldwide ticket sales, something that has only happened once before in the history of cinema. AMC stock is more than happy to go along for the ride. Analysts see the theater chain's revenue rising 18% to $5.7 billion. Perhaps more importantly for a survivalist narrative, AMC should generate positive adjusted earnings for the first time since 2018.
AMC joins at least two smaller chains that returned to profitability years ago. Those rivals even pay out modest dividends. AMC isn't there yet, but after years of ill-advised dilution and distractions, turning the corner is really happening. All it needed was a break, and it got it this year, with studios cranking out films that are rekindling moviegoers' interest in the medium.
AMC AMC Entertainment$2.90-$0.03 (-1.02%)
NYSE · As of 4:00 PM ET 10/23/26
What is on second There have been obvious blockbusters this year. The real pleasant surprise has been the wave of sleeper hits. Two of this year's biggest draws -- Obsession and Backrooms -- are low-budget horror movies directed by 20-something YouTubers.
This brings us to last weekend's debut of Fielder's You Can See Everything. The next-gen documentary generated $15.7 million in stateside ticket sales in its opening weekend. This may not seem like a lot. It's less than the premiere of Street Fighter collected over the same weekend. However, the film did set some recent records with its initial screenings.
You Can See Everything had the strongest opening weekend for a non-musical documentary in more than 20 years. It also opened in just 855 screens, making it the highest-grossing opening for a film with less than 1,000 screens since 2008.
With buzz building -- You Can See Everything already overtook Street Fighter during weekday showings -- the film is expanding to more than 2,500 screens this weekend. It won't be one of the six films to crack the $1 billion mark this year. It doesn't have to. It's just one more potent arrow to bring a different audience back to the local multiplex.
I Don't Know is on third AMC will probably never make its peak investors whole. Even after this year's stellar rally, the stock is still down 99.2% over the past year. That's not a typo. It's a cruel reminder of the mess management made of its meme-stock opportunity.
Today's market skepticism is as thick as AMC's earlier management incompetence. A strong year doesn't remedy years of being a turkey jerky investment, imprisoned twice in a vending machine inside a minimum-security federal prison.
I'm fine with taking a chance on AMC stock here. The shares cratered because the hype exceeded the market reality. This time, the upticks come with material improvement in industry and company fundamentals. AMC has spent years fine-tuning its business with high-margin concessions and a sticky member loyalty program. The payoff is happening with this year's bumper crop of theatrical releases. It's OK to be skeptical, Wall Street, but you really can see everything this time.
LEAWOOD, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)---- $AMC--AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AMC) (“AMC” or “the Company”), the largest theatrical exhibition company in the world, announced today that it will report its results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2026, on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.The Company will host an earnings webcast, after the market closes, accessible through the Investor Relations section of AMC's website at investor.amctheatres.com/. During the webcast, the Company will take questio.
Quarterly financial reports play a vital role on Wall Street, as they help investors see how a company has performed and what might be coming down the road in the near-term. And out of all of the metrics and results to consider, earnings is one of the most important.
We know earnings results are vital, but how a company performs compared to bottom line expectations can be even more important when it comes to stock prices, especially in the near-term. This means that investors might want to take advantage of these earnings surprises.
Now that we know how important earnings and earnings surprises are, it's time to show investors how to take advantage of these events to boost their returns by utilizing the Zacks Earnings ESP filter.
The Zacks Earnings ESP, ExplainedThe Zacks Earnings ESP, or Expected Surprise Prediction, aims to find earnings surprises by focusing on the most recent analyst revisions. The basic premise is that if an analyst reevaluates their earnings estimate ahead of an earnings release, it means they likely have new information that could possibly be more accurate.
Now that we understand the basic idea, let's look at how the Expected Surprise Prediction works. The ESP is calculated by comparing the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, with the percentage difference between the two giving us the Zacks ESP figure.
Bringing together a positive earnings ESP alongside a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better has helped stocks report a positive earnings surprise 70% of the time. Furthermore, by using these parameters, investors have seen 28.3% annual returns on average, according to our 10 year backtest.
Stocks with a ranking of #3 (Hold), or 60% of all stocks covered by the Zacks Rank, are expected to perform in-line with the broader market. Stocks with rankings of #2 (Buy) and #1 (Strong Buy), or the top 15% and top 5% of stocks, respectively, should outperform the market; Strong Buy stocks should outperform more than any other rank.
Should You Consider Gray Media?The last thing we will do today, now that we have a grasp on the ESP and how powerful of a tool it can be, is to quickly look at a qualifying stock. Gray Media (GTN - Free Report) holds a #3 (Hold) at the moment and its Most Accurate Estimate comes in at $0.87 a share 15 days away from its upcoming earnings release on November 6, 2026.
GTN has an Earnings ESP figure of +4.19%, which, as explained above, is calculated by taking the percentage difference between the $0.87 Most Accurate Estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.84. Gray Media is one of a large database of stocks with positive ESPs. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.
GTN is one of just a large database of Consumer Discretionary stocks with positive ESPs. Another solid-looking stock is AMC Entertainment (AMC - Free Report) .
AMC Entertainment, which is readying to report earnings on November 4, 2026, sits at a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) right now. Its Most Accurate Estimate is currently $0.12 a share, and AMC is 13 days out from its next earnings report.
AMC Entertainment's Earnings ESP figure currently stands at +15.00% after taking the percentage difference between its Most Accurate Estimate and its Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.10.
Because both stocks hold a positive Earnings ESP, GTN and AMC could potentially post earnings beats in their next reports.
Find Stocks to Buy or Sell Before They're ReportedUse the Zacks Earnings ESP Filter to turn up stocks with the highest probability of positively, or negatively, surprising to buy or sell before they're reported for profitable earnings season trading. Check it out here >>
AMC Entertainment (AMC - Free Report) ended the recent trading session at $2.98, demonstrating a +2.23% change from the preceding day's closing price. This change outpaced the S&P 500's 0.41% gain on the day. On the other hand, the Dow registered a loss of 0.07%, and the technology-centric Nasdaq increased by 1.11%.
Prior to today's trading, shares of the movie theater operator had gained 7.78% outpaced the Consumer Discretionary sector's gain of 0.85% and the S&P 500's gain of 1.46%.
The investment community will be paying close attention to the earnings performance of AMC Entertainment in its upcoming release. The company's earnings per share (EPS) are projected to be $0.03, reflecting a 114.29% increase from the same quarter last year. Alongside, our most recent consensus estimate is anticipating revenue of $1.53 billion, indicating a 17.47% upward movement from the same quarter last year.
For the annual period, the Zacks Consensus Estimates anticipate earnings of -$0.18 per share and a revenue of $5.61 billion, signifying shifts of +81.25% and +15.73%, respectively, from the last year.
Investors should also pay attention to any latest changes in analyst estimates for AMC Entertainment. Recent revisions tend to reflect the latest near-term business trends. Hence, positive alterations in estimates signify analyst optimism regarding the business and profitability.
Research indicates that these estimate revisions are directly correlated with near-term share price momentum. To capitalize on this, we've crafted the Zacks Rank, a unique model that incorporates these estimate changes and offers a practical rating system.
The Zacks Rank system, running from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), holds an admirable track record of superior performance, independently audited, with #1 stocks contributing an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has witnessed a 20% increase. AMC Entertainment is currently a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
The Leisure and Recreation Services industry is part of the Consumer Discretionary sector. Currently, this industry holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 71, positioning it in the top 29% of all 250+ industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank assesses the vigor of our specific industry groups by computing the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks incorporated in the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
You can find more information on all of these metrics, and much more, on Zacks.com.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
Momentum investing is essentially an exception to the idea of "buying low and selling high." Investors following this style of investing are usually not interested in betting on cheap stocks and waiting long for them to recover. Instead, they believe that "buying high and selling higher" is the way to make far more money in lesser time.
Who doesn't like betting on fast-moving trending stocks? But determining the right entry point isn't easy. Often, these stocks lose momentum once their valuation moves ahead of their future growth potential. In such a situation, investors find themselves loaded up on expensive shares with limited to no upside or even a downside. So, going all-in on momentum could be risky at times.
It could be safer to invest in bargain stocks that have been witnessing price momentum recently. While the Zacks Momentum Style Score (part of the Zacks Style Scores system), which pays close attention to trends in a stock's price or earnings, is pretty useful in identifying great momentum stocks, our 'Fast-Paced Momentum at a Bargain' screen comes handy in spotting fast-moving stocks that are still attractively priced.
AMC Entertainment (AMC - Free Report) is one of the several great candidates that made it through the screen. While there are numerous reasons why this stock is a great choice, here are the most vital ones:
A dash of recent price momentum reflects growing interest of investors in a stock. With a four-week price change of 8.7%, the stock of this movie theater operator is certainly well-positioned in this regard.
While any stock can see a spike in price for a short period, it takes a real momentum player to deliver positive returns for a longer time frame. AMC meets this criterion too, as the stock gained 28.4% over the past 12 weeks.
Moreover, the momentum for AMC is fast paced, as the stock currently has a beta of 1.97. This indicates that the stock moves 97% higher than the market in either direction.
Given this price performance, it is no surprise that AMC has a Momentum Score of B, which indicates that this is the right time to enter the stock to take advantage of the momentum with the highest probability of success.
In addition to a favorable Momentum Score, an upward trend in earnings estimate revisions has helped AMC earn a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Our research shows that the momentum-effect is quite strong among Zacks Rank #1 and #2 stocks. That's because as covering analysts raise their earnings estimates for a stock, more and more investors take an interest in it, helping its price race to keep up. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>
Most importantly, despite possessing fast-paced momentum features, AMC is trading at a reasonable valuation. In terms of Price-to-Sales ratio, which is considered as one of the best valuation metrics, the stock looks quite cheap now. AMC is currently trading at 0.49 times its sales. In other words, investors need to pay only 49 cents for each dollar of sales.
So, AMC appears to have plenty of room to run, and that too at a fast pace.
In addition to AMC, there are several other stocks that currently pass through our 'Fast-Paced Momentum at a Bargain' screen. You may consider investing in them and start looking for the newest stocks that fit these criteria.
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In the latest trading session, AMC Entertainment (AMC - Free Report) closed at $3.06, marking a +2% move from the previous day. The stock's change was more than the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.02%. Meanwhile, the Dow lost 0.35%, and the Nasdaq, a tech-heavy index, lost 0.15%.
Heading into today, shares of the movie theater operator had gained 20% over the past month, outpacing the Consumer Discretionary sector's loss of 1.96% and the S&P 500's gain of 2.05%.
The investment community will be closely monitoring the performance of AMC Entertainment in its forthcoming earnings report. The company is forecasted to report an EPS of -$0.01, showcasing a 95.24% upward movement from the corresponding quarter of the prior year. Meanwhile, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenue is projecting net sales of $1.45 billion, up 11.68% from the year-ago period.
For the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates are projecting earnings of -$0.22 per share and revenue of $5.57 billion, which would represent changes of +77.08% and +14.82%, respectively, from the prior year.
It is also important to note the recent changes to analyst estimates for AMC Entertainment. These revisions typically reflect the latest short-term business trends, which can change frequently. Consequently, upward revisions in estimates express analysts' positivity towards the business operations and its ability to generate profits.
Our research demonstrates that these adjustments in estimates directly associate with imminent stock price performance. To take advantage of this, we've established the Zacks Rank, an exclusive model that considers these estimated changes and delivers an operational rating system.
The Zacks Rank system, stretching from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), has a noteworthy track record of outperforming, validated by third-party audits, with stocks rated #1 producing an average annual return of +25% since the year 1988. Over the past month, there's been no change in the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. AMC Entertainment is currently a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
The Leisure and Recreation Services industry is part of the Consumer Discretionary sector. This group has a Zacks Industry Rank of 88, putting it in the top 36% of all 250+ industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank assesses the vigor of our specific industry groups by computing the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks incorporated in the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Ensure to harness Zacks.com to stay updated with all these stock-shifting metrics, among others, in the next trading sessions.
Key Takeaways AMC shares rose 20% in a month as stronger attendance and operating improvement supported momentum.AMC plans 150-250 premium and extra-large auditoriums, largely using third-party capital.AMC expects refinancing and lower rates to reduce annual interest expense and ease its cash-flow breakeven.
Shares of AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (AMC - Free Report) have rallied 20% in the past month compared with the Zacks Leisure and Recreation Services industry’s 1% growth. The stock outperformed other industry players, including Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (CNK - Free Report) and The Marcus Corporation (MCS - Free Report) .
AMC is benefiting from stronger moviegoing demand, higher spending per patron and effective cost controls. Its improving operating performance and anticipated interest savings have likely supported investor sentiment.
AMC One-Month Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
With AMC expecting 2026 to mark the strongest post-pandemic year for domestic and global box office, its growth initiatives warrant closer attention. Do these opportunities provide a compelling case for buying after the rally? Let’s analyze.
Theatrical Outlook and Cost Management Support AMC’s StrategyAMC gained market share in the second quarter of 2026. U.S. admissions revenues increased 11.4% year over year, exceeding domestic industry box-office growth of 10.7%. European attendance rose 17.9%, approximately 170 basis points ahead of the relevant industry’s attendance growth. Worldwide attendance increased 13.5% to more than 71 million guests, and revenues grew 14.2% to approximately $1.6 billion.
The company’s operating priorities include increasing market share, growing profit per guest and controlling costs, with a focus on increasing revenues faster than expenses. Portfolio optimization complements these efforts through selective theater openings, closures of underperforming locations and more attractive lease terms at renewal.
Premium Screens and Theater Upgrades Remain Investment PrioritiesAMC’s premium offerings include IMAX, Dolby Cinema, Prime, iSense and XL auditoriums. These formats command higher ticket prices and typically attract reservations first. U.S. IMAX and Dolby Cinema auditoriums generally carry ticket-price premiums of approximately $6-$7 over traditional auditoriums, while XL screens command premiums of roughly 10%.
AMC identified an opportunity to add approximately 150-250 premium and extra-large auditoriums over the next two to four years, largely using third-party capital. Landlords and technology partners provide co-funding for theater investments.
Seating upgrades complement this expansion. AMC’s Club Rocker seats offer greater comfort than the seats they replace, cost less to install than full recliners and preserve more seating capacity. In Europe, ODEON Luxe conversions and seating improvements provide additional investment opportunities. Capital allocation across both regions prioritizes projects with attractive expected returns.
Loyalty and Subscription Programs Encourage MoviegoingAMC’s loyalty and subscription programs provide an established base for targeted marketing and customer engagement. More than 40 million U.S. households have participated in AMC Stubs, whose members represented slightly more than half of domestic attendance in the second quarter.
