Traders Purchase Large Volume of IMAX Put Options (NYSE:IMAX)

IMAX Corporation (NYSE:IMAX) was the target of some unusual options trading on Wednesday. Investors acquired 18,484 put options on the stock. This is an increase of approximately 1,914% compared to the average daily volume of 918 put options.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several brokerages recently issued reports on IMAX. Weiss Ratings restated a “buy (b)” rating on shares of IMAX in a research report on Monday, December 29th. Barrington Research reiterated an “outperform” rating and set a $42.00 target price on shares of IMAX in a research report on Monday, January 26th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on IMAX from $40.00 to $47.00 and gave the stock an “overweight” rating in a research report on Thursday, December 18th. Benchmark reaffirmed a “buy” rating on shares of IMAX in a research note on Monday, January 5th. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised shares of IMAX from a “buy” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a research note on Saturday, February 7th. Ten research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat, IMAX currently has a consensus rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $42.70.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On IMAX

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in IMAX. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. increased its position in shares of IMAX by 125.0% during the second quarter. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. now owns 900 shares of the company’s stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 500 shares during the period. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of IMAX in the 3rd quarter valued at about $27,000. Quarry LP raised its position in shares of IMAX by 166.8% during the fourth quarter. Quarry LP now owns 875 shares of the company’s stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 547 shares during the period. First Horizon Corp acquired a new position in shares of IMAX during the third quarter worth about $34,000. Finally, Jones Financial Companies Lllp increased its stake in IMAX by 43.8% in the 3rd quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 1,041 shares of the company’s stock valued at $34,000 after buying an additional 317 shares during the last quarter. 93.51% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

IMAX Stock Performance

IMAX stock opened at $37.67 on Friday. The stock’s 50 day moving average price is $36.32 and its 200 day moving average price is $33.41. IMAX has a one year low of $20.48 and a one year high of $39.98. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.03 billion, a PE ratio of 53.06, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.87 and a beta of 0.38.

IMAX News Summary

Here are the key news stories impacting IMAX this week:

• Positive Sentiment: IMAX struck a U.S. deal with Apple TV to show live Formula 1 races on big screens — a potential new recurring revenue stream that drives attendance, premium pricing and cross‑promotion after the recent F1 film. Imax, Apple TV to broadcast F1 live on U.S. big screens under new deal
• Positive Sentiment: Multiple outlets report IMAX will screen several live F1 World Championship races (dates announced), reinforcing the company’s shift toward live-event cinema that can lift box office and concession revenue. Imax To Screen Five Formula 1 World Championship Races Live In Deal With New U.S. Rights Holder Apple TV
• Positive Sentiment: IMAX’s premium slate and event programming (special formats for Project Hail Mary, re‑releases like The Who’s Tommy and concert/anniversary seasons) should support higher per‑patron spend and incremental attendance. IMAX, 4DX, 3-screen, and more: There are 12 theater formats to see ‘Project Hail Mary’
• Neutral Sentiment: IMAX reports earnings next week; Wall Street expects EPS growth but some analysts see limited upside for a beat, so the report could increase near‑term volatility without a clear directional cue. Imax (IMAX) Reports Next Week: Wall Street Expects Earnings Growth
• Neutral Sentiment: Ongoing publicity (museum seasons, historical pieces about IMAX’s format) helps brand and long‑term demand but has uncertain immediate revenue impact. How a Canadian company’s IMAX film format changed cinema forever
• Negative Sentiment: Unusual options activity: traders bought roughly 18,484 put contracts (a ~1,914% spike vs. normal), signaling significant short‑term bearish positioning that can amplify downward pressure.
• Negative Sentiment: Valuation and technicals: IMAX trades at a high P/E and is near its 52‑week high, which may limit upside if earnings or attendance disappoint.

IMAX Company Profile

IMAX Corporation is a global leader in immersive entertainment technologies, specializing in the design, manufacture and distribution of high-resolution cameras, projectors, and proprietary software solutions that enhance both film production and theatrical exhibition. The company licenses its premium large-format system to theatre owners and filmmakers around the world, enabling audiences to experience movies with greater clarity, scale and sound fidelity. IMAX also offers turnkey theatre development services, assisting cinema operators with auditorium design, installation and custom branding to optimize the customer experience.

Founded in 1967 and headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, IMAX has built a reputation for pioneering film-format innovations, including its patented dual 15-perforation, 70-millimeter projection system.