Cinemark Holdings, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results and Reinstates Dividend

Rhea-AI Summary

Cinemark Holdings (CNK) reported strong Q4 and full-year 2024 results, with total revenue exceeding $3 billion and net income of $313 million. The company achieved an Adjusted EBITDA of $590 million with a 19.4% margin. Q4 revenue reached $814.3 million, up 27.5% year-over-year.

The company entertained 201 million moviegoers in 2024 and outperformed the North American industry box office by 900 basis points compared to 2019. Notable achievements include an all-time high food and beverage per cap of $5.96 and strong cash generation with $466 million from operating activities.

In a significant development, Cinemark reinstated its annual cash dividend at $0.32 per share, payable quarterly, representing a 1% yield. The first payment is scheduled for March 19, 2025. The company ended 2024 with a robust cash balance of $1.1 billion and successfully reduced its pandemic-related debt by $156 million.

Positive

• Q4 revenue increased 27.5% YoY to $814.3 million
• Full-year net income of $313 million, up from $188.2 million in 2023
• Record high food and beverage per cap of $5.96
• Generated $466 million in operating cash flow and $315 million free cash flow
• Strong cash position of $1.1 billion
• Reinstated dividend at $0.32 per share annually
• Reduced pandemic-related debt by $156 million

Negative

• Full-year revenue slightly decreased 0.6% to $3,049.5 million
• 4.1% decrease in annual attendance to 201.1 million patrons
• Adjusted EBITDA declined slightly from $594.1M in 2023 to $590.2M in 2024

Insights

Financial Analyst

Cinemark's FY2024 results reveal a compelling financial turnaround story, marked by several strategic achievements that position the company for sustained growth. The reinstatement of a $0.32 annual dividend represents more than just a return to shareholder distributions - it signals management's confidence in sustainable free cash flow generation and operational stability. The 19.4% Adjusted EBITDA margin is particularly impressive given the industry's historical challenges.

The company's operational excellence is evident in its consistent market share gains, maintaining a 100+ basis point advantage over 2019 levels in both U.S. and Latin American markets. This outperformance isn't merely cyclical - it reflects successful strategic initiatives in premium offerings and customer experience enhancement, as demonstrated by the record-high food and beverage per cap of $5.96.

The balance sheet transformation is equally noteworthy. By retiring $156 million in pandemic-related debt and securing a 100 basis point reduction in term loan rates, Cinemark has significantly improved its financial flexibility. The $1.1 billion cash position, combined with $315 million in free cash flow generation, provides ample resources for both growth investments and shareholder returns.

Q4's performance was particularly strong, with revenue reaching $814.3 million, up 27.5% year-over-year. This growth, achieved despite industry headwinds from the 2023 Hollywood Guild strikes, demonstrates the company's resilience and operational efficiency. The sustained outperformance versus industry benchmarks - 300 and 900 basis points above North American industry performance relative to 2023 and 2019, respectively - suggests Cinemark's market position continues to strengthen.

Delivered FY 2024 Total Revenue in excess of $3 billion, Net Income of $313 million, and Adjusted EBITDA of $590 million with a strong 19.4% Adjusted EBITDA margin

Generated $466 million in Cash from Operating Activities and $315 million of Free Cash Flow

Reinstated cash dividend at $0.32 per share of common stock per annum

PLANO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK), one of the largest and most influential theatrical exhibition companies in the world, today reported results for the three months and full year ended December 31, 2024.

“The enduring and timeless consumer appeal of shared, cinematic experiences that movie theaters uniquely provide was reinforced once again in 2024 as North American industry box office of approximately $8.8 billion far exceeded expectations and delivered multiple all-time records,” stated Sean Gamble, Cinemark’s President and CEO. “On better-than-expected industry performance, Cinemark delivered outsized box office proceeds and solid overall financial results driven by an intense focus on disciplined operational execution and the sustained impact of our strategic initiatives. Based on the strength of our company and our positive future outlook, we are thrilled to reinstate our annual cash dividend at $0.32 per share, which marks another major milestone in our recovery from the pandemic and reflects our ongoing commitment to creating long-term value for all shareholders.”

