Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
September 30,
(Mark One)
☒
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2023
OR
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 001-33892
AMC ENTERTAINMENT HOLDINGS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware(State or other jurisdiction ofincorporation or organization)
26-0303916(I.R.S. EmployerIdentification No.)
One AMC Way11500 Ash Street, Leawood, KS(Address of principal executive offices)
66211(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (913) 213-2000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol
Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A common stock
AMC
New York Stock Exchange
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulations S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filer ☒
Accelerated filer ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☐
Smaller reporting company ☐
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by checkmark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standard provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Title of each class of common stock
Number of sharesoutstanding as of November 7, 2023
198,356,898
INDEX
Page
Number
PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
4
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
6
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
8
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
37
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
64
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
66
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
Legal Proceedings
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
70
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Mine Safety Disclosures
Item 5.
Other Information
Item 6.
Exhibits
71
Signature
72
2
Item 1. Financial Statements. (Unaudited)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
(In millions, except share and per share amounts)
September 30, 2023
September 30, 2022
(unaudited)
Revenues
Admissions
$
797.7
545.3
2,075.9
1,640.1
Food and beverage
482.7
333.3
1,299.6
982.5
Other theatre
125.5
89.8
332.7
297.9
Total revenues
1,405.9
968.4
3,708.2
2,920.5
Operating costs and expenses
Film exhibition costs
398.5
263.2
1,027.8
781.7
Food and beverage costs
90.1
58.5
243.2
165.7
Operating expense, excluding depreciation and amortization below
449.8
400.6
1,245.0
1,147.6
Rent
224.3
223.2
650.8
668.8
General and administrative:
Merger, acquisition and other costs
0.7
0.3
1.5
0.4
Other, excluding depreciation and amortization below
54.4
40.6
184.8
161.2
Depreciation and amortization
88.7
96.9
279.1
293.0
1,306.5
1,083.3
3,632.2
3,218.4
Operating income (loss)
99.4
(114.9)
76.0
(297.9)
Other expense, net:
Other expense (income)
(12.8)
(1.0)
(4.7)
91.6
Interest expense:
Corporate borrowings
93.4
85.1
276.1
246.6
Finance lease obligations
0.9
1.0
2.8
3.2
Non-cash NCM exhibitor services agreement
9.4
9.6
28.5
28.6
Equity in (earnings) loss of non-consolidated entities
(3.1)
(2.8)
(5.3)
3.3
Investment expense (income)
(3.0)
18.3
(11.4)
12.2
Total other expense, net
84.8
110.2
286.0
385.5
Net earnings (loss) before income taxes
14.6
(225.1)
(210.0)
(683.4)
Income tax provision
2.3
1.8
4.6
2.5
Net earnings (loss)
12.3
(226.9)
(214.6)
(685.9)
Net earnings (loss) per share:
Basic
0.08
(2.20)
(1.43)
(6.64)
Diluted
Average shares outstanding:
Basic (in thousands)
162,424
103,369
150,465
103,306
Diluted (in thousands)
162,607
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(In millions)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized foreign currency translation adjustments
9.1
(26.1)
(38.1)
(78.4)
Pension adjustments:
Net gain arising during the period
0.1
—
Other comprehensive income (loss)
9.2
(26.0)
(78.1)
Total comprehensive income (loss)
21.5
(252.9)
(252.7)
(764.0)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(In millions, except share data)
December 31, 2022
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
729.7
631.5
Restricted cash
22.4
22.9
Receivables, net
134.2
166.6
Other current assets
93.8
81.1
Total current assets
980.1
902.1
Property, net
1,577.9
1,719.2
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net
3,583.5
3,802.9
Intangible assets, net
145.5
147.3
Goodwill
2,310.8
2,342.0
Other long-term assets
195.3
222.1
Total assets
8,793.1
9,135.6
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
236.5
330.5
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
342.8
364.3
Deferred revenues and income
411.0
402.7
Current maturities of corporate borrowings
20.0
Current maturities of finance lease liabilities
6.2
5.5
Current maturities of operating lease liabilities
512.3
567.3
Total current liabilities
1,528.8
1,690.3
4,750.4
5,120.8
Finance lease liabilities
48.3
53.3
Operating lease liabilities
3,979.7
4,252.7
Exhibitor services agreement
492.0
505.8
Deferred tax liability, net
32.8
32.1
Other long-term liabilities
99.1
105.1
Total liabilities
10,931.1
11,760.1
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ deficit:
AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc.'s stockholders' deficit:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value per share, 50,000,000 shares authorized; including Series A Convertible Participating Preferred Stock, no shares authorized, issued, and outstanding as of September 30, 2023; 10,000,000 authorized; 7,245,872 issued and outstanding December 31, 2022, represented by AMC Preferred Equity Units, each representing an interest in a share of Series A Convertible Participating Preferred Stock, of which no shares are authorized, issued, and outstanding as of September 30, 2023; 100,000,000 authorized; 72,458,706 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2022
Class A common stock ($.01 par value, 550,000,000 shares authorized; 198,356,898 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2023; 524,173,073 authorized; 51,683,892 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2022)
2.0
0.5
Additional paid-in capital
5,787.6
5,049.8
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(115.4)
(77.3)
Accumulated deficit
(7,812.2)
(7,597.6)
Total stockholders' deficit
(2,138.0)
(2,624.5)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
(Gain) loss on extinguishment of debt
(97.5)
96.4
Deferred income taxes
0.8
1.1
Unrealized loss (gain) on investments in Hycroft
10.8
3.4
Amortization of net premium on corporate borrowings to interest expense
(42.7)
(48.5)
Amortization of deferred financing costs to interest expense
7.1
10.0
Non-cash portion of stock-based compensation
40.9
22.3
Gain on disposition of Saudi Cinema Company
(15.5)
Equity in loss (gain) from non-consolidated entities, net of distributions
(0.9)
7.8
Landlord contributions
16.0
16.2
Other non-cash rent benefit
(27.0)
(20.6)
Deferred rent
(97.7)
(130.2)
Net periodic benefit cost (income)
1.3
(0.4)
Non-cash shareholder litigation expense
99.3
Change in assets and liabilities:
Receivables
61.1
Other assets
(12.9)
(15.8)
(70.5)
(138.9)
(29.9)
(93.1)
Other, net
(5.8)
26.9
Net cash used in operating activities
(137.4)
(595.2)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures
(153.5)
(129.7)
Acquisition of theatre assets
(4.0)
(17.8)
Proceeds from disposition of Saudi Cinema Company
30.0
Proceeds from disposition of long-term assets
8.6
Proceeds from sale of securities
11.4
Investments in non-consolidated entities, net
(27.9)
(0.5)
Net cash used in investing activities
(116.4)
(153.7)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repurchase of Senior Subordinated Notes due 2026
(1.7)
Proceeds from issuance of First Lien Notes due 2029
950.0
Principal payments under First Lien Notes due 2025
(500.0)
Principal payments under First Lien Notes due 2026
(300.0)
Principal payments under First Lien Toggle Notes due 2026
(73.5)
Premium paid to extinguish First Lien Notes due 2025
(34.5)
Premium paid to extinguish First Lien Notes due 2026
(25.6)
Premium paid to extinguish First Lien Toggle Notes due 2026
(14.6)
Repurchase of Second Lien Notes due 2026
(99.8)
(50.0)
Scheduled principal payments under Term Loan due 2026
(15.0)
Net proceeds from equity issuances
492.4
Principal payments under finance lease obligations
(4.6)
(7.9)
Cash used to pay for deferred financing costs
(1.8)
(19.3)
Cash used to pay dividends
(0.7)
Taxes paid for restricted unit withholdings
(14.2)
(52.2)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
355.3
(135.5)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents and
(3.8)
(30.1)
restricted cash
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
97.7
(914.5)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period
654.4
1,620.3
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period
752.1
705.8
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest
290.0
254.5
Income taxes paid, net
Schedule of non-cash activities:
Investment in NCM
15.0
Construction payables at period end
30.5
38.6
Other third-party equity issuance costs payable
3.5
Extinguishment of Second Lien Notes due 2026 in exchange for share issuance
118.6
7
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1—BASIS OF PRESENTATION
AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (“Holdings”), through its direct and indirect subsidiaries, including American Multi-Cinema, Inc. and its subsidiaries, (collectively with Holdings, unless the context otherwise requires, the “Company” or “AMC”), is principally involved in the theatrical exhibition business and owns, operates or has interests in theatres located in the United States and Europe.
Stock Split and Reverse Stock Split. On August 4, 2022, the Company announced that its Board of Directors declared a special dividend of one AMC Preferred Equity Unit for each share of Class A common stock (“Common Stock”) outstanding at the close of business on August 15, 2022, the record date. The dividend was paid at the close of business on August 19, 2022 to investors who held Common Stock as of August 22, 2022, the ex-dividend date. Due to the characteristics of the AMC Preferred Equity Units, the special dividend had the effect of a stock split pursuant to ASC 505-20-25-4.
On August 24, 2023, the Company effectuated a reverse stock split at a ratio of one share of Common Stock for every ten shares of Common Stock. As a result of the reverse stock split, each share of Series A Convertible Participating Preferred Stock became convertible into ten shares of Common Stock, and by extension each AMC Preferred Equity Unit became equivalent to one-tenth (1/10th) of a share of Common Stock. The reserve stock split did not impact the number of AMC Preferred Equity Units outstanding. The Company concluded that this change in conversion ratio is analogous to a reverse stock split of the AMC Preferred Equity Units even though the reverse stock split did not have an effect on the number of AMC Preferred Equity Units outstanding.
Accordingly, all references made to share, per share, unit, per unit, or common share amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and applicable disclosures have been retroactively adjusted to reflect both the effects of the special dividend as a stock split and the subsequent reverse stock split. References made to AMC Preferred Equity Units have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the effect of the reverse stock split on their equivalent Common Stock shares.
Liquidity. The Company believes its existing cash and cash equivalents, together with cash generated from operations, will be sufficient to fund its operations and satisfy its obligations currently and through the next twelve months. The Company also believes it will comply with the minimum liquidity covenant requirement under its Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility through the end of the covenant suspension period. Pursuant to the Twelfth Amendment to Credit Agreement, the requisite revolving lenders party thereto agreed to extend the suspension period for the secured leverage ratio financial covenant applicable to the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility under the Credit Agreement through March 31, 2024. The current maturity date of the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility is April 22, 2024. Since the financial covenant applicable to the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility is tested as of the last day of any fiscal quarter for which financial statements have been (or were required to have been) delivered, the financial covenant has been effectively suspended through maturity of the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility. As of September 30, 2023, the Company was subject to a minimum liquidity requirement of $100 million as a condition to the financial covenant suspension period under the Credit Agreement.
The Company’s cash burn rates are not sustainable long-term. In order to achieve sustainable net positive operating cash flows and long-term profitability, the Company believes that operating revenues will need to increase to levels in line with pre-COVID operating revenues. North American box office grosses were down approximately 16% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2019. Until such time as the Company is able to achieve positive operating cash flow, it is difficult to estimate the Company’s liquidity requirements, future cash burn rates, future operating revenues, and attendance levels. Depending on the Company’s assumptions regarding the timing and ability to achieve increased levels of operating revenue, the estimates of amounts of required liquidity vary significantly.
There can be no assurance that the operating revenues, attendance levels, and other assumptions used to estimate the Company’s liquidity requirements and future cash burn rates will be correct, and the ability to be predictive is uncertain due to limited ability to predict studio film release dates, the overall production and theatrical release levels, and success of individual titles. Additionally, the effects of labor stoppages, including but not limited to the Writers Guild of America strike that began on May 2, 2023 and ended on September 27, 2023, and the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists strike that began on July 14, 2023, cannot be reasonably estimated and may have a negative impact on the future film slate for exhibition, the Company’s future liquidity and cash burn rates. Further, there can be no assurances that the Company will be successful in generating the additional liquidity necessary to meet the Company’s obligations beyond twelve months from the issuance of these financial statements on terms acceptable to the Company or at all.
The Company may, at any time and from time to time, seek to retire or purchase its outstanding debt through cash purchases and/or exchanges for equity or debt, in open-market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Such repurchases or exchanges, if any, will be upon such terms and at such prices as it may determine, and will depend on prevailing market conditions, its liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material and to the extent equity is used, dilutive.
On December 22, 2022, the Company entered into a forward purchase agreement (the “Forward Purchase Agreement”) with Antara Capital LP (“Antara”) pursuant to which the Company agreed to (i) sell to Antara 10,659,511 AMC Preferred Equity Units for an aggregate purchase price of $75.1 million and (ii) simultaneously purchase from Antara $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 10%/12% Cash/PIK Toggle Second Lien Notes due 2026 in exchange for 9,102,619 AMC Preferred Equity Units. On February 7, 2023, the Company issued 19,762,130 AMC Preferred Equity Units to Antara in exchange for $75.1 million in cash and $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 10%/12% Cash/PIK Toggle Second Lien Notes due 2026. The Company recorded $193.7 million to stockholders’ deficit as a result of the transaction. The Company paid $1.4 million of accrued interest in cash upon exchange of the notes. See Note 7—Stockholders’ Equity for more information.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company raised gross proceeds of approximately $114.5 million and paid fees to a sales agent and incurred other third-party issuance costs of approximately $2.9 million and $8.7 million, respectively, through its at-the-market offering of approximately 7.1 million shares of its AMC Preferred Equity Units. The Company paid $11.5 million of other third-party issuance costs during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company raised gross proceeds of approximately $325.5 million and paid fees to a sales agent and incurred other third-party issuance costs of approximately $8.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively, through its at-the-market offering of 40.0 million shares of its Common Stock. The Company paid $0.1 million of other third-party issuance costs during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. See Note 7—Stockholders’ Equity for further information regarding the at-the-market offerings.
The below table summarizes the cash debt repurchase transactions during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, including related party transactions with Antara, which was a related party from February 7, 2023 to August 25, 2023. See Note 6—Corporate Borrowings and Finance Lease Liabilities for more information.
Aggregate Principal
Reacquisition
Gain on
Accrued Interest
Repurchased
Cost
Extinguishment
Paid
Related party transactions:
Second Lien Notes due 2026
75.9
48.5
5.875% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2026
4.1
1.7
Total related party transactions
80.0
50.2
43.2
1.2
Non-related party transactions:
89.7
51.3
54.3
2.2
Total non-related party transactions
Total debt repurchases
169.7
101.5
97.5
9
Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Principles of Consolidation. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AMC, as discussed above, and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10–K for the year ended December 31, 2022. The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2022, which was derived from audited financial statements, and the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10–Q. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of management, these interim financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position and results of operations. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Due to the seasonal nature of the Company’s business, results for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2023. The Company manages its business under two reportable segments for its theatrical exhibition operations, U.S. markets and International markets.
Cash and Cash Equivalents. At September 30, 2023, cash and cash equivalents for the U.S. markets and International markets were $620.7 million and $109.0 million respectively, and at December 31, 2022, cash and cash equivalents were $508.0 million and $123.5 million, respectively.
Restricted Cash. Restricted cash is cash held in the Company’s bank accounts in International markets as a guarantee for certain landlords. The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash reported in the condensed consolidated balance sheets to the total of the amounts in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.
Period Ended
Total cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash in the statement of cash flows
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss. The following table presents the change in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component:
Foreign
Currency
Pension Benefits
Total
Balance December 31, 2022
(78.8)
Other comprehensive loss
Balance September 30, 2023
(116.9)
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization. Accumulated depreciation was $2,994.3 million and $2,853.8 million at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, related to property. Accumulated amortization of intangible assets was $16.1 million and $22.2 million at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
10
Other Expense (Income). The following table sets forth the components of other expense (income):
Decreases related to contingent lease guarantees
(0.1)
(0.2)
Governmental assistance due to COVID-19 - International markets
(5.4)
(16.2)
Governmental assistance due to COVID-19 - U.S. markets
(1.6)
(2.7)
Foreign currency transaction (gains) losses
12.8
6.3
(3.2)
14.7
Non-operating components of net periodic benefit cost (income)
Gain on extinguishment - Senior Subordinated Notes due 2026
(2.3)
Loss on extinguishment - First Lien Notes due 2025
47.7
Loss on extinguishment - First Lien Notes due 2026
Loss on extinguishment - First Lien Toggle Notes due 2026
32.9
Gain on extinguishment - Second Lien Notes due 2026
(10.8)
(95.2)
(38.6)
Derivative stockholder settlement
(14.0)
Shareholder litigation
(15.3)
110.1
Business interruption insurance recoveries
(1.3)
Total other expense (income)
Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted
Reference Rate Reform. In March 2020, the FASB issued guidance providing optional expedients and exceptions to account for the effects of reference rate reform to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by the transition from the use of London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) to an alternative reference rate. The Company elected to apply the optional expedients under ASC 848 to modifications of contracts that previously referenced LIBOR. The optional expedients eliminate the need to remeasure the contracts or reassess any accounting determinations. See Note 6—Corporate Borrowings and Finance Lease Liabilities for further discussion on the election of the optional expedients allowed under ASC 848.
