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International Entertainment News

Friday, July 20, 2007

IMAX Corporation reports 2006 and first quarter 2007 financial results

IMAX Corporation reports 2006 and first quarter 2007 financial results

HIGHLIGHTS ----------

- Company completes restatement of financial results for reporting periods covering 2002 through 2005 and will file Form 10-K for fiscal 2006 and Form 10-Q for the first quarter of fiscal 2007 today. Company revises accounting policy regarding revenue recognition for theatre system installations.

- Company enjoys a record opening week for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: An IMAX 3D Experience, with $11.6 million in worldwide IMAX box office on 126 screens, building on the strong performance of 2007 film slate to date, including 300: The IMAX Experience and Spider-Man 3: The IMAX Experience.

- Company continues to advance its joint venture initiative, with joint venture agreements for five theatres signed since January, and multiple discussions ongoing.

- Company remains on track to introduce its digital projection system on time and within budget.

- Company announces 13 theatre system signings in the first quarter of fiscal 2007, two of which were joint venture arrangements and three of which were subject to certain conditions, and six theatre system signings in the second quarter of fiscal 2007.

TORONTO, July 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- IMAX Corporation (NASDAQ: IMAX; TSX: IMX) today reported that it completed its restatement of financial results covering 2002 through 2005, and will file today its Form 10-K for fiscal 2006 and Form 10-Q for the first quarter of fiscal 2007, recording a net loss per diluted share from continuing operations of ($0.12) for the first quarter of fiscal 2007, compared to a restated net loss of ($0.15) per diluted share from continuing operations for the first quarter of fiscal 2006. For the full year 2006, the Company reported a net loss from continuing operations of $18.3 million, which includes several significant one-time items, such as a future tax valuation allowance, costs associated with its restatement, regulatory inquiries and attempted sales process, and other write-downs, compared to restated reported earnings from continuing operations of $5.8 million in 2005.

IMAX Co-Chief Executive Officers Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler stated, "We are pleased to complete our restatement and to file our 10-K and 10-Q today. In recent months we have been working very closely with the regulators, our auditors, counsel, Audit Committee and Board to manage this process, and are happy to be moving ahead unencumbered by the overhang of delayed filings. Most recently, we carefully evaluated our accounting practices in light of comments received from the staffs of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and Ontario Securities Commission ("OSC"), and, during the course of our interaction with these regulators, decided that we should revise our accounting policy as it relates to revenue recognition of theatre systems. The SEC and OSC inquiries remain ongoing. As for our performance to date in 2007, we are pleased to have had 19 signings completed in the first half of the year. In addition, our joint venture initiative is being positively received by exhibitors due principally to the strength of our film slate and the strong financial performance of the JV's that have been installed to date. While the Company navigated several challenges in fiscal 2006, we believe IMAX is now well positioned to expand our worldwide network and generate greater recurring revenues. Many of the events that impacted the Company in fiscal 2006 are now behind us, and several compelling growth opportunities lie ahead."

The Company formally launched its joint venture initiative at the beginning of the year as part of its effort to add incremental momentum to theatre growth and realize the benefits of network economics more quickly. In 2007 to date, IMAX has signed joint venture agreements for five theatres: a two-theatre joint venture agreement with Regal Cinemas in the first quarter and three-theatre deal with Muvico Theaters in the second quarter. Three of those five theatres have since opened and have experienced strong early results, and numerous discussions are ongoing both domestically and abroad.

During the first quarter, the Company signed agreements for 13 IMAX(R) theatre systems, two of which were joint venture arrangements and three of which were subject to certain conditions. The Company recognized revenue on four theatre systems in the first quarter and recognized one additional sale of an existing system. The Company signed agreements for six theatre systems in the second quarter of fiscal 2007.

On the film side, the Company reported that Warner Bros. Pictures' Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: An IMAX 3D Experience opened July 11, with the film's 18-minute finale digitally converted into live-action IMAX(R) 3D. The film grossed $11.6 million in its first week on 126 IMAX screens, which represents the Company's largest worldwide opening ever. It shattered several other opening box office records including largest domestic per screen average at $98,700, and largest single day at $1.9 million. The film's opening weekend domestic box office performance was double that of the opening weekend of the previous instalment, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: The IMAX Experience. The film set several international records as well, including the best opening weekend at $1.4 million on 35 screens; in coming weeks the film will open in 17 additional international IMAX theatres.