Q4 2024 and FY 2024 Earnings Highlights

• Entertained 51 million moviegoers during Q4 2024 and over 201 million for FY 2024.
• Delivered domestic box office results that surpassed North American industry performance by 300 and 900 basis points relative to FY 2023 and FY 2019, respectively; extended outperformance trend to 14 of the past 16 years.
• International admissions performance outpaced Latin American industry benchmark by approximately 100 and 700 basis points relative to FY 2023 and FY 2019, respectively.
• Sustained market share growth versus FY 2019 of more than 100 basis points in the U.S. and Latin America; continued to maintain the most significant market share gains of all major exhibitors.
• Achieved an all-time high food and beverage per cap of $5.96 for FY 2024.
• Delivered record-high fourth quarter total revenue of $814 million representing a 27% increase year-over-year and a 3% increase versus Q4 2019.
• Reported more than $3 billion of total revenue for FY 2024 that was flat with FY 2023 despite headwinds caused by the 2023 Hollywood Guild Strikes.
• FY 2024 net income was $313 million with diluted earnings per share attributable to Cinemark Holdings, Inc. of $2.06.
• Delivered FY 2024 Adjusted EBITDA of $590 million with a strong 19.4% Adjusted EBITDA margin.
• Generated $466 million in Cash from Operating Activities and $315 million of Free Cash Flow during FY 2024; ended the year with a strong cash balance of $1.1 billion.
• Further strengthened balance sheet by retiring $156 million of pandemic-related debt and reduced interest expense on our term loan through repricing transactions that resulted in a combined 100 basis points rate reduction.
• Given our solid financial position and our positive outlook for theatrical exhibition, reinstated annual cash dividend at $0.32 per share, payable quarterly, and representing a 1% yield. The first quarterly dividend will be payable on March 19, 2025 to shareholders of record on March 5, 2025.

Financial Results

Cinemark Holdings, Inc.’s total revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2024 increased 27.5% to $814.3 million compared with $638.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. For the three months ended December 31, 2024, admissions revenue increased 26.1% to $406.5 million and concession revenue increased 29.0% to $313.4 million. Worldwide average ticket price was $7.97 and concession revenue per patron was $6.15.

Net income attributable to Cinemark Holdings, Inc. for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was $51.3 million compared with a net loss of $18.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. Diluted earnings per share for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was $0.33 compared with a diluted loss per share of $(0.15) for the three months ended December 31, 2023.

Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was $156.9 million compared with $79.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures are provided in the financial schedules accompanying this press release and at https://ir.cinemark.com.

Cinemark Holdings, Inc.’s total revenue for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 decreased 0.6% to $3,049.5 million compared with $3,066.7 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, admissions revenue decreased 2.1% to $1,522.5 million while concession revenue remained relatively flat at $1,197.8 million, with a 4.1% decrease in attendance to 201.1 million patrons. Worldwide average ticket price was $7.57 and concession revenue per patron was $5.96.

Net income attributable to Cinemark Holdings, Inc. for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 was $309.7 million compared with net income of $188.2 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. Diluted earnings per share for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 was $2.06 compared with diluted earnings per share of $1.34 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. Net income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 included a $60.1 million income tax benefit primarily related to the release of certain valuation allowances.

Adjusted EBITDA for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 was $590.2 million compared with $594.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures are provided in the financial schedules accompanying this press release and at https://ir.cinemark.com.

On February 18, 2025 Cinemark Holdings, Inc.'s board of directors approved an annual cash dividend of $0.32 per share of common stock, payable quarterly. The first quarterly dividend will be payable on March 19, 2025 to Cinemark Holdings, Inc.’s shareholders of record as of March 5, 2025.

Webcast – Today at 8:30 AM ET

Live Webcast/Replay: Available at https://ir.cinemark.com. A replay will be available following the call and archived for a limited time.

About Cinemark Holdings, Inc.