NOTE 2—LEASES
The Company leases theatres and equipment under operating and finance leases. The Company typically does not believe that exercise of the renewal options is reasonably certain at the lease commencement and, therefore, considers the initial base term as the lease term. Lease terms vary but generally the leases provide for fixed and escalating rentals, contingent escalating rentals based on the Consumer Price Index and other indexes not to exceed certain specified amounts and variable rentals based on a percentage of revenues. The Company often receives contributions from landlords for renovations at existing locations. The Company records the amounts received from landlords as an adjustment to the right-of-use asset and amortizes the balance as a reduction to rent expense over the base term of the lease agreement. Equipment leases primarily consist of sight and sound and food and beverage equipment.
11
The Company received rent concessions from lessors that aided in mitigating the economic effects of COVID-19 during the pandemic. These concessions primarily consisted of rent abatements and the deferral of rent payments. Deferred lease payments were approximately $74.2 million as of September 30, 2023. In instances where there were no substantive changes to the lease terms, i.e., modifications that resulted in total payments of the modified lease being substantially the same or less than the total payments of the existing lease, the Company elected the relief as provided by the FASB staff related to the accounting for certain lease concessions. The Company elected not to account for these concessions as a lease modification, and therefore the Company has remeasured the related lease liability and right-of-use asset but did not reassess the lease classification or change the discount rate to the current rate in effect upon the remeasurement. The deferred lease payments have been recorded in the Company’s lease liabilities to reflect the change in the timing of payments. Those leases that did not meet the criteria for treatment under the FASB relief were evaluated as lease modifications. The deferred payment amounts for contractual rent amounts due and not paid are included in accounts payable in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and in change in accounts payable in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. In addition, the Company included deferred lease payments in operating lease right-of-use assets as a result of lease remeasurements.
A summary of deferred payment amounts related to rent obligations for which payments were deferred to future periods is provided below:
As of
December 31,
Decrease
2022
in deferred amounts
2023
Fixed operating lease deferred amounts (1)
150.3
(80.0)
70.3
Finance lease deferred amounts
0.2
Variable lease deferred amounts
6.0
3.7
Total deferred lease amounts
157.2
(83.0)
74.2
The following table reflects the lease costs for the periods presented:
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Operating lease cost
Theatre properties
201.3
202.0
587.5
608.9
Operating expense
0.6
Equipment
4.8
2.7
11.8
7.4
Office and other
General and administrative: other
4.0
Finance lease cost
Amortization of finance lease assets
Interest expense on lease liabilities
3.1
Variable lease cost
23.0
21.2
63.3
59.9
17.9
13.4
51.6
44.8
Total lease cost
250.3
243.6
723.7
734.2
12
Cash flow and supplemental information is presented below:
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows used in finance leases
(2.9)
Operating cash flows used in operating leases
(742.5)
(775.9)
Financing cash flows used in finance leases
Landlord contributions:
Operating cashflows provided by operating leases
Supplemental disclosure of noncash leasing activities:
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities (1)
111.4
220.8
The following table represents the weighted-average remaining lease term and discount rate as of September 30, 2023:
As of September 30, 2023
Weighted Average
Remaining
Discount
Lease Term and Discount Rate
Lease Term (years)
Rate
Operating leases
8.9
10.4%
Finance leases
6.4%
Minimum annual payments, including deferred lease payments and excluding contractual rent amounts due and not paid that were recorded in accounts payable, that are recorded as operating and finance lease liabilities and the net present value thereof as of September 30, 2023 are as follows:
Operating Lease
Finance Lease
Payments (2)
Three months ending December 31, 2023 (1)
241.7
2024
891.2
8.1
2025
847.1
2026
7.3
2027
717.1
2028
633.5
6.9
Thereafter
2,736.9
44.4
Total lease payments
6,849.2
83.6
Less imputed interest
(2,357.2)
(29.1)
Total operating and finance lease liabilities, respectively
4,492.0
54.5
13
Accounts Payable
Lease Payments
Three months ended December 31, 2023
5.7
Total deferred lease amounts recorded in accounts payable
8.7
Payments
15.6
4.2
17.7
65.4
As of September 30, 2023, the Company had signed additional operating lease agreements for five theatres that have not yet commenced with total minimum payments of approximately $78.2 million, which are expected to commence between years 2023 and 2025 and carry lease terms ranging from 10 to 20 years. The timing of lease commencement is dependent on the landlord providing the Company with control and access to the related facility.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company received a $13.0 million buyout incentive from a landlord which provided the landlord the right to terminate the lease of one theatre. The incentive was treated as a reduction to rent expense in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations.
NOTE 3—REVENUE RECOGNITION
Disaggregation of Revenue. Revenue is disaggregated in the following tables by major revenue types and by timing of revenue recognition:
Major revenue types
Other theatre:
Screen advertising
33.2
29.0
90.2
Other
92.3
60.8
236.3
207.7
14
Timing of revenue recognition
Products and services transferred at a point in time
1,299.3
884.5
3,431.5
2,675.3
Products and services transferred over time (1)
106.6
83.9
276.7
245.2
The following tables provide the balances of receivables, net and deferred revenues and income:
Current assets
Receivables related to contracts with customers
Miscellaneous receivables
79.8
74.3
Current liabilities
Deferred revenues related to contracts with customers
405.7
398.8
Miscellaneous deferred income
5.3
3.9
The significant changes in contract liabilities with customers included in deferred revenues and income are as follows:
Deferred Revenues
Related to Contracts
with Customers
Cash received in advance (1)
248.5
Customer loyalty rewards accumulated, net of expirations:
Admission revenues (2)
17.4
Food and beverage (2)
31.6
Other theatre (2)
Reclassification to revenue as the result of performance obligations satisfied:
Admission revenues (3)
(197.8)
Food and beverage (3)
(58.7)
Other theatre (4)
(33.9)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
15
The significant changes to contract liabilities included in the exhibitor services agreement in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, are as follows:
Exhibitor Services
Agreement (1)
Reclassification, net of adjustments, for portion of the beginning balance to other theatre revenue, as the result of performance obligations satisfied
(13.8)
NCM Bankruptcy. On April 11, 2023, National CineMedia, LLC filed a petition under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the Southern District of Texas. NCM is the in-theatre advertising provider for the majority of the Company’s theatres in the United States. Under the Chapter 11 plan of reorganization, which became effective on August 7, 2023 (the “Plan”), NCM has assumed its agreements with the Company. As part of the Plan, on August 7, 2023, NCM issued 16,581,829 common units (“NCM Common Units”) that were owed to the Company as part of the annual common unit adjustment. But under the terms of the Plan and the restructuring of the equity of NCM thereunder, the NCM Common Units were immediately cancelled upon the efficacy of the Plan. The Company has filed appeals with the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, objecting to, among other things, certain terms of the Plan, including modification of the terms of the exhibitor services agreement with other parties that were not granted to the Company and appeal of the court’s order to approve cancellation of the NCM Common Unit issuance. The Company does not expect its bankruptcy to have a material impact on the Company.
Gift Cards and Exchange Tickets. The total amount of non-redeemed gift cards and exchange tickets included in deferred revenues and income in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2023 was $273.2 million. This will be recognized as revenues as the gift cards and exchange tickets are redeemed or as the non-redeemed gift card and exchange ticket revenues are recognized in proportion to the pattern of actual redemptions, which is estimated to occur over the next 24 months.
Loyalty Programs. As of September 30, 2023, the amount of deferred revenues allocated to the loyalty programs included in deferred revenues and income in the condensed consolidated balance sheet was $75.6 million. The earned points will be recognized as revenue as the points are redeemed, which is estimated to occur over the next 24 months. The AMC Stubs® annual membership fee is recognized ratably over the one-year membership period.
The Company applies the practical expedient in ASC 606-10-50-14 and does not disclose information about remaining performance obligations that have original expected durations of one year or less.
NOTE 4—GOODWILL
The following table summarizes the changes in goodwill by reporting unit for the nine months ended September 30, 2023:
U.S. Markets
International Markets
Consolidated Goodwill
Gross Carrying Amount
Accumulated Impairment Losses
Net Carrying Amount
3,072.6
(1,276.1)
1,796.5
1,521.8
(976.3)
545.5
4,594.4
(2,252.4)
Currency translation adjustment
(23.6)
(7.6)
(31.2)
1,498.2
(983.9)
514.3
4,570.8
(2,260.0)
16
NOTE 5—INVESTMENTS
Investments in non-consolidated affiliates and certain other investments accounted for under the equity method generally include all entities in which the Company or its subsidiaries have significant influence, but not more than 50% voting control, and are recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheets in other long-term assets. On December 30, 2022, the Company entered into an agreement to sell its 10.0% investment in Saudi Cinema Company, LLC for SAR 112.5 million ($30.0 million), and on January 24, 2023, the Saudi Ministry of Commerce recorded the sale of equity and the Company received the proceeds on January 25, 2023. The Company recorded a gain on the sale of $15.5 million in investment income during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Investments in non-consolidated affiliates as of September 30, 2023 include interests in Digital Cinema Distribution Coalition, LLC of 14.6%, AC JV, LLC, owner of Fathom Events, of 32.0%, SV Holdco LLC, owner of Screenvision, of 18.4% and Digital Cinema Media Ltd. of 50.0%. The Company also has partnership interests in four U.S. motion picture theatres and approximately 50.0% interests in 60 theatres in Europe. Indebtedness held by equity method investees is non-recourse to the Company. During the three months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, the Company recorded equity in (earnings) loss of non-consolidated entities of $(3.1) million and $(2.8) million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, the Company recorded equity in (earnings) loss of $(5.3) million and $3.3 million, respectively.
Related Party Transactions with Equity Method Investees. At September 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, the Company recorded net receivable amounts due from equity method investees of $0.6 million and $1.7 million, respectively, primarily related to on-screen advertising revenue, content delivery expenses and other transactions. The Company recorded related party transactions with equity method investees in other revenues, film exhibition costs and operating expenses of $7.9 million, $4.9 million and $0.2 million, respectively, during the three months ended September 30, 2023, and $4.3 million, $3.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively, during the three months ended September 30, 2022. The Company recorded related party transactions with equity method investees in other revenues, film exhibition costs and operating expenses of $19.4 million, $12.0 million and $0.8 million, respectively, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and $16.3 million, $6.5 million and $0.8 million, respectively, during the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
Investment in Hycroft
On March 14, 2022, the Company purchased 23.4 million units of Hycroft Mining Holding Corporation (NASDAQ: HYMC) (“Hycroft”), for $27.9 million, with each unit consisting of one common share of Hycroft and one common share purchase warrant. The units were priced at $1.193 per unit. Each warrant is exercisable for one common share of Hycroft at a price of $1.068 per share over a 5-year term through March 2027. Hycroft filed a resale registration statement to register the common shares and warrant shares for sale under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) on April 14, 2022 which became effective on June 2, 2022. The Company accounts for the common shares of Hycroft under the equity method and has elected the fair value option in accordance with ASC 825-10. The Company accounts for the warrants as derivatives in accordance with ASC 815. Accordingly, the fair value of the investments in Hycroft are remeasured at each subsequent reporting period and unrealized gains and losses are reported in investment income. The Company believes the fair value option to be the most appropriate election for this equity method investment as the Company is not entering the mining business. During the three months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, the Company recorded unrealized loss in investment income of $0.7 million and $19.5 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, the Company recorded unrealized loss in investment income of $10.8 million and $3.4 million, respectively. See Note 9—Fair Value Measurements for fair value information and the asset value for investments in Hycroft measured under the fair value option as well as the total asset value for other equity method investments.
17
NOTE 6—CORPORATE BORROWINGS AND FINANCE LEASE LIABILITIES
A summary of the carrying value of corporate borrowings and finance lease liabilities is as follows:
First Lien Secured Debt:
Senior Secured Credit Facility-Term Loan due 2026 (8.427% as of September 30, 2023 and 7.274% as of December 31, 2022)
1,910.0
1,925.0
12.75% Odeon Senior Secured Notes due 2027
400.0
7.5% First Lien Notes due 2029
Second Lien Secured Debt:
10%/12% Cash/PIK Toggle Second Lien Subordinated Notes due 2026
1,124.2
1,389.8
Subordinated Debt:
6.375% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2024 (£4.0 million par value as of September 30, 2023)
4.9
5.75% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2025
98.3
51.5
55.6
6.125% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2027
Total principal amount of corporate borrowings
4,664.4
4,949.0
58.8
Deferred financing costs
(33.0)
(37.9)
Net premium (1)
139.0
229.7
Total carrying value of corporate borrowings and finance lease liabilities
4,824.9
5,199.6
Less:
(20.0)
(6.2)
(5.5)
Total noncurrent carrying value of corporate borrowings and finance lease liabilities
4,798.7
5,174.1
170.4
265.5
Senior Secured Credit Facility-Term Loan due 2026
(3.7)
(4.8)
(27.7)
(31.1)
6.375% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2024
Net premium
The following table provides the principal payments required and maturities of corporate borrowing as of September 30, 2023:
Principal
Amount of
Corporate
Borrowings
5.0
24.9
118.3
3,040.7
525.5
18
Debt Repurchases
The below table summarizes the cash debt repurchase transactions during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, including the related party transactions with Antara, which was a related party from February 7, 2023 to August 25, 2023:
See Note 7—Stockholders’ Equity for discussion of the $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of Second Lien Notes due 2026 repurchased from Antara in exchange for 9,102,619 AMC Preferred Equity Units not included in the table above.
Financial Covenants
The Company believes its existing cash and cash equivalents, together with cash generated from operations, will be sufficient to comply with the minimum liquidity covenant requirement under its Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility through the end of the covenant suspension period. Pursuant to the Twelfth Amendment to the Credit Agreement, the requisite revolving lenders party thereto agreed to extend the suspension period for the secured leverage ratio financial covenant applicable to the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility under the Credit Agreement through March 31, 2024. The current maturity date of the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility is April 22, 2024. The financial covenant applicable to the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility is tested as of the last day of any fiscal quarter for which financial statements have been (or were required to have been) delivered, thus the financial covenant has been effectively suspended through maturity of the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility. As of September 30, 2023, the Company was subject to a minimum liquidity requirement of $100 million as a condition to the financial covenant suspension period under the Credit Agreement.
Thirteenth Amendment to Credit Agreement
On June 23, 2023, the Company and Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, as administrative agent, entered into the Thirteenth Amendment to the Credit Agreement, pursuant to which LIBOR, the benchmark rate upon which certain loans, commitments and/or other extensions of credit under the Credit Agreement incur interest, fees or other amounts, was replaced with Term SOFR, a benchmark rate reported by CME Group Benchmark Administration Limited that is based on the secured overnight financing rate. Term SOFR under the Credit Agreement is subject to a credit spread adjustment equal to 0.11448% per annum, 0.26161% per annum, and 0.42826% per annum for interest periods of one-month, three-months, or six-months or longer, respectively. The Thirteenth Amendment to the Credit Agreement became effective at 5:00 p.m. (New York time) on June 30, 2023.
The Company elected to apply the optional expedients allowed under ASC 848 regarding the discontinuation of LIBOR and reference rate reform. Pursuant to ASC 848, the Thirteenth Amendment to the Credit Agreement was determined to be an insubstantial modification.
19
NOTE 7—STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Stock Split and Reverse Stock Split
On August 4, 2022, the Company announced that its Board of Directors declared a special dividend of one AMC Preferred Equity Unit for each share of Common Stock outstanding at the close of business on August 15, 2022, the record date. The dividend was paid at the close of business on August 19, 2022 to investors who held Common Stock as of August 22, 2022, the ex-dividend date. Due to the characteristics of the AMC Preferred Equity Units, the special dividend had the effect of a stock split pursuant to ASC 505-20-25-4.
On August 24, 2023, the Company effectuated a reverse stock split at a ratio of one share of Common Stock for every ten shares of Common Stock. As a result of the reverse stock split, each share of Series A Convertible Participating Preferred Stock became convertible into ten shares of Common Stock, and by extension each AMC Preferred Equity Unit became equivalent to one-tenth (1/10th) of a share of Common Stock. The reverse stock split did not impact the number of AMC Preferred Equity Units outstanding. The Company concluded that this change in conversion ratio is analogous to a reverse stock split of the AMC Preferred Equity Units even though the reverse stock split did not have an effect on the number of AMC Preferred Equity Units outstanding.
