Company reports fourth quarter 2008 net loss per share of $0.21, or
loss per share of $0.11 excluding charges related to the Company's
introduction of digital and launch of its joint revenue sharing
initiative
Company installed a total of 60 systems in 2008, including 46
digital; 64 digital systems currently in operation
IMAX total network grows by 17% in 2008 to 351 theatres; commercial
network increases 29% to 231 theatres
Watchmen: The IMAX Experience officially kicks off highly anticipated
2009 movie slate, delivering approximately $8.0 million in gross box
office through first six days
TORONTO, March 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - IMAX Corporation (NASDAQ: IMAX;
TSX: IMX) today reported a net loss per share of $0.21 for the quarter ended
December 31, 2008, compared to a net loss per share of $0.25 for the fourth
quarter of fiscal 2007. During the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company
incurred certain charges related to the introduction of its digital projection
system and the launch of new joint revenue sharing arrangement theatres.
Excluding these items from the fourth quarters of 2008 and 2007, the Company's
loss per share was $0.11 and a loss per share of $0.21, respectively. The
charges in the fourth quarter of 2008 include: a $1.6 million asset impairment
charge reflecting the write down of film-based projector inventories; $1.5
million in launch costs reflecting the opening of new joint revenue sharing
arrangement theatres; and $1.3 million in accelerated depreciation on existing
film-based joint revenue sharing arrangement theatres due to the earlier than
anticipated digital upgrade of those theatres. Included in the fourth quarter
of 2007 was a $4.0 million asset impairment charge reflecting the write-down
of film-based projector inventories, partially offset by a one-time benefit
from discontinued operations of $2.4 million.
IMAX Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler
commented, "As we have said previously, in 2008 we laid the groundwork that is
significantly transforming the Company from one that was entirely film-based
to one that is increasingly digital, and our business model from one of one-
time sales to one of more significant recurring revenues. While our financial
results reflect the costs associated with this transformation, our revenue did
not yet reflect the benefits, as many customers elected to wait for our
digital product. With the introduction of IMAX's digital technology now well
underway, we continue to believe that the key drivers of our business - our
digital technology, our growing base of joint revenue sharing theatres and our
robust movie slate - should deliver strong revenue growth and return us to
profitability in 2009."
The Company achieved several important strategic milestones in fiscal 2008
that it believes positions it for significant growth in 2009 and beyond:
Successfully launched its IMAX digital product, with 46 digital
systems deployed in the second half of 2008.
Installed a total of 60 IMAX projection systems (including two
digital upgrades), the most installations in any given year in the
history of the Company. Eighteen were under sales/sales type lease
agreements (15 of which were recognized as revenue), 41 were under
joint revenue sharing arrangements, and one was an operating lease.
The Company ended 2008 with a total of 351 IMAX systems in operation,
a 17% increase over 2007, and its commercial network grew to 231
theatres, up 29% over last year.
Secured $18.0 million in funding in May 2008 through a private
placement of common stock to its largest shareholder at market prices
of $6.60 per share and re-negotiated its $30.0 million credit
facility such that it is no longer subject to any EBITDA maintenance
covenants provided the Company is in compliance with certain minimum
liquidity requirements.
Broadened its studio relationships, including signing a multi-picture
deal with Walt Disney Pictures.
Signed deals for 90 new systems: 42 under joint revenue sharing
arrangements and 48 under sales/sales type lease/operating lease
arrangements.
Messrs. Gelfond and Wechsler continued, "We believe that the combination
of these very significant initiatives creates a more compelling business
proposition for ourselves and for our constituencies. Given the rate at which
we are capable of installing new systems, the proven reliability of the
systems to date, the positive feedback we are getting from our studio and
exhibitor partners, and, perhaps most importantly, the response from the
consumer, we feel very pleased and confident about our digital roll-out thus
far."
For the three months ended December 31, 2008, total revenues were $28.1
million, as compared to $32.3 million reported for the prior year period. In
September, the Company released DreamWorks Pictures/Paramount's Eagle Eye: The
IMAX Experience, which grossed a total of $7.0 million in IMAX(R) theatres
worldwide, the vast majority of which was captured during the fourth quarter.