A-List membership exceeded 1.1 million at quarter-end, with subscribers accounting for approximately 20% of U.S. patronage. Customer viewing histories help AMC tailor promotions, while subscription benefits encourage visits to films beyond major blockbusters and create additional food and beverage sales opportunities.
Movie-Themed Merchandise Broadens Revenue OpportunitiesAMC expects global movie-themed merchandise revenues to exceed $100 million in 2026 across its U.S. and European theaters. Collectible popcorn containers and other film-related products have expanded its offerings beyond traditional concessions.
The company identified movie-themed popcorn containers as a contributor to higher food and beverage revenue per guest. Alongside premium-format attendance, these offerings allow AMC to increase guest spending without necessarily raising prices.
Lower Interest Expenses Support AMC’s Financial FlexibilityAMC refinanced $400 million of debt due in 2027, extending its maturity by four years, and eliminated approximately $155.8 million of exchangeable debt through conversion into equity. Following the announced refinancing and repayment actions, the company did not anticipate material debt principal payments before 2029 and expected annual cash interest savings of approximately $16 million.
Separately, the improvement in leverage was expected to trigger lower interest rates on approximately 75% of AMC’s debt, reducing annual interest expense by approximately $51 million. These anticipated savings would lower the company’s free cash flow breakeven threshold.
AMC’s Valuation and Competitive LandscapeFrom a valuation standpoint, AMC trades at a forward 12-month price-to-sales ratio of 0.47, substantially below the industry average of 2.62. The stock also trades at a discount to Cinemark, which carries a forward sales multiple of approximately 1.17, while MCS trades at approximately 1.02.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Theater operators are expanding premium experiences and merchandise offerings to capture more guest spending. Cinemark is pursuing premium-format expansion, strategic pricing and merchandise growth, supported by refined product assortments, allocation and inventory management. Marcus pairs its proprietary UltraScreen and SuperScreen formats with value pricing and subscription programs. Its hospitality business adds exposure to group and leisure demand, while lower capital expenditures following hotel reinvestment are expected to support stronger free cash flow in 2026.
AMC’s lower forward sales multiple provides a relative valuation distinction, while continued operating improvement and sustained cash generation remain central to evaluating the investment opportunity.
Should You Invest in AMC Stock Now?AMC’s improving operating performance, premium-screen expansion and anticipated interest savings underpin a constructive investment outlook. Its discounted forward sales valuation provides additional appeal following the recent rally, while loyalty engagement supports repeat visits and merchandise growth creates additional spending opportunities. These factors, together with its Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), support a favorable view of AMC stock at current levels.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
AMC Entertainment (AMC - Free Report) has been one of the most searched-for stocks on Zacks.com lately. So, you might want to look at some of the facts that could shape the stock's performance in the near term.
Shares of this movie theater operator have returned +20% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +2.1% change. The Zacks Leisure and Recreation Services industry, to which AMC Entertainment belongs, has gained 1.1% over this period. Now the key question is: Where could the stock be headed in the near term?
While media releases or rumors about a substantial change in a company's business prospects usually make its stock 'trending' and lead to an immediate price change, there are always some fundamental facts that eventually dominate the buy-and-hold decision-making.
Revisions to Earnings EstimatesRather than focusing on anything else, we at Zacks prioritize evaluating the change in a company's earnings projection. This is because we believe the fair value for its stock is determined by the present value of its future stream of earnings.
Our analysis is essentially based on how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to take the latest business trends into account. When earnings estimates for a company go up, the fair value for its stock goes up as well. And when a stock's fair value is higher than its current market price, investors tend to buy the stock, resulting in its price moving upward. Because of this, empirical studies indicate a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and short-term stock price movements.
For the current quarter, AMC Entertainment is expected to post a loss of $0.01 per share, indicating a change of +95.2% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate remained unchanged over the last 30 days.
For the current fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of -$0.22 points to a change of +77.1% from the prior year. Over the last 30 days, this estimate has remained unchanged.
For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $0.04 indicates a change of +84.1% from what AMC Entertainment is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has remained unchanged.
With an impressive externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool -- the Zacks Rank -- is a more conclusive indicator of a stock's near-term price performance, as it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) for AMC Entertainment.
The chart below shows the evolution of the company's forward 12-month consensus EPS estimate:
12 Month EPS
Revenue Growth ForecastWhile earnings growth is arguably the most superior indicator of a company's financial health, nothing happens as such if a business isn't able to grow its revenues. After all, it's nearly impossible for a company to increase its earnings for an extended period without increasing its revenues. So, it's important to know a company's potential revenue growth.
In the case of AMC Entertainment, the consensus sales estimate of $1.45 billion for the current quarter points to a year-over-year change of +11.7%. The $5.57 billion and $5.7 billion estimates for the current and next fiscal years indicate changes of +14.8% and +2.3%, respectively.
Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryAMC Entertainment reported revenues of $1.6 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +14.2%. EPS of $0.14 for the same period compares with $0 a year ago.
Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.51 billion, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +5.78%. The EPS surprise was +1300%.
Over the last four quarters, AMC Entertainment surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times. The company topped consensus revenue estimates each time over this period.
ValuationNo investment decision can be efficient without considering a stock's valuation. Whether a stock's current price rightly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company's growth prospects is an essential determinant of its future price performance.
While comparing the current values of a company's valuation multiples, such as price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S), and price-to-cash flow (P/CF), with its own historical values helps determine whether its stock is fairly valued, overvalued, or undervalued, comparing the company relative to its peers on these parameters gives a good sense of the reasonability of the stock's price.
As part of the Zacks Style Scores system, the Zacks Value Style Score (which evaluates both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics) organizes stocks into five groups ranging from A to F (A is better than B; B is better than C; and so on), making it helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.
AMC Entertainment is graded C on this front, indicating that it is trading at par with its peers. Click here to see the values of some of the valuation metrics that have driven this grade.
ConclusionThe facts discussed here and much other information on Zacks.com might help determine whether or not it's worthwhile paying attention to the market buzz about AMC Entertainment. However, its Zacks Rank #2 does suggest that it may outperform the broader market in the near term.
AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:AMC – Get Free Report)’s stock price passed above its 50 day moving average during trading on Friday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $2.68 and traded as high as $3.01. AMC Entertainment shares last traded at $2.9650, with a volume of 14,189,441 shares trading hands.
Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Zacks Research downgraded shares of AMC Entertainment from a “strong-buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a report on Tuesday, August 18th. Benchmark reiterated a “buy” rating and issued a $3.00 target price (up from $2.50) on shares of AMC Entertainment in a report on Tuesday, July 21st. UBS Group reissued a “buy” rating on shares of AMC Entertainment in a research report on Tuesday, July 21st. Needham & Company LLC set a $3.50 price target on shares of AMC Entertainment in a report on Tuesday, July 21st. Finally, B. Riley Financial reaffirmed a “neutral” rating and issued a $2.50 price target (up from $2.25) on shares of AMC Entertainment in a research report on Wednesday, July 22nd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have given a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company’s stock. According to MarketBeat, AMC Entertainment currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and a consensus price target of $2.67.
View Our Latest Stock Analysis on AMC
The company has a market capitalization of $2.65 billion, a P/E ratio of -2.77 and a beta of 1.97. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $2.68 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $2.10. AMC Entertainment (NYSE:AMC – Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Monday, July 20th. The company reported $0.14 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts’ consensus estimates of ($0.03) by $0.17. The company had revenue of $1.60 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.50 billion. On average, analysts predict that AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. will post -0.20 EPS for the current fiscal year.
Institutional Investors Weigh In On AMC Entertainment Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in AMC. Readystate Asset Management LP bought a new position in AMC Entertainment during the second quarter valued at about $8,343,000. Fund 1 Investments LLC bought a new stake in shares of AMC Entertainment in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $4,192,000. Headlands Technologies LLC bought a new stake in shares of AMC Entertainment in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $1,643,000. Bank of America Corp DE grew its holdings in shares of AMC Entertainment by 34.3% during the 1st quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 543,857 shares of the company’s stock worth $533,000 after purchasing an additional 138,853 shares in the last quarter. Finally, WINTON GROUP Ltd bought a new stake in shares of AMC Entertainment during the second quarter valued at approximately $969,000. Institutional investors own 28.80% of the company’s stock.
About AMC Entertainment (Get Free Report)
AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc operates one of the world’s largest movie-theater businesses under the AMC Theatres and Odeon brands. The company exhibits first-run films and provides audiences with entertainment experiences that include standard screenings, premium formats such as IMAX and Dolby Cinema, and special or alternative programming.
In addition to ticket sales, AMC generates revenue through food and beverage concessions, including expanded menu options and in-theater dining at selected locations.
Further Reading Five stocks we like better than AMC Entertainment Alphabet Introduces Gemini Agent—Can It Trigger a Breakout? Palantir’s Rally Puts Wall Street in Catch-Up Mode Ahead of November Earnings Tilray Finds a Path to Growth Without Waiting on U.S. Cannabis Reform Arista Networks Plugs Into All-Time Highs Receive News & Ratings for AMC Entertainment Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AMC Entertainment and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
There is green being made on the silver screen this year. AMC Entertainment (AMC -0.17%) -- yes, that multiplex operator that had its meme stock glow up and blow up in 2021 -- is one of this year's more surprising winners. The shares are up 86% in 2026, naturally trouncing the market and likely your own AMC-less portfolio.
As she ascended the stairs of an empty AMC movie theater in the fall of 2021, Nicole Kidman predicted this day would happen. "We come to this place for magic," Kidman says.
After a long way down -- AMC shares are still down 99% over the past five years -- it seems as if the free-falling exhibitor is finally ready to turn around. Finally! It's the magic show that Kidman once promised.
Image source: Getty Images.
The others AMC peers have been shining in the spotlight for years. Smaller rivals Cinemark (CNK +0.27%) and Marcus (MCS +0.22%) -- up 74% and 45%, respectively, over the last five years, which have pained the industry leader -- are now profitable and have even resumed paying quarterly dividends.
AMC isn't expected to turn an annual profit until 2028. Resuming the dividend that was suspended in 2019 might take longer. Those aren't the ticket stubs being torn here. We're finally at the point where even all of the distractions and dilution that have plagued AMC and its investors in the last several years can't stop the industry's overall momentum.
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2.88
Practical magic, too AMC stock is rallying for a good reason this year. Domestic box office receipts for multiplex operators are at their highest level since 2019. AMC should top the $5.5 billion in revenue it generated that year, largely because folks are spending more on snacks, beverages, and collectibles once they get there.
I knew I was going to face some head-shaking when I became an AMC shareholder last month. AMC CEO Adam Aron did unsophisticated investors dirty by taking advantage of the meme-stock craze to float dilutive preferred shares and dismiss his own company's operating inefficiencies as smaller rivals returned to profitability.
Despite the company's financial shortcomings, it has quietly built up an empire that is thriving under the new normal. Folks are coming back to the movies, particularly younger filmgoers who many figured would never return to the cinema experience of their parents.
Its AMC Stubs loyalty program is keeping fans close. And its AMC Stubs A-List monthly subscription plans are keeping hardcore film buffs even closer.
The studios are doing their part, putting out compelling movies that folks increasingly feel they have to experience on the largest screen available. AMC has turned to prerecorded and live concerts to bring audiences back. If it can match the nimble cost-effective operations and prudent balance sheet management of Cinemark and Marcus, this stock can double again from here by the time it finally turns an annual profit.
You don't have to like the past -- especially for those who suffered it from the inside as shareholders -- to appreciate the future. The projector's rolling again.
LEAWOOD, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AMC), the largest theatrical exhibitor in the United States and in the world, today announced the launch of AMC Movie Trivia Game Show, the Company's first-ever mobile game. Developed in partnership with Hoyt Games and renowned puzzle creator David L. Hoyt, AMC Movie Trivia Game Show gives movie fans a fun way to test their knowledge of everything from classic Hollywood favorites to today's biggest blockbuster films.Availabl.
Wall Street watches a company's quarterly report closely to understand as much as possible about its recent performance and what to expect going forward. Of course, one figure often stands out among the rest: earnings.
The earnings figure itself is key, of course, but a beat or miss on the bottom line can sometimes be just as, if not more, important. Therefore, investors should consider paying close attention to these earnings surprises, as a big beat can help a stock climb and vice versa.
The ability to identify stocks that are likely to top quarterly earnings expectations can be profitable, but it's no simple task. Here at Zacks, our Earnings ESP filter helps make things easier.
The Zacks Earnings ESP, ExplainedThe Zacks Earnings ESP is more formally known as the Expected Surprise Prediction, and it aims to grab the inside track on the latest analyst estimate revisions ahead of a company's report. The idea is relatively intuitive as a newer projection might be based on more complete information.
Now that we understand the basic idea, let's look at how the Expected Surprise Prediction works. The ESP is calculated by comparing the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate, with the percentage difference between the two giving us the Zacks ESP figure.
Bringing together a positive earnings ESP alongside a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better has helped stocks report a positive earnings surprise 70% of the time. Furthermore, by using these parameters, investors have seen 28.3% annual returns on average, according to our 10 year backtest.
Stocks with a #3 (Hold) ranking, which is most stocks covered at 60%, are expected to perform in-line with the broader market. But stocks that fall into the #2 (Buy) and #1 (Strong Buy) ranking, or the top 15% and top 5% of stocks, respectively, should outperform the market. Strong Buy stocks should outperform more than any other rank.
Should You Consider AMC Entertainment?The last thing we will do today, now that we have a grasp on the ESP and how powerful of a tool it can be, is to quickly look at a qualifying stock. AMC Entertainment (AMC - Free Report) holds a #2 (Buy) at the moment and its Most Accurate Estimate comes in at $0.04 a share 28 days away from its upcoming earnings release on November 4, 2026.
By taking the percentage difference between the $0.04 Most Accurate Estimate and the -$0.01 Zacks Consensus Estimate, AMC Entertainment has an Earnings ESP of +420.00%. Investors should also know that AMC is one of a large group of stocks with positive ESPs. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.
AMC is part of a big group of Consumer Discretionary stocks that boast a positive ESP, and investors may want to take a look at Bilibili (BILI - Free Report) as well.
Slated to report earnings on November 12, 2026, Bilibili holds a #3 (Hold) ranking on the Zacks Rank, and its Most Accurate Estimate is $0.29 a share 36 days from its next quarterly update.
For Bilibili, the percentage difference between its Most Accurate Estimate and its Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.28 is +3.57%.
Because both stocks hold a positive Earnings ESP, AMC and BILI could potentially post earnings beats in their next reports.