Share Issuances
On September 6, 2023, the Company entered into a Common Stock equity distribution agreement (the “Common Stock Equity Distribution Agreement”) with Citigroup Global Markets, Inc., Barclays Capital Inc., B. Riley Securities, Inc. and Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, as the sales agents (“Common Stock Sales Agents”), to sell up to 40.0 million shares of the Company’s Common Stock, from time to time, through an “at-the-market” offering program (the “Common Stock Offering”). Subject to the terms and conditions of the Common Stock Equity Distribution Agreement, the Common Stock Sales Agents will use reasonable efforts consistent with their normal trading and sales practices, applicable law and regulations, and the rules of the NYSE to sell Common Stock from time to time based upon the Company’s instructions for the sales, including any price, time or size limits specified by the Company. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of Common Stock pursuant to the Common Stock Equity Distribution Agreement to repay, refinance, redeem or repurchase the Company’s existing indebtedness (including expenses, accrued interest and premium, if any) and otherwise for general corporate purposes. On September 13, 2023, the Company announced that it had completed the Common Stock Offering.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company raised gross proceeds of approximately $325.5 million and paid fees to the Common Stock Sales Agents and incurred other third-party issuance costs of approximately $8.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively, through its Common Stock Offering of 40.0 million shares of its Common Stock. The Company paid $0.1 million of other third-party issuance costs during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
On September 26, 2022, the Company entered into an equity distribution agreement (the “Preferred Equity Units Equity Distribution Agreement”) with Citigroup Global Markets Inc., as a sales agent (“Sales Agent”), to sell up to 42.5 million shares of the Company’s AMC Preferred Equity Units, from time to time, through an “at-the-market” offering program (the “Preferred Equity Offering”). Subject to the terms and conditions of the Preferred Equity Units Equity Distribution Agreement, the Sales Agent was required to use reasonable efforts consistent with their normal trading and sales practices, applicable law and regulations, and the rules of the NYSE to sell the AMC Preferred Equity Units from time to time based upon the Company’s instructions for the sales, including any price, time or size limits specified by the Company. The Company intends to use the net proceeds, from the sale of AMC Preferred Equity Units pursuant to the Preferred Equity Units Equity Distribution Agreement to repay, refinance, redeem or repurchase the Company’s existing indebtedness (including expenses, accrued interest and premium, if any) and otherwise for general corporate purposes. Following the Charter Amendments and AMC Preferred Equity Unit Conversion, the Company no longer sells shares under the Preferred Equity Units Distribution Agreement.
20
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company raised gross proceeds of approximately $114.5 million and paid fees to the Sales Agent and incurred other third-party issuance costs of approximately $2.9 million and $8.7 million, respectively, through its Preferred Equity Offering of approximately 7.1 million shares of its AMC Preferred Equity Units. The Company paid $11.5 million of other third-party issuance costs during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The Company no longer has any authorized AMC Preferred Equity Units available for issuance under the Preferred Equity Units Equity Distribution Agreement. Furthermore, the AMC Preferred Equity Units ceased trading on the NYSE on August 24, 2023 and were converted to Common Shares on August 25, 2023.
On December 22, 2022, the Company entered into the Forward Purchase Agreement with Antara pursuant to which the Company agreed to (i) sell to Antara 10,659,511 AMC Preferred Equity Units for an aggregate purchase price of $75.1 million and (ii) simultaneously purchase from Antara $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 10%/12% Cash/PIK Toggle Second Lien Notes due 2026 in exchange for 9,102,619 AMC Preferred Equity Units. On February 7, 2023, the Company issued 19,762,130 AMC Preferred Equity Units to Antara in exchange for $75.1 million in cash and $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 10%/12% Cash/PIK Toggle Second Lien Notes due 2026. The Company recorded $193.7 million to stockholders’ deficit as a result of the transaction. The Company paid $1.4 million of accrued interest in cash upon exchange of the notes.
Special Meeting of Stockholders
The Company’s board of directors called a special meeting of the Company’s stockholders on March 14, 2023 (the “Special Meeting”). At the Special Meeting, the Company’s stockholders approved the following proposals:
Each of the Share Increase and the Reverse Stock Split were cross-conditioned on the approval of the other, such that approval of both proposals was required for each of them to take effect.
Shareholder Litigation
Two putative stockholder class actions were filed in the Delaware Chancery Court that assert a breach of fiduciary duty against certain of the Company’s directors and a claim for breach of 8 Del. C. § 242 against those directors and the Company, arising out of the Company’s creation of AMC Preferred Equity Units, the transactions between the Company and Antara that the Company announced on December 22, 2022 (the “Antara Transactions”), and the Charter Amendments.
This litigation prevented the Company from immediately implementing the Charter Amendments. On April 2, 2023, the parties entered into a binding settlement term sheet to settle the litigation and allow implementation of the Charter Amendments. On August 11, 2023, the Delaware Chancery Court approved the settlement and on Monday, August 21, 2023, the Delaware Supreme Court confirmed the ruling of the Chancery Court. Pursuant to the settlement term sheet, record holders of Common Stock at the close of business on August 24, 2023, after giving effect to the Reverse Stock Split, but prior to the conversion of AMC Preferred Equity Units into Common Stock (“Settlement Payment Recipients”), received a payment of one share of Common Stock for every 7.5 shares of Common Stock owned by the Settlement Payment Recipients (the “Settlement Payment”). On August 28, 2023, the Company made the Settlement Payment and issued 6,897,018 shares of Common Stock. See Note 11—Commitments and Contingencies for further information regarding the litigation and settlement.
21
Charter Amendments and AMC Preferred Equity Unit Conversion
Each AMC Preferred Equity Unit was a depositary share and represented an interest in a share of Series A Convertible Participating Preferred Stock evidenced by a depositary receipt pursuant to a deposit agreement. Each AMC Preferred Equity Unit was designed to have the same economic and voting rights as a share of Common Stock.
On August 14, 2023, the Company filed an amendment to its Certificate of Incorporation to effectuate the Charter Amendments as of August 24, 2023. The Charter Amendments permitted the conversion of all of the Company’s outstanding AMC Preferred Equity Units into shares of Common Stock (the “Conversion”). On August 25, 2023, 99,540,642 shares of Common Stock were issued as part of the Conversion. On August 25, 2023, AMC Preferred Equity Units ceased trading and were subsequently delisted from the NYSE. On August 25, 2023, the Company filed a Certificate of Elimination of Series A Convertible Participating Preferred Stock with the Secretary of State of Delaware that eliminated the Series A Convertible Participating Preferred Stock from the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation. As of September 30, 2023, the Company has 50,000,000 authorized shares of preferred stock.
AMC’s Board of Directors approved equitable adjustments to all outstanding awards under the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan subsequent to the effectiveness of the Charter Amendments. The outstanding awards were proportionally adjusted consistent with the ratio used for the Reverse Stock Split and all awards previously convertible into AMC Preferred Equity Units are now convertible into Common Stock.
Stock-Based Compensation
The following table presents the stock-based compensation expense recorded within general and administrative: other:
Equity classified awards:
Special awards expense
20.2
Board of director stock award expense
Restricted stock unit expense
10.5
9.8
Performance stock unit expense
3.6
(7.1)
9.0
11.7
Total equity classified awards:
(3.6)
Liability classified awards:
Restricted and performance stock unit expense
Total liability classified awards:
Total stock-based compensation expense
7.2
As of September 30, 2023, the estimated remaining unrecognized compensation cost related to stock-based compensation grants was approximately $20.1 million, which reflects assumptions related to attainment of performance targets based on the scales as described below. The weighted average period over which this remaining compensation expense is expected to be recognized is approximately 1.1 years.
Plan Amendment due to Stock Split
The 2013 Plan contemplates equitable adjustments for certain transactions such as a stock split. On August 19, 2022, the Compensation Committee approved an adjustment to the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan to entitle each participant one AMC Preferred Equity Unit and one share of Common Stock for each restricted stock unit (“RSU”) or performance stock unit (“PSU”) for awards granted prior to the AMC Preferred Equity Unit special dividend. The Company determined that this modification was a Type 1 (probable-to-probable) modification that did not increase the fair value of the award and therefore did not require additional stock-based compensation expense to be recognized.
22
Special Awards
On February 23, 2023, AMC’s Board of Directors approved special awards in lieu of vesting of the 2022 PSU awards. The special awards were accounted for as modification to the 2022 PSU awards which lowered the Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow performance targets such that 200% vesting was achieved for both tranches. This modification resulted in the immediate additional vesting of 238,959 Common Stock 2022 PSUs and 238,959 AMC Preferred Equity Unit 2022 PSUs. This was treated as a Type 3 modification (improbable-to-probable) which requires the Company to recognize additional stock compensation expense based on the modification date fair values of the Common Stock PSUs and AMC Preferred Equity Units PSUs of $14.9 million and $5.3 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company recognized $20.2 million of stock compensation expense related to these awards.
Awards Granted in 2023
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, AMC’s Board of Directors approved awards of stock, RSUs, and PSUs to certain of the Company’s employees and directors under the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan. Each RSU or PSU is convertible into one share of Common Stock upon vesting.
Each RSU and PSU held by a participant as of a dividend record date is entitled to a dividend equivalent equal to the amount paid with respect to one share of Common Stock underlying the unit. Any such accrued dividend equivalents are paid to the holder only upon vesting of the units. Each unit represents the right to receive one share of Common Stock at a future date.
The Company’s Board of Directors also granted awards to non-section 16 officers that are expected to be settled in cash. Upon vesting, participants receiving cash settlement shall receive an amount of cash equal to the closing price of an AMC Preferred Equity Unit multiplied by the number of underlying cash-based RSUs and PSUs awarded. Following the completion of the Charter Amendments, grantees will now receive an amount of cash equal to the closing price of Common Stock multiplied by the number of underlying cash-based RSUs and PSUs award. These awards have been classified as liabilities and are included within accrued expenses and other liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The vesting requirements and vesting periods are identical to the equity classified awards described below. The Company recognizes expense related to these awards based on the fair value of the Common Stock shares, giving effect to the portion of services rendered during the requisite services period. As of September 30, 2023, there were 169,401 nonvested underlying Common Stock RSUs and PSUs related to awards granted to non-section 16 officers. There are 112,894 nonvested underlying Common Stock RSUs and PSUs (2023 Tranche Year) that are currently classified as liabilities and 56,507 nonvested underlying Common Stock PSUs (2024 & 2025 Tranche Year) which have not been granted for accounting purposes as the performance targets for the 2024 and 2025 PSU Tranche Years have yet to be established.
The 2023 award agreements generally had the following features:
23
The Compensation Committee establishes the annual performance targets at the beginning of each year. Therefore, the grant date (and fair value measurement date) for each Tranche Year is the date at the beginning of each year when a mutual understanding of the key terms and conditions are reached per ASC 718, Compensation – Stock compensation. The 2023 PSU award grant date fair value for the 2023 Tranche Year award of 95,883 units was $3.9 million, the 2022 PSU award grant date fair value for the 2023 Tranche Year award of 46,192 units was $1.9 million, and the 2021 PSU award grant date fair value for the 2023 Tranche Year Award of 160,280 units was $6.8 million, measured using performance targets at 100%.
The following table represents the equity classified nonvested RSU and PSU activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2023:
Weighted
Average
Common Stock
Grant Date
RSUs and PSUs (3)
Fair Value
Nonvested at January 1, 2023
626,195
59.14
Granted (1)
616,186
39.99
Granted - Special Award
477,918
42.25
Vested
(222,920)
57.43
Vested - Special Award
(257,945)
42.18
Forfeited
(26,036)
44.44
Cancelled (2)
(150,755)
60.14
Cancelled - Special Award (2)
(219,973)
42.34
Nonvested at September 30, 2023
842,670
45.87
Tranche Years 2024 and 2025 awarded under the 2023 PSU award and Tranche Year 2024 awarded under the 2022 PSU award with grant date fair values to be determined in years 2024 and 2025, respectively
228,199
Total Nonvested at September 30, 2023
1,070,869
24
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Deficit
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Preferred Stock
Series A Convertible
Accumulated
Class A Voting
Participating
Depositary Shares of
Additional
AMC Preferred
Paid-in
Comprehensive
Stockholders’
(In millions, except share and per share data)
Shares
Amount
Equity Units
Capital
Loss
Deficit
Equity (Deficit)
Balances December 31, 2022
51,683,892
7,245,872
72,458,706
(235.5)
(7.3)
Share issuance
492,880
4,928,800
70.5
Antara Forward Purchase Agreement (2)
1,976,213
19,762,130
193.7
(13.1)
Stock-based compensation (1)
235,346
26,944
269,444
25.9
Balances March 31, 2023
51,919,238
9,741,909
97,419,080
5,326.8
(84.6)
(7,833.1)
(2,590.3)
Net earnings
(40.0)
212,156
2,121,562
32.7
(1.1)
Stock-based compensation
7.5
Balances June 30, 2023
9,954,065
99,540,642
5,365.9
(124.6)
(7,824.5)
(2,582.6)
Other comprehensive income
AMC Preferred Equity Unit conversion
(9,954,065)
(99,540,642)
Settlement payment
6,897,018
99.2
40,000,000
316.1
316.5
Balances September 30, 2023
25
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
Class A
Total AMC
Income (Loss)
Balances December 31, 2021
51,397,910
5,139,791
4,862.0
(28.1)
(6,624.0)
(1,789.5)
(337.4)
284,150
28,415
6.5
6.6
Balances March 31, 2022
51,682,060
5,168,206
4,816.3
(6,961.4)
(2,178.3)
(121.6)
(46.3)
19.4
Balances June 30, 2022
4,835.7
(80.2)
(7,083.0)
(2,326.8)
27,000
270,000
4.3
Balances September 30, 2022
5,195,206
51,952,060
4,836.4
(106.2)
(7,309.9)
(2,579.0)
26
NOTE 8—INCOME TAXES
The Company’s worldwide effective income tax rate is based on actual income (loss), statutory rates, valuation allowances against deferred tax assets and tax planning opportunities available in the various jurisdictions in which it operates. The Company is using a discrete income tax calculation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing labor stoppages on the industry. Historically, for interim financial reporting, the Company estimated the worldwide annual income tax rate based on projected taxable income (loss) for the full year and recorded a quarterly income tax provision or benefit in accordance with the anticipated annual rate, adjusted for discrete items, if any. The Company will return to the historic approach of computing quarterly tax expense based on an annual effective rate in the future interim period when more reliable estimates of annual income become available. The Company recognizes income tax-related interest expense and penalties as income tax expense and general and administrative expense, respectively.
The Company evaluates its deferred tax assets each period to determine if a valuation allowance is required based on whether it is “more likely than not” that some portion of the deferred tax assets would not be realized. The ultimate realization of these deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of sufficient taxable income during future periods on a federal, state, and foreign jurisdiction basis. The Company conducts its evaluation by considering all available positive and negative evidence, including historical operating results, forecasts of future profitability, the duration of statutory carryforward periods, and the outlooks for the U.S. motion picture and broader economy, among others.
A valuation allowance is recorded against the Company’s U.S. deferred tax assets and most of the Company’s international deferred tax assets as the Company has determined the realization of these assets does not meet the more likely than not criteria.
The effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 reflects the impact of these valuation allowances against U.S. and international deferred tax assets generated during the period. The actual effective rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was (2.2)%. The Company’s consolidated tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 differs from the U.S. statutory tax rate primarily due to the valuation allowances in U.S. and foreign jurisdictions, foreign tax rate differences, federal and state tax credits, permanent differences and other discrete items. At September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company has recorded net deferred tax liabilities of $32.8 million and $32.1 million, respectively.
Utilization of the Company’s net operating loss carryforwards, disallowed business interest carryforwards and other tax attributes became subject to the Section 382 ownership change limitation due to changes in the Company’s stock ownership on January 27, 2021. The Company does not believe, however, that tax attributes generated prior to this event are significantly impacted by Section 382.
27
NOTE 9—FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair value refers to the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the market in which the entity transacts business. The inputs used to develop these fair value measurements are established in a hierarchy, which ranks the quality and reliability of the information used to determine the fair values. The fair value classification is based on levels of inputs. Assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following categories:
Level 1:
Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2:
Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
Level 3:
Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
Recurring Fair Value Measurements. The following table summarizes the fair value hierarchy of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2023:
Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2023 Using
Significant
Total Carrying
Quoted prices in
Significant other
unobservable
Value at
active market
observable inputs
inputs
(Level 1)
(Level 2)
(Level 3)
Other long-term assets:
Investment in Hycroft warrants
3.8
Marketable equity securities:
7.0
Total assets at fair value
Valuation Techniques. The equity method investment in Hycroft was measured at fair value using Hycroft’s stock price at the date of measurement. To estimate the fair value of the Company’s investment in Hycroft warrants, the Company valued the warrants using the Black Scholes pricing model. Such judgments and estimates included estimates of volatility of 114.9% and discount rate of 4.8%. The discount rate is based on the treasury yield that matches the term as of the measurement date. Other inputs included the term of 3.5 years, exercise price of $1.068 and Hycroft’s stock price at the date of measurement. There is considerable management judgment with respect to the inputs used in determining fair value, and, accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from such estimates, which fall under Level 3 within the fair value measurement hierarchy. See Note 5—Investments for further information regarding the investments in Hycroft.
Other Fair Value Measurement Disclosures. The Company is required to disclose the fair value of financial instruments that are not recognized at fair value in the statement of financial position for which it is practicable to estimate that value:
observable
3,542.5
Valuation Technique. Quoted market prices and observable market based inputs were used to estimate fair value for Level 2 inputs. The Company valued these notes at principal value less an estimated discount reflecting a market yield to maturity. See Note 6—Corporate Borrowings and Finance Lease Liabilities for further information.
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued liabilities approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.