In November, the Company released DreamWorks Animation's Madagascar: Escape 2
Africa: The IMAX Experience, which grossed $11.7 million in IMAX theatres
worldwide as of quarter end and $12.2 million over the course of its run. On
December 12th, the Company released Twentieth Century Fox's The Day the Earth
Stood Still: The IMAX Experience, which grossed $10.3 million worldwide in
IMAX theatres in the fourth quarter and $13.8 million over the course of its
run.
"Our fourth quarter revenue results primarily reflect the near-term impact
of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince moving out of the fourth quarter of
2008 and into the third quarter of 2009, coupled with difficult year-over-year
film revenue comparisons to last year's Beowulf: An IMAX Experience and I am
Legend: The IMAX Experience. That said, we are very encouraged that in these
challenging economic times, consumers are continuing to embrace The IMAX
Experience(R). Our percentage of gross box office continues to outpace our
percentage of screens, demonstrating consumers' enthusiasm for our brand."
The Company installed and recognized revenue on six theatre systems that
qualified as either sales or sales-type leases in the fourth quarter of 2008,
compared to five in 2007, and installed 26 new systems under joint revenue
sharing arrangements in the fourth quarter, compared to two in the year ago
period.
Fourth quarter gross margin of $6.4 million includes the previously
mentioned transitional charges incurred in the period. Excluding those items,
gross margin in the fourth quarter of 2008 was $10.8 million. A description of
how these items impacted gross margin on a segment basis is included with the
segment table at the end of this press release.
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to $9.5 million in
the fourth quarter of 2008 compared to $13.0 million in the same period a year
ago, including a decrease in legal and professional fees of $1.9 million.
Research and development costs decreased to $1.3 million in the fourth quarter
of 2008, compared to $1.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2007.
At the end of 2008, the Company's backlog consisted of 213 theatre systems
compared to 186 theatre systems in backlog at the end of 2007. Included in the
2008 and 2007 system backlog totals were 106 and 104 theatres under joint
revenue sharing arrangements, respectively.
As of December 31, 2008, the Company's cash position was $27.0 million,
compared to cash of $37.7 million at the end of the third quarter and $16.9
million as of December 31, 2007. The Company's cash position reflects
investments related to its joint revenue sharing digital projection systems,
which amounted to approximately $8.9 million in the fourth quarter and $18.5
million for the year. The Company commented that its costs per system remain
on plan and reiterated that it remains confident that the combination of its
cash position, available credit of $10.5 million under its credit facility,
and operating cash flows will provide the necessary funding for its continued
roll-out of joint revenue sharing digital projection systems.
The Company believes that its joint revenue sharing business model makes
it significantly more affordable and less capital intensive for exhibitors to
be in the IMAX business while at the same time driving greater recurring
revenue for the Company. Following its 100-theater deal with AMC signed in
December 2007, the Company signed strategic joint revenue sharing arrangements
in 2008 with top exhibitors such as Regal Cinemas in the U.S., Hoyts Cinemas
in Australia, Tokyu Cinemas in Japan, and Cineplexx in Austria (fourth
quarter). The Company also signed a two-theatre systems sales deal with Odeon
in the UK in the fourth quarter, as the Company works to increase its
penetration in Europe.
During the fourth quarter, the Company continued its roll out of IMAX
digital projection systems with the successful delivery and installation of 32
digital projection systems (including two digital upgrades), and ended 2008
with 46 digital systems in operation. To date, 64 IMAX digital systems are in
operation.
Messrs. Gelfond and Wechsler continued, "Our joint revenue sharing model,
coupled with our digital technology, are the catalysts behind our record
network growth, record year-end systems backlog and record number of Hollywood
titles for 2009, all of which should drive revenue and earnings growth as well
as significant cash flows beginning this year. At the end of the fourth
quarter, 52 IMAX theatres were operating under our joint revenue sharing
model, up from 11 last year and double the 26 we had in operation at the end
of the third quarter. Importantly, joint revenue sharing systems that have
been open for over a year are averaging initial rates of return of
approximately 40% before taking film revenue into consideration, which is in
line with our expectations."