In addition, Warner Bros. Pictures' 300: The IMAX Experience, released on March 9, 2007, has grossed $24.0 million to date and Sony's Spider-Man 3: The IMAX Experience, released domestically on May 4th, has grossed approximately $24.1 million to date.

"We are delighted with the ongoing strength of our film slate, which has now featured five consecutive well-received films: Happy Feet, Night at the Museum, 300, Spider-Man 3 and last week's release of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, with the finale in unparalleled IMAX(R) 3D. For the last several years, we have discussed the impact of the growing theatre network on our film and other recurring revenues. The performance of Harry Potter 5, as well as our other recent releases, is demonstrating the power of the expanded network. In its first week, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix grossed $11.6 million on 126 IMAX screens, compared to a first week of $5.5 million on 75 IMAX screens for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in 2005. These increasingly strong results not only impact our film revenues, but also our joint venture arrangements, owned & operated theatre performance and ongoing network royalties. We have said that the network economics as the number of global IMAX theatres expands are going to be increasingly impressive, and this is strong evidence that this is already happening. With our terrific film slate, the positive initial response to our joint venture initiative, and the Company on track to introduce our new digital platform in late 2008 to mid-2009, we believe IMAX will see even greater enhanced network growth, improved network economics and increased recurring revenues going forward," concluded Messrs. Gelfond and Wechsler.

In March 2007, the Company announced that it would delay the filing of its annual report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2006 and its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2007 due to the discovery of certain accounting errors, mostly in the area of film accounting and inventory capitalization and taxes. The impact of these previously-disclosed errors resulted in a net overstatement of aggregate earnings previously reported for the periods 2002 through the third quarter of 2006 of $4.0 million. Of this $4.0 million, approximately $2.5 million was recognized in the fourth quarter of 2006, with the remaining $1.5 million expected to be recognized in future periods, the majority in 2007.

The Company subsequently broadened its accounting review to include certain other accounting matters, based on comments the Company received from the SEC and OSC. Under the former method for recording revenues under multiple element arrangement accounting, as reflected in the Company's 2005 10-K, the Company recognized revenue when the projector and sound system were installed and deferred revenue recognition of components deemed to be separate deliverables until their subsequent installation, such as the screen. Because the projector and sound system are delivered together, wired together and coordinated to provide a synchronized audio-video experience, the Company considered these two components to be a single deliverable, with other deliverables, such as the glasses cleaning machine and the screen system, treated separately. After extensive review and consideration, the Company determined that the screen, 3-D glasses cleaning machine and initial services including projectionist training should be considered one single deliverable. In addition, the Company will now require receipt of a signed acceptance from each client before recognizing revenue, in the absence of which the Company will recognize revenue upon the opening of the theatre.

Consequently, the Company concluded that errors occurred in its prior accounting for theatre systems, has revised its policy with regard to revenue recognition for theatre systems, and restated its financial results in accordance with the revised policy. The revised policy has the effect of shifting theatre systems revenues from the period in which they were previously reported to subsequent periods. The impact of these errors resulted in a net overstatement of aggregate earnings previously reported for the periods 2002 through 2005 of $10.4 million. The operating results for 2006 include the recognition of income resulting from the restatement of $7.4 million, meaning that the net earnings impact on future periods is $3.0 million. It is anticipated that, of that $3 million in net impact, the majority will be recognized in income in 2007. Breaking it down further, a total of 16 installation transactions with a total revenue and margin impact of $25.4 million and $14.1 million, respectively, shifted between reported quarters in their originally reported years. In addition, a total of 14 installation transactions, with a total revenue and margin impact of $27.1 million and $14.0 million, respectively, shifted between fiscal years.

As part of the Company's review of these transactions, certain other adjustments were identified, including misallocation of value to elements and accounting for finance income on certain leases that were previously reserved against. The net amount of these adjustments over the period 2002 through 2005 was a decrease in income of $1.9 million. Transactions and events related to these adjustments are expected to result in the majority of the income reversing into 2007.