Find Stocks to Buy or Sell Before They're ReportedUse the Zacks Earnings ESP Filter to turn up stocks with the highest probability of positively, or negatively, surprising to buy or sell before they're reported for profitable earnings season trading. Check it out here >>
Key Takeaways AMC Stubs has reached more than 40 million U.S. households, underscoring its broad reach.Stubs members represented more than 50% of AMC's U.S. guest count in the second quarter of 2026.AMC uses viewing preferences to make loyalty efforts more targeted and encourage repeat theater visits. AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (AMC - Free Report) is strengthening its relationship with moviegoers through the AMC Stubs loyalty program. A large loyalty base gives the company direct access to customer preferences and viewing behavior. This relationship can help AMC better understand its guests and create more targeted ways to encourage repeat visits.
More than 40 million U.S. households have participated in AMC Stubs, highlighting the scale of the program. The platform also has a meaningful presence among AMC’s active customer base, with Stubs members representing more than 50% of total U.S. guest count in the second quarter of 2026. This gives the company a broad pool of customers with whom it can maintain an ongoing relationship.
The program also gives AMC a better understanding of customer preferences, including the genres and titles that guests watch at its theaters. This allows the company to make its loyalty efforts more relevant and targeted. AMC uses these insights to reward patronage and encourage guests to visit its theaters for movies that match their interests.
The scale of Stubs also gives AMC a significant customer engagement platform. With more than half of U.S. guest traffic coming from members, the program is already closely linked to a large portion of the company’s domestic audience. Combining loyalty data with customer preferences can help AMC make the marketing and engagement efforts more targeted and strengthen its relationship with moviegoers.
Going forward, the effectiveness of the loyalty strategy will depend on how well AMC converts its large Stubs base and customer insights into repeat visits. A broader and more engaged loyalty relationship can provide the company with another avenue to support customer retention and encourage more frequent theater visits.
AMC Entertainment’s Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesAMC’s shares have surged 118% over the past six months, while the industry gained 3.4%. Over the same period, AMC Entertainment has outperformed industry players like Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (CNK - Free Report) and The Marcus Corporation (MCS - Free Report) .
AMC’s Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, AMC Entertainment stock trades at a forward price-to-sales (P/S) multiple of 0.44, below the industry’s average of 2.56. Cinemark and Marcus have P/S ratios of 1.14 and 0.99, respectively.
AMC Entertainment’s P/S Ratio (Forward 12-Month) vs. Industry
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AMC’s 2026 loss per share of 22 cents indicates a 77.1% year-over-year improvement from a loss of 96 cents. Conversely, industry players like Cinemark and Marcus are likely to witness 2026 earnings growth of 141.4% and 652.9%, respectively.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
AMC’s Zacks RankAMC Entertainment currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AMC) (the âCompanyâ or âAMCâ) announced today that it has successfully completed its previously announced refina
LEAWOOD, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)---- $AMC--AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AMC) (the “Company” or “AMC”) announced today that it has successfully completed its previously announced refinancing of $3.97 billion of its existing debt, including the offering of $2,000 million aggregate principal amount of first lien notes due 2031 (the “Notes”) in a private offering (the “Offering”), borrowing of a new $850 million first lien term loan facility (the “New 1L Term Loan Facility”) and a new second lien t.
AMC Entertainment (AMC - Free Report) is one of the stocks most watched by Zacks.com visitors lately. So, it might be a good idea to review some of the factors that might affect the near-term performance of the stock.
Over the past month, shares of this movie theater operator have returned +8.7%, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.6% change. During this period, the Zacks Leisure and Recreation Services industry, which AMC Entertainment falls in, has lost 5.7%. The key question now is: What could be the stock's future direction?
Although media reports or rumors about a significant change in a company's business prospects usually cause its stock to trend and lead to an immediate price change, there are always certain fundamental factors that ultimately drive the buy-and-hold decision.
Earnings Estimate RevisionsHere at Zacks, we prioritize appraising the change in the projection of a company's future earnings over anything else. That's because we believe the present value of its future stream of earnings is what determines the fair value for its stock.
We essentially look at how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to reflect the impact of the latest business trends. And if earnings estimates go up for a company, the fair value for its stock goes up. A higher fair value than the current market price drives investors' interest in buying the stock, leading to its price moving higher. This is why empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
AMC Entertainment is expected to post a loss of $0.01 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +95.2%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate remained unchanged.
For the current fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of -$0.22 points to a change of +77.1% from the prior year. Over the last 30 days, this estimate has remained unchanged.
For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $0.04 indicates a change of +84.1% from what AMC Entertainment is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has changed -39.1%.
Having a strong externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool, the Zacks Rank, offers a more conclusive picture of a stock's price direction in the near term, since it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. Due to the size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, AMC Entertainment is rated Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
The chart below shows the evolution of the company's forward 12-month consensus EPS estimate:
12 Month EPS
Projected Revenue GrowthWhile earnings growth is arguably the most superior indicator of a company's financial health, nothing happens as such if a business isn't able to grow its revenues. After all, it's nearly impossible for a company to increase its earnings for an extended period without increasing its revenues. So, it's important to know a company's potential revenue growth.
For AMC Entertainment, the consensus sales estimate for the current quarter of $1.45 billion indicates a year-over-year change of +11.7%. For the current and next fiscal years, $5.55 billion and $5.7 billion estimates indicate +14.6% and +2.5% changes, respectively.
Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryAMC Entertainment reported revenues of $1.6 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +14.2%. EPS of $0.14 for the same period compares with $0 a year ago.
Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.51 billion, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +5.78%. The EPS surprise was +1300%.
Over the last four quarters, AMC Entertainment surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times. The company topped consensus revenue estimates each time over this period.
ValuationNo investment decision can be efficient without considering a stock's valuation. Whether a stock's current price rightly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company's growth prospects is an essential determinant of its future price performance.
Comparing the current value of a company's valuation multiples, such as its price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S), and price-to-cash flow (P/CF), to its own historical values helps ascertain whether its stock is fairly valued, overvalued, or undervalued, whereas comparing the company relative to its peers on these parameters gives a good sense of how reasonable its stock price is.
The Zacks Value Style Score (part of the Zacks Style Scores system), which pays close attention to both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics to grade stocks from A to F (an A is better than a B; a B is better than a C; and so on), is pretty helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.
AMC Entertainment is graded B on this front, indicating that it is trading at a discount to its peers. Click here to see the values of some of the valuation metrics that have driven this grade.
ConclusionThe facts discussed here and much other information on Zacks.com might help determine whether or not it's worthwhile paying attention to the market buzz about AMC Entertainment. However, its Zacks Rank #2 does suggest that it may outperform the broader market in the near term.
AMC Entertainment (NYSE:AMC) stock declined on Thursday as a weak broader market backdrop and selling after a sharp rally put pressure on the stock. The stock surged 15.06% on Monday to $3.26 from $2.92, but AMC stock has declined since, despite a small bump on Wednesday.
The Nasdaq is down 0.03% while the S&P 500 has shed 0.19% and Communication Services is lower by 0.8%.
• AMC Entertainment stock is showing notable weakness. Why is AMC stock dropping?
The broader market faces pressure today as U.S. bonds resumed their sell-off on Thursday. Investors continue to believe the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates further to address inflation and strong economic activity. The yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note rose for a fourth consecutive session to 5.33%, reaching its highest level since early 2002, according to Trading Economics.
New Birthday Party ProgramOn Thursday, AMC launched an all-new birthday party booking experience at approximately 300 locations, offering up to 25% savings on private theater rentals. The program includes digital invitations through Evite.
Technical AnalysisEven after Thursday’s drop, AMC is still trading above its key moving averages, which keeps the bigger-picture trend constructive: it’s 1.7% above the 20-day SMA ($2.74) and 5.5% above the 50-day SMA ($2.64). The stock is also 22.5% above the 100-day SMA ($2.28) and 51.6% above the 200-day SMA ($1.84), showing the longer-term recovery remains intact despite the day-to-day volatility.
Momentum is best described as "resetting," not breaking: RSI is 51.27, which is neutral and suggests the stock isn’t stretched to the upside or downside right now.
The trend backdrop still leans bullish, with the 20-day SMA above the 50-day SMA and a Golden Cross (50-day SMA above the 200-day SMA) that occurred in July. From a structure standpoint, AMC is also below its 52-week high of $3.40 (set in September) but well above the 52-week low of 93 cents (set in March), reinforcing that the stock has been in a higher-range regime versus earlier in the year.
Key Resistance: $2.81 Key Support: $2.64 AMC Stock Price Activity: AMC Entertainment shares were down 8.50% at $2.75 at the time of publication on Thursday, according to Benzinga Pro data.
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This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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Key Takeaways AMC's Q2 revenues rose 14.2%, while adjusted EBITDA jumped 69.6% as operating performance improved.Global attendance climbed 13.5% to 71.3 million, with U.S. and international traffic posting solid gains.AMC cut leverage below roughly 6.5 times, but dilution and uneven free cash flow remain key concerns. AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc.'s (AMC - Free Report) shares have gained 13.6% in the past four weeks, bringing the durability of the move into focus. The operating picture has improved as attendance, revenues and profitability recover.
The question is whether those gains can outweigh leverage, dilution and uneven cash generation. Recent results provide support for the rally, but the balance sheet still leaves less room for execution setbacks.
AMC's Q2 Results Add Fundamental SupportSecond-quarter 2026 revenues increased 14.2% year over year to $1.597 billion, topping the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.509 billion by 5.8%. Adjusted earnings were 14 cents per share versus the consensus estimate of 1 cent.
Operating income rose to $238.1 million from $92.6 million a year earlier. The combination of higher revenues and a much larger operating profit gives the recent share-price move a stronger fundamental base than price action alone.
AMC's Attendance Gains Strengthen the RecoveryGlobal attendance increased 13.5% to 71.3 million patrons. U.S. attendance rose 12%, while international attendance advanced 17.9%. U.S. admissions revenues climbed 11.4%, slightly ahead of the 10.7% increase in the domestic industry box office.
The broader exhibition recovery is visible elsewhere. Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (CNK - Free Report) reported an 8.7% increase in U.S. attendance to 40.1 million patrons in the second quarter of 2026. Its higher premium-format mix also contributed to a 4.2% rise in the U.S. average ticket price.
AMC's Margin Expansion Raises Earnings CapacityAdjusted EBITDA increased 69.6% to $321.4 million, while the adjusted EBITDA margin expanded to 20.1% from 13.6%. Roughly 66% of AMC's approximately $200 million of incremental revenues flowed through to adjusted EBITDA.
Premium formats remain another industry earnings lever. IMAX Corporation (IMAX - Free Report) reported second-quarter global box office of $285 million, its highest second-quarter level since 2019, and installed 38 systems during the period. That backdrop supports AMC's continued emphasis on premium auditoriums and higher revenue per guest.
AMC's Balance Sheet Risks Could Cap Further GainsAMC has improved its debt position, but leverage remains elevated. Management indicated leverage had fallen below roughly 6.5 times, still above its longer-term objective near 3 times.
Equity financing and debt conversions have helped liquidity and reduced obligations, but they also dilute existing shareholders. AMC generated $190.1 million of free cash flow in the second quarter, yet working-capital seasonality means that result should not be extrapolated across the full year. Sustained annual positive free cash flow remains unproven.
AMC's Growth Signal Supports the Momentum CaseThe recent rally has operating support, but its durability still depends on continued box-office recovery, margin discipline and further balance-sheet progress. The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), which points to a favorable short-term earnings-estimate revision trend.
AMC also has a Growth Score of A and VGM Score of A, while its Value Score and Momentum Score are both C. The combination favors the growth profile within the Zacks framework, while the midrange Value and Momentum Scores keep the setup from being uniformly strong across styles.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Key Takeaways AMC's Q2 attendance rose 13.5% to 71.3M patrons, driving a 14.2% revenue increase to $1.597B.Adjusted EBITDA climbed 69.6% to $321.4M as costs rose just 4.1% and margins expanded to 20.1%.AMC generated $190.1M in free cash flow, though seasonal swings still cloud the full-year outlook. AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (AMC - Free Report) posted a sharp second-quarter improvement as higher theater traffic lifted revenues and adjusted EBITDA. Attendance rose at a double-digit rate, while operating costs increased much more slowly than revenues.
The quarter shows how quickly AMC's earnings can improve when box-office demand strengthens. The next test is whether that operating leverage can hold as the theatrical recovery continues and seasonal cash-flow swings remain part of the business.
AMC's Q2 Attendance Rebound Drives Revenue GrowthSecond-quarter attendance increased 13.5% year over year to 71.3 million patrons, helping total revenues rise 14.2% to $1.597 billion. U.S. market revenues advanced 13% to $1.26 billion, while international market revenues increased 19.2% to $338.1 million.
The improvement was broad across geographies. U.S. attendance rose 12% to 52.5 million patrons, while international attendance increased 17.9% to 18.8 million. Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (CNK - Free Report) also reported higher traffic in the quarter, with U.S. attendance increasing 8.7% to 40.1 million patrons, underscoring the wider recovery in moviegoing demand.
AMC's Cost Discipline Expands EBITDA MarginsAMC's total operating costs and expenses increased 4.1% to $1.36 billion, well below the pace of revenue growth. Operating income climbed to $238.1 million from $92.6 million in the year-ago quarter.
Adjusted EBITDA increased 69.6% to $321.4 million, while the adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 650 basis points to 20.1% from 13.6%. About 66% of the roughly $200 million in incremental revenues flowed through to adjusted EBITDA, showing the earnings sensitivity of AMC's cost structure when attendance and spending improve.
AMC's Premium Strategy Lifts Per-Patron EconomicsFood and beverage revenues rose 15.3% to $576.1 million, while food and beverage revenues per patron increased 1.6% to $8.08. AMC also uses premium screens, merchandise and loyalty programs to capture spending beyond the base admission ticket.
The premium-format opportunity remains relevant across the industry. IMAX Corporation (IMAX - Free Report) generated $285 million in second-quarter global box office, its highest second-quarter level since 2019. AMC operates roughly 750 premium and extra-large-format auditoriums globally, giving it additional exposure to customers willing to pay for differentiated viewing experiences.
AMC's Cash Flow Recovery Still Needs ProofNet cash provided by operating activities was $235.4 million in the second quarter, up from $138.4 million a year earlier. Free cash flow reached $190.1 million, compared with $88.9 million in the prior-year period.
That quarterly performance does not yet establish a full-year cash-flow trend. AMC has said working capital generally contributes cash in the second and fourth quarters and uses cash in the first and third quarters. The company still needs further improvement to reach sustainable annual free cash flow breakeven.
AMC's Growth Signals Back the Earnings RecoveryAMC's second-quarter results show stronger attendance, better cost absorption and improved cash generation, but the durability of those gains still depends on the box-office recovery and continued execution. The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), signaling a favorable near-term earnings-estimate revision profile.