Headquartered in Plano, TX, Cinemark (NYSE: CNK) is one of the largest and most influential movie theatre companies in the world. Cinemark’s circuit, comprised of various brands that also include Century, Tinseltown and Rave, as of December 31, 2024 operated 497 theaters with 5,653 screens in 42 states domestically and 13 countries throughout South and Central America. Cinemark consistently provides an extraordinary guest experience from the initial ticket purchase to the closing credits, including Movie Club, the first U.S. exhibitor-launched subscription program; the highest Luxury Lounger recliner seat penetration among the major players; XD - the No. 1 exhibitor-brand premium large format; and expansive food and beverage options to further enhance the moviegoing experience. For more information go to https://ir.cinemark.com.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available as well as management’s assumptions and beliefs today. These statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the statements, and investors should not place undue reliance on them. Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements include:

• future revenue, expenses and profitability;
• currency exchange rate and inflationary impacts;
• general economic conditions in the United States and internationally;
• the future development and expected growth of our business;
• projected capital expenditures;
• access to capital resources;
• attendance at movies generally or in any of the markets in which we operate;
• the number and diversity of popular movies released, the length of exclusive theatrical release windows, and our ability to successfully license and exhibit popular films;
• national and international growth in our industry;
• competition from other exhibitors, alternative forms of entertainment and content delivery via streaming and other formats;
• changes in legislation, government regulations or policies that affect our operations;
• determinations in lawsuits in which we are a party;
• impairment of the value of our long-lived assets and goodwill; and
• extraordinary events beyond our control, such as conflicts, wars, natural disasters, public health crises, labor strikes, or terrorist attacks.

You can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “plans,” “expects,” “future” and “intends” and similar expressions which are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and difficult to predict. Such risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements. In evaluating forward-looking statements, you should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section or other sections in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed February 19, 2025. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements and risk factors. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release reflect our view only as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation, other than as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Cinemark Holdings, Inc. Financial and Operating Summary (unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts)
		Three Months Ended								Twelve Months Ended
		December 31,								December 31,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
Statement of income (loss) data:
Revenue
Admissions		$	406.5			$	322.4			$	1,522.5			$	1,555.6
Concession			313.4				243.0				1,197.8				1,192.0
Other			94.4				73.5				329.2				319.1
Total revenue			814.3				638.9				3,049.5				3,066.7
Cost of operations
Film rentals and advertising			235.7				172.8				859.6				865.7
Concession supplies			60.3				47.3				225.4				221.3
Salaries and wages			107.7				96.9				401.8				403.1
Facility lease expense			80.6				78.8				325.3				329.7
Utilities and other			127.3				113.3				459.4				466.8
General and administrative expenses			57.1				54.1				218.1				198.8
Depreciation and amortization			49.2				49.9				197.5				209.5
Impairment of long-lived and other assets			1.5				4.5				1.5				16.6
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets and other			(0.4	)			1.1				1.6				(7.7	)
Total cost of operations			719.0				618.7				2,690.2				2,703.8
Operating income			95.3				20.2				359.3				362.9
Other income (expense)
Interest expense			(35.0	)			(38.4	)			(144.0	)			(150.4	)
Interest income			12.9				14.8				53.2				55.0
Loss on debt amendments and extinguishments			(1.4	)			—				(6.9	)			(10.7	)
Foreign currency exchange and other related loss			(1.8	)			(9.4	)			(9.7	)			(28.8	)
Interest expense - NCM			(5.5	)			(5.6	)			(22.0	)			(22.6	)
Equity in income of affiliates			0.6				2.4				11.9				3.6
Net (loss) gain on investment in NCMI			(1.8	)			(1.5	)			11.0				12.4
Income (loss) before income taxes			63.3				(17.5	)			252.8				221.4
Income tax expense (benefit)			11.2				0.1				(60.1	)			29.9
Net income (loss)		$	52.1			$	(17.6	)		$	312.9			$	191.5
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests			0.8				0.4				3.2				3.3
Net income (loss) attributable to Cinemark Holdings, Inc.		$	51.3			$	(18.0	)		$	309.7			$	188.2
Earnings (loss) per share attributable to Cinemark Holdings, Inc.'s common stockholders
Basic		$	0.42			$	(0.15	)		$	2.54			$	1.55
Diluted		$	0.33			$	(0.15	)		$	2.06			$	1.34
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic			120.0				119.2				119.9				119.1
Diluted			163.6				119.2				154.9				152.0

Other Operating Data (unaudited, in millions)
		As of December 31,
		2024				2023
Balance sheet data:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	1,057.3			$	849.1
Theater properties and equipment, net		$	1,145.1			$	1,161.7
Total assets		$	5,067.0			$	4,836.8
Long-term debt, net of unamortized debt issuance costs and original issue discount		$	2,334.7			$	2,399.1
Total equity		$	603.4			$	318.8