For the three months ended March 31, 2007, the Company's total revenues were $27.2 million, as compared to $23.3 million reported for the prior year period. Systems revenue was $13.1 million versus $12.8 million in the prior year period. The Company recognized revenue on 5 theatre systems which qualified as either sales or sales-type leases in the first quarter of 2007, compared to 5 in 2006.

For the first quarter of 2007, film revenues were $9.1 million, as compared to $6.0 million in the first quarter of 2006. This included IMAX DMR(TM) revenues of $4.6 million compared to $1.1 million in 2006. Theatre operations revenue was $4.5 million in the first quarter of 2007 compared to $3.7 million in the first quarter of 2006.

The Company's cash and short term investments position was $27.4 million as of March 31, 2007, compared to $27.2 million as of December 31, 2006.

For the year ended December 31, 2006, the Company's total revenues were $129.3 million, as compared to $135.3 million reported for the prior year. Systems revenue was $72.1 million versus $88.6 million in the prior year, a decrease due principally to a reduction in settlement revenue for 2006. The Company recognized revenue on 30 theatre systems which qualified as either sales or sales-type leases in fiscal 2006, versus 30 in 2005, as restated.

For fiscal 2006, film revenues were $36.3 million, as compared to $26.0 million in fiscal 2005. This included IMAX DMR revenues of $14.6 million, compared to $8.9 million in 2005, an increase of 65%. Theatre operations revenue decreased to $16.9 million in 2006 from $17.5 million in 2005. Other revenue was $4.0 million in fiscal 2006, compared to $3.2 million in fiscal 2005.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company recorded a write-down of $3.2 million related primarily to inventories, property, plant and equipment and accounts receivable. It also recorded a deferred tax valuation allowance of $6.2 million, which equates to approximately $0.15 per share, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006. This tax write down relates to the Company's current assessment that the ultimate utilization of certain tax assets previously recorded on the balance sheet may not be realized within a two-year period.

The Company will host a conference call on Friday, July 20, 2007 at 8:30 AM ET. To access the call interested parties should call (866) 904-6251 approximately 10 minutes before it begins. International callers should dial (416) 915-8321. The code for both the live call and the replay is 3772743. The Company will also host a webcast of the conference call, which can be accessed on www.imax.com by clicking on 'Company Info' and then 'Investor Relations.'

About IMAX Corporation

IMAX Corporation is one of the world's leading entertainment technology companies, specializing in digital and film-based 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 3D, and IMAX DMR technology. IMAX DMR is the Company's groundbreaking digital remastering technology that allows it to digitally transform virtually any conventional motion picture into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience(TM). 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 March 31, 2007, there were 283 IMAX theatres operating in 40 countries.

IMAX(R), IMAX(R) 3D, IMAX DMR(R), IMAX(R) MPX(R), and The IMAX Experience(R) are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information on 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 financial reporting and accounting, 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, the performance of films, the viability of new businesses and products, risks arising from potential material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting and fluctuations in foreign currency and in the large format and general commercial exhibition market. These factors and other risks and uncertainties are discussed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, which is scheduled to be filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission today.