The Company's 2009 movie slate currently includes 11 titles (one IMAX
original production and 10 DMR titles), compared to eight movies (all DMR
titles) in 2008. The Company believe these titles include some of the most
highly anticipated films of the year, such as Watchmen: The IMAX Experience
(WB, March 6, 2009); Monsters vs. Aliens: An IMAX 3D Experience (DreamWorks
Animation SKG, March 27, 2009); Star Trek: The IMAX Experience (Paramount
Pictures, May 2009); Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian: The IMAX
Experience (Twentieth Century Fox, May 2009); Transformers: Revenge of the
Fallen: The IMAX Experience (Paramount Pictures, June 2009); Harry Potter and
the Half- Blood Prince: An IMAX 3D Experience (WB, July 2009); Disney's A
Christmas Carol: An IMAX 3D Experience (Walt Disney Pictures and ImageMovers
Digital, November 2009); and James Cameron's Avatar: An IMAX 3D Experience
(Twentieth Century Fox, December 2009).
The year officially kicked into gear last weekend with WB's Watchmen: The
IMAX Experience. The IMAX release contributed $5.4 million, or approximately
10%, of the $55.0 million that the film grossed at the domestic box office, on
a total of 124 North American IMAX screens, for a domestic IMAX per screen
average of $43,863. Internationally, the picture generated an estimated
$727,000 from 29 IMAX screens. The film's worldwide IMAX opening total was
$6.2 million and the film has generated a total of approximately $8.0 million
in IMAX worldwide through yesterday.
Messrs. Gelfond and Wechsler commented, "Our film slate is the fuel that
drives our go-forward business model, and we are very pleased with how the
slate for 2009 has come together. We are on track to show a record 11 titles
in the IMAX network this year, which is only possible because of our
introduction of digital, and we likely have room for one more title in the
fall. Our ability to show 10 to 12 titles a year, versus the six to seven we
have been able to show historically, gives us greater ability to capture more
box office revenue, especially in our joint revenue sharing theatres. Our 2009
slate also includes some of the most highly anticipated 3D titles of the year,
starting with DreamWorks Animation's Monsters vs. Aliens on March 27th, which
we anticipate will show on close to 200 IMAX screens worldwide, our biggest
IMAX release ever."
Messrs. Gelfond and Wechsler concluded, "Given our film slate, anticipated
network growth and the strength we are seeing in the movie industry overall,
we believe there is good reason to be optimistic about our business
performance in 2009. Our number of contracted theatre systems planned for 2009
coupled with the quality of our movie slate is providing increased visibility
into our business. Similar to 2008, our goal for 2009 is to have the bulk of
our 2010 movie slate finalized this year. To that end, we are speaking to
every major Hollywood studio about multiple titles for 12 different slots next
year, and we look forward to announcing those titles as the year unfolds."
Conference Call Information
The Company will host a conference call this morning at 8:30 AM ET to
discuss its fourth quarter financial results and outlook for 2009. To access
the call via phone, interested parties should dial (866) 322-8032
approximately 10 minutes before it begins. International callers should dial
(416) 640-3406. A recording of the call will be available by dialing (888)
203- 1112 or (647) 436-0148. The code for both the live call and the replay is
7756431. The Company will also host a webcast of the conference call, which
can be accessed on www.imax.com by clicking on 'Investor Relations.'
About IMAX Corporation
IMAX Corporation is one of the world's leading entertainment technology
companies, specializing in immersive motion picture technologies. The
worldwide IMAX network is among the most important and successful theatrical
distribution platforms for major event Hollywood films around the globe, with
IMAX theatres delivering the world's best cinematic presentations using
proprietary IMAX, IMAX(R) 3D, and IMAX DMR(R) technology. IMAX DMR is the
Company's groundbreaking digital re-mastering technology that allows it to
digitally transform virtually any conventional motion picture into the
unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(R). IMAX's
renowned projectors display crystal-clear images on the world's biggest
screens, and the IMAX brand is recognized throughout the world for
extraordinary and immersive entertainment experiences for consumers. As of
December 31, 2008, there were 351 IMAX theatres (231 commercial, 120
institutional) operating in 42 countries.