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NOTE 10—OPERATING SEGMENTS
The Company reports information about operating segments in accordance with ASC 280-10, Segment Reporting, which requires financial information to be reported based on the way management organizes segments within a company for making operating decisions and evaluating performance. The Company has identified two reportable segments and reporting units for its theatrical exhibition operations, U.S. markets and International markets. The International markets reportable segment has operations in or partial interest in theatres in the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Portugal, Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Denmark. On December 30, 2022, the Company entered into an agreement to sell its 10.0% investment Saudi Cinema Company, LLC for SAR 112.5 million ($30.0 million), subject to certain closing conditions. On January 24, 2023, the Saudi Ministry of Commerce recorded the sale of equity and the Company received the proceeds on January 25, 2023. See Note 5—Investments for further information. Each segment’s revenue is derived from admissions, food and beverage sales and other ancillary revenues, primarily screen advertising, AMC Stubs® membership fees and other loyalty programs, ticket sales, gift card income and exchange ticket income. The measure of segment profit and loss the Company uses to evaluate performance and allocate its resources is Adjusted EBITDA, as defined in the reconciliation table below. The Company does not report asset information by segment because that information is not used to evaluate the performance of or allocate resources between segments.
Below is a breakdown of select financial information by reportable operating segment:
Revenues (In millions)
U.S. markets
1,063.9
753.3
2,855.8
2,224.3
International markets
342.0
215.1
852.4
696.2
Adjusted EBITDA (In millions)
150.6
336.3
52.2
43.1
(14.1)
47.0
(20.1)
Total Adjusted EBITDA (1)
383.3
Capital Expenditures (In millions)
40.8
40.1
112.2
91.5
16.7
14.4
41.3
38.2
Total capital expenditures
57.5
153.5
129.7
Long-term assets, net (In millions)
5,854.1
6,135.9
1,958.9
2,097.6
Total long-term assets (1)
7,813.0
8,233.5
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The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net loss to Adjusted EBITDA:
Plus:
Interest expense
103.7
95.7
307.4
278.4
Certain operating expense (1)
Cash distributions from non-consolidated entities (2)
Attributable EBITDA (3)
1.4
1.6
Investment expense (income) (4)
Other expense (income) (5)
(1.4)
110.9
Other non-cash rent benefit (6)
(8.4)
(6.6)
General and administrative — unallocated:
Merger, acquisition and other costs (7)
Stock-based compensation expense (8)
Adjusted EBITDA
30
Equity in (earnings) of non-consolidated entities excluding International theatre joint ventures
(2.1)
(3.5)
Equity in earnings (loss) of International theatre joint ventures
(6.4)
Income tax provision (benefit)
Impairment of long-lived assets
Attributable EBITDA
Investment expense (income) during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 includes deterioration in estimated fair value of the Company’s investment in common shares of Hycroft of $5.4 million, deterioration in estimated fair value of the Company’s investment in warrants to purchase common shares of Hycroft of $5.4 million, $1.8 million of expense for NCM Common Units, $(15.5) million gain on the sale of the Company’s investment in Saudi Cinema Company, LLC and interest income of $(8.5) million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, investment expense (income) included deterioration in estimated fair value of the Company’s investment in common shares of Hycroft of $10.8 million, $11.1 million decline in estimated fair value of the Company’s investment in NCM Common Units, partially offset by appreciation in estimated fair value of the Company’s investment to purchase common shares of Hycroft of $(7.4) million and interest income of $(3.3) million.
Other expense (income) during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 includes a non-cash litigation charge of $99.3 million, partially offset by gains on debt extinguishment of $(97.5) million and foreign currency transaction gains of $(3.2) million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, other expense (income) included loss on debt extinguishment of $96.4 million and foreign currency transaction losses of $14.7 million.
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NOTE 11—COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company, in the normal course of business, is a party to various ordinary course claims from vendors (including food and beverage suppliers and film distributors), landlords, competitors, and other legal proceedings. If management believes that a loss arising from these actions is probable and can reasonably be estimated, the Company records the amount of the loss or the minimum estimated liability when the loss is estimated using a range and no point is more probable than another. As additional information becomes available, any potential liability related to these actions is assessed and the estimates are revised, if necessary. Management believes that the ultimate outcome of such matters discussed below, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or overall trends in results of operations. However, litigation and claims are subject to inherent uncertainties and unfavorable outcomes can occur. An unfavorable outcome might include monetary damages. If an unfavorable outcome were to occur, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on the results of operations in the period in which the outcome occurs or in future periods.
On January 12, 2018 and January 19, 2018, two putative federal securities class actions, captioned Hawaii Structural Ironworkers Pension Trust Fund v. AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc., et al., Case No. 1:18-cv-00299-AJN (the “Hawaii Action”), and Nichols v. AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc., et al., Case No. 1:18-cv-00510-AJN (the “Nichols Action,” and together with the Hawaii Action, the “Actions”), respectively, were filed against the Company in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The Actions, which named certain of the Company’s officers and directors and, in the case of the Hawaii Action, the underwriters of the Company’s February 8, 2017 secondary public offering, as defendants, asserted claims under Sections 11, 12(a)(2) and 15 of the Securities Act and Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) with respect to alleged material misstatements and omissions in the registration statement for the secondary public offering and in certain other public disclosures. On May 30, 2018, the court consolidated the Actions. On January 22, 2019, defendants moved to dismiss the Second Amended Class Action Complaint. On September 23, 2019, the court granted the motion to dismiss in part and denied it in part. On March 2, 2020, plaintiffs moved to certify the purported class. On March 30, 2021, the court granted the motion to certify the class. On September 2, 2021, the parties reached an agreement in principle to resolve the Actions for $18.0 million. The Company agreed to the settlement and the payment of the settlement amount to eliminate the distraction, burden, expense, and uncertainty of further litigation. The Company and the other defendants continue to expressly deny any liability or wrongdoing with respect to the matters alleged in the Actions. On November 1, 2021, the parties to the Actions signed a stipulation of settlement, which memorialized the terms of the agreement in principle, and which the plaintiffs filed with the court. Also on November 1, 2021, plaintiffs filed a motion to preliminarily approve the settlement. On November 8, 2021, the court preliminarily approved the settlement, approved the form of notice to be disseminated to class members, and scheduled a final fairness hearing on the settlement for February 10, 2022. On February 14, 2022, the court issued a final judgment approving the settlement and dismissing the action.
On May 21, 2018, a stockholder derivative complaint, captioned Gantulga v. Aron, et al., Case No. 2:18-cv-02262-JAR-TJJ (the “Gantulga Action”), was filed against certain of the Company’s officers and directors in the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas. The Gantulga Action, which was filed on behalf of the Company, asserts claims under Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act and for breaches of fiduciary duty and unjust enrichment based on allegations substantially similar to the Actions. On October 12, 2018, the parties filed a joint motion to transfer the action to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, which the court granted on October 15, 2018. When the action was transferred to the Southern District of New York, it was re-captioned Gantulga v. Aron, et al., Case No. 1:18-cv-10007-AJN. The parties filed a joint stipulation to stay the action, which the court granted on December 17, 2018. The stay was lifted as of February 9, 2022.
On October 2, 2019, a stockholder derivative complaint, captioned Kenna v. Aron, et al., Case No. 1:19-cv-09148-AJN (the “Kenna Action”), was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The parties filed a joint stipulation to stay the action, which the court granted on October 17, 2019. On April 20, 2020, the plaintiff filed an amended complaint. The Kenna Action asserts claims under Sections 10(b), 14(a), and 21D of the Exchange Act and for breaches of fiduciary duty and unjust enrichment based on allegations substantially similar to the Actions and the Gantulga Action. The stay was lifted as of February 9, 2022.
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On March 20, 2020, a stockholder derivative complaint, captioned Manuel v. Aron, et al., Case No. 1:20-cv-02456-AJN (the “Manuel Action”), was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The Manuel Action asserts claims under Sections 10(b), 21D, and 29(b) of the Exchange Act and for breaches of fiduciary duty based on allegations substantially similar to the Actions, the Gantulga Action, and the Kenna Action. The parties filed a joint stipulation to stay the action, which the court granted on May 18, 2020.
On April 7, 2020, a stockholder derivative complaint, captioned Dinkevich v. Aron, et al., Case No. 1:20-cv-02870-AJN (the “Dinkevich Action”), was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The Dinkevich Action asserts the same claims as the Manuel Action based on allegations substantially similar to the Actions, the Gantulga Action, the Kenna Action, and the Manuel Action. The parties filed a joint stipulation to stay the action, which was granted on June 25, 2020. On January 11, 2022, the court lifted the stay.
On September 23, 2021, a stockholder derivative complaint, captioned Lyon v. Aron, et al., Case No. 1:21-cv-07940-AJN (the “Lyon Action”), was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against certain of the Company’s current and former officers and directors. The Lyon Action asserts claims for contribution and indemnification under the Exchange Act and for breaches of fiduciary duty, waste of corporate assets, and unjust enrichment/constructive trust based on allegations substantially similar to the Actions, the Gantulga Action, the Kenna Action, the Manuel Action, and the Dinkevich Action. On January 14, 2022, defendants moved to dismiss the complaint. On March 21, 2023, the court granted defendants’ motion to dismiss.
On June 14, 2023, the parties to the Gantulga, Kenna, Manuel, Dinkevich, and Lyon Actions signed a stipulation of settlement, which subject to the approval of the court, will resolve those actions. As consideration for the proposed settlement, the Company agreed to certain corporate governance reforms. The Company also agreed to the payment of a $1.0 million fee and expense award to the plaintiffs’ attorneys to be paid by the Company’s director’s and officer’s insurance carriers. Defendants agreed to the settlement solely to eliminate the burden, expense, and uncertainties inherent in further litigation. Defendants have denied, and continue to deny, all allegations of wrongdoing, fault, liability, or damages with respect to the matters alleged in the Gantulga, Kenna, Manuel, Dinkevich, and Lyon Actions. On June 23, 2023, plaintiffs filed a motion to preliminarily approve the settlement. On October 6, 2023, the Court preliminarily approved the proposed settlement as being fair, reasonable, and adequate, and scheduled a telephonic hearing for December 18, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. eastern time, to, among other things, consider whether to approve the proposed settlement.
On December 31, 2019, the Company received a stockholder litigation demand, requesting that the Board investigate the allegations in the Actions and pursue claims on the Company’s behalf based on those allegations. On May 5, 2020, the Board determined not to pursue the claims sought in the demand at that time.
On July 15, 2020, the Company received a second stockholder litigation demand requesting substantially the same action as the stockholder demand it received on December 31, 2019. On September 23, 2020, the Board determined not to pursue the claims sought in the demand at that time.
33
On April 22, 2019, a putative stockholder class and derivative complaint, captioned Lao v. Dalian Wanda Group Co., Ltd., et al., C.A. No. 2019-0303-JRS (the “Lao Action”), was filed against certain of the Company’s directors, Wanda, two of Wanda’s affiliates, Silver Lake, and one of Silver Lake’s affiliates in the Delaware Court of Chancery. The Lao Action asserted claims directly, on behalf of a putative class of Company stockholders, and derivatively, on behalf of the Company, for breaches of fiduciary duty and aiding and abetting breaches of fiduciary duty with respect to transactions that the Company entered into with affiliates of Wanda and Silver Lake on September 14, 2018, and the special cash dividend of $1.55 per share of common stock that was payable on September 28, 2018 to the Company’s stockholders of record as of September 25, 2018. On July 18, 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors formed a Special Litigation Committee to investigate and evaluate the claims and allegations asserted in the Lao Action and make a determination as to how the Company should proceed with respect to the Lao Action. On January 8, 2021, the Special Litigation Committee filed a report with the court recommending that the court dismiss all of the claims asserted in the Lao Action, and moved to dismiss all of the claims in the Lao Action. On June 6, 2022, the parties signed a stipulation of settlement to resolve the Lao Action for $17.4 million (the “Settlement Amount”). Defendants agreed to the settlement and the payment of the Settlement Amount solely to eliminate the burden, expense, and uncertainty of further litigation, and continue to expressly deny any liability or wrongdoing with respect to the matters alleged in the Lao Action. On September 28, 2022, the court held a hearing to consider whether to approve the proposed settlement. At the hearing, the court requested a supplemental notice to stockholders prior to approval. A second hearing regarding approval of the settlement was held on November 30, 2022. Following the hearing, also on November 30, 2022, the court issued an order and final judgment approving the settlement and dismissing the action. The order and final judgment included a fee and expense award to Plaintiff’s counsel in the amount of $3.4 million to be paid out of the Settlement Amount. On January 6, 2023, the remainder of the Settlement Amount of $14.0 million was paid to the Company. The Company recorded the settlement as a gain in other income once all contingencies were resolved during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
On December 27, 2022, the Company received a letter from a purported stockholder, demanding to inspect certain of the Company’s books and records pursuant to 8 Del. C. § 220 in order to investigate allegations concerning: (i) the proposal that was approved by the Board on January 27, 2021 to amend the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to increase the total number of shares of the Company’s Common Stock; (ii) the Company’s creation, distribution, and/or sale of AMC Preferred Equity Units (APEs); (iii) the Antara Transactions; (iv) the special meeting of the holders of the Company’s Common Stock and APEs held March 14, 2023 for the purpose of voting on amendments to the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation that, together, would enable APEs to convert into shares of the Company’s Common Stock: and (v) the independence of the members of the Board (the “December 27, 2022 Demand”). On January 4, 2023, the Company rejected the December 27, 2022 Demand. On February 7, 2023, without conceding the propriety of the December 27, 2022 Demand in any respect and while reserving all rights, the Company, in an effort to avoid unnecessary litigation, allowed the stockholder who made the December 27, 2022 Demand to inspect certain of the Company’s books and records concerning the subject matter of December 27, 2022 Demand.
On February 6, 2023, the Company received a letter from another purported stockholder, demanding to inspect certain of the Company’s books and records pursuant to 8 Del. C. § 220 in order to investigate allegations similar to those made in the December 27, 2022 Demand (the “February 6, 2023 Demand” and, together with the December 27, 2022 Demand, the “Books and Records Demands”). On February 13, 2023, the Company rejected the February 6, 2023 Demand. Also, on February 13, 2023, without conceding the propriety of the February 6, 2023 Demand in any respect and while reserving all rights, the Company, in an effort to avoid unnecessary litigation, allowed the stockholder who made the February 6, 2023 Demand to inspect the same books and records that it allowed the stockholder who made the December 27, 2022 Demand to inspect.
On February 20, 2023, two putative stockholder class actions were filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery, captioned Allegheny County Employees’ Retirement System v. AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc., et al., C.A No. 2023-0215-MTZ (Del. Ch.) (the “Allegheny Action”), and Munoz v Adam M. Aron, et al., C.A. No. 2023-0216-MTZ (Del. Ch.) (the “Munoz Action”) and which have been subsequently consolidated into In re AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. Stockholder Litigation C.A. No. 2023-0215-MTZ (Del. Ch.) (the “Shareholder Litigation”). The Allegheny Action asserted a claim for breach of fiduciary duty against certain of the Company’s directors and a claim for breach of 8 Del. C. § 242 against those directors and the Company, arising out of the Company’s creation of the APEs, the Antara Transactions, and the Charter Amendments. The Munoz Action, which was filed by the stockholders who made the Books and Records Demands, asserted a claim for breach of fiduciary duty against the Company’s current directors and former director Lee Wittlinger, arising out of the same conduct challenged in the Allegheny Action. The Allegheny Action sought a declaration that the issuance of the APEs violated 8 Del. C. § 242(b), an order that holders of the Company’s Common Stock be provided with a separate vote from the holders of the APEs on the Charter Amendments
34
or that the APEs be enjoined from voting on the Charter Amendments, and an award of money damages. The Munoz Action sought to enjoin the APEs from voting on the Charter Amendments.
On February 27, 2023, the Delaware Court of Chancery entered a status quo order that (i) allowed the March 14, 2023 vote on the Charter Amendments to proceed, but precluded the Company from implementing the Charter Amendments pending a ruling by the court on the plaintiffs’ then-anticipated preliminary injunction motion, and (ii) scheduled a hearing on the plaintiffs’ then-anticipated preliminary injunction motion for April 27, 2023 (the “Status Quo Order”).
On April 2, 2023, the parties entered into a binding settlement term sheet to settle the Shareholder Litigation, which among other things, provided that the parties would jointly request that the Status Quo Order be lifted. Pursuant to the term sheet, the Company agreed to make a non-cash settlement payment to record holders of Common Stock as of the time (the “Settlement Class Time”) at which the Reverse Stock Split would be effective (and after giving effect to the Reverse Stock Split) of one share of Common Stock for every 7.5 shares of Common Stock owned by such record holders. The Company’s obligation to make the Settlement Payment was contingent on the Status Quo Order being lifted and the Company effecting the Charter Amendments. The defendants agreed to the settlement and the payment of the Settlement Payment solely to eliminate the burden, expense, and uncertainty of further litigation, and continue to expressly deny any liability or wrongdoing with respect to the matters alleged in the Shareholder Litigation. On April 3, 2023, the plaintiffs filed an unopposed motion to lift the Status Quo Order.
On April 5, 2023, the court denied the motion to lift the Status Quo Order.
On April 27, 2023, the parties jointly filed a Stipulation and Agreement of Compromise, Settlement, and Release (the “Settlement Stipulation”) with the court, which fully memorialized the settlement that the parties agreed to in the term sheet. On June 29–30, 2023, the court held a settlement hearing to consider whether to approve the settlement as outlined in the Settlement Stipulation.