AMC also has a Growth Score of A and a VGM Score of A. Its Value Score of C and Momentum Score of C are more moderate. Within the Zacks Style Scores framework, that mix gives the clearest support to the growth case while leaving valuation and momentum as less favorable parts of the setup.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Key Takeaways AMC's 2026 revenues are projected to rise 14.6%, while its annual loss is expected to narrow sharply.Premium formats support revenue potential as AMC operates roughly 750 premium and extra-large auditoriums.AMC's borrowings fell to $3.91B, but leverage remains high and equity issuance continues to dilute holders. AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (AMC - Free Report) is showing clearer operating progress as moviegoing demand improves and earnings losses narrow. The recovery is supported by higher revenues, premium-format expansion and stronger spending per guest.
The investment case is less straightforward because leverage remains high, equity issuance has diluted shareholders and AMC's current sales multiple sits above its own five-year median. Those factors leave investors weighing a better operating trajectory against continuing balance-sheet risk.
AMC's Growth Case Is ImprovingThe Zacks Consensus Estimate calls for 2026 revenues of $5.56 billion, up 14.6% from $4.85 billion in 2025. The annual loss estimate narrows to 22 cents per share from a loss of 96 cents in 2025, showing a sharp improvement in expected earnings.
Second-quarter results support that direction. Revenues rose 14.2% year over year to $1.597 billion, while adjusted EBITDA increased 69.6% to $321.4 million. The adjusted EBITDA margin expanded to 20.1% from 13.6%, indicating stronger earnings conversion as attendance and spending recovered.
AMC's Premium Formats Lift Revenue PotentialAMC operates roughly 750 premium and extra-large-format auditoriums globally, including IMAX, Dolby Cinema, in-house premium formats and XL screens. U.S. IMAX and Dolby Cinema tickets typically carry premiums of about $6-$7 over traditional auditoriums, while XL screens command roughly a 10% premium.
The premium-format theme is visible across the industry. Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (CNK - Free Report) said higher premium-format mix helped lift its U.S. average ticket price 4.2% in the second quarter of 2026. IMAX Corporation (IMAX - Free Report) reported $285 million in second-quarter global box office, its highest second-quarter level since 2019, reinforcing the demand for differentiated theatrical experiences.
AMC's Valuation Sends a Mixed SignalAMC trades at 0.47X forward 12-month sales, well below 2.52X for its sub-industry and 2.13X for the Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector. On a peer and sector basis, the stock therefore screens at a sizable discount.
The comparison with AMC's own history is less favorable. Its five-year median forward sales multiple is 0.36X, below the current level, while the five-year range spans 0.11X to 5.37X. The stock can look inexpensive relative to outside benchmarks without being unusually cheap versus its own recent trading history.
AMC's Debt and Dilution Keep Risk ElevatedCorporate borrowings on a principal basis stood at $3.91 billion at June 30, 2026, down from $4.02 billion at the end of 2025. Management indicated leverage had fallen below roughly 6.5 times, but that remains well above its longer-term objective of about 3 times.
Refinancing has pushed expected material debt maturities out to 2029 and should reduce interest costs. At the same time, AMC has used equity offerings and debt-for-equity conversions to strengthen liquidity and reduce obligations. Those actions improve financial flexibility but expand the share base and can limit how much companywide improvement reaches each existing share.
AMC's Rating Profile Favors Growth Over ValueAMC's operating outlook is improving, but the balance sheet and valuation context still require monitoring. The stock's near-term setup is helped by stronger earnings expectations, while leverage and dilution keep the risk profile elevated.
AMC currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), which signals a favorable short-term earnings-estimate revision trend. It also has a Growth Score of A and a VGM Score of A. Its Value Score of C and Momentum Score of C are more moderate, indicating that growth characteristics stand out more clearly than value or momentum within the Zacks Style Scores framework.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
AMC Theatres® Partners With Evite to Launch New Value-Priced Birthday Party Experience AMC Theatres® (NYSE: AMC) today announced the launch of an all-new birthday party booking experience, offering families and groups an enhanced movie theatre birthday celebration at a great value. With pricing that can provide savings of up to 25% when booking a private theatre rental event, the redesigned program combines a streamlined online booking process, new food and beverage options, and integrated digital invitations through a partnership with Evite.
Available beginning today at AMC Birthday Parties, the upgraded birthday party platform leverages AMC's Private Theatre Rentals program and enables guests to easily plan and customize their celebration from start to finish. The refreshed experience will be available at approximately 300 AMC locations nationwide, with expanded showtime availability and new options designed specifically for birthday celebrations and group events. The program comes as movie-theatre birthday parties on Evite are attracting significantly larger groups, with AMC-hosted party attendance up nearly 25% year-over-year, according to data from Evite.
The refreshed birthday party program delivers a combination of value, convenience, and customization, including:
Up to 25% Savings on Birthday Party Bookings: Guests can enjoy meaningful savings when booking a private theatre rental birthday party, creating an upgraded moviegoing celebration that delivers real value for party planners.Streamlined Online Booking: A redesigned digital journey allows guests to quickly browse availability, select showtimes, and complete reservations in one place.Integrated Evite Partnership: Through AMC’s partnership with Evite, guests can create and send custom AMC-branded digital invitations and manage their guest list, all within a connected experience.Enhanced Food & Beverage Options: Guests can choose from new birthday-focused food and beverage packages designed for group celebrations, including shareable party packs with popcorn, drinks, hot dogs, and kid-friendly treats like Dippin’ Dots.Improved Communication and Planning Tools: Guests benefit from clearer confirmation details and marketing support throughout the planning process. With nearly 70% of Evite’s movie-theatre events representing kid and teen birthdays—typically planned 25 days in advance for peak weekend slots—the integrated tools give parents a hassle-free, all-in-one planning solution.“With savings of up to 25% on private theatre rentals, AMC is making birthday parties a great value for families and friends looking to celebrate on the big screen,” said Ellen Copaken, SVP Business Development. “Combined with our new booking platform, enhanced food and beverage offerings, and a strong lineup of family-friendly and action-adventure movies still to come in 2026, it's now easier than ever to plan a private and memorable movie theatre birthday party event.”
“We’ve seen a powerful trend toward larger group gatherings at the cinema,” said David Yeom, CEO of Evite. “Nearly 70% of theatre events hosted on Evite are kid and teen birthdays, and whether it’s a milestone birthday or a fan watch party, people are craving those shared, face-to-face experiences. AMC is already the top-named theatre destination on our platform by a wide margin. Our goal is always to make party planning effortless, and by partnering with AMC, we are able to remove the friction for busy hosts—seamlessly bridging the gap between a digital invitation and a memorable night at the cinema.”
Together, these enhancements make AMC birthday parties easier to plan while delivering meaningful savings for party planners looking to celebrate with a big screen experience. From booking and invitations to food, beverages, and the movie itself, AMC now offers a more seamless birthday party celebration from start to finish.
Birthday Party Events pricing varies based on location, time of day, and day of the week, and can be booked one to six weeks in advance of an event, depending on theatrical release plans of specific titles.
The discount is based on the full-price adult ticket for a comparable showtime at maximum capacity and will vary by location.
To learn more or to book a birthday party, visit https://www.amctheatres.com/birthday-parties.
ABOUT AMC ENTERTAINMENT HOLDINGS, INC.
AMC is the largest movie exhibition company in the United States, the largest in Europe and the largest throughout the world with approximately 850 theatres and 9,600 screens across the globe. AMC has propelled innovation in the exhibition industry by: deploying its signature power-recliner seats; delivering enhanced food and beverage choices; generating greater guest engagement through its loyalty and subscription programs, website, and mobile apps; offering premium large format experiences and playing a wide variety of content including the latest Hollywood releases and independent programming. For more information, visit amctheatres.com.
ABOUT EVITE
Evite is America's go-to destination for all things party. Since launching in 1998, Evite has elevated the standard for the event planning industry while evolving from an invitation company to a fully integrated ecosystem of customizable invitation and greeting card designs, RSVP tracking, event reminders, guest messaging and contact management. Evite brings together people to make celebrating face-to-face effortless and more memorable. To date, the company has sent nearly three billion invitations. Visit www.evite.com or download the app to start planning and get inspired.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261001736594/en/
Disclosures I/we have no positions in any stocks mentioned, and have no plans to buy any new positions in the stocks mentioned within the next 72 hours.
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AMC Entertainment (AMC - Free Report) closed the most recent trading day at $3.08, moving -6.38% from the previous trading session. This change lagged the S&P 500's 0.17% loss on the day. Elsewhere, the Dow saw a downswing of 0.26%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq depreciated by 0.09%.
Shares of the movie theater operator have appreciated by 24.62% over the course of the past month, outperforming the Consumer Discretionary sector's loss of 8.3%, and the S&P 500's loss of 0.24%.
The investment community will be paying close attention to the earnings performance of AMC Entertainment in its upcoming release. The company is expected to report EPS of -$0.01, up 95.24% from the prior-year quarter. Alongside, our most recent consensus estimate is anticipating revenue of $1.45 billion, indicating a 11.68% upward movement from the same quarter last year.
For the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates project earnings of -$0.22 per share and a revenue of $5.55 billion, demonstrating changes of +77.08% and +14.56%, respectively, from the preceding year.
Any recent changes to analyst estimates for AMC Entertainment should also be noted by investors. Such recent modifications usually signify the changing landscape of near-term business trends. Hence, positive alterations in estimates signify analyst optimism regarding the business and profitability.
Our research suggests that these changes in estimates have a direct relationship with upcoming stock price performance. To utilize this, we have created the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model that integrates these estimate changes and provides a functional rating system.
The Zacks Rank system, which ranges from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Within the past 30 days, our consensus EPS projection remained stagnant. Right now, AMC Entertainment possesses a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).
The Leisure and Recreation Services industry is part of the Consumer Discretionary sector. This industry currently has a Zacks Industry Rank of 170, which puts it in the bottom 31% of all 250+ industries.
The strength of our individual industry groups is measured by the Zacks Industry Rank, which is calculated based on the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within these groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Be sure to follow all of these stock-moving metrics, and many more, on Zacks.com.
Buy AMC Entertainment (AMC) for a momentum + fundamentals squeeze. The $3.9B refinancing extends maturities and funds debt buybacks, reducing near-term pressure, while revenue is accelerating (Q2 revenue +14.2%). Chart confirms trend: golden cross, above $2.95 resistance, above Ichimoku cloud/Supertrend. Targets: $3.60 then $4.08.
Key Risk: A refinancing deal falls apart or gets renegotiated worse, forcing AMC to cut liquidity and sell equity/debt to survive.
AMC sell into $3.60
Sell/trim AMC (AMC) into strength near $3.60 (recent high). The stock is already parabolic since April; even with good news, upside can stall as traders lock profits and short-term buyers chase. Use $3.60 as the profit-taking level; if it breaks, you can re-enter higher, but don’t assume straight-line gains.
Key Risk: AMC breaks and holds above $3.60 on heavy volume, turning profit-taking into a breakout that runs toward $4.08.
AMC Entertainment stock has gone parabolic since April, moving from the year-to-date low of $0.9291 to $3.30 today. It has already formed a golden cross pattern, pointing to further gains, helped by two major tailwinds: debt refinancing and revenue growth.
The main catalyst for the rally is that the company has announced a $3.9 billion debt refinancing package that extends the maturity dates of its existing loans. By doing that, the company will focus on turning around its business without putting much emphasis on debt repayments.
The loans in this package are an $850 million first-lien term loan, a second-lien term loan worth $1.1 billion, and a new $2 billion first-lien loan due in 2031. By doing this, the company gets two extra years to handle its debt and gives it money to buy back existing debt.
AMC is a highly indebted company, with over $3.7 billion in long-term debt and capital leases worth over $3.2 billion. Its total liabilities have fallen to $9.4 billion, down from over $12.6 billion in 2022.
The ongoing improvements are coming at a time when the company’s growth is continuing, helped by some of the top blockbusters. The most notable ones are Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Odyssey, Toy Story, Michael, and Pegasus 3.
On the other hand, some of the movies expected to do well this year are The Hunger Games, Street Fighter, Avengers, and Jumanji.
These numbers mean that the company’s revenue growth will continue in the near term. The average estimate among analysts is that its revenue will by 13.2% to $1.47 billion. Its annual revenue is expected to jump by 14.8% to $5.57 billion, followed by $5.8 billion last year.
The most recent results showed that its second-quarter revenue rose by 14.2% to $1.59 billion, bringing its first-half figure to $2.64 billion. In his statement, Adam Aron, the CEO and big investor, said:
“In our 106-year history, never before has AMC had such superb results. In the second quarter of 2026, AMC reported higher quarterly revenue and higher quarterly Adjusted EBITDA than in any quarter in more than a century.”
AMC stock chart | Source: TradingView
The daily chart shows that AMC shares have staged a strong comeback in the past few months. This rebound happened after the stock bottomed out at $0.9291 in August.
It formed a golden cross pattern on July 28 as the 50-day and 200-day moving averages crossed each other. Also, it has moved above the crucial resistance level of $2.95, the upper side of the ascending triangle pattern.
AMC has also remained above the Ichimoku cloud and the Supertrend indicators. Therefore, the path of the least resistance is upward, with the next key target to watch being at $3.60, its highest level on July 21. A move above that level will point to more gains towards $4.08, its highest level on May 28.
Have you ever walked out of a movie theater during a screening, only to realize that you missed a pretty good flick? A lot of former AMC Entertainment (AMC -3.02%) investors and speculators probably feel that way.
Shares of the country's leading multiplex operator popped 12% on Monday, a day when most portfolios took on water. The surprising pop this week did something else, pushing the stock to more than double so far this year. In a year when two of the biggest theatrical releases in the horror genre came from low-budget movies made by 20-something YouTubers, it's only fitting that AMC is the unexpected market darling of 2026.
It may not seem sustainable, and AMC still has one of the ugliest five-year charts on the market. But dismissing AMC's present and future based on its brutal portfolio-mauling past could be a lost opportunity. You were right when you thought that AMC's surge in 2021 wasn't sustainable as the fundamentals were deteriorating. Why do you think the bears are right now when the fundamentals are on the rise?
Image source: Getty Images.
Reel intentions AMC stock is now 111% higher in 2026. Yes, it's also still down 99.1% over the last five years. I'm not here to debate the wisdom of buying the stock in 2021. I'm here to discuss the turnaround that so many investors continue to doubt.
Folks are coming back to the silver screen. Domestic ticket sales have topped $7.7 billion this year, 20% ahead of where they were a year ago. U.S. theaters will top $10 billion in box office receipts for the first time since the pandemic, a mark they reached for 11 consecutive years through 2019.
The news gets even better once you walk into your local multiplex. AMC and its peers have gotten better about boosting their food and beverage offerings. The concessions stand is now brimming with a wider variety of culinary offerings and big-ticket collectibles themed to current releases. This is big because it is where exhibitors rake in high-margin revenue. Ticket sales accounted for just 56% of revenue in AMC's latest quarter.