	Twelve Months Ended December 31,
	2024				2023
Cash flows provided by (used for):
Operating activities (1)	$	466.0			$	444.3
Investing activities	$	(146.9	)		$	(131.8	)
Financing activities	$	(103.1	)		$	(125.4	)

(1)	We define free cash flow as cash flow provided by operating activities less capital expenditures. A reconciliation of cash flow provided by operating activities to free cash flow is provided below:

		Twelve Months Ended December 31,
		2024				2023
Reconciliation of free cash flow:
Cash flows provided by operating activities		$	466.0			$	444.3
Less: Capital expenditures			(150.8	)			(149.5	)
Free cash flow		$	315.2			$	294.8

Segment Information (unaudited, in millions, except per patron data)
		U.S. Reportable Segment								International Reportable Segment												Consolidated
		Three Months Ended December 31,								Three Months Ended December 31,								Constant Currency ¹				Three Months Ended December 31,
		2024				2023				2024				2023				2024				2024				2023
Revenue and Attendance
Admissions revenue		$	338.7			$	267.5			$	67.8			$	54.9			$	91.7			$	406.5			$	322.4
Concession revenue			259.7				200.9				53.7				42.1				71.7				313.4				243.0
Other revenue			68.0				50.4				26.4				23.1				36.6				94.4				73.5
Total revenue		$	666.4			$	518.8			$	147.9			$	120.1			$	200.0			$	814.3			$	638.9
Attendance			32.6				26.2				18.4				14.4								51.0				40.6
Average ticket price		$	10.39			$	10.21			$	3.68			$	3.81			$	4.98			$	7.97			$	7.94
Concession revenue per patron		$	7.97			$	7.67			$	2.92			$	2.92			$	3.90			$	6.15			$	5.99
Cost of Operations
Film rentals and advertising		$	201.2			$	145.0			$	34.5			$	27.8			$	47.1			$	235.7			$	172.8
Concession supplies			47.7				38.1				12.6				9.2				16.9				60.3				47.3
Salaries and wages			91.2				80.8				16.5				16.1				23.3				107.7				96.9
Facility lease expense			61.8				61.7				18.8				17.1				23.5				80.6				78.8
Utilities and other			100.8				85.7				26.5				27.6				36.2				127.3				113.3

		U.S. Reportable Segment								International Reportable Segment												Consolidated
		Twelve Months Ended December 31,								Twelve Months Ended December 31,								Constant Currency ¹				Twelve Months Ended December 31,
		2024				2023				2024				2023				2024				2024				2023
Revenue and Attendance
Admissions revenue		$	1,233.1			$	1,236.0			$	289.4			$	319.6			$	432.6			$	1,522.5			$	1,555.6
Concession revenue			969.3				952.0				228.5				240.0				336.9				1,197.8				1,192.0
Other revenue			234.4				227.3				94.8				91.8				140.6				329.2				319.1
Total revenue		$	2,436.8			$	2,415.3			$	612.7			$	651.4			$	910.1			$	3,049.5			$	3,066.7
Attendance			122.9				127.7				78.2				82.1								201.1				209.8
Average ticket price		$	10.03			$	9.68			$	3.70			$	3.89			$	5.53			$	7.57			$	7.41
Concession revenue per patron		$	7.89			$	7.45			$	2.92			$	2.92			$	4.31			$	5.96			$	5.68
Cost of Operations
Film rentals and advertising		$	714.4			$	703.6			$	145.2			$	162.1			$	220.1			$	859.6			$	865.7
Concession supplies			174.5				169.1				50.9				52.2				74.7				225.4				221.3
Salaries and wages			335.6				333.8				66.2				69.3				103.7				401.8				403.1
Facility lease expense			245.8				246.6				79.5				83.1				104.9				325.3				329.7
Utilities and other			356.5				355.4				102.9				111.4				156.8				459.4				466.8

(1)

Constant currency amounts, which are non-GAAP measurements, were calculated using the average exchange rate for the corresponding month for 2023. We translate the results of our international reportable segment from local currencies into U.S. dollars using currency rates in effect at different points in time in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Significant changes in foreign currency exchange rates from one period to the next can result in meaningful variations in reported results. We are providing constant currency amounts for our international reportable segment to present a period-to-period comparison of business performance that excludes the impact of foreign currency fluctuations.