On July 21, 2023, the court issued an opinion which, citing issues with the scope of the release sought under the proposed settlement, declined to approve the settlement as presented. On July 22, 2023, the parties filed an addendum to the Settlement Stipulation in an effort to address the issues with the scope of the release raised by the court and requested that the court approve the settlement with the revised release set forth in the addendum. On July 24, 2023, the court responded to the parties’ July 22, 2023 filings requesting additional submissions in relation to the proposed settlement. The Company provided the additional requested submissions to the court on July 26, 2023.
On August 11, 2023, the court approved the settlement of the Shareholder Litigation and lifted the Status Quo Order. On August 14, 2023, the Company filed the amendment to its Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which was previously approved by the Company’s stockholders at the special meeting held on March 14, 2023 to implement the Charter Amendments effective as of August 24, 2023. The Reverse Stock Split occurred on August 24, 2023, the conversion of APEs into Common Stock occurred on August 25, 2023, and the Settlement Payment was made on August 28, 2023. On September 15, 2023, the Court entered an order dismissing the Shareholder Litigation in its entirety and with prejudice. On October 13, 2023, a purported Company stockholder who objected to the settlement of the Shareholder Litigation filed a notice of appeal to the settlement.
In connection with the Settlement Payment, the Company recorded a $110.1 million charge to other expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The charge was based on the estimated fair value of $99.3 million for the Settlement Payment and $10.8 million of legal fees, net of probable insurance recoveries. The Company made the Settlement Payment on August 28, 2023, and recorded the disbursement to stockholders’ equity. The legal fee liabilities are included in accrued expenses and other liabilities or accounts payable within the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
On August 14, 2023, a putative class action on behalf of APE holders, captioned Simons v. AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc., C.A. No. 2023-0835-MTZ (the “Simons Action”), was filed against the Company in the Delaware Court of Chancery. The Simons Action asserts claims for a declaratory judgment, injunctive relief, and breach of contract, and alleges that the Settlement Payment in the Shareholder Litigation violates the Certificate of Designations that govern the APEs prior to the conversion of the APEs into Common Stock. On September 12, 2023, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the Complaint.
35
On May 4, 2023, the Company filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of the State of Delaware against seventeen insurers participating in its directors & officers insurance program, seeking recovery for losses incurred in connection with its defense and settlement of the Shareholder Litigation, including the Settlement Payment. The insurance recovery action is captioned, AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. v. XL Specialty Insurance Co., et al., Case No. N23C-05-045 AML CCLD (Del. Super. May 4, 2023) (the “Coverage Action”). In the suit, AMC seeks to collect coverage under its Executive and Corporate Securities Liability Insurance Policies sold by the defendants, which provide coverage for the policy period of January 1, 2022, through January 1, 2023 (the “Policies”) in excess of a $10 million deductible. The primary insurer in the Coverage Action has paid its full $5 million limit to reimburse the Company for its payment of the class counsel fee award. The remainder of the insurers contest whether they owe coverage for the Settlement Payment, claiming it does not constitute a “Loss” under their insurance policies. AMC may have claims for coverage from additional insurers as well, however, those insurers’ policies contain mandatory arbitration provisions, so they have not been included in the Coverage Action.
On October 6, 2023, an action captioned Matthew, et al. v. Citigroup Global Markets, et al., Case No. 1:23-cv-12302-FDS (the “Matthew Action”), was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. The Matthew Action names the Company as a nominal defendant, but does not seek any relief on behalf of the Company.
NOTE 12—EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
Basic earnings (loss) per share is computed by dividing net earnings (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings (loss) per share includes the effects of unvested RSUs with a service condition only and unvested contingently issuable PSUs that have service and performance conditions, if dilutive.
36
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per common share:
Numerator:
Net earnings (loss) for basic earnings (loss) per share
Net earnings (loss) for diluted earnings (loss) per share
Denominator (shares in thousands):
Weighted average shares for basic earnings (loss) per common share
Common equivalent shares for RSUs and PSUs
183
Weighted average shares for diluted earnings (loss) per common share
Basic earnings (loss) per common share
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share
Vested RSUs and PSUs have dividend rights identical to the Company’s Common Stock and are treated as outstanding shares for purposes of computing basic and diluted earnings per share.
Unvested RSUs of 467,353 and 548,419 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively were not included in the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share because they would be anti-dilutive. Unvested RSUs of 542,815 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 were not included in the computation of diluted loss per share because they would be anti-dilutive.
Unvested PSUs are subject to performance conditions and are included in diluted earnings per share, if dilutive, based on the number of shares, if any, that would be issuable under the terms of the Company’s 2013 Equity Incentive Plan if the end of the reporting period were the end of the contingency period. Unvested PSUs of 192,052 and 294,251 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively were not included in the computation of diluted earnings (loss) per share because they would not be issuable if the end of the reporting period were the end of the contingency period or they would be anti-dilutive. Unvested PSUs of 283,809 at certain performance targets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, were not included in the computation of diluted loss per share because they would not be issuable if the end of the reporting period were the end of the contingency period or they would be anti-dilutive.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Forward-Looking Statements
In addition to historical information, this Quarterly Report on Form 10–Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “expect,” “should,” “believe” and other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions and speak only as of the date on which it is made. Examples of forward-looking statements include statements we make regarding the impact of COVID-19, future attendance levels and our liquidity. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, including those discussed in “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following:
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This list of factors that may affect future performance and the accuracy of forward-looking statements is illustrative but not exhaustive. In addition, new risks and uncertainties may arise from time to time. Accordingly, all forward-looking statements should be evaluated with an understanding of their inherent uncertainty and we caution accordingly against relying on forward-looking statements.
Readers are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements. For further information about these and other risks and uncertainties as well as strategic initiatives, see Item 1A. “Risk Factors” of this Form 10-Q, Item 1. “Business” in our Annual Report on Form 10–K for the year ended December 31, 2022, and our other public filings.
All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The forward-looking statements included herein are made only as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10–Q, and we do not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Overview
AMC is the world’s largest theatrical exhibition company and an industry leader in innovation and operational excellence. We operate theatres in 11 countries throughout the U.S. and Europe.
Our theatrical exhibition revenues are generated primarily from box office admissions and theatre food and beverage sales. Our remaining revenues are generated from ancillary sources, including on-screen advertising, fees earned from our AMC Stubs® customer loyalty program, rental of theatre auditoriums, income from gift card and exchange ticket sales, and online ticketing fees. As of September 30, 2023, we owned, operated or had interests in 904 theatres and 10,078 screens.
Box Office Admissions and Film Content
Box office admissions are our largest source of revenue. We predominantly license theatrical films from distributors owned by major film production companies and from independent distributors on a film-by-film and theatre-by-theatre basis. Film exhibition costs are based on a share of admissions revenues and are accrued based on estimates of the final settlement pursuant to our film licenses. These licenses typically state that rental fees are based on the box office performance of each film, though in certain circumstances and less frequently, our rental fees are based on a mutually agreed settlement rate that is fixed. In some European territories, film rental fees are established on a weekly basis and some licenses use a per capita agreement instead of a revenue share, paying a flat amount per ticket.
Our revenues attributable to individual distributors may vary significantly from year to year depending upon the commercial success of each distributor’s films in any given year. Our results of operations may vary significantly from quarter to quarter and from year to year based on the timing and popularity of film releases.
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Movie Screens
The following table provides detail with respect to digital delivery, 3D enabled projection, large screen formats, such as IMAX® and our proprietary Dolby Cinema™, other Premium Large Format (“PLF”) screens, enhanced food and beverage offerings and our premium seating as deployed throughout our circuit:
Number of Screens
Format
IMAX®
184
186
Dolby CinemaTM
158
155
Other Premium Large Format (“PLF”)
57
56
78
80
Dine-In theatres
675
727
Premium seating
3,574
3,482
540
598
Seating Concepts and Amenities
Consolidated
Recliner screens operated
4,114
4,080
Recliner theatres operated
361
360
93
441
453
Dine-In screens operated
688
740
Dine-In theatres operated
49
51
52
54
Number of theatres offering alcohol
380
351
231
238
611
589
Loyalty Programs and Other Marketing
As of September 30, 2023, we had more than 31 million member households enrolled in AMC Stubs® A-List, AMC Stubs Premiere™ and AMC Stubs Insider™ programs, combined. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023 our AMC Stubs® members represented approximately 45.9% of AMC U.S. markets attendance.
We currently have approximately 16 million members in our various International loyalty programs.
See “Item 1. Business” in our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional discussion and information of our screens, seating concepts, amenities, loyalty programs and other marketing initiatives.
Holders of Shares
As of September 30, 2023, approximately 1.6 million shares of our Common Stock were directly registered with our transfer agent by 15,130 stockholders. The balance of our outstanding Common Stock was held in “street name” through bank or brokerage accounts.
Critical Accounting Estimates
For a discussion of our critical accounting policies and the means by which we develop estimates therefore, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Other than as discussed above, there have been no material changes from critical accounting estimates described in our Form 10-K.
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Significant Events
Saudi Cinema Company. On December 30, 2022, we entered into an agreement to sell our 10.0% investment in Saudi Cinema Company, LLC for SAR 112.5 million ($30.0 million), subject to certain closing conditions. On January 24, 2023, the Saudi Ministry of Commerce recorded a sale of equity and we received the proceeds on January 25, 2023. We recorded a gain on the sale of $15.5 million in investment income during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Debt Repurchases. The below table summarizes the cash debt repurchase transactions during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, including related party transactions with Antara, which was a related party from February 7, 2023 to August 25, 2023:
Additional Share Issuances Antara. On December 22, 2022, we entered into the Forward Purchase Agreement with Antara pursuant to which we agreed to (i) sell to Antara 10,659,511 AMC Preferred Equity Units for an aggregate purchase price of $75.1 million and (ii) simultaneously purchase from Antara $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 10%/12% Cash/PIK Toggle Second Lien Notes due 2026 in exchange for 9,102,619 AMC Preferred Equity Units. On February 7, 2023, we issued 19,762,130 AMC Preferred Equity Units to Antara in exchange for $75.1 million in cash and $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 10%/12% Cash/PIK Toggle Second Lien Notes due 2026. We recorded $193.7 million to stockholders’ deficit as a result of the transaction. We paid $1.4 million of accrued interest in cash upon exchange of the notes.
Equity Distribution Agreement. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we raised gross proceeds of approximately $114.5 million and paid fees to the Sales Agent and incurred other third-party issuance costs of approximately $2.9 million and $8.7 million, respectively, through our Preferred Equity Offering of approximately 7.1 million shares of our AMC Preferred Equity Units. We paid $11.5 million of other third-party issuance costs during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. We no longer have any authorized AMC Preferred Equity Units available for issuance under the Preferred Equity Units Equity Distribution Agreement. Furthermore, the AMC Preferred Equity Units ceased trading on the NYSE on August 24, 2023 and were converted to Common Shares on August 25, 2023.
Special Awards. On February 23, 2023, AMC’s Board of Directors approved special awards in lieu of vesting of the 2022 PSU awards. The special awards were accounted for as a modification to the 2022 PSU awards which lowered the Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow performance targets such that 200% vesting was achieved for both tranches. This modification resulted in the immediate additional vesting of 238,959 Common Stock 2022 PSUs and 238,959 AMC Preferred Equity Unit 2022 PSUs. This was treated as a Type 3 modification (improbable-to-probable) which requires us to recognize additional stock compensation expense based on the modification date fair values of the Common Stock PSUs and AMC Preferred Equity Units PSUs of $14.9 million and $5.3 million, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we recognized $20.2 million of additional stock compensation expense related to these awards.
NCM Bankruptcy. On April 11, 2023, National CineMedia, LLC filed a petition under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the Southern District of Texas. NCM is the in-theatre advertising provider for the majority of our theatres in the United States. Under the Chapter 11 Plan, NCM has assumed its agreements with us. As part of the Plan, on August 7, 2023, NCM issued 16,581,829 common units that were owed to AMC as part of the annual common unit adjustment. But under the terms of the Plan and the restructuring of the equity of NCM thereunder, the NCM Common Units were immediately cancelled upon the efficacy of the Plan. We have filed appeals with the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, objecting to, among other things, certain terms of the Plan, including modification of the terms of the exhibitor services agreement with other parties that were not granted to us and appeal of the court’s order to approve cancellation of the NCM Common Unit issuance. We do not expect its bankruptcy to
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have a material impact on the Company.
Shareholder Litigation. Two putative stockholder class actions were filed in the Delaware Chancery Court that assert a breach of fiduciary duty against certain of our directors and a claim for breach of 8 Del. C. § 242 against those directors and us, arising out of our creation of AMC Preferred Equity Units, the transactions between Antara and us that we announced on December 22, 2022 and the Charter Amendments.
This litigation prevented us from immediately implementing the Charter Amendments. On April 2, 2023, the parties entered into a binding settlement term sheet to settle the litigation and allow implementation of the Charter Amendments. On August 11, 2023, the Delaware Chancery Court approved the settlement and on Monday, August 21, 2023, the Delaware Supreme Court confirmed the ruling of the Chancery Court. Pursuant to the settlement term sheet, record holders of Common Stock at the close of business on August 24, 2023, after giving effect to the Reverse Stock Split, but prior to the conversion of AMC Preferred Equity Units into Common Stock, received a payment of one share of Common Stock for every 7.5 shares of Common Stock owned by the Settlement Payment Recipients. On August 28, 2023, the Company made the Settlement Payment and issued 6,897,018 shares of Common Stock. See Note 11—Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q for further information regarding the litigation and settlement.
Common Stock Equity Distribution Agreement. On September 6, 2023, we entered into a Common Stock Equity Distribution Agreement with the Common Stock Sales Agents, to sell up to 40.0 million shares of our Common Stock, from time to time, through a Common Stock Offering. Subject to terms and conditions of the Common Stock Equity Distribution Agreement, the Common Stock Sales Agents will use reasonable efforts consistent with their normal trading and sales practices, applicable law and regulations, and the rules of the NYSE to sell Common Stock from time to time based on our instructions for the sales, including any price, time or size limits specified by us. We intend to use the proceeds from the sale of Common Stock pursuant to the Common Stock Equity Distribution Agreement to repay, refinance, redeem or repurchase our existing indebtedness (including expenses, accrued interest and premium, if any) and otherwise for general corporate purposes. On September 13, 2023, we announced that we had completed our Common Stock Offering.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, we raised gross proceeds of approximately $325.5 million and paid fees to the Common Stock Sales Agents and incurred other third-party issuance costs of approximately $8.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively, through our Common Stock Offering of 40.0 million shares of our Common Stock. We paid $0.1 million of other third-party issuance costs during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
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Operating Results
The following table sets forth our consolidated revenues, operating costs and expenses:
% Change
46.3
%
26.6
32.3
39.8
45.2
27.0
Operating Costs and Expenses
51.4
31.5
54.0
46.8
8.5
*
34.0
(8.5)
20.6
12.9
Other expense:
12.0
(10.0)
(12.5)
Non-cash NCM exhibitor service agreement
(0.3)
10.7
(23.0)
(25.8)
(69.3)
27.8
84.0
(68.7)
* Percentage change in excess of 100%
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Operating Data:
Screen additions
Screen acquisitions
129
Screen dispositions
381
224
Construction openings (closures), net
(17)
(30)
Average screens (1)
9,781
10,138
9,885
10,128
Number of screens operated
10,078
10,518
Number of theatres operated
904
943
Screens per theatre
11.1
11.2
Attendance (in thousands) (1)
73,576
53,177
187,565
151,381
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Segment Operating Results
The following table sets forth our revenues, operating costs and expenses by reportable segment:
417.6
210.2
127.7
382.8
272.4
99.9
60.9
93.6
31.9
26.5
309.2
212.0
89.3
51.2
65.1
43.6
25.0
14.9
339.5
300.4
110.3
100.2
166.4
169.1
57.9
54.1
General and administrative expense:
37.2
17.2
14.0
69.2
77.1
19.5
19.8
987.2
829.1
319.3
254.2
76.7
(75.8)
22.7
(39.1)
Other expense (income):
(2.0)
13.0
78.7
67.9
(1.5)
(2.4)
18.4
(0.6)
58.4
90.5
26.4
19.7
(166.3)
(58.8)
(166.7)
(60.2)
Segment Operating Data:
60
(11)
(6)
1
7,356
7,652
2,425
2,486
7,396
7,712
2,682
2,806
567
591
337
352
8.0
51,524
38,329
22,052
14,848
46
1,560.6
1,229.6
515.3
410.5
1,052.4
793.7
247.2
188.8
242.8
201.0
89.9
817.7
619.4
210.1
162.3
181.2
120.1
62.0
45.6
930.4
836.8
314.6
310.8
485.0
502.5
165.8
166.3
130.9
111.3
53.9
49.9
218.7
229.0
60.4
64.0
2,765.3
2,420.0
866.9
798.4
(195.7)
(14.5)
(102.2)
92.9
232.1
192.7
44.0
2.6
Equity in (earnings) loss of non-consolidated entities (1)
4.7
(16.1)
259.9
324.2
26.1
61.3
Net loss before income taxes
(169.4)
(519.9)
(40.6)
(163.5)
3.0
(171.0)
(520.6)
(43.6)
(165.3)
120
244
181
137
(16)
(14)
7,429
7,646
2,456
2,482
133,909
107,622
53,656
43,759
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We present Adjusted EBITDA as a supplemental measure of our performance. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net earnings (loss) plus (i) income tax provision (benefit), (ii) interest expense and (iii) depreciation and amortization, as further adjusted to eliminate the impact of certain items that we do not consider indicative of our ongoing operating performance and to include attributable EBITDA from equity investments in theatre operations in International markets and any cash distributions of earnings from other equity method investees. These further adjustments are itemized below. You are encouraged to evaluate these adjustments and the reasons we consider them appropriate for supplemental analysis. In evaluating Adjusted EBITDA, you should be aware that in the future we may incur expenses that are the same as or similar to some of the adjustments in this presentation. Our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items. The preceding definition of and adjustments made to GAAP measures to determine Adjusted EBITDA are broadly consistent with Adjusted EBITDA as defined in the Company’s debt indentures.