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It's the 2026 double that few saw coming There are 90 stocks larger than AMC that have more than doubled this year. They are mostly tech, energy, and biotech plays. There aren't many consumer stocks outside of AMC that have gone on market-thumping runs, but after years of suppressed potential and admitted mismanagement, the country's top dog in silver screens is finally golden to the point where even CEO Adam Aron can't fumble the opportunity.
It's been just a couple of weeks since I became an AMC shareholder, something I never thought would happen. There comes a point where a punchline learns to pack a punch. Fighting the future based on the past can be a mistake. After seeing smaller theater chains turn profitable on a full-year basis, AMC is now closing in on that moment.
It won't happen this year. It may not even happen in 2027, even though analysts have slashed their AMC loss projections in half since the last financial update. Wall Street pros do see the bottom line fading to black come 2028, but don't be surprised if it happens sooner. It's been a year of pleasant surprises for AMC, and the year isn't over yet.
AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc. (NYSE:AMC) shares are trading flat Tuesday morning, holding steady following an over 10% surge on Monday as investors continue to evaluate the theater chain’s debt refinancing progress and alternative content strategy.
AMC Entertainment Hldgs stock is showing positive momentum. Where is AMC stock headed? Balance Sheet Restructuring and Maturity Extension The equity’s recent momentum reflects market digestion of a major $3.97 billion gross-proceeds debt refinancing package finalized late last week. Following a cash tender offer launched on September 21, for its 7.5% senior secured notes due 2029, AMC priced $2 billion in 8.875% first lien notes due 2031 and $850 million in first-lien term loans on September 23.
Coupled with a $1.12 billion second-lien term loan, the comprehensive restructuring successfully extends AMC’s primary maturity obligations out to 2031, securing a multi-year operational runway despite incurring higher interest costs.
Non-Traditional Screen Monetization and Leawood Films Alongside capital improvements, AMC is actively expanding non-traditional content channels to maximize screen utilization outside peak Hollywood release windows. On September 8, the exhibitor announced an exclusive agreement to air the 2026 Rocket League World Championship Finals across 50 domestic theaters.
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This esports initiative follows the August 31 launch of Leawood Films, a newly formed internal distribution arm designed to secure fully financed or completed independent features for theatrical distribution, providing a supplementary revenue stream to complement traditional studio slates.
AMC Stock Pauses Tuesday MorningAMC Price Action: AMC Entertainment shares were down 0.29% at $3.28 during premarket trading on Tuesday. The stock is trading near its 52-week high of $3.40, according to Benzinga Pro data.
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AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc. (NYSE:AMC) shares are trading slightly lower Friday afternoon despite a slight upward price target adjustment from Wall Street.
Here’s what investors need to know.
AMC Entertainment stock is trending lower. Why is AMC stock retreating? Citi Target Hike and Analyst ColorThe downward pressure follows a research note issued Friday by Citigroup analyst Jason Bazinet, who maintained a Sell rating on the theater chain while raising his 12-month price target from $1.80 to $2.20.
Providing color in the update, the analyst noted that while the broader box office recovery has shown some incremental improvement to justify the minor target increase, deep structural headwinds remain.
Bazinet’s reiterated Sell rating reflects ongoing concerns surrounding the company’s elevated leverage, the persistent risk of further shareholder dilution and structurally pressured theatrical attendance trends.
Despite some stabilization, ticket volumes remain below pre-pandemic levels, which limits the company’s operating leverage and constrains sustainable free cash flow generation.
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Debt Profile and Dilution OverhangWhile the $2.20 price target represents a slight bump, it still implies downside from the stock’s current trading levels. Investors continue to remain highly cautious as AMC continues to navigate its massive debt load and interest expenses.
Because the company frequently relies on external financing maneuvers, including debt-for-equity swaps and at-the-market share offerings to manage its maturity profile and preserve liquidity, the looming threat of continued equity dilution potentially keeps a ceiling on near-term trading momentum.
AMC Price Action: AMC Entertainment Hldgs shares were down 1.03% at $2.88 at the time of publication on Friday, according to Benzinga Pro data.
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Paramount’s 30-Film Promise Puts AMC Back in the Box Office ConversationAMC Entertainment NYSE: AMC shareholders rejected several corporate-governance amendments at the company’s 2026 annual meeting, while approving an increase in shares available under its equity incentive plan and electing three Class 3 directors.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Adam Aron said the meeting had a quorum, with approximately 553 million shares, or about 62% of the 892.6 million shares outstanding as of the record date, voted before the meeting. For non-routine matters where brokers could not vote at their discretion, participation was approximately 42%, according to General Counsel and Secretary Edwin Gladbach.
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Shareholders Reject Governance Amendments MarketBeat Week in Review – 05/04 - 05/08A proposal to declassify AMC’s board, shorten existing director terms and remove restrictions on the number of directors failed because it did not receive support from a majority of outstanding shares. The failure meant shareholders proceeded to elect Class 3 directors for terms ending at the 2029 annual meeting.
Denise Clark, Sonia Jain and Keri Putnam were elected as directors. Shareholders also rejected proposals that would have eliminated the prohibition on stockholder action by written consent and removed limits on stockholders’ ability to call special meetings.
A Prada Payday: Is AMC Back in Style?Meanwhile, shareholders approved an amendment to the company’s 2024 Equity Incentive Plan that increases the number of common shares available under the plan. They also ratified Ernst & Young LLP as AMC’s independent public accounting firm for 2026.
The advisory vote on named executive officer compensation did not receive support from a majority of votes cast. Shareholders approved holding the non-binding executive-compensation vote annually. They also approved a proposal permitting adjournment if needed for additional proxy solicitation, though AMC said an adjournment was not necessary.
Aron said that some governance measures have received a majority of votes cast but failed to clear the higher Delaware-law threshold requiring approval by a majority of shares outstanding. He encouraged investors to vote at future meetings.
Refinancing Expected to Close in October During the shareholder question-and-answer session, Aron said AMC had priced a refinancing transaction involving $3.97 billion of new term loans and bonds in a private offering. The transaction is expected to close on or around Oct. 5, subject to customary closing conditions.
AMC expects to use the proceeds to refinance its existing term loan, Odeon term loan and certain other outstanding indebtedness. Aron said the company could not publicly comment further on the transaction before closing.
Management Cites Box Office Recovery Aron attributed much of AMC’s prior share-price pressure to a slower-than-expected post-pandemic recovery in the movie theater industry. He said domestic box office in 2023, 2024 and 2025 was between $8.7 billion and $9 billion annually, about 20% below the level of the five years before COVID-19.
He said industry box office has improved substantially since March 2026, following releases including Project Hail Mary. Aron said AMC’s stock price had approximately tripled from its March 2026 low of $0.93 per share, while the company’s first-half EBITDA was $228 million above the prior-year period.
Aron did not provide earnings guidance for 2028 or other future periods, reiterating that AMC does not issue formal financial guidance. However, he said management viewed the movie release slate for the balance of 2026, 2027 and 2028 favorably and was “bullish” on the industry’s prospects.
Revenue Per Patron and Cost Controls Chief Financial Officer Sean Goodman said AMC has focused on improving profitability through higher revenue and profit per patron while managing costs. He said food-and-beverage offerings, movie-themed merchandise, alcoholic beverages and themed cocktails have helped increase revenue per patron.
Goodman said AMC’s revenue per patron and profit per patron were more than 50% above 2019 levels, while costs had not risen at the same rate. He also said consolidated rent expense in 2025 was slightly lower than it had been in 2019, despite inflation over the intervening period.
Aron said the company closed roughly 200 older theaters following the pandemic and opened about 60 new theaters, which he said generate more revenue than the closed locations. He also highlighted AMC Stubs, A-List, premium large-format screens, laser projection and movie-themed merchandise as contributors to revenue growth. Aron said movie-themed merchandise sales were trending toward $100 million in annual global revenue.
Addressing questions about tokenization and brand use, Aron said AMC objected to Robinhood’s offering of stock tokens to non-U.S. persons through a Jersey-based subsidiary. He said the Securities and Exchange Commission had subsequently issued guidance that, in his view, supported companies’ ability to object to tokenization of their securities. Aron also said AMC was aware of alleged trademark infringement involving meme coins and intended to pursue “strong action” after its refinancing closes.
About AMC Entertainment (NYSE:AMC)AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc is a movie exhibition company that operates cinemas in the United States and internationally. Its theaters show first-run films and offer a range of viewing formats, including premium large-screen, enhanced sound and 3D experiences, along with reserved seating and other in-theater amenities.
The company generates revenue primarily from movie admissions and the sale of food and beverages, including popcorn, drinks and other concessions. AMC also operates advertising and promotional programs, loyalty offerings through AMC Stubs, and initiatives that extend its cinema brand beyond traditional theater operations, including the sale of AMC-branded popcorn through retail channels.
AMC traces its history to 1920, when the Dubinsky Brothers opened their first theater in Kansas City, Missouri.
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Should You Invest $1,000 in AMC Entertainment Right Now?Before you consider AMC Entertainment, you'll want to hear this.
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Key Takeaways AMC's food, beverage and merchandise revenues rose 15.3% year over year in Q2 2026.AMC expects movie-themed merchandise revenues to exceed $100 million in the U.S. and Europe in 2026.Premium and XL screens drove more than 50% of The Odyssey's ticket gross despite being 8% of screens. AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (AMC - Free Report) is finding new ways to increase revenues beyond ticket sales, helping strengthen its financial performance as the box office recovers. In the second quarter of 2026, food, beverage and merchandise revenues rose 15.3% year over year, while other revenues increased 16.1%. Management also said food and beverage revenue per patron and total revenue per patron reached record levels in both the United States and international markets.
One notable growth avenue is movie-themed merchandise. AMC said the business generated no revenues four years ago but is expected to exceed $100 million in combined U.S. and European revenues in 2026. Movie-themed popcorn containers have also contributed to higher food and beverage spending.
Premium formats provide another opportunity. AMC's IMAX and Dolby auditoriums typically command a $6-$7 ticket premium, while XL screens carry smaller premiums. Management noted that premium and XL screens accounted for about 8% of screens but generated more than 50% of The Odyssey's ticket gross.
The key question is whether these initiatives can sustain per-patron growth as movie attendance normalizes. AMC's expanding merchandise business, premium offerings and food innovations provide multiple avenues to lift spending without relying solely on ticket-price increases. However, management cautioned that future pricing strategies could not be discussed, leaving the pace of further per-patron gains uncertain.
AMC Entertainment’s Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesAMC’s shares have surged 189.8% over the past six months, while the industry fell 5.4%. Over the same period, AMC Entertainment has outperformed industry players like Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (CNK - Free Report) and The Marcus Corporation (MCS - Free Report) .
AMC’s Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, AMC Entertainment stock trades at a forward price-to-sales (P/S) multiple of 0.45, below the industry’s average of 2.49. Cinemark and Marcus have P/S ratios of 1.14 and 1.03, respectively.
AMC Entertainment’s P/S Ratio (Forward 12-Month) vs. Industry
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AMC’s 2026 loss per share of 22 cents indicates a 77.1% year-over-year improvement from a loss of 96 cents. Conversely, industry players like Cinemark and Marcus are likely to witness 2026 earnings growth of 131.7% and 652.9%, respectively.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
AMC’s Zacks RankAMC Entertainment currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
AMC Entertainment (NYSE:AMC) stock fell Thursday following the pricing of a $3.97 billion debt refinancing package announced after Wednesday's market close.
LEAWOOD, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)---- $AMC--AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AMC) (the “Company,” or “AMC”), announced today that it has priced $2,000 million aggregate principal amount of 8.875% first lien notes due 2031 (the “Notes”) in a private offering (the “Offering”). The Company also announced that it has priced $850 million of first lien term loans, bearing interest at SOFR plus 4.50% with an original issue discount of 1.50%, to be incurred under a new term loan facility (the “New 1L Term L.
In the latest close session, AMC Entertainment (AMC - Free Report) was down 3.37% at $2.87. This move lagged the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.76%. Elsewhere, the Dow saw a downswing of 0.68%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq depreciated by 1.13%.
The stock of movie theater operator has risen by 12.07% in the past month, leading the Consumer Discretionary sector's loss of 7.55% and the S&P 500's gain of 1.26%.
The investment community will be paying close attention to the earnings performance of AMC Entertainment in its upcoming release. The company's earnings per share (EPS) are projected to be -$0.01, reflecting a 95.24% increase from the same quarter last year. Simultaneously, our latest consensus estimate expects the revenue to be $1.45 billion, showing a 11.68% escalation compared to the year-ago quarter.
For the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates are projecting earnings of -$0.22 per share and revenue of $5.55 billion, which would represent changes of +77.08% and +14.56%, respectively, from the prior year.
It is also important to note the recent changes to analyst estimates for AMC Entertainment. Recent revisions tend to reflect the latest near-term business trends. Therefore, positive revisions in estimates convey analysts' confidence in the business performance and profit potential.
Empirical research indicates that these revisions in estimates have a direct correlation with impending stock price performance. To exploit this, we've formed the Zacks Rank, a quantitative model that includes these estimate changes and presents a viable rating system.
Ranging from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), the Zacks Rank system has a proven, outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks returning an average of +25% annually since 1988. The Zacks Consensus EPS estimate remained stagnant within the past month. AMC Entertainment currently has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).
The Leisure and Recreation Services industry is part of the Consumer Discretionary sector. This industry currently has a Zacks Industry Rank of 184, which puts it in the bottom 26% of all 250+ industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank assesses the strength of our separate industry groups by calculating the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks contained within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Be sure to use Zacks.com to monitor all these stock-influencing metrics, and more, throughout the forthcoming trading sessions.
You're not the first to dismiss AMC Entertainment (AMC -2.02%) as an investment. The country's largest movie theater operator has one of the market's ugliest long-term charts. The shares are down 99.3% over the last five years.
If you're a fan of Hollywood endings, check this out: AMC stock has soared 90% this year. Yes, the chart was a lot uglier earlier this year.
Image source: Getty Images.
AMC is back The theater chain that every reasonable investor had forgotten about is quietly gaining momentum. Unlike its last rally in the spring of 2021, this isn't a meme-stock frenzy catapulting a nostalgic brand to the stratosphere. No one was going to the corner multiplex five years ago. The movies that did come out in theaters were mostly garbage.
It's a different world these days. Domestic exhibitors will top $10 billion in box office receipts for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. Folks are coming back to see movies on the silver screen, and they're spending more on food, beverages, and collectibles than they ever have.
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There are now more than 40 million members of the AMC Stubs loyalty club, and they are actually loyal this time. By the end of this year, there will only be one other year when more individual movies topped $1 billion in ticket sales worldwide.