                             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 ended             Years ended                                        December 31,            December 31,                             ----------------------- -----------------------                                   2006        2005        2006        2005                             ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------                                                 As                      As                                           restated                restated   Revenues   Equipment and product    sales                     $  14,472   $  23,594   $  49,466   $  50,728   Services                      19,427      16,936      68,918      58,355   Rentals                        1,479       1,509       5,344       7,316   Finance income                 1,251       1,237       5,242       4,605   Other revenues                   300         922         300      14,318                             ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------                                 36,929      44,198     129,270     135,322   Costs of goods sold,    services and rentals   Equipment and product    sales                         7,137      11,508      26,008      25,216   Services                      12,689      11,543      48,856      43,969   Rentals                          434         518       1,812       2,460   Other costs of goods sold          -           -           -         142                             ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------                                 20,260      23,569      76,676      71,787                             ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------   Gross margin                  16,669      20,629      52,594      63,535    Selling, general and    administrative expenses      12,636       8,328      42,609      37,552   Research and development       1,158         835       3,615       3,224   Amortization of    intangibles                     146         430         602         911   Receivable provisions    net of (recoveries)             816        (390)      1,066      (1,009)   Asset impairments              1,073          13       1,073          13                             ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------   Earnings from operations         840      11,413       3,629      22,844    Interest income                  276         263       1,036       1,004   Interest expense              (4,179)     (4,202)    (16,759)    (16,875)                             ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------   Earnings (loss) from    continuing operations    before income taxes          (3,063)      7,474     (12,094)      6,973   Recovery of (provision    for) income taxes            (6,128)       (253)     (6,218)     (1,130)                             ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------   Net earnings (loss) from    continuing operations        (9,191)      7,221     (18,312)      5,843   Net earnings from    discontinued operations           -       1,193       1,425       1,979                             ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------   Net earnings (loss)        $  (9,191)  $   8,414  $  (16,887)  $   7,822                             ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------                             ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------    Earnings (loss) per share:   Earnings (loss) per    share - basic:     Net earnings (loss)      from continuing      operations              $   (0.23)  $    0.18  $    (0.46)  $    0.15     Net earnings from      discontinued      operations              $       -   $    0.03  $     0.04   $    0.05                             ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------     Net (loss) earnings      $   (0.23)  $    0.21  $    (0.42)  $    0.20                             ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------                             ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------   Earnings (loss) per share    - diluted:     Net earnings (loss)      from continuing      operations              $   (0.23)  $    0.17  $    (0.46)  $    0.14     Net earnings from      discontinued      operations              $       -   $    0.03  $     0.04   $    0.05                             ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------     Net earnings (loss)      $   (0.23)  $    0.20  $    (0.42)  $    0.19                             ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------                             ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------    Weighted average number    of shares outstanding    (000's):     Basic                       40,285      40,198      40,270      39,899     Diluted                     40,285      41,997      40,270      42,019    Additional disclosure:     Depreciation and      amortization(1)         $   4,143   $   4,092  $   16,825   $  15,629    (1)  Includes $0.2 million and $1.1 million in amortization of deferred        financing costs charged to interest expense for the three and twelve        months ended December 31, 2006 (2005 - $0.3 million, $1.2 million)                                  IMAX CORPORATION              CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS      In accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting                                Principles          (in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)                                (unaudited)                                                                Three months                                                             ended March 31,                                                     -----------------------                                                           2007        2006                                                     ----------- -----------                                                                         As                                                                   restated   Revenues   Equipment and product sales                        $   7,105   $   7,820   Services                                              17,645      13,434   Rentals                                                1,221         899   Finance income                                         1,186       1,112                                                     ----------- -----------                                                         27,157      23,265   Cost of goods sold, services and rentals   Equipment and product sales                            3,943       4,206   Services                                              11,276      10,617   Rentals                                                  549         465                                                     ----------- -----------                                                         15,768      15,288                                                     ----------- -----------   Gross margin                                          11,389       7,977    Selling, general and administrative expenses          10,342      10,553   Research and development                               1,495         915   Amortization of intangibles                              136         192   Receivable provisions net of (recoveries)                  6         143                                                     ----------- -----------   Loss from operations                                    (590)     (3,826)    Interest income                                          226         253   Interest expense                                      (4,249)     (4,157)                                                     ----------- -----------   Loss from continuing operations before income    taxes                                                (4,613)     (7,730)   Provision for recovery of income taxes                  (319)      1,692                                                     ----------- -----------    Net loss from continuing operations                   (4,932)     (6,038)   Net operations from discontinued operations                -       2,300                                                     ----------- -----------   