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure commonly used in our industry and should not be construed as an alternative to net earnings (loss) as an indicator of operating performance (as determined in accordance with U.S. 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 estimate our value.
Adjusted EBITDA has important limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under U.S. GAAP. For example, Adjusted EBITDA:
During the three months ended September 30, 2023, Adjusted EBITDA in the U.S. markets was $150.6 million compared to $1.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2022. The year-over-year improvement was primarily due to the decreased net loss driven by an increase in attendance as a result of the popularity of new film releases compared to the prior year. During the three months ended September 30, 2023, Adjusted EBITDA in the International markets was $43.1 million compared to $(14.1) million during the three months ended September 30, 2022. The year-over-year improvement was primarily due to an increase in attendance as a result of the popularity of new film releases compared to the prior year, partially offset by a decline in government assistance. During the three months ended September 30, 2023, Adjusted EBITDA in the U.S. markets and International markets was $193.7 million compared to $(12.9) million during the three months ended September 30, 2022, driven by the aforementioned factors impacting Adjusted EBITDA.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, Adjusted EBITDA in the U.S. markets was $336.3 million compared to $52.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The year-over-year improvement was primarily due to the decreased net loss driven by an increase in attendance as a result of the popularity of new film releases compared to the prior year and decreases in rent expense. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, Adjusted EBITDA in the International markets was $47.0 million compared to $(20.1) million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The year-over-year improvement was primarily due to the decreased net loss driven by the increase in attendance as a result of the popularity of new film releases compared to the prior year and decreases in rent expense, partially offset by a decline in gift card and package ticket expirations and theatre rentals for meetings, and decreases in government assistance. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, Adjusted EBITDA in the U.S. markets and International markets was $383.3 million compared to $32.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, driven by the aforementioned factors impacting Adjusted EBITDA.
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The following tables set forth our Adjusted EBITDA by reportable operating segment and our reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA:
Total Adjusted EBITDA
Investment expense (income) during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 includes deterioration in estimated fair value of our investment in common shares of Hycroft of $5.4 million, deterioration in estimated fair value of our investment in warrants to purchase common shares of Hycroft of $5.4 million, a $(15.5) million gain on the sale of our investment in Saudi Cinema Company, LLC, and interest income of $(8.5) million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, investment expense (income) included deterioration in estimated fair value of our investment in common shares of Hycroft of $10.8 million, $11.1 million decline in estimated fair value of our investment in NCM Common Units, partially offset by appreciation in estimated fair value of our investment to purchase common shares of Hycroft of $(7.4) million and interest income of $(3.3) million.
Other expense (income) during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 includes a non-cash litigation charge of $99.3 million, partially offset by a gain on debt extinguishment of $(97.5) million and foreign currency transaction gains of $(3.2) million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, other expense (income) included loss on debt extinguishment of $96.4 million and foreign currency transaction losses of $14.7 million.
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Segment Information
Our historical results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, and September 30, 2022, reflect the results of operations for our two theatrical exhibition reportable segments, U.S. markets and International markets.
Results of Operations—For the Three Months ended September 30, 2023, Compared to the Three Months ended September 30, 2022
Condensed Consolidated Results of Operations
Revenues. Total revenues increased $437.5 million, or 45.2%, during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022. Admissions revenues increased $252.4 million, or 46.3%, during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to an increase in attendance of 38.4% from 53.2 million patrons to 73.6 million patrons and a 5.8% increase in average ticket price. The increase in attendance was primarily due to the popularity of film product compared to the prior year. The increase in average ticket price was primarily due to higher ticket prices, increased attendance for IMAX content, and increases in foreign currency translation rates partially offset by higher frequency of use by subscribers to our A-List program.
Food and beverage revenues increased $149.4 million, or 44.8%, during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to the increase in attendance and an increase in food and beverage per patron. Food and beverage per patron increased 4.6% from $6.27 to $6.56 due primarily to increases in average prices, the percentage of guests making transactions, and increases in foreign currency translation rates, partially offset by a decline in units purchased per transaction and higher frequency from our AMC Stubs loyalty members.
Total other theatre revenues increased $35.7 million, or 39.8%, during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to increases in ticket fees due to the increase in attendance, the number of tickets purchased online and increases in foreign currency translation rates.
Operating costs and expenses. Operating costs and expenses increased $223.2 million, or 20.6%, during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022. Film exhibition costs increased $135.3 million, or 51.4%, during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to the increase in attendance. As a percentage of admissions revenues, film exhibition costs were 50.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to 48.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2022. The increase in film exhibition cost percentage is primarily due to the concentration of box office revenues in higher grossing films in the current year, which typically results in higher film exhibition costs.
Food and beverage costs increased $31.6 million, or 54.0%, during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022. The increase in food and beverage costs was primarily due to the increase in food and beverage sales and increases in product costs. As a percentage of food and beverage revenues, food and beverage costs were 18.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2023, and 17.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2022.
As a percentage of revenues, operating expense was 32.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2023, and 41.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2022. Rent expense increased 0.5%, or $1.1 million, during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to increases in foreign currency translation rates. See Note 2—Leases in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q for further information on the impact of COVID-19 on leases and rent obligations of approximately $74.2 million that have been deferred to future years as of September 30, 2023.
Merger, acquisition, and other costs. Merger, acquisition, and other costs were $0.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $0.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2022.
Other. Other general and administrative expense increased 34.0%, or $13.8 million, during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022, due primarily to increases in
stock-based compensation expense of $10.8 million related to higher expectations of performance versus goals in the current year compared to the prior year and increases in foreign currency translation rates. See Note 7—Stockholders’ Equity in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q for additional information about stock-based compensation expense.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization decreased $8.2 million, or 8.5%, during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to lower depreciation expense on theatres impaired during the year ended December 31, 2022, partially offset by accelerated depreciation related to the replacement of digital projectors and permanently closed theatres.
Other income. Other income of $12.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023 was primarily due to $15.3 million of income related to the settlement of the Shareholder Litigation comprised of $16.1 million of non-cash income for the decrease in estimated fair value as of the date of the final Delaware Supreme Court order of settlement shares issued to holders of Common Stock on August 28, 2023 and partially offset by $0.8 million of contingent insurance recovery costs, gains on extinguishment of debt of $10.8 million related to the redemption of $24.2 million aggregate principal amount of the Second Lien Notes due 2026 and partially offset by $12.8 million in foreign currency transaction losses. Other income of $1.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2022, was primarily due $7.0 million in government assistance related to COVID-19 and partially offset by $6.3 million of foreign currency transaction losses. See Note 1—Basis of Presentation in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q for additional information about the components of other income.
Interest expense. Interest expense increased $8.0 million to $103.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $95.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to:
partially offset by:
Equity in earnings of non-consolidated entities. Equity in earnings of non-consolidated entities was $3.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $2.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022.
Investment expense (income). Investment income was ($3.0) million for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to expense of $18.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022. Investment income in the current year includes $3.7 million in interest income and $0.1 million of increase in estimated fair value of our investment in common shares of Hycroft, partially offset by $0.8 million of decline in estimated fair value of our investment in warrants to purchase common shares of Hycroft. Investment expense in the prior year includes $11.8 million of decline in estimated fair value of our investment in common shares of Hycroft, $7.7 million of decline in estimated fair value of our investment in warrants to purchase common shares of Hycroft and $1.6 million decline in estimated fair value of our investment in NCM Common Units, partially offset by interest income of $2.8 million.
Income tax provision. The income tax provision was $2.3 million and $1.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023, and September 30, 2022, respectively. See Note 8—Income Taxes in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q for further information.
Net earnings (loss). Net earnings (loss) was $12.3 million and $(226.9) million during the three months ended September 30, 2023, and September 30, 2022, respectively. Net earnings during the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2022 was positively impacted by the increase in attendance as a result of the popularity of new film releases compared to the prior year, decreases in depreciation and amortization expense, increases in other income, increases in equity in earnings and decreases in investment expense, partially offset by increases in rent expense, increases in general and administrative expenses, increases in interest expense, increases in income tax provision and increases in foreign currency translation rates.
Theatrical Exhibition—U.S. Markets
Revenues. Total revenues increased $310.6 million, or 41.2%, during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022. Admissions revenues increased $169.9 million or 40.7%, during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to an increase in attendance of 34.4% from 38.3 million patrons to 51.5 million patrons and a 4.6% increase in average ticket price. The increase in attendance was primarily due to the popularity of film product compared to the prior year. The increase in average ticket price was primarily due to higher ticket prices and increased attendance for IMAX content, partially offset by higher frequency of use by subscribers to our A-List program.
Food and beverage revenues increased $110.4 million, or 40.5%, during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to the increase in attendance and an increase in food and beverage per patron. Food and beverage per patron increased 4.5% from $7.11 to $7.43 due primarily to increases in average prices, the percentage of guests making transactions, partially offset by a decline in units purchased per transaction and higher frequency from our AMC Stubs loyalty members.
Total other theatre revenues increased $30.3 million, or 47.9%, during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to increases in ticket fees due to the increase in the number of tickets purchased online.
Operating costs and expenses. Operating costs and expenses increased $158.1 million, or 19.1%, during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022. Film exhibition costs increased $97.2 million, or 45.8%, during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to the increase in attendance. As a percentage of admissions revenues, film exhibition costs were 52.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to 50.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2022. The increase in film exhibition cost percentage is primarily due to the concentration of box office revenues in higher grossing films in the current year, which typically results in higher film exhibition costs.
Food and beverage costs increased $21.5 million or 49.3%, during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022. The increase in food and beverage costs was primarily due to the increase in food and beverage sales, increases in product costs, and product mix. As a percentage of food and beverage revenues, food and beverage costs were 17.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2023, and 16.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2022.
As a percentage of revenues, operating expense was 31.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2023, and 39.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2022. Rent expense decreased 1.6%, or $2.7 million, during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022. See Note 2—Leases in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q for further information on the impact of COVID-19 on leases and rent obligations of approximately $67.8 million that have been deferred to future years as of September 30, 2023.
Merger, acquisition, and other costs. Merger, acquisition, and other costs were $0.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $0.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2022.
Other. Other general and administrative expense increased 39.8%, or $10.6 million, during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022, due primarily to increases in stock-based compensation expense of $9.7 million related to higher expectations of performance versus goals in the current year compared to the prior year. See Note 7—Stockholders’ Equity in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q for additional information about stock-based compensation expense.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization decreased $7.9 million, or 10.2%, during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to lower depreciation expense on theatres impaired during the year ended December 31, 2022, partially offset by accelerated depreciation related to the replacement of digital projectors and permanently closed theatres.
Other income. Other income of $25.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023 was primarily due to $15.3 million of income related to the settlement of the Shareholder Litigation comprised of $16.1
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million of non-cash income for the decrease in estimated fair value as of the date of the final Delaware Supreme Court order of settlement shares issued to holders of Common Stock on August 28, 2023 and partially offset by $0.8 million of contingent insurance recovery costs and gains on extinguishment of debt of $10.8 million related to the redemption of $24.2 million aggregate principal amount of the Second Lien Notes due 2026. Other income of $2.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2022 was primarily due to government assistance related to COVID-19 of $1.6 million. See Note 1—Basis of Presentation in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q for additional information about the components of other income and Note 11—Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1 of Part I of this form 10-Q for additional information about our legal contingencies and settlements.
Interest expense. Interest expense increased $10.6 million to $88.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $77.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to:
Equity in earnings of non-consolidated entities. Equity in earnings of non-consolidated entities was $1.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to earnings of $3.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022.
Investment expense (income). Investment income was $(2.4) million for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to expense of $18.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022. Investment income in the current year includes $3.1 million in interest income and $0.1 million of increase in estimated fair value of our investment in common shares of Hycroft, partially offset by $0.8 million of decline in estimated fair value of our investment in warrants to purchase common shares of Hycroft. Investment expense in the prior year includes $11.8 million of decline in estimated fair value of our investment in common shares of Hycroft, $7.7 million of decline in estimated fair value of our investment in warrants to purchase common shares of Hycroft and $1.6 million decline in estimated fair value of our investment in NCM Common Units, partially offset by interest income of $2.8 million.
Income tax provision. The income tax provision was $0.6 million and $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023, and September 30, 2022, respectively. See Note 8—Income Taxes in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q for further information.
Net earnings (loss). Net earnings (loss) was $17.7 million and $(166.7) million during the three months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, respectively. Net earnings during the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2022 was positively impacted by the increase in attendance as a result of the popularity of new film releases compared to the prior year, decreases in depreciation and amortization expense, decreases in rent expense, increases in other income and decreases in investment expense, partially offset by increases general and administrative expenses, increases in interest expense, decreases in equity in earnings and increases in income tax provision.
Theatrical Exhibition—International Markets
Revenues. Total revenues increased $126.9 million, or 59.0%, during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022. Admissions revenues increased $82.5 million, or 64.6%, during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to an increase in attendance of 48.5% from 14.8 million patrons to 22.1 million patrons and a 10.8% increase in average ticket price. The increase in attendance was primarily due to the popularity of film product compared to the prior year. The increase in average ticket price was primarily due to increases in foreign currency translation rates and higher ticket prices.
Food and beverage revenues increased $39.0 million, or 64.0%, during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to the increase in attendance and an increase in food and beverage per patron. Food and beverage per patron increased 10.5% from $4.10 to $4.53 due primarily to increases in foreign currency translation rates and average prices.
Total other theatre revenues increased $5.4 million, or 20.4%, during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to increases in ticket fees due to the increase in attendance, the number of tickets purchased online and increases in foreign currency translation rates.
Operating costs and expenses. Operating costs and expenses increased $65.1 million, or 25.6%, during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022. Film exhibition costs increased $38.1 million, or 74.4%, during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to the increase in attendance. As a percentage of admissions revenues, film exhibition costs were 42.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to 40.1% for the three months ended September 30, 2022. The increase in film exhibition cost percentage is primarily due to the concentration of box office revenues in higher grossing films in the current year, which typically results in higher film exhibition costs.
Food and beverage costs increased $10.1 million, or 67.8%, during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022. The increase in food and beverage costs was primarily due to the increase in food and beverage sales and increases in product costs. As a percentage of food and beverage revenues, food and beverage costs were 25.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2023, and 24.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2022.
As a percentage of revenues, operating expense was 32.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2023, and 46.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2022. Rent expense increased 7.0%, or $3.8 million, during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to the increase in foreign currency translation rates. See Note 2—Leases in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q for further information on the impact of COVID-19 on leases and rent obligations of approximately $6.4 million that have been deferred to future years as of September 30, 2023.
Merger, acquisition, and other costs. Merger, acquisition, and other costs were $0.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $0.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2022.
Other. Other general and administrative expense increased 22.9%, or $3.2 million, during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022, due primarily to increases in stock-based compensation expense of $1.1 million related to higher expectations of performance versus goals in the current year compared to the prior year and increases in foreign currency translation rates. See Note 7—Stockholders’ Equity in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q for additional information about stock-based compensation expense.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization decreased $0.3 million, or 1.5%, during the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to lower depreciation expense on theatres impaired during the year ended December 31, 2022, partially offset by the increase in foreign currency translation rates.
Other expense. Other expense of $13.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023, was primarily due to $12.8 million in foreign currency transaction losses. Other expense of $1.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2022, was primarily due to $6.3 million of foreign currency transaction losses, partially offset by $5.4 million in government assistance related to COVID-19. See Note 1—Basis of Presentation in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q for additional information about the components of other expense (income).
Interest expense. Interest expense decreased $2.6 million to $15.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $18.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to:
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Equity in (earnings) loss of non-consolidated entities. Equity in (earnings) loss of non-consolidated entities was $(1.5) million for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022.
Investment income. Interest income was $0.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023, compared to income of $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022.
Income tax provision. The income tax provision was $1.7 million and $1.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023, and September 30, 2022, respectively. See Note 8—Income Taxes in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q for further information.
Net loss. Net loss was $5.4 million and $60.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2023, and September 30, 2022, respectively. Net loss during the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2022 was positively impacted by the increase in attendance as a result of the popularity of new film releases compared to the prior year, decreases in depreciation and amortization expense, decreases in equity losses, decreases in interest expense and increases in investment income, partially offset by increases in rent expense, increases in general and administrative expenses, increases in other expense, increases in income tax provision and increases in foreign currency translation rates.
Results of Operations—For the Nine Months ended September 30, 2023 Compared to the Nine Months ended September 30, 2022
Revenues. Total revenues increased $787.7 million, or 27.0%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Admissions revenues increased $435.8 million, or 26.6%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to an increase in attendance of 23.9% from 151.4 million patrons to 187.6 million patrons and a 2.2% increase in average ticket price. The increase in attendance was primarily due to the popularity of film product compared to the prior year. The increase in average ticket price was primarily due to increased attendance for 3D content partially offset by higher frequency of use by subscribers to our A-List program.