IMAX(R), IMAX(R) Dome, IMAX(R) 3D, IMAX(R) 3D Dome, Experience It In
IMAX(R), The IMAX Experience(R), An IMAX Experience(R), IMAX DMR(R), DMR(R),
IMAX MPX(R), IMAX think big(R) and think big(R) are trademarks and trade names
of the Company. More information about the Company can be found at
www.imax.com.
This press release contains forward looking statements that are based on
management's assumptions and existing information and involve certain risks
and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from
future results expressed or implied by such forward looking statements.
Important factors that could affect these statements include ongoing
discussions with the SEC and OSC relating to their ongoing inquiries and the
Company's accounting, the performance of films, the signing of theatre system
agreements, the viability of new technologies, businesses and products, the
timing of theatre system deliveries, the mix of theatre systems shipped, the
timing of the recognition of revenues and expenses on film production and
distribution agreements, risks arising from potential material weaknesses in
internal control over financial reporting and fluctuations in foreign currency
and in the large format, general commercial exhibition and out-of-home
entertainment markets. These factors and other risks and uncertainties are
discussed in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and most
recent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.
IMAX CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
In accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles
(In thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)
Three Months Year Ended
Ended December 31, December 31,
------------------------ -----------------------
2008 2007 2008 2007
------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Revenues
Equipment and product
sales................... $ 9,764 $ 10,773 $ 27,853 $ 32,500
Services................. 14,470 18,171 64,985 69,149
Rentals.................. 2,495 2,147 8,207 7,107
Finance income........... 1,065 1,074 4,300 4,649
Other.................... 270 138 881 2,427
------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
28,064 32,303 106,226 115,832
------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Costs and expenses
applicable to revenues
Equipment and product
sales................... 7,154 8,433 17,182 21,546
Services................. 10,753 15,331 44,372 50,090
Rentals.................. 3,654 1,083 7,043 2,987
Other.................... 71 - 169 50
------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
21,632 24,847 68,766 74,673
------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Gross margin............. 6,432 7,456 37,460 41,159
Selling, general and
administrative expenses 9,503 12,982 43,652 44,705
Research and development 1,306 1,609 7,461 5,789
Amortization of
intangibles............. 137 141 526 547
Receivable provisions net
of recoveries........... 863 1,102 1,977 1,795
Asset impairments........ 28 562 28 562
------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Loss from operations..... (5,405) (8,940) (16,184) (12,239)
Interest income.......... 99 215 381 862
Interest expense......... (4,400) (4,128) (17,707) (17,093)
------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Loss from continuing
operations before
income taxes............ (9,706) (12,853) (33,510) (28,470)
Recovery of (provision
for) income taxes....... 663 338 (92) (472)
Loss from continuing
operations.............. (9,043) (12,515) (33,602) (28,942)
Earnings from
discontinued operations - 2,370 - 2,002
------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Net loss................. $ (9,043) $ (10,145) $ (33,602) $ (26,940)
------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Loss per share
Loss per share -
basic & diluted:
Net loss from
continuing operations $ (0.21) $ (0.31) $ (0.79) $ (0.72)
Net loss from
discontinued
operations............ - 0.06 - 0.05
------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Net loss............... $ (0.21) $ (0.25) $ (0.79) $ (0.67)
------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Weighted average number
of shares outstanding
(000's):
Weighted average number
of shares used in
computing basic loss
per share............. 43,421 40,444 42,393 40,309
------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Weighted average number
of shares used in
computing diluted loss
per share............. 43,421 40,444 42,393 40,309
------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
------------ ----------- ----------- -----------
Additional disclosure:
Depreciation and
amortization (1) $ 5,272 $ 4,944 $ 18,071 $ 17,738
(1) Includes $0.3 million and $1.4 million of amortization of deferred
financing costs charged to interest expense for the three months and
year ended December 31, 2008, respectively (December 31, 2007 - $0.3
million and $1.3 million, respectively)
IMAX CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
In accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles
(In thousands of U.S. dollars)
December 31, December 31,
2008 2007
------------ ------------
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents...................... $ 27,017 $ 16,901
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for
doubtful accounts of $2,901 (2007 - $3,045)... 22,982 25,505
Financing receivables.......................... 56,138 59,092
Inventories.................................... 19,822 22,050
Prepaid expenses............................... 1,998 2,187
Film assets.................................... 3,923 2,042
Property, plant and equipment.................. 39,405 23,708
Other assets................................... 16,074 15,093
Goodwill....................................... 39,027 39,027
Other intangible assets........................ 2,281 2,377
------------ ------------
Total assets................................. $ 228,667 $ 207,982
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
Liabilities
Bank indebtedness.............................. $ 20,000 $ -
Accounts payable............................... 15,790 12,300
Accrued liabilities............................ 58,199 61,967
Deferred revenue............................... 71,452 59,085
Senior Notes due 2010.......................... 160,000 160,000
------------ ------------
Total liabilities............................ 325,441 293,352
------------ ------------
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' deficiency
Capital stock common shares - no par value.