People laughed at me earlier this month when I wrote about becoming an AMC shareholder. The stock was up just 58% at the time, so who's laughing now? I'll tell you who is laughing: folks at movie theaters. They're laughing. They're crying. They're cheering. They're squinting during tense moments.
Like sitting through a sea of trailers before a movie starts, investors had to wait a long time for this moment. And now, our feature presentation. Enjoy the show.
Rick Munarriz has positions in AMC Entertainment. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Investors might want to bet on AMC Entertainment (AMC - Free Report) , as it has been recently upgraded to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). This upgrade primarily reflects an upward trend in earnings estimates, which is one of the most powerful forces impacting stock prices.
The sole determinant of the Zacks rating is a company's changing earnings picture. The Zacks Consensus Estimate -- the consensus of EPS estimates from the sell-side analysts covering the stock -- for the current and following years is tracked by the system.
Individual investors often find it hard to make decisions based on rating upgrades by Wall Street analysts, since these are mostly driven by subjective factors that are hard to see and measure in real time. In these situations, the Zacks rating system comes in handy because of the power of a changing earnings picture in determining near-term stock price movements.
Therefore, the Zacks rating upgrade for AMC Entertainment basically reflects positivity about its earnings outlook that could translate into buying pressure and an increase in its stock price.
Most Powerful Force Impacting Stock PricesThe change in a company's future earnings potential, as reflected in earnings estimate revisions, has proven to be strongly correlated with the near-term price movement of its stock. The influence of institutional investors has a partial contribution to this relationship, as these big professionals use earnings and earnings estimates to calculate the fair value of a company's shares. An increase or decrease in earnings estimates in their valuation models simply results in higher or lower fair value for a stock, and institutional investors typically buy or sell it. Their transaction of large amounts of shares then leads to price movement for the stock.
Fundamentally speaking, rising earnings estimates and the consequent rating upgrade for AMC Entertainment imply an improvement in the company's underlying business. Investors should show their appreciation for this improving business trend by pushing the stock higher.
Harnessing the Power of Earnings Estimate RevisionsAs empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock movements, tracking such revisions for making an investment decision could be truly rewarding. Here is where the tried-and-tested Zacks Rank stock-rating system plays an important role, as it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions.
The Zacks Rank stock-rating system, which uses four factors related to earnings estimates to classify stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive externally-audited track record, with Zacks Rank #1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .
Earnings Estimate Revisions for AMC EntertainmentFor the fiscal year ending December 2026, this movie theater operator is expected to earn -$0.22 per share, which is unchanged compared with the year-ago reported number.
Analysts have been steadily raising their estimates for AMC Entertainment. Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company has increased 45.2%.
Bottom LineUnlike the overly optimistic Wall Street analysts whose rating systems tend to be weighted toward favorable recommendations, the Zacks rating system maintains an equal proportion of "buy" and "sell" ratings for its entire universe of more than 4,000 stocks at any point in time. Irrespective of market conditions, only the top 5% of the Zacks-covered stocks get a "Strong Buy" rating and the next 15% get a "Buy" rating. So, the placement of a stock in the top 20% of the Zacks-covered stocks indicates its superior earnings estimate revision feature, making it a solid candidate for producing market-beating returns in the near term.
You can learn more about the Zacks Rank here >>>
The upgrade of AMC Entertainment to a Zacks Rank #2 positions it in the top 20% of the Zacks-covered stocks in terms of estimate revisions, implying that the stock might move higher in the near term.
Momentum investing is essentially an exception to the idea of "buying low and selling high." Investors following this style of investing are usually not interested in betting on cheap stocks and waiting long for them to recover. Instead, they believe that "buying high and selling higher" is the way to make far more money in lesser time.
Everyone likes betting on fast-moving trending stocks, but it isn't easy to determine the right entry point. These stocks often lose momentum when their future growth potential fails to justify their swelled-up valuation. In that phase, investors find themselves invested in shares that have limited to no upside or even a downside. So, betting on a stock just by looking at the traditional momentum parameters could be risky at times.
A safer approach could be investing in bargain stocks with recent price momentum. While the Zacks Momentum Style Score (part of the Zacks Style Scores system) helps identify great momentum stocks by paying close attention to trends in a stock's price or earnings, our 'Fast-Paced Momentum at a Bargain' screen comes handy in spotting fast-moving stocks that are still attractively priced.
AMC Entertainment (AMC - Free Report) is one of the several great candidates that made it through the screen. While there are numerous reasons why this stock is a great choice, here are the most vital ones:
A dash of recent price momentum reflects growing interest of investors in a stock. With a four-week price change of 8.2%, the stock of this movie theater operator is certainly well-positioned in this regard.
While any stock can see a spike in price for a short period, it takes a real momentum player to deliver positive returns for a longer time frame. AMC meets this criterion too, as the stock gained 42.4% over the past 12 weeks.
Moreover, the momentum for AMC is fast paced, as the stock currently has a beta of 2.01. This indicates that the stock moves 101% higher than the market in either direction.
Given this price performance, it is no surprise that AMC has a Momentum Score of B, which indicates that this is the right time to enter the stock to take advantage of the momentum with the highest probability of success.
In addition to a favorable Momentum Score, an upward trend in earnings estimate revisions has helped AMC earn a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Our research shows that the momentum-effect is quite strong among Zacks Rank #1 and #2 stocks. That's because as covering analysts raise their earnings estimates for a stock, more and more investors take an interest in it, helping its price race to keep up. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>
Most importantly, despite possessing fast-paced momentum features, AMC is trading at a reasonable valuation. In terms of Price-to-Sales ratio, which is considered as one of the best valuation metrics, the stock looks quite cheap now. AMC is currently trading at 0.49 times its sales. In other words, investors need to pay only 49 cents for each dollar of sales.
So, AMC appears to have plenty of room to run, and that too at a fast pace.
In addition to AMC, there are several other stocks that currently pass through our 'Fast-Paced Momentum at a Bargain' screen. You may consider investing in them and start looking for the newest stocks that fit these criteria.
This is not the only screen that could help you find your next winning stock pick. Based on your personal investing style, you may choose from over 45 Zacks Premium Screens that are strategically created to beat the market.
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Investors interested in Consumer Discretionary stocks should always be looking to find the best-performing companies in the group. Is AMC Entertainment (AMC - Free Report) one of those stocks right now? A quick glance at the company's year-to-date performance in comparison to the rest of the Consumer Discretionary sector should help us answer this question.
AMC Entertainment is a member of the Consumer Discretionary sector. This group includes 261 individual stocks and currently holds a Zacks Sector Rank of #12. The Zacks Sector Rank considers 16 different sector groups. The average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups is measured, and the sectors are listed from best to worst.
The Zacks Rank emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find stocks with improving earnings outlooks. This system has a long record of success, and these stocks tend to be on track to beat the market over the next one to three months. AMC Entertainment is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).
Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for AMC's full-year earnings has moved 45.2% higher. This shows that analyst sentiment has improved and the company's earnings outlook is stronger.
Our latest available data shows that AMC has returned about 85.3% since the start of the calendar year. Meanwhile, stocks in the Consumer Discretionary group have lost about 12.9% on average. This means that AMC Entertainment is performing better than its sector in terms of year-to-date returns.
Hugo Boss (BOSSY - Free Report) is another Consumer Discretionary stock that has outperformed the sector so far this year. Since the beginning of the year, the stock has returned 8.7%.
Over the past three months, Hugo Boss' consensus EPS estimate for the current year has increased 1.6%. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
Looking more specifically, AMC Entertainment belongs to the Leisure and Recreation Services industry, which includes 28 individual stocks and currently sits at #181 in the Zacks Industry Rank. This group has lost an average of 10.4% so far this year, so AMC is performing better in this area.
In contrast, Hugo Boss falls under the Textile - Apparel industry. Currently, this industry has 22 stocks and is ranked #180. Since the beginning of the year, the industry has moved -10.1%.
Going forward, investors interested in Consumer Discretionary stocks should continue to pay close attention to AMC Entertainment and Hugo Boss as they could maintain their solid performance.
LEAWOOD, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)---- $AMC--AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AMC) (the “Company,” or “AMC”), announced today that it has commenced an offering of $2,000 million aggregate principal amount of first lien notes due 2031 (the “Notes”) in a private offering (the “Offering”) and launched syndication of a new $850 million first lien term loan facility (the “New 1L Term Loan Facility” and together with the Offering, the “1L Financing”), each subject to market and other conditions. The Compan.
LEAWOOD, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)---- $AMC--AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AMC) (“AMC” or the “Company”) announced today that it has commenced a cash tender offer (the “Tender Offer”) to purchase any and all of the outstanding 7.500% Senior Secured Notes due 2029 (the “Notes”) listed in the following table upon the terms and conditions described in the offer to purchase, dated September 21, 2026 (the “Offer to Purchase”). Title Security CUSIP/ISIN Numbers (1) Principal Amount Outstanding Purchase.
AMC Entertainment (AMC - Free Report) has recently been on Zacks.com's list of the most searched stocks. Therefore, you might want to consider some of the key factors that could influence the stock's performance in the near future.
Over the past month, shares of this movie theater operator have returned +5.9%, compared to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -1.3% change. During this period, the Zacks Leisure and Recreation Services industry, which AMC Entertainment falls in, has lost 12.7%. The key question now is: What could be the stock's future direction?
While media releases or rumors about a substantial change in a company's business prospects usually make its stock 'trending' and lead to an immediate price change, there are always some fundamental facts that eventually dominate the buy-and-hold decision-making.
Earnings Estimate RevisionsRather than focusing on anything else, we at Zacks prioritize evaluating the change in a company's earnings projection. This is because we believe the fair value for its stock is determined by the present value of its future stream of earnings.
Our analysis is essentially based on how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to take the latest business trends into account. When earnings estimates for a company go up, the fair value for its stock goes up as well. And when a stock's fair value is higher than its current market price, investors tend to buy the stock, resulting in its price moving upward. Because of this, empirical studies indicate a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and short-term stock price movements.
For the current quarter, AMC Entertainment is expected to post a loss of $0.01 per share, indicating a change of +95.2% from the year-ago quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed +76.2% over the last 30 days.
The consensus earnings estimate of -$0.22 for the current fiscal year indicates a year-over-year change of +77.1%. This estimate has remained unchanged over the last 30 days.
For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $0.04 indicates a change of +84.1% from what AMC Entertainment is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has changed -39.1%.
Having a strong externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool, the Zacks Rank, offers a more conclusive picture of a stock's price direction in the near term, since it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. Due to the size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, AMC Entertainment is rated Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
The chart below shows the evolution of the company's forward 12-month consensus EPS estimate:
12 Month EPS
Projected Revenue GrowthWhile earnings growth is arguably the most superior indicator of a company's financial health, nothing happens as such if a business isn't able to grow its revenues. After all, it's nearly impossible for a company to increase its earnings for an extended period without increasing its revenues. So, it's important to know a company's potential revenue growth.
For AMC Entertainment, the consensus sales estimate for the current quarter of $1.45 billion indicates a year-over-year change of +11.7%. For the current and next fiscal years, $5.55 billion and $5.7 billion estimates indicate +14.6% and +2.5% changes, respectively.
Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryAMC Entertainment reported revenues of $1.6 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +14.2%. EPS of $0.14 for the same period compares with $0 a year ago.
Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.51 billion, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +5.78%. The EPS surprise was +1300%.
Over the last four quarters, AMC Entertainment surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times. The company topped consensus revenue estimates each time over this period.
ValuationWithout considering a stock's valuation, no investment decision can be efficient. In predicting a stock's future price performance, it's crucial to determine whether its current price correctly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company's growth prospects.
Comparing the current value of a company's valuation multiples, such as its price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S), and price-to-cash flow (P/CF), to its own historical values helps ascertain whether its stock is fairly valued, overvalued, or undervalued, whereas comparing the company relative to its peers on these parameters gives a good sense of how reasonable its stock price is.
As part of the Zacks Style Scores system, the Zacks Value Style Score (which evaluates both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics) organizes stocks into five groups ranging from A to F (A is better than B; B is better than C; and so on), making it helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.
AMC Entertainment is graded C on this front, indicating that it is trading at par with its peers. Click here to see the values of some of the valuation metrics that have driven this grade.
ConclusionThe facts discussed here and much other information on Zacks.com might help determine whether or not it's worthwhile paying attention to the market buzz about AMC Entertainment. However, its Zacks Rank #3 does suggest that it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
If your love affair with the local multiplex is rekindling again, you're not alone. Domestic box office receipts are currently 20% higher than they were at this point last year. Globally, there will be more theatrical releases this year that top $1 billion in ticket sales than in just one other year in cinematic history.
This rosy backdrop has delivered 73% year-to-date gains for AMC Entertainment (AMC -0.37%) shareholders. But zoom out, and the story becomes more horror than rom-com. It was five years ago this month that AMC rolled out its ad featuring Nicole Kidman singing the praises of moviegoing while walking into an empty theater.
"Somehow, heartbreak feels good in a place like this," she said.
AMC stock has still fallen by more than 99% since the Kidman spot's debut. However, with the meme-manned shares finally in a position to live up to the hype, it could be time for serious investors to stop laughing at AMC -- and laughing all the way to the bank.
Image source: Getty Images.
Lights! Camera! Traction! AMC can't hide from its checkered past. The bullish hope is that the company has learned from it. CEO Adam Aron has not been a good steward for the exhibitor's shareholders. The distractions and dilution have been brutal. The AMC Preferred Equity units issued in 2022 were a disaster that needlessly bloated share count. The arrogance in believing that meme stock investors would be enough to support an AMC-branded credit card, NFT initiatives, and packaged retail popcorn failed on the first two fronts, with the jury still out on the third.
Then there's the dilution, but I'm going to stop there. This is the kind of trap that AMC bears fall into when sizing up one of the market's biggest losers over the past five years.
I like AMC here. It comes with a lot of baggage and a problematic management history, but this is a blessing in disguise. AMC is at the point where nonsense will no longer be tolerated. Its smaller rivals are now profitable on a trailing basis. Analysts see AMC turning profitable on an adjusted basis by 2028. It can't afford to fail. The stock's recent ascent makes it ripe for another dilutive secondary offering, but the company knows that patience has a short wick. With AMC already improving its operations, a move done more for greed than need will be snuffed out.
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Hoping for a Hollywood ending A rising tide lifts all corner multiplexes, but I am aware of the stronger case for buying smaller, profitable regional players, including Cinemark (CNK +1.36%) and Marcus (MCS -1.04%). They cracked the code, just as AMC was cracking.
This is the bullish thesis for AMC that no one is hearing over the laughter of the naysayers. AMC is already mounting a comeback. Despite being the largest player in an industry that should have scalability advantages, it's trading at a lower trailing multiple to its enterprise value, based on earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), than its smaller peers. You can get the top dog at a discount, largely because it's seen widely as more dog than top.
You've seen this movie before. You know how it ends. AMC made a lot of smart moves that fell silent during the downticks before this year's bounce. The push for reserved seating encourages advance purchases to lock in prime seats. The company has made its AMC Stubs loyalty club sticky enough to attract more than 40 million members. Its high-margin concessions revenue continues to outpace the industry as it embraces release-specific collectibles and continually improves its food and beverage offerings.
Even the elements outside its control are heating up. Movie studios and even streaming services now realize that there is serious money to be made during the theatrical release window. The same studios and platforms that couldn't push their content into secondary revenue streams fast enough are being paid to be patient. This is a great time to warm up to the country's multiplex operators, but my money is on the market leader that serious investors continue to dismiss.
Key Takeaways Marcus' theater gains, premium screens and hotel portfolio support earnings diversification and growth.AMC Entertainment posts record EBITDA and stronger margins but still faces elevated leverage.MCS' stronger estimate revisions and financial flexibility strengthen its appeal in the theatrical recovery. AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (AMC - Free Report) and The Marcus Corporation (MCS - Free Report) — two established players in the movie exhibition industry — are benefiting from a stronger film slate, improving attendance and rising demand for premium viewing experiences. Both companies are using strategic pricing, loyalty programs and theater upgrades to capture the recovery in moviegoing, yet their operating models and financial profiles differ considerably.
For investors seeking exposure to the next phase of the theatrical recovery, the question is, which stock offers the more compelling buy right now?
Reasons to Be Bullish but Cautious on AMCAMC’s operating recovery continues to gain traction, supported by higher attendance, increased per-patron spending and disciplined cost management. More than 71 million guests visited AMC and ODEON theaters during the second quarter of 2026, up 13.5% year over year. Revenues increased 14.2% to approximately $1.6 billion, while adjusted EBITDA surged 70% to a company-record $321.4 million.
The company is also demonstrating substantial operating leverage. Approximately $200 million of incremental revenues generated $131.9 million of additional adjusted EBITDA during the quarter, representing roughly 66% flow-through. Consequently, the adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 650 basis points to 20.1%, while free cash flow reached $190.1 million.
Premium formats remain a major differentiator. AMC operates approximately 750 premium and enhanced auditoriums worldwide. Although these auditoriums account for only about 8% of its global screen base, they generated more than half of AMC’s ticket revenues for The Odyssey during its opening weekend. The company plans to add roughly 150 to 250 premium and extra-large auditoriums over the next two to four years.
AMC’s loyalty ecosystem also supports engagement and visit frequency. AMC Stubs members represented slightly more than half of U.S. attendance during the second quarter. The A-List subscription program exceeded 1.1 million members and accounted for approximately 20% of domestic patronage, helping generate more consistent attendance and support demand beyond major blockbuster releases.
However, AMC’s financial profile remains challenging. Leverage declined to less than 6.5 times but remains above the company’s longer-term target of approximately three times. AMC has reduced debt by $1.7 billion since the end of 2020 and does not anticipate material principal payments before 2029. The company also estimates that the domestic box office must reach approximately $10.4 billion for it to generate positive free cash flow over a full 12-month period.
Reasons to Be Bullish on MarcusMarcus is generating momentum across its diversified theater and hotel portfolio. During the second quarter of 2026, its theater division outperformed the broader market. Comparable admission revenues advanced 16.6% year over year, approximately five percentage points above the 11.5% increase in the domestic box office. Comparable attendance rose 10.9%, while the average admission price and concession, food and beverage revenues per patron increased 5.2% and 2.4%, respectively. These gains helped theater-adjusted EBITDA rise nearly 37% to $36.3 million.
Marcus is also well positioned to capture demand for premium viewing experiences. Approximately 84% of its theater locations have at least one premium large-format screen, while 75% of those locations offer multiple premium screens. Its predominantly proprietary UltraScreen and SuperScreen portfolio provides the scheduling flexibility to allocate premium auditoriums across competing releases based on audience demand.
The hotel division adds an important source of earnings diversification. During the second quarter, comparable owned-hotel RevPAR increased 13.9% year over year, supported by higher occupancy and average daily rates. The prior-year Hilton Milwaukee renovation contributed approximately 4.4 percentage points to the reported increase. After adjusting for that benefit, Marcus estimated that its RevPAR growth still exceeded its competitive set by 1.1 percentage points.
Group booking trends also provide visibility into hotel demand. Group room revenue bookings for 2026 were pacing approximately 3% ahead of the prior year, while the 2027 booking pace was running about 9% higher. With roughly 80% of the expected group business for the remainder of 2026 already on the books, Marcus has a solid demand base for the balance of the year.
Financially, Marcus maintains a considerable advantage. The company generated $44 million in second-quarter free cash flow, nearly triple the prior-year level. It ended the period with more than $245 million in liquidity and net leverage of only 1.1 times. This flexibility supports the pursuit of acquisitions and other value-accretive investments.
How Does the Zacks Consensus Estimate Compare for AMC & MCS?The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AMC Entertainment’s 2026 sales suggests a year-over-year increase of 14.6%, while earnings per share (EPS) indicate a rise of 77.1%. In the past 60 days, earnings estimates for 2026 have declined 4.8%.
AMC Earnings Estimate Trend
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Marcus’ 2026 sales and EPS suggests year-over-year increases of 8.3% and 652.9%, respectively. In the past 60 days, earnings estimates for 2026 have increased 141.5%.
MCS Earnings Estimate Trend
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Price Performance & Valuation of AMC & MCSAMC stock has dropped 4.2% in the past three months, outperforming the industry’s fall of 10.1%. but underperforming the S&P 500’s growth of 1.2%. Meanwhile, Marcus’ shares have gained 17.3% in the same time frame.
AMC Entertainment is trading at a forward 12-month price-to-sales (P/S) multiple of 0.43X, below the industry average of 2.55X over the last year. MCS’ forward 12-month P/S multiple sits at 1.04X over the same time frame.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
AMC trades at a substantial discount to Marcus, reflecting its higher leverage and less consistent annual cash generation. Marcus’ premium is supported by its diversified earnings base, stronger estimate revisions and greater financial flexibility.
Buy AMC or Marcus Now?Marcus offers the stronger near-term risk-adjusted opportunity. Theater outperformance, hotel diversification, improving free cash flow and net leverage of only 1.1 times provide greater earnings visibility and financial flexibility. Although MCS trades at a premium to AMC, its sharply higher earnings estimates and Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) make it the preferred choice for investors seeking fresh exposure to the theatrical recovery.
AMC’s record adjusted EBITDA, expanding margins and premium-format leadership warrant continued investor attention. However, leverage remains elevated, and achieving positive annual free cash flow still depends on further box-office growth. Its discounted valuation alone does not outweigh these risks. With a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), current shareholders may retain their positions, while new investors should favor MCS.
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
In the latest trading session, AMC Entertainment (AMC - Free Report) closed at $2.70, marking a +1.5% move from the previous day. The stock's change was more than the S&P 500's daily gain of 1.14%. Elsewhere, the Dow saw an upswing of 0.61%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq appreciated by 1.69%.
The movie theater operator's shares have seen an increase of 5.56% over the last month, surpassing the Consumer Discretionary sector's loss of 6.17% and the S&P 500's loss of 2.85%.
The investment community will be closely monitoring the performance of AMC Entertainment in its forthcoming earnings report. The company's earnings per share (EPS) are projected to be -$0.01, reflecting a 95.24% increase from the same quarter last year. Meanwhile, our latest consensus estimate is calling for revenue of $1.45 billion, up 11.68% from the prior-year quarter.
For the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates are projecting earnings of -$0.22 per share and revenue of $5.55 billion, which would represent changes of +77.08% and +14.56%, respectively, from the prior year.
It is also important to note the recent changes to analyst estimates for AMC Entertainment. These recent revisions tend to reflect the evolving nature of short-term business trends. As such, positive estimate revisions reflect analyst optimism about the business and profitability.
Our research reveals that these estimate alterations are directly linked with the stock price performance in the near future. To exploit this, we've formed the Zacks Rank, a quantitative model that includes these estimate changes and presents a viable rating system.
The Zacks Rank system, running from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), holds an admirable track record of superior performance, independently audited, with #1 stocks contributing an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, there's been no change in the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. Right now, AMC Entertainment possesses a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).
The Leisure and Recreation Services industry is part of the Consumer Discretionary sector. This industry currently has a Zacks Industry Rank of 199, which puts it in the bottom 20% of all 250+ industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank assesses the vigor of our specific industry groups by computing the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks incorporated in the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Don't forget to use Zacks.com to keep track of all these stock-moving metrics, and others, in the upcoming trading sessions.
It's the headline I never thought I'd write: Yes, I'm now an AMC Entertainment (AMC +4.24%) shareholder. It's a small position in my portfolio, reflecting my hesitant, skeptical conviction. And I'm fully aware of how ridiculous it seems to anyone who has done due diligence on the country's largest multiplex operator.
This is a stock that has cratered, split-adjusted, by 99.5% over the past five years. AMC has brutally diluted its shareholders, flooding its share count -- again, split-adjusted -- roughly fiftyfold since the end of 2019. CEO Adam Aron has somehow survived through the deluge.
I see the red flags. But I also see the green shoots. Most of my fellow Fools will disagree with me, and I respect that. Still, here are my three reasons for becoming an AMC shareholder earlier this month.
Image source: Getty Images.
1. Movie theaters are back By the time Marvel's Avengers: Doomsday hits your local multiplex this holiday season, it will become at least the sixth movie to top $1 billion in worldwide ticket sales this year. This will be only the second time that theaters globally have had six or more movies topping $1 billion in box-office receipts. The only other time it happened was in 2019.
You will counter that inflation has pushed ticket prices higher, and that's fair. The actual number of tickets sold -- in this country, at least -- peaked 24 years ago. However, there's no denying that moviegoers are coming back. It's not just about the industry's obvious tentpole releases that people are going to see. Even a couple of low-budget horror flicks made by young directors became sleeper hits this year.
AMC stock is back. The shares are up 58% this year, as folks return to the corner cinema. Hollywood gets it. The same studios that were tightening their release windows to get their films streaming as soon as possible are shifting gears to cash in on the new ascent of the silver screen. Even Netflix is playing along. Greta Gerwig's The Chronicles of Narnia: The Magician's Nephew will be in theaters next February, 45 days before streaming on the service itself.
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2. The laggard could be a leader The tide is turning, and it's also rising to lift all ships. The conservative play here would be to turn to AMC competitors and other beneficiaries of the cinematic revival. In the same five years that AMC has surrendered more than 99% of its value, smaller rival Cinemark has more than doubled. It's also on its fourth consecutive year of profitability, and it even pays a quarterly dividend. AMC partner and experience supersizer IMAX has more than tripled.
However, despite generating 56% more in trailing revenue than Cinemark, AMC trades at an enterprise value of just 1.7 times its trailing revenue. That's a discount to Cinemark's comparable multiple of 1.9. The market leader doesn't often trade at a discount to its peers, but the big knock here is that AMC isn't consistently profitable.
AMC isn't expected to post an annual profit until 2028, a decade since the last time it did. However, AMC grew its top line faster than Cinemark last year, and it's doing so again on a trailing basis. A lot can go wrong between now and 2028, but think of all of the things that have gone right as AMC shares trounce the market this year.
3. It's not just about the ticket sales A big knock on buying into any multiplex operator is that success isn't in the exhibitors' hands. They're at the mercy of the studios and the exclusivity windows they provide. No compelling flicks, no ticket taker clicks. However, AMC has taken it upon itself to make its own luck.
It has elevated the moviegoing experience with reserved seating, improved snack and beverage offerings, and member loyalty subscriptions. Its free AMC Stubs tier now accounts for half of its audience. The premium-priced AMC Stubs A-List -- through which folks pay as much as $30 a month for access to four weekly screenings -- now has 1.1 million paying members, accounting for 20% of its visits.
You might think charging someone $30 a month for at least 16 viewings across all formats is a loss leader. A single weekend evening IMAX screening will run you north of $20 in many major markets. However, this isn't the poorly conceived third-party MoviePass offering that went bankrupt more than six years ago. It keeps roughly half of the ticket sales, with studios retaining the rest. Someone getting a deal on a viewing is also likely to butter up to the concessions stand, where the serious money is made.
Admissions accounted for 54% of AMC's $1.6 billion in revenue for its latest quarter. Concessions made up just 36% of the top-line mix, but with that segment's 81% gross margin, those food and beverage sales accounted for a larger gross profit than the box office. Filling up seats also boosts its high-margin ad revenue prospects.
I'm just scratching the surface here. AMC is rolling out collectibles with major movie releases, has a deal to stream live concerts at a premium, and is renting out its facilities during quiet times. AMC's boardroom failed investors when the business was struggling, taking advantage of the short-lived meme-stock pop to distract and dilute its shareholders. Now that improving fundamentals and momentum are behind the wheel, it will be harder to swerve into another wreck.
"We come to this place for magic," Nicole Kidman famously says at the start of the iconic ad that plays before every AMC screening. Investors -- and not just the speculators who have suffered on the way down over the past five years -- are starting to realize that the magic might be real this time.
In the latest close session, AMC Entertainment (AMC - Free Report) was down 4.07% at $2.36. The stock trailed the S&P 500, which registered a daily loss of 0.59%. Meanwhile, the Dow lost 0.6%, and the Nasdaq, a tech-heavy index, lost 0.65%.
The stock of movie theater operator has fallen by 2.77% in the past month, leading the Consumer Discretionary sector's loss of 5.04% and undershooting the S&P 500's loss of 1.37%.
Investors will be eagerly watching for the performance of AMC Entertainment in its upcoming earnings disclosure. It is anticipated that the company will report an EPS of -$0.05, marking a 76.19% rise compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Our most recent consensus estimate is calling for quarterly revenue of $1.39 billion, up 6.89% from the year-ago period.
In terms of the entire fiscal year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates predict earnings of -$0.22 per share and a revenue of $5.49 billion, indicating changes of +77.08% and +13.27%, respectively, from the former year.
Investors might also notice recent changes to analyst estimates for AMC Entertainment. These latest adjustments often mirror the shifting dynamics of short-term business patterns. As a result, upbeat changes in estimates indicate analysts' favorable outlook on the business health and profitability.
Our research demonstrates that these adjustments in estimates directly associate with imminent stock price performance. To exploit this, we've formed the Zacks Rank, a quantitative model that includes these estimate changes and presents a viable rating system.
The Zacks Rank system, running from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), holds an admirable track record of superior performance, independently audited, with #1 stocks contributing an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has witnessed an unchanged state. AMC Entertainment is currently a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
The Leisure and Recreation Services industry is part of the Consumer Discretionary sector. This industry currently has a Zacks Industry Rank of 204, which puts it in the bottom 18% of all 250+ industries.