Other Segment Information  (unaudited, in millions)
		Three Months Ended December 31,						Twelve Months Ended December 31,
		2024			2023			2024			2023
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
U.S.		$	128.0		$	68.5		$	466.6		$	463.9
International			28.9			11.1			123.6			130.2
Total Adjusted EBITDA		$	156.9		$	79.6		$	590.2		$	594.1
Capital expenditures
U.S.		$	41.4		$	40.8		$	109.1		$	111.5
International			19.2			19.0			41.7			38.0
Total capital expenditures		$	60.6		$	59.8		$	150.8		$	149.5

(1)

Adjusted EBITDA represents net income (loss) before income taxes, depreciation and amortization expense and other items, as calculated below. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure commonly used in our industry and should not be construed as an alternative to net income (loss) as an indicator of operating performance or as an alternative to cash flow provided by operating activities as a measure of liquidity (as determined in accordance with GAAP). Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. We have included Adjusted EBITDA because we believe it provides management and investors with additional information to measure our performance and liquidity, estimate our value and evaluate our ability to service debt. In addition, we use Adjusted EBITDA for incentive compensation purposes. A reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA is provided below.

Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA (unaudited, in millions)
		Three Months Ended December 31,								Twelve Months Ended December 31,
		2024				2023				2024				2023
Net income (loss)		$	52.1			$	(17.6	)		$	312.9			$	191.5
Add (deduct):
Income tax expense (benefit)			11.2				0.1				(60.1	)			29.9
Interest expense (1)			35.0				38.4				144.0				150.4
Other income, net (2)			(4.4	)			(0.7	)			(44.4	)			(19.6	)
Cash distributions from other equity investees (3)			4.2				2.5				9.3				5.7
Depreciation and amortization			49.2				49.9				197.5				209.5
Impairment of long-lived assets			1.5				4.5				1.5				16.6
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets and other			(0.4	)			1.1				1.6				(7.7	)
Loss on debt amendments and extinguishments			1.4				—				6.9				10.7
Non-cash rent			(2.3	)			(4.7	)			(12.5	)			(17.9	)
Share-based awards compensation expense (4)			9.4				6.1				33.5				25.0
Adjusted EBITDA		$	156.9			$	79.6			$	590.2			$	594.1

(1)	Includes amortization of debt issuance costs, amortization of original issue discount and amortization of accumulated gains for amended swap agreements.
(2)	Includes interest income, foreign currency exchange and other related loss, interest expense - NCM, equity in income of affiliates and net gain (loss) on investment in NCMI.
(3)	Reflects cash distributions received from equity investees that were recorded as a reduction of the respective investment balances. These distributions are reported entirely within the U.S. reportable segment.
(4)	Non-cash expense included in general and administrative expenses.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250219046422/en/

Investor Relations Contact:

Chanda Brashears – 972-665-1671 or cbrashears@cinemark.com



Media Contact:

Julia McCartha – 972-665-1322 or pr@cinemark.com

Source: Cinemark Holdings, Inc.

FAQ

What is Cinemark's (CNK) new dividend policy for 2025?

Cinemark reinstated its annual cash dividend at $0.32 per share, payable quarterly, representing a 1% yield. The first quarterly payment will be made on March 19, 2025, to shareholders of record as of March 5, 2025.

How did Cinemark (CNK) perform in Q4 2024 compared to Q4 2023?

Cinemark's Q4 2024 revenue increased 27.5% to $814.3 million compared to Q4 2023, with net income of $51.3 million versus a loss of $18.0 million in the same period last year.

What was Cinemark's (CNK) full-year 2024 net income?

Cinemark reported a full-year 2024 net income of $313 million, with diluted earnings per share of $2.06.

How much debt did Cinemark (CNK) reduce in 2024?

Cinemark retired $156 million of pandemic-related debt and reduced interest expense through repricing transactions that resulted in a 100 basis points rate reduction.

What was Cinemark's (CNK) total attendance in 2024?

Cinemark entertained over 201 million moviegoers in 2024, though this represented a 4.1% decrease from the previous year.