Food and beverage revenues increased $317.1 million, or 32.3%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to the increase in attendance and an increase in food and beverage per patron. Food and beverage per patron increased 6.8% from $6.49 to $6.93 due primarily to an increase in average prices, the percentage of guests making transactions, and the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions on the sale of food and beverage in certain international markets, partially offset by lower units purchased per transaction and higher frequency from our AMC Stubs loyalty members.
Total other theatre revenues increased $34.8 million, or 11.7%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to higher ticket fees due to the increase in the number of tickets purchased online, increases in advertising and retail sales, and partially offset by lower income from gift cards and package tickets and lower income from theatre meetings.
Operating costs and expenses. Operating costs and expenses increased $413.8 million, or 12.9%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Film exhibition costs increased $246.1 million, or 31.5%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to the increase in attendance. As a percentage of admissions revenues, film exhibition costs were 49.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to 47.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The increase in film exhibition cost percentage is primarily due to the concentration of box office revenues in higher grossing films in the current year, which typically results in higher film exhibition costs.
Food and beverage costs increased $77.5 million, or 46.8%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The increase in food and beverage costs was primarily due to the increase in food and beverage revenues and increases in product costs and obsolescence. As a percentage of food and beverage revenues, food and beverage costs were 18.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and 16.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
As a percentage of revenues, operating expense was 33.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and 39.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Rent expense decreased 2.7%, or $18.0 million, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022, due primarily to the early termination of one theatre lease for a benefit of $16.7 million, which included an early termination payment from the landlord for $13.0 million. See Note 2—Leases in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q for further information on the impact of COVID-19 on leases and rent obligations of approximately $74.2 million that have been deferred to future years as of September 30, 2023.
Merger, acquisition, and other costs. Merger, acquisition, and other costs were $1.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $0.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
Other. Other general and administrative expense increased $23.6 million, or 14.6%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022 due primarily to stock-based compensation expense of $20.2 million related to a February 23, 2023 special award grant accounted for as a modification to the 2022 PSU awards which lowered the Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow performance targets such that 200% vesting was achieved for both tranches. This modification resulted in the immediate additional vesting of 238,959 Common Stock PSUs and 238,959 Preferred Equity Unit PSUs. The modification was treated as a Type 3 modification (improbable to probable) which required us to recognize additional stock compensation expense based on the modification date fair values of the Common Stock PSUs and AMC Preferred Equity Unit PSUs of $62.30 per unit and $22.20 per unit, respectively, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. See Note 7—Stockholders’ Equity in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q for additional information about stock-based compensation expense.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization decreased $13.9 million, or 4.7%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to lower depreciation expense on theatres impaired during the year ended December 31, 2022, partially offset by accelerated depreciation related to the replacement of digital projectors and permanently closed theatres.
Other expense (income). Other income of $(4.7) million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was primarily due to a gain on extinguishment of debt of $95.2 million related to the redemption of $165.6 million aggregate principal amount of the Second Lien Notes due 2026, a gain on extinguishment of debt of $2.3 million related to the redemption of $4.1 million aggregate principal amount of our Senior Subordinated Notes due 2026, a receipt of $14.0 million in settlement of the Lao Action and $3.2 million in foreign currency transaction gains, and partially offset by, $110.1 million of expense related to the settlement of the Shareholder Litigation comprised of $10.8 million of estimated legal fees and contingent insurance recovery costs and $99.3 million of non-cash expense for the estimated fair value as of the date of the final Delaware Supreme Court order of settlement shares issued to holders of Common Stock on August 28, 2023. Other expense of $91.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was primarily due to a loss on extinguishment of debt of $135.0 million related to the full redemption of the $500 million aggregate principal amount of the First Lien Notes due 2025, the $300 million aggregate principal amount of the First Lien Notes due 2026, the $73.5 million aggregate principal amount of the First Lien Toggle Notes due 2026 and $14.7 million of foreign currency transaction losses, partially offset by a gain on extinguishment of debt of $38.6 million related to the redemption of $72.5 million of aggregate principal amount of the Second Lien Notes due 2026 and $18.9 million in government assistance related to COVID-19. See Note 1—Basis of Presentation in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q for additional information about the components of other expense (income).
Interest expense. Interest expense increased $29.0 million to $307.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to $278.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 primarily due to:
Equity in (earnings) loss of non-consolidated entities. Equity in (earnings) loss of non-consolidated entities was ($5.3) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to a loss of $3.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The decrease in equity losses from the prior year is primarily related to our 10.0% interest in Saudi Cinema Company, LLC that was sold on January 24, 2023.
Investment (income) expense. Investment income was $(11.4) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to investment expense of $12.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Investment income in the current year includes a gain on sale of our 10.0% interest in Saudi Cinema Company, LLC of $15.5 million and interest income of $8.5 million, partially offset by $5.4 million of decline in estimated fair value of our investment in common shares of Hycroft and $5.4 million of decline in estimated fair value of our investment in warrants to purchase common shares of Hycroft and $1.8 million of expense for NCM Common Units. Investment expense in the prior year includes $10.8 million of decline in estimated fair value of our investment in common shares of Hycroft partially offset by $7.4 million of appreciation in estimated fair value of our investment in warrants to purchase common shares of Hycroft, and an $11.1 million decline in estimated fair value of our investment in NCM Common Units partially offset by interest income of $3.3 million.
Income tax provision. The income tax provision was $4.6 million and $2.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and September 30, 2022, respectively. See Note 8—Income Taxes in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q for further information.
Net loss. Net loss was $214.6 million and $685.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and September 30, 2022, respectively. Net loss during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was positively impacted by the increase in attendance as a result of the popularity of new film releases compared to the prior year, decreases in rent expense, decreases in depreciation and amortization expense, decreases in other expense, decreases in equity in losses and decreases in investment expense, partially offset by increases in general and administrative expenses, increases in interest expense and an increase in income tax provision.
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Revenues. Total revenues increased $631.5 million, or 28.4%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Admissions revenues increased $331.0 million, or 26.9%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to an increase in attendance of 24.4% from 107.6 million patrons to 133.9 million patrons and a 1.9% increase in average ticket price. The increase in attendance was primarily due to the popularity of film product compared to the prior year. The increase in average ticket price was primarily due to increased attendance for 3D content partially offset by higher frequency of use by subscribers to our A-List program.
Food and beverage revenues increased $258.7 million, or 32.6%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to the increase in attendance and an increase in food and beverage per patron. Food and beverage per patron increased 6.6% from $7.37 to $7.86 due primarily to an increase in average prices and the percentage of guests making transactions, partially offset by lower units purchased per transaction and higher frequency from our AMC Stubs loyalty members.
Total other theatre revenues increased $41.8 million, or 20.8%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to higher ticket fees due to the increase in the number of tickets purchased online, advertising and retail sales, and partially offset by lower income from gift cards and package tickets and lower income from theatre meetings.
Operating costs and expenses. Operating costs and expenses increased $345.3 million, or 14.3%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Film exhibition costs increased $198.3 million, or 32.0%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to the increase in attendance. As a percentage of admissions revenues, film exhibition costs were 52.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to 50.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The increase in film exhibition cost percentage is primarily due to the concentration of box office revenues in higher grossing films in the current year, which typically results in higher film exhibition costs.
Food and beverage costs increased $61.1 million, or 50.9%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The increase in food and beverage costs was primarily due to the increase in food and beverage revenues and increases in product costs and obsolescence. As a percentage of food and beverage revenues, food and beverage costs were 17.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and 15.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
As a percentage of revenues, operating expense was 32.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and 37.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Rent expense decreased 3.5%, or $17.5 million, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022, due primarily to the early termination of one theatre lease for a benefit of $16.7 million, which included an early termination payment from the landlord for $13.0 million. See Note 2—Leases in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q for further information on the impact of COVID-19 on leases and rent obligations of approximately $67.8 million that have been deferred to future years as of September 30, 2023.
Merger, acquisition, and other costs. Merger, acquisition, and other costs were $1.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $0.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
Other. Other general and administrative expense increased $19.6 million, or 17.6%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022, due primarily to stock-based compensation expense of $18.1 million related to a February 23, 2023, special award grant accounted for as a modification to the 2022 PSU awards discussed further in Condensed Consolidated Results of Operations. See Note 7—Stockholders’ Equity in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q for additional information about stock-based compensation expense.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization decreased $10.3 million, or 4.5%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to lower depreciation expense on theatres impaired during the year ended December 31, 2022, partially offset by accelerated depreciation related to the replacement of digital projectors and permanently closed theatres.
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Other expense (income). Other income of $(1.8) million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was primarily due to a gain on extinguishment of debt of $95.2 million related to the redemption of $165.6 million aggregate principal amount of the Second Lien Notes due 2026, a gain on extinguishment of debt of $2.3 million related to the redemption of $4.1 million aggregate principal amount of our Senior Subordinated Notes due 2026 and a receipt of $14.0 million in settlement of the Lao Action and partially offset by, $110.1 million of expense related to the settlement of the Shareholder Litigation comprised of $10.8 million of estimated legal fees and contingent insurance recovery costs and $99.3 million of non-cash expense for the estimated fair value as of the date of the final Delaware Supreme Court order of settlement shares issued to holders of Common Stock on August 28, 2023. Other expense of $92.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was primarily due to a loss on extinguishment of debt of $135.0 million related to the full redemption of the $500 million aggregate principal amount of the First Lien Notes due 2025, the $300 million aggregate principal amount of the First Lien Notes due 2026, and the $73.5 million aggregate principal amount of the First Lien Toggle Notes due 2026, partially offset by a gain on extinguishment of debt of $38.6 million related to the redemption of $72.5 million of aggregate principal amount of the Second Lien Notes due 2026 and $2.7 million in government assistance related to COVID-19. See Note 1—Basis of Presentation in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q for additional information about the components of other expense (income).
Interest expense. Interest expense increased $39.1 million to $260.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to $221.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 primarily due to:
Equity in earnings of non-consolidated entities. Equity in earnings of non-consolidated entities was $3.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to earnings of $2.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
Investment expense. Investment expense was $4.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to investment expense of $12.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Investment expense in the current year includes $5.4 million of decline in estimated fair value of our investment in common shares of Hycroft, $5.4 million of decline in estimated fair value of our investment in warrants to purchase common shares of Hycroft and $1.8 million of expense for NCM Common Units, partially offset by interest income of $7.9 million. Investment expense in the prior year includes $10.8 million of deterioration in estimated fair value of our investment in common shares of Hycroft and $7.4 million of appreciation in estimated fair value of our investment in warrants to purchase common shares of Hycroft and a $11.1 million decline in estimated fair value of our investment in NCM Common Units offset by interest income of $3.3 million.
Income tax provision. The income tax provision was $1.6 million and $0.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and September 30, 2022, respectively. See Note 8—Income Taxes in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q for further information.
Net loss. Net loss was $171.0 million and $520.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and September 30, 2022, respectively. Net loss during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was positively impacted by the increase in attendance as a result of the popularity of new film releases compared to the prior year, decreases in rent expense, decreases in depreciation and amortization expense, decreases in other expense, increases in equity in earnings and decreases in investment expense, partially offset by increases in general and administrative expenses, increases in interest expense and an increase in income tax provision.
Revenues. Total revenues increased $156.2 million, or 22.4%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Admissions revenues increased $104.8 million, or 25.5%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to an increase in attendance of 22.6% from 43.8 million patrons to 53.7 million patrons and a 2.3% increase in average ticket price. The increase in attendance was primarily due to the popularity of film product compared to the prior year. The increase in average ticket price was primarily due to higher ticket prices.
Food and beverage revenues increased $58.4 million, or 30.9%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to the increase in attendance and an increase in food and beverage per patron. Food and beverage per patron increased 7.0% from $4.31 to $4.61 due primarily to an increase in average prices and the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions on the sale of food and beverage in certain international markets.
Total other theatre revenues decreased $7.0 million, or 7.2%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to the decline in gift card and package ticket expirations and lower income from theatre meetings, partially offset by higher ticket fees due to the increase in the number of tickets purchased online, advertising and retail sales.
Operating costs and expenses. Operating costs and expenses increased $68.5 million, or 8.6%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Film exhibition costs increased $47.8 million, or 29.5%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to the increase in attendance. As a percentage of admissions revenues, film exhibition costs were 40.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to 39.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The increase in film exhibition cost percentage is primarily due to the concentration of box office revenues in higher grossing films in the current year, which typically results in higher film exhibition costs.
Food and beverage costs increased $16.4 million, or 36.0%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The increase in food and beverage costs was primarily due to the increase in food and beverage revenues and increases in product costs. As a percentage of food and beverage revenues, food and beverage costs were 25.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and 24.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
As a percentage of revenues, operating expense was 36.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and 44.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Rent expense decreased 0.3%, or $0.5 million, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022. See Note 2—Leases in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q for further information on the impact of COVID-19 on leases and rent obligations of approximately $6.4 million that have been deferred to future years as of September 30, 2023.
Merger, acquisition, and other costs. Merger, acquisition, and other costs were $0.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $(0.5) million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
Other. Other general and administrative expense increased $4.0 million, or 8.0%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022, due primarily to stock-based compensation expense of $2.1 million related to a February 23, 2023 special award grant accounted for as a modification to the 2022 PSU awards discussed further in Condensed Consolidated Results of Operations. See Note 7—Stockholders’ Equity in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q for additional information about stock-based compensation expense.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization decreased $3.6 million, or 5.6%, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to lower depreciation expense on theatres impaired during the year ended December 31, 2022.
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Other income. Other income of $2.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, was primarily due to $3.2 million in foreign currency transaction gains. Other income of $1.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, was primarily due to $16.2 million in government assistance related to COVID-19 and partially offset by $14.7 million of foreign currency transaction losses. See Note 1—Basis of Presentation in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q for additional information about the components of other expense (income).
Interest expense. Interest expense decreased $10.1 million to $46.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $56.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, primarily due to:
Equity in (earnings) loss of non-consolidated entities. Equity in (earnings) loss of non-consolidated entities was $(1.5) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $6.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The decrease in equity losses from the prior year is primarily related to our 10.0% interest in Saudi Cinema Company, LLC that was sold on January 24, 2023.
Investment income. Investment income was $16.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to investment income of $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Investment income in the current year includes a gain on sale of our 10.0% interest in Saudi Cinema Company, LLC of $15.5 million and interest income of $0.6 million.
Income tax provision. The income tax provision was $3.0 million and $1.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and September 30, 2022, respectively. See Note 8—Income Taxes in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q for further information.
Net loss. Net loss was $43.6 million and $165.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and September 30, 2022, respectively. Net loss during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was positively impacted by the increase in attendance as a result of the popularity of new film releases compared to the prior year, decreases in rent expense, decreases in depreciation and amortization expense, increases in other income, decreases in interest expense, decreases in equity in losses and increases in investment income, partially offset by increases in general and administrative and an increase in income tax provision.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our consolidated revenues are primarily collected in cash, principally through admissions and food and beverage sales. We have an operating “float” which partially finances our operations and which generally permits us to maintain a smaller amount of working capital capacity. This float exists because admissions revenues are received in cash, while exhibition costs (primarily film rentals) are ordinarily paid to distributors 20 to 45 days following receipt of admissions revenues. Film distributors generally release the films which they anticipate will be the most successful during the summer and year-end holiday seasons. Consequently, we typically generate higher revenues during such periods and experience higher working capital requirements following such periods.
We had working capital deficit (excluding restricted cash) as of September 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022 of $(571.1) million and $(811.1) million, respectively. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, working capital included operating lease liabilities of $512.3 million and $567.3 million, respectively, and deferred revenues of $411.0 million and $402.7 million, respectively.
See Note 6—Corporate Borrowings and Finance Lease Liabilities in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q for a further discussion of our Financial Covenants.
As of September 30, 2023, we had cash and cash equivalents of $729.7 million.
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Additionally, during the first, second, and third quarters of 2023 we continued to lower our future interest expense through purchases of debt below par value and debt exchanges for equity and enhanced liquidity through equity issuances. See Note 6—Corporate Borrowings and Finance Lease Liabilities and Note 7—Stockholders’ Equity in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q for further information.
We believe our existing cash and cash equivalents, together with cash generated from operations, will be sufficient to fund our operations and satisfy our obligations. We also believe we will comply with the minimum liquidity covenant requirement under our Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility through the end of the covenant suspension period. Pursuant to the Twelfth Amendment to the Credit Agreement, the requisite revolving lenders party thereto agreed to extend the suspension period for the secured leverage ratio financial covenant applicable to the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility under the Credit Agreement through March 31, 2024. The current maturity date of the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility is April 22, 2024. Since the financial covenant applicable to the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility is tested as of the last day of any fiscal quarter for which financial statements have been (or were required to have been) delivered, the financial covenant has been effectively suspended through maturity of the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility. As of September 30, 2023, we were subject to a minimum liquidity requirement of $100 million as a condition to the financial covenant suspension period under the Credit Agreement.