The Zacks Industry Rank is ordered from best to worst in terms of the average Zacks Rank of the individual companies within each of these sectors. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.
Remember to apply Zacks.com to follow these and more stock-moving metrics during the upcoming trading sessions.
AMC Entertainment Holdings (AMC -4.07%) has benefited from something that seemed unthinkable in recent years: record ticket sales. The world's largest movie theater chain suffered in recent years as numerous headwinds reduced movie attendance.
Nonetheless, the industry reported $4.76 billion in North American summer box office revenue, a record high. Now, after AMC briefly became a meme stock, years of struggle have taken its price to low levels. Does that position it for a comeback? Let's take a closer look.
Image source: Getty Images.
The state of AMC After the aforementioned stint as a meme stock, AMC became a penny stock as reality set in. Even after the pandemic took a toll on attendance, the movie chain found itself competing with other forms of entertainment and with the growing ability of some consumers to mimic the movie theater experience at home.
Fortunately, movie theater attendance has become trendy among younger generations. Moreover, AMC has made moviegoing a more immersive experience, countering the narrative that the home viewing experience has become the same.
Additionally, the summer blockbusters seem to have returned. Moviegoers came back for films such as Spider-Man: Brand New Day and The Odyssey, which also offered an IMAX version that further enhanced the immersive experience.
That comeback improved its financials. In the first half of 2026, revenue of $2.64 billion rose 17% from year-ago levels. Also, free cash flow for the same period totaled $15 million, a huge improvement over the negative free cash flow of $328 million in the first two quarters of 2025. Such conditions could draw some investors while it is below $3 per share.
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Unfortunately, its struggles in recent years have left AMC with $3.9 billion in corporate borrowings, and its $1.45 billion in stockholders' deficit shows the strain on its balance sheet. Consequently, high interest expenses contributed to a $129 million loss in the first half of the year.
Ultimately, to win back investor confidence, it will have to earn operating profits sufficient to strengthen its balance sheet. Until investors see clear signs of that happening, the stock may continue to struggle.
Moving forward with AMC stock Given AMC's financial situation, investors are likely best served by treating its stock as a speculative play.
Indeed, the interest in movies has made a comeback, and the positive free cash flows are an encouraging sign. AMC remains the world's largest theater chain, so if attendance continues to improve, AMC stock could experience significant growth.
However, with the debt overhang from years of struggle, AMC remains unprofitable, and its massive debt load is a major obstacle to the stock's growth. Until its financials show sustained improvement, the entertainment stock will likely continue to struggle.
Key Takeaways AMC's A-List membership topped 1.1M in Q2'26, more than doubling in five years.A-List members made up around 20% of AMC's U.S. theater patronage in Q2.Higher visit frequency could help AMC boost food, beverage and other spending per patron. AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (AMC - Free Report) is seeing strong growth in its A-List subscription program, which is helping the company build a larger base of frequent moviegoers. At the end of the second quarter of 2026, more than 1.1 million moviegoers were enrolled in A-List, more than double the membership level five years ago.
A-List allows members to watch up to four movies a week for a monthly fee of $24-$30 plus tax. While members have the option to see up to 17 movies a month, the typical member attends two to three movies per month. This gives AMC an opportunity to drive attendance beyond major blockbuster releases.
The program also has a meaningful share of AMC Entertainment’s U.S. traffic. A-List members who also participate in AMC Stubs accounted for around 20% of the total U.S. theater patronage in the second quarter. The program is particularly popular among Gen Z moviegoers and provides a more consistent cadence of visits from a younger audience.
Higher visit frequency can also support spending beyond admissions. A-List gives AMC opportunities to attract customers to secondary movies and sell more food. This is important as the company continues to focus on increasing revenues per patron. In the second quarter, food and beverage revenues per patron and total revenues per patron reached all-time highs across both its domestic and international businesses.
However, A-List membership growth does not guarantee continued gains in spending or attendance. The program’s value will depend on how frequently members visit and how effectively AMC Entertainment converts those visits into food, beverage and other purchases.
With more than 1.1 million members and a growing presence among younger moviegoers, A-List gives AMC a recurring customer base that could support traffic and guest spending as the movie slate expands.
AMC Entertainment’s Price Performance, Valuation & EstimatesAMC shares have surged 130.6% in the past six months against the industry’s 0.6% fall. In the same time frame, AMC Entertainment has outperformed industry players like Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (CNK - Free Report) and The Marcus Corporation (MCS - Free Report) .
AMC’s Price Performance
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
From a valuation standpoint, AMC Entertainment’s stock trades at a forward price-to-sales (P/S) multiple of 0.41, below the industry’s average of 2.64. Cinemark and Marcus have P/S ratios of 1.15 and 1, respectively.
AMC Entertainment’s P/S Ratio (Forward 12-Month) vs. Industry
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AMC’s 2026 loss per share indicates a 77.1% year-over-year improvement. Conversely, industry players like Cinemark and Marcus are likely to witness 2026 earnings growth of 126.9% and 652.9%, respectively.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
AMC’s Zacks RankAMC Entertainment currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
For the first time ever, fans can watch the world’s best Rocket League teams compete for a $1.2 million prize pool on the big screen at select AMC locations on September 20
Attendees will receive a commemorative Rocket League ticket with a code to redeem in-game cosmetics
Tickets are on sale now for the approximately eight-hour live event
LEAWOOD, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AMC Theatres® (NYSE: AMC), the largest theatrical exhibitor in the United States and the world, today announced an AMC-exclusive live broadcast of the 2026 Rocket League World Championship Finals at 50 AMC theatres nationwide.
On Sunday, September 20, fans at 50 select AMC locations across the United States will be able to watch the championship Finals streamed live from Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, where the world's top Rocket League teams compete for a share of the tournament's $1.2 million prize pool and the opportunity to be crowned Rocket League World Champions. This final day of competition will determine the 2026 World Champions in one of esports’ most popular and fast-paced games.
Tickets are on sale now at participating AMC locations – 2026 Rocket League World Championship at AMC Theatres. The event is expected to screen for approximately eight hours and will conclude with the crowning of the 2026 Rocket League World Champions. In addition to experiencing the event on the big screen, all attendees will receive a commemorative Rocket League ticket that has codes to redeem drops you would earn by watching on Twitch.
“Such a big part of the magic of movie theatres is their ability to bring people together for unforgettable shared experiences, and a live event like the Rocket League World Championship is a great example of that," said Ellen Copaken, SVP, Business Development, AMC Theatres. "We're excited to give fans the opportunity to watch esports' biggest stage unfold live on massive screens, surrounded by fellow Rocket League fans.”
A list of participating AMC locations is below. For tickets, visit AMCTheatres.com or the AMC mobile app.
Atlanta
AMC Southlake 24
AMC Sugarloaf Mills 18
Baltimore
AMC Owings Mills 17
Boston
AMC Methuen 20
Charlotte
AMC Carolina Pavilion 22
AMC Concord Mills 24
Chicago
AMC Crestwood 18
AMC South Barrington 24
AMC Village Crossing 18
Columbus
AMC Dublin Village 18
Dallas
AMC Mesquite 30
AMC Stonebriar Mall 24
Denver
AMC Highlands Ranch 24
AMC Westminster Promenade 24
Houston
AMC Fountains 18
AMC Gulf Pointe 30
AMC Willowbrook 24
Indianapolis
AMC Castleton Square 14
AMC Indianapolis 17
Jacksonville
AMC Orange Park 24
AMC Regency 24
Kansas City
AMC Barrywoods 24
Las Vegas
AMC Rainbow Promenade 10
AMC Town Square 18
Los Angeles
AMC Burbank 16
AMC DINE-IN Ontario Mills 30
AMC Orange 30
AMC Rolling Hills 20
Miami
AMC Aventura Mall 24
Minneapolis
AMC Eden Prairie Mall 18
Nashville
AMC Thoroughbred 20
New York
AMC Garden State Plaza 16
AMC Jersey Gardens 20
AMC Kips Bay 15
Oklahoma City
AMC Quail Springs Mall 24
Orlando
AMC DINE-IN Disney Springs 24
Philadelphia
AMC Cherry Hill 24
AMC Neshaminy 24
Phoenix
AMC Ahwatukee 24
AMC Deer Valley 17
Pittsburgh
AMC Waterfront 22
Sacramento
AMC Manteca 16
San Diego
AMC Fashion Valley 18
San Francisco
AMC Bay Street 16
AMC Mercado 20
Seattle
AMC Southcenter 16
Tampa
AMC Highwoods 20
AMC Woodlands Square 20
Washington, DC
AMC DINE-IN Rio Cinemas 18
AMC Hoffman Center 22
ABOUT AMC ENTERTAINMENT HOLDINGS, INC.
AMC is the largest movie exhibition company in the United States, the largest in Europe and the largest throughout the world with approximately 850 theatres and 9,600 screens across the globe. AMC has propelled innovation in the exhibition industry by: deploying its signature power-recliner seats; delivering enhanced food and beverage choices; generating greater guest engagement through its loyalty and subscription programs, website, and mobile apps; offering premium large format experiences and playing a wide variety of content including the latest Hollywood releases and independent programming. For more information, visit amctheatres.com.
AMC Entertainment (AMC - Free Report) has been one of the most searched-for stocks on Zacks.com lately. So, you might want to look at some of the facts that could shape the stock's performance in the near term.
Shares of this movie theater operator have returned +2.3% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -0.1% change. The Zacks Leisure and Recreation Services industry, to which AMC Entertainment belongs, has lost 6.4% over this period. Now the key question is: Where could the stock be headed in the near term?
While media releases or rumors about a substantial change in a company's business prospects usually make its stock 'trending' and lead to an immediate price change, there are always some fundamental facts that eventually dominate the buy-and-hold decision-making.
Earnings Estimate RevisionsRather than focusing on anything else, we at Zacks prioritize evaluating the change in a company's earnings projection. This is because we believe the fair value for its stock is determined by the present value of its future stream of earnings.
Our analysis is essentially based on how sell-side analysts covering the stock are revising their earnings estimates to take the latest business trends into account. When earnings estimates for a company go up, the fair value for its stock goes up as well. And when a stock's fair value is higher than its current market price, investors tend to buy the stock, resulting in its price moving upward. Because of this, empirical studies indicate a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and short-term stock price movements.
AMC Entertainment is expected to post a loss of $0.05 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +76.2%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate remained unchanged.
The consensus earnings estimate of -$0.22 for the current fiscal year indicates a year-over-year change of +77.1%. This estimate has remained unchanged over the last 30 days.
For the next fiscal year, the consensus earnings estimate of $0.06 indicates a change of +73.9% from what AMC Entertainment is expected to report a year ago. Over the past month, the estimate has remained unchanged.
Having a strong externally audited track record, our proprietary stock rating tool, the Zacks Rank, offers a more conclusive picture of a stock's price direction in the near term, since it effectively harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions. Due to the size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, AMC Entertainment is rated Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
The chart below shows the evolution of the company's forward 12-month consensus EPS estimate:
12 Month EPS
Projected Revenue GrowthWhile earnings growth is arguably the most superior indicator of a company's financial health, nothing happens as such if a business isn't able to grow its revenues. After all, it's nearly impossible for a company to increase its earnings for an extended period without increasing its revenues. So, it's important to know a company's potential revenue growth.
In the case of AMC Entertainment, the consensus sales estimate of $1.39 billion for the current quarter points to a year-over-year change of +6.9%. The $5.49 billion and $5.65 billion estimates for the current and next fiscal years indicate changes of +13.3% and +2.8%, respectively.
Last Reported Results and Surprise HistoryAMC Entertainment reported revenues of $1.6 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +14.2%. EPS of $0.14 for the same period compares with $0 a year ago.
Compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.51 billion, the reported revenues represent a surprise of +5.78%. The EPS surprise was +1300%.
Over the last four quarters, AMC Entertainment surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times. The company topped consensus revenue estimates each time over this period.
ValuationWithout considering a stock's valuation, no investment decision can be efficient. In predicting a stock's future price performance, it's crucial to determine whether its current price correctly reflects the intrinsic value of the underlying business and the company's growth prospects.
While comparing the current values of a company's valuation multiples, such as price-to-earnings (P/E), price-to-sales (P/S), and price-to-cash flow (P/CF), with its own historical values helps determine whether its stock is fairly valued, overvalued, or undervalued, comparing the company relative to its peers on these parameters gives a good sense of the reasonability of the stock's price.
As part of the Zacks Style Scores system, the Zacks Value Style Score (which evaluates both traditional and unconventional valuation metrics) organizes stocks into five groups ranging from A to F (A is better than B; B is better than C; and so on), making it helpful in identifying whether a stock is overvalued, rightly valued, or temporarily undervalued.
AMC Entertainment is graded B on this front, indicating that it is trading at a discount to its peers. Click here to see the values of some of the valuation metrics that have driven this grade.
ConclusionThe facts discussed here and much other information on Zacks.com might help determine whether or not it's worthwhile paying attention to the market buzz about AMC Entertainment. However, its Zacks Rank #3 does suggest that it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
AMC Entertainment (AMC +4.33%) is an interesting stock. For a while, in 2021, it was a "meme stock," often in the news and surging more than 1,100% that year to more than $600 per share. The next years were different, with shares crashing 85%, 85%, 35%, and 61% in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, respectively. Altogether, that's more than a 99% decline. Ouch!
Image source: Getty Images.
So far, 2026 has been quite different, with shares up about 63% (as of Sept. 4). Still, they were recently trading for $2.67 apiece. In other words, AMC Entertainment's shares are firmly in penny-stock territory. Should you buy shares now, while they're below $3? Maybe.
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Penny stocks are notoriously volatile and risky, often tied to young, unproven companies, and occasionally hyped online. They're generally to be avoided. But AMC Entertainment, while definitely not a no-brainer, blue chip stock, is not a typical penny stock. Its market value was recently $2.4 billion, for example. Its last earnings report, for its second quarter, featured revenue of $1.6 billion, up 14% year over year.
So -- should you buy into AMC Entertainment? Here are some reasons you might:
Movie theaters are having a great year, with summer ticket sales up 26% over last year and above most recent summers. AMC seems to have its mojo back, with Q2 also featuring adjusted earnings in the black, not the red. The stock's valuation arguably looks reasonable, with a low price-to-sales ratio of 0.28, below the five-year average of 0.31. However, keep in mind:
Other movie stocks may be better buys, with lower valuations. AMC doesn't have a solid track record of profits. It doesn't pay a dividend. The company has issued many more shares, diluting the value of existing shares. It's carrying a lot of debt. Overall, I'm taking a pass. But dig deeper, if you're intrigued, and see what you think.
Selena Maranjian has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