Authorized - unlimited number.
Issued and outstanding - 43,490,631 (2007
- 40,423,074)............................... 141,584 122,455
Other equity................................... 5,183 4,088
Deficit........................................ (247,009) (213,407)
Accumulated other comprehensive income......... 3,468 1,494
------------ ------------
Total shareholders' deficiency............... (96,774) (85,370)
------------ ------------
Total liabilities and shareholders'
deficiency.................................. $ 228,667 $ 207,982
------------ ------------
------------ ------------
IMAX CORPORATION
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
In accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles
(in thousands of U.S. dollars)
The Company has eight reportable segments identified by category of
product sold or service provided: IMAX systems; theater system maintenance;
joint revenue sharing arrangements; film production and IMAX DMR; film
distribution; film post-production; theater operations; and other. The IMAX
systems segment designs, manufactures, sells or leases IMAX theater projection
system equipment. The theater system maintenance maintains IMAX theater
projection system equipment in the IMAX theater network. The joint revenue
sharing arrangements segment provides IMAX theater projection system equipment
to an exhibitor in exchange for a share of the profits. The film production
and IMAX DMR segment produces films and performs film re-mastering services.
The film distribution segment distributes films for which the Company has
distribution rights. The film post-production segment provides film post-
production and film print services. The theater operations segment owns and
operates certain IMAX theaters. The other segment includes camera rentals and
other miscellaneous items.
Includes a charge of $1.5 million and $2.4 million for the three
months and year ended December 31, 2008, respectively, (December 31,
2007 - $3.2 million and $3.3 million, respectively), in costs and
expenses applicable to revenues, primarily for the write-down of
film-based projector inventories.
Includes a charge of $0.1 million and $0.1 million for the three
months and year ended December 31, 2008, respectively, (December 31,
2007 - $0.6 million and $0.6 million, respectively), in costs and
expenses applicable to revenues, primarily for the write-down of
film-based service inventories.
In 2008, the Company adjusted the estimated useful life of its film-
based IMAX MPX projection systems in use by existing JRSA theaters,
on a prospective basis, to reflect the Company's accelerated
transition to a digital projection system for these theatres,
resulting in increased depreciation expense of $1.3 million and $1.5
million for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2008. Also
includes launch expenses associated with the opening of new joint
revenue sharing arrangement theatres of $1.5 million and $1.8 million
for the three months and year-ended December 31, 2008, respectively.
SOURCE IMAX Corporation
- 03/12/2009
CONTACT: Media: IMAX Corporation, New York, Sarah Gormley,
(212) 821-0155, sgormley@imax.com; Entertainment Media: Rogers & Cowan, Los Angeles,
Elliot Fischoff, Jason Magner, (310) 854-8128, jmagner@rogersandcowan.com;
Investors: IMAX Corporation, New York, Heather Anthony, (212) 821-0121, hanthony@imax.com; Business Media: Sloane & Company, New York, Whit Clay,
(212) 446-1864, wclay@sloanepr.com
(IMAX IMX.)