Net loss                                           $  (4,932)  $  (3,738)                                                     ----------- -----------                                                     ----------- -----------    Earnings (loss) per share   Earnings (loss) per share - basic and diluted:     Net loss from continuing operations              $   (0.12)  $   (0.15)     Net earnings from discontinued operations        $       -   $    0.06                                                     ----------- -----------     Net loss                                         $   (0.12)  $   (0.09)                                                     ----------- -----------                                                     ----------- -----------     Weighted average number of shares outstanding    (000's):     Basic                                               40,286      40,225     Fully diluted                                       40,286      40,225    Additional disclosure:    Depreciation and amortization(1)                   $   2,995   $   3,390    (1) Includes $0.2 million of amortization of deferred financing costs       charged to interest expense for the quarter ended March 31, 2007       (2006 - $0.3 million)                                 IMAX CORPORATION                        CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS      In accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting                                Principles                      (In thousands of U.S. dollars)                                                           As at December 31,                                                     -----------------------                                                           2006        2005                                                     ----------- -----------                                                                         As                                                                   restated    Assets   Cash and cash equivalents                          $  25,123   $  24,324   Short-term investments                                 2,115       8,171   Accounts receivable, net of allowance for    doubtful accounts of $2,933  (2005 - $2,473)         26,017      20,116   Financing receivables                                 65,878      62,837   Inventories                                           26,913      28,967   Prepaid expenses                                       3,432       3,632   Film assets                                            1,235       1,708   Property, plant and equipment                         24,389      27,363   Other assets                                          10,365      14,134   Deferred income taxes                                      -       6,171   Goodwill                                              39,027      39,027   Other intangible assets                                2,547       2,701                                                     ----------- -----------     Total assets                                     $ 227,041   $ 239,151                                                     ----------- -----------                                                     ----------- -----------    Liabilities   Accounts payable                                   $  11,426   $   7,471   Accrued liabilities                                   51,052      51,755   Deferred revenue                                      56,694      59,840   Senior Notes due 2010                                160,000     160,000                                                     ----------- -----------     Total liabilities                                  279,172     279,066                                                     ----------- -----------     Shareholders' deficit   Capital stock Common shares - no par value.    Authorized - unlimited number. Issued and    outstanding - 40,285,574    (2005 - 40,213,542)                                 122,024     121,736   Other equity                                           2,937       1,864   Deficit                                             (178,274)   (161,387)   Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)          1,182      (2,128)                                                     ----------- -----------     Total shareholders' deficit                        (52,131)    (39,915)                                                     ----------- -----------     Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit      $ 227,041   $ 239,151                                                     ----------- -----------                                                     ----------- -----------                                 IMAX CORPORATION                   CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS      In accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting                                Principles                      (in thousands of U.S. dollars)                                                       March 31,    December                                                       2007           31,                                                     (unaudited)     2006                                                     ----------- -----------   Assets   Cash and cash equivalents                          $  25,252   $  25,123   Short-term investments                                 2,141       2,115   Accounts receivable, net of allowance for    doubtful accounts of $3,362  (2006 - $3,253)         18,725      26,017   Financing receivables                                 65,884      65,878   Inventories                                           26,664      26,913   Prepaid expenses                                       2,552       3,432   Film assets                                            1,160       1,235   Property, plant and equipment                         23,280      24,389   Other assets                                          10,623      10,365   Goodwill                                              39,027      39,027   Other intangible assets                                2,558       2,547                                                     ----------- -----------     Total assets                                     $ 217,866   $ 227,041                                                     ----------- -----------                                                     ----------- -----------    Liabilities   Accounts payable                                   $   5,306   $  11,426   Accrued liabilities                                   53,643      51,052   Deferred revenue                                      57,643      56,694   Senior Notes due 2010                                160,000     160,000                                                     ----------- -----------     Total liabilities                                  276,592     279,172                                                     ----------- -----------      Shareholders' equity (deficit)   Capital stock Common shares - no par value.    Authorized - unlimited number. Issued and    outstanding - 40,285,574 (2006 - 40,285,574)        122,024     122,024   Other equity                                           3,054       2,937   Deficit                                             (185,299)   (178,274)   Accumulated other comprehensive income                 1,495       1,182                                                     ----------- -----------     Total shareholders' deficit                        (58,726)    (52,131)                                                     ----------- -----------     Total liabilities and shareholders' equity      (deficit)                                       $ 217,866   $ 227,041                                                     ----------- -----------                                                     ----------- -----------  

Source: IMAX Corporation

CONTACT: Media: IMAX Corporation, New York, Sarah Gormley, (212)
821-0155, sgormley@imax.com; Entertainment Media: Newman & Company, Los
Angeles, Al Newman, (310) 278-1560, asn@newman-co.com; Investors: Integrated
Corporate Relations, Amanda Mullin, (203) 682-8243; Business Media: Sloane &
Company, New York, Whit Clay, (212) 446-1864, wclay@sloanepr.com


Profile: International Entertainment

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