Our current cash burn rates are not sustainable long-term. In order to achieve net positive operating cash flows and long-term profitability, we believe that operating revenues will need to increase to levels in line with pre-COVID-19 operating revenues. North American box office grosses were down approximately 16% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2019. Until such time as we are able to achieve positive operating cash flow, it is difficult to estimate our liquidity requirements, future cash burn rates, future operating revenues and attendance levels. Depending on our assumptions regarding the timing and ability to achieve increased levels of operating revenue, the estimates of amounts of required liquidity vary significantly.
There can be no assurance that the operating revenues, attendance levels and other assumptions used to estimate our liquidity requirements and future cash burn rates will be correct, and our ability to be predictive is uncertain due to limited ability to predict studio film release dates, the overall production and theatrical release levels and success of individual titles. Additionally, the effects of labor stoppages, including but not limited to the Writers Guild of America strike that began on May 2, 2023 and ended on September 27, 2023, and the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists strike that began on July 14, 2023, cannot be reasonably estimated and may have a negative impact on the future film slate for exhibition, the Company’s future liquidity and cash burn rates. Further, there can be no assurances that we will be successful in generating the additional liquidity necessary to meet our obligations beyond twelve months from the issuance of these financial statements on terms acceptable to us or at all.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Cash flows used in operating activities, as reflected in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows, were $137.4 million and $595.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, respectively. The improvement in cash flows used in operating activities was primarily due to the increase in attendance and decrease in net loss, decreases in working capital used, and reductions in rent repayments for rent that was deferred during the COVID-19 pandemic, partially offset by increases in cash interest paid during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2022. See Note 2—Leases in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 of Part I in this Form 10-Q for a summary of the estimated future repayment terms for the remaining $74.2 million of rentals that were deferred during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Cash flows used in investing activities, as reflected in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows, were $116.4 million and $153.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and September 30, 2022, respectively. Cash outflows from investing activities include capital expenditures of $153.5 million and $129.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and September 30, 2022, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, cash flows used in investing activities also included proceeds from the sale of our investment in Saudi Cinema Company, LLC of $30.0 million and proceeds from the disposition of long-term assets of $8.6 million.
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During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, cash flows used in investing activities included investment in Hycroft common stock for $25.0 million, investment in Hycroft warrants for $2.9 million, acquisition of theatre assets for $17.8 million, partially offset by proceeds from the disposition of long-term assets of $10.8 million and proceeds of $11.4 million from the sale of securities in conjunction with the liquidation of a non-qualified deferred compensation plan.
We fund the costs of constructing, maintaining, and remodeling our theatres through existing cash balances, cash generated from operations, landlord contributions, or borrowed funds, as necessary. We generally lease our theatres pursuant to long-term non-cancelable operating leases, which may require the developer, who owns the property, to reimburse us for the construction costs. We estimate that our capital expenditures, net of landlord contributions, will be approximately $175 million to $225 million for year ended December 31, 2023, to maintain and enhance operations.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities, as reflected in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows, were $355.3 million and $(135.5) million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and September 30, 2022, respectively. Cash flows provided by financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, were primarily due to equity issuances of $492.4 million, net of issuance costs, partially offset by the repurchase of Second Lien Notes due 2026 for $99.8 million, and taxes paid for restricted unit withholdings of $14.2 million. See Note 6—Corporate Borrowings and Finance Lease Liabilities and Note 7—Stockholders’ Equity in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q for further information, including a summary of principal payments required and maturities of corporate borrowings as of September 30, 2023.
Cash flows provided by financing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, was primarily due to principal and premium payments under the First Lien Notes due 2025 of $534.5 million, principal and premium payments under the First Lien Notes due 2026 of $325.6 million, principal and premium payments under the First Lien Toggle Notes due 2026 of $88.1 million, taxes paid for restricted unit withholdings of $52.2 million, repurchase of Second Lien Notes due 2026 of $50.0 million, and cash used to pay for deferred financing costs of $19.3 million, partially offset by the issuance of the First Lien Notes due 2029 of $950.0 million and net proceeds from AMC Preferred Equity Unit share issuances.
We or our affiliates may, at any time and from time to time, to continue to seek to retire or purchase our outstanding debt through cash purchases and/or exchanges for equity or debt, in open-market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Such repurchases or exchanges, if any will be upon such terms and at such prices as we may determine, and will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material and to the extent equity is used, dilutive.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
In the ordinary course of business, our financial results are exposed to fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. In accordance with applicable guidance, we presented a sensitivity analysis showing the potential impact to net income of changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, our analysis utilized a hypothetical 100 basis-point increase or decrease to the average interest rate on our variable rate debt instruments to illustrate the potential impact to interest expense of changes in interest rates and a hypothetical 100 basis-point increase or decrease to market interest rates on our fixed rate debt instruments to illustrate the potential impact to fair value of changes in interest rates.
Similarly, for the same period, our analysis used a uniform and hypothetical 10% strengthening of the U.S. dollar versus the average exchange rates of applicable currencies to depict the potential impact to net income of changes in foreign exchange rates. These market risk instruments and the potential impacts to the condensed consolidated statements of operations are presented below.
Market risk on variable-rate financial instruments. At September 30, 2023, and September 30, 2022, we maintained Senior Secured Credit Facilities comprised of a $225.0 million revolving credit facility and $1,910.0 million of Term Loan due 2026. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement (which governs the Senior Secured Credit Facilities) (as amended through the Thirteenth Amendment to Credit Agreement) bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at our
option, either (1) a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (a) 0.50% per annum plus the Federal Funds Effective Rate, (b) the prime rate announced by the Administrative Agent and (c) 1.00% per annum plus Adjusted Term SOFR (as defined below) for a 1-month tenor or (2) Term SOFR plus a credit spread adjustment of 0.11448% per annum, 0.26161% per annum, and 0.42826% per annum for interest periods of one-month, three-months, or six-months or longer, respectively (“Adjusted Term SOFR”) plus (x) in the case of the Senior Secured Term Loans, 2.0% for base rate loans or 3.0% for SOFR loans or (y) in the case of the Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility, an applicable margin based on the Secured Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement). The rate in effect for the outstanding Senior Secured Term Loan due 2026 was 8.427% per annum at September 30, 2023, and 5.756% per annum at September 30, 2022.
Increases in market interest rates would cause interest expense to increase and earnings before income taxes to decrease. The change in interest expense and earnings before income taxes would be dependent upon the weighted average outstanding borrowings during the reporting period following an increase in market interest rates. At September 30, 2023, we had no variable-rate borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facilities and had an aggregate principal balance of $1,910.0 million outstanding under the Term Loan due 2026. A 100-basis point change in market interest rates would have increased or decreased interest expense on the Senior Secured Credit Facilities by $14.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
At September 30, 2022, we had no variable-rate borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facilities and had an aggregate principal balance of $1,930.0 million outstanding under the Term Loan due 2026. A 100-basis point change in market interest rates would have increased or decreased interest expense on our Senior Secured Term Loan due 2026 by $14.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
Market risk on fixed-rate financial instruments. Included in long-term corporate borrowings at September 30, 2023 were principal amounts of $950.0 million of our First Lien Notes due 2029, $1,124.2 million of our Second Lien Notes due 2026, $400.0 million of our Odeon Notes due 2027, $98.3 million of our Notes due 2025, $51.5 million of our Notes due 2026, $125.5 million of our Notes due 2027, and £4.0 million ($4.9 million) of our Sterling Notes due 2024. A 100-basis point change in market interest rates would have caused an increase or (decrease) in the fair value of our fixed rate financial instruments of approximately $60.1 million and $(57.7) million, respectively, as of September 30, 2023.
Included in long-term corporate borrowings at September 30, 2022 were principal amounts of $950.0 million of our First Lien Notes due 2029, $1,435.5 million of our Second Lien Notes due 2026, $471.1 million (£147.6 million and €312.2 million) of our Odeon Term Loan due 2023, $98.3 million of our Notes due 2025, $55.6 million of our Notes due 2026, $130.7 million of our Notes due 2027, and £4.0 million ($4.4 million) of our Sterling Notes due 2024. A 100-basis point change in market interest rates would have caused an increase or (decrease) in the fair value of our fixed rate financial instruments of approximately $70.9 million and $(67.7) million, respectively, as of September 30, 2022.
Foreign currency exchange rate risk. We are also exposed to market risk arising from changes in foreign currency exchange rates arising from our International markets operations. International markets revenues and operating expenses are transacted in British Pounds, Euros, Swedish Krona, and Norwegian Krone. U.S. GAAP requires that our subsidiaries use the currency of the primary economic environment in which they operate as their functional currency. If any international subsidiary was to operate in a highly inflationary economy, U.S. GAAP would require that the U.S. dollar be used as the functional currency. Currency fluctuations in the countries in which we operate result in us reporting exchange gains (losses) or foreign currency translation adjustments. Based upon the functional currencies in the International markets as of September 30, 2023, holding everything else constant, a hypothetical 10% increase in foreign currency translation rates to depict the potential impact to net loss of changes in foreign exchange rates would increase the aggregate net loss of our International theatres for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 by approximately $4.4 million. Based upon the functional currencies in the International markets as of September 30, 2022, holding everything else constant, a hypothetical 10% increase in foreign currency translation rates to depict the potential impact to net loss of changes in foreign exchange rates would increase the aggregate net loss of our International theatres for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 by approximately $16.5 million.
Our foreign currency translation rates increased by approximately 6.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2022.
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Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
(a)
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.
The Company maintains a set of disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that material information required to be disclosed in its filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and that material information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated these disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10–Q and have determined that such disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
(b)
Changes in internal control.
There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during our most recent calendar quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Reference is made to Note 11—Commitments and Contingencies of the Notes to the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q for information on certain litigation to which we are a party.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Reference is made to Part I Item 1A. Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10–K for the year ended December 31, 2022, which sets forth information relating to important risks and uncertainties that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results. Except as set forth below and the updates to liquidity provided herein, there have been no material changes to the risk factors contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and Part II Item 1A. in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2023.
There has been significant recent dilution and there may continue to be additional future dilution of our Common Stock, which could adversely affect the market price of shares of our Common Stock.
From January 1, 2020 through November 7, 2023, the outstanding shares of our Common Stock have increased by 193,148,890 shares (on a Reverse Stock Split adjusted basis) in a combination of at-the-market sales, conversion of Series A Convertible Participating Preferred Stock, shareholder litigation settlement, conversion of Class B common stock, conversion of notes, exchanges of notes, transaction fee payments, and equity grant vesting. On March 14, 2023, the Company held the Special Meeting and obtained the requisite stockholder approval for the Charter Amendments and on August 14, 2023 we filed the amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation implementing the Charter Amendments effective as of August 24, 2023. Accordingly, in accordance with the Charter Amendments, we increased the total number of authorized shares of Common Stock from 524,173,073 to 550,000,000 shares of Common Stock and effectuated a reverse stock split at a ratio of one share of Common Stock for every ten shares of Common Stock outstanding. In accordance with the terms of the Certificate of Designations governing the Series A Convertible Participating Preferred Stock, following the effectiveness of the Charter Amendment all outstanding shares of our Series A Convertible Participating Preferred Stock converted into 99,540,642 shares of Common Stock. As of November 7, 2023, there were 198,356,898 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding. We may issue additional shares of Common Stock to raise cash to bolster our liquidity, to repay, refinance, redeem or refinance indebtedness (including expenses, accrued interest and premium, if any), for working capital, to finance strategic initiatives and future acquisitions or for other purposes. We may also issue preferred equity securities or securities convertible into, or exchangeable for, or that represent the right
to receive, shares of Common Stock or acquire interests in other companies, or other assets by using a combination of cash and shares of Common Stock, or just shares of Common Stock. Additionally, vesting under our equity compensation programs results in the issuance of new shares of Common Stock and shares withheld to cover tax withholding obligations upon vesting remain available for future grants. Any of these events may dilute the ownership interests of current stockholders, reduce our earnings per share or have an adverse effect on the price of our shares of Common Stock.
The market price and trading volume of our shares of Common Stock have experienced, and may continue to experience, extreme volatility, which could cause purchasers of our Common Stock to incur substantial losses.
The market prices and trading volume of our shares of Common Stock have experienced, and may continue to experience, extreme volatility, which could cause purchasers of our Common Stock to incur substantial losses. For example, during 2023, as adjusted for the Reverse Stock Split, the market price of our Common Stock has fluctuated from an intra-day low on the NYSE of $7.05 per share on September 11, 2023 to an intra-day high on the NYSE of $85.30 on February 28, 2023. The last reported sale price of our Common Stock on the NYSE on November 7, 2023, was $10.22 per share. During 2023 to date, daily trading volume ranged from approximately 771,720 to 84,989,600 shares.
We believe that the recent volatility and our current market prices reflect market and trading dynamics unrelated to our underlying business, or macro or industry fundamentals, and we do not know how long these dynamics will last.
Under the circumstances, we caution you against investing in our Common Stock, unless you are prepared to incur the risk of losing all or a substantial portion of your investment.
Extreme fluctuations in the market price of our Common Stock have been accompanied by reports of strong and atypical retail investor interest, including on social media and online forums. The market volatility and trading patterns we have experienced create several risks for investors, including the following:
We may continue to incur rapid and substantial increases or decreases in the market prices of our Common Stock in the foreseeable future that may not coincide in timing with the disclosure of news or developments by or affecting us. Accordingly, the market price of our shares of Common Stock may fluctuate dramatically, and may decline rapidly, regardless of any developments in our business. Overall, there are various factors, many of which are beyond our control, that could negatively affect the market price of our Common Stock or result in fluctuations in the price or trading volume of our Common Stock, including:
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Anti-takeover protections in our certificate of incorporation and our bylaws may discourage or prevent a takeover of our Company, even if an acquisition would be beneficial to our stockholders.
Provisions contained in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, as amended, as well as provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law delay or make it more difficult to remove incumbent directors or for a third-party to acquire us, even if a takeover would benefit our stockholders. These provisions include:
Our issuance of shares of preferred stock could delay or prevent a change of control of our company. Our board of directors has the authority to cause us to issue, without any further vote or action by the stockholders, up to 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share, in one or more series, to designate the number of shares constituting any series, and to fix the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions thereof, including dividend rights, voting rights, rights and terms of redemption, redemption price or prices and liquidation preferences of such series. The issuance of shares of preferred stock may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of our company without further action by the stockholders, even where stockholders are offered a premium for their shares. As of
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November 7, 2023, 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock are authorized and available for issuance.
Our incorporation under Delaware law, the ability of our board of directors to create and issue a new series of preferred stock or a stockholder rights plan and certain other provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, as amended, could impede a merger, takeover or other business combination involving our company or the replacement of our management or discourage a potential investor from making a tender offer for our Common Stock, which, under certain circumstances, could reduce the market value of our Common Stock.
Our business depends on motion picture production and performance and is subject to intense competition, including increases in alternative film delivery methods or other forms of entertainment.
Our ability to operate successfully depends upon the availability, diversity and appeal of motion pictures, our ability to license motion pictures and the performance of such motion pictures in our markets. The most attended films are usually released during the summer and the calendar year-end holidays, making our business seasonal. We license first-run motion pictures, the success of which has increasingly depended on the marketing efforts of the major motion picture studios and the duration of the exclusive theatrical release windows. Poor performance of, or any disruption in the production of these motion pictures (including by reason of a strike or lack of adequate financing), a reduction in the marketing efforts of the major motion picture studios, the choice by distributors to release fewer feature-length movies theatrically, or the choice to release feature-length movies directly to video streaming or PVOD platforms, either in lieu of or on the same date as a theatrical release, could hurt our business and results of operations. Conversely, the successful performance of these motion pictures, particularly the sustained success of any one motion picture, or an increase in effective marketing efforts of the major motion picture studios and extension of the exclusive theatrical release windows, may generate positive results for our business and operations in a specific fiscal quarter or year that may not necessarily be indicative of, or comparable to, future results of operations. As movie studios rely on a smaller number of higher grossing “tent pole” films there may be increased pressure for higher film licensing fees. Our loyalty program and certain promotional pricing also may affect performance and increase the cost to license motion pictures relative to revenue for admission. In addition, a change in the type and breadth of movies offered by motion picture studios and the theatrical exclusive release window may adversely affect the demographic base of movie-goers.
Motion picture production is highly dependent on labor that is subject to various collective bargaining agreements. The Writers Guild of America strike that began on May 2, 2023 and ended on September 27, 2023, and the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists strike that began on July 14, 2023, have halted production, and may delay or otherwise affect the supply, of certain motion pictures. The disruption in film production may also cause delays for currently scheduled film release dates. It is difficult to anticipate the scope and timing of such delays. Such ongoing labor disputes may also effect promotional and marketing activities of certain motion pictures, which may have an adverse impact on attendance. Given the ongoing negotiations and uncertainty as to the extent and the duration of the strikes, it is difficult to predict the full extent of the adverse impact of the strikes on the Company’s business and results of operations in future reporting periods, if any. Studios are party to collective bargaining agreements with a number of other labor unions, and failure to reach timely agreements or renewals of existing agreements may further affect the production and supply of theatrical motion picture content.
Our theatres are subject to varying degrees of competition in the geographic areas in which we operate. Competitors may be multi-national circuits, national circuits, regional circuits or smaller independent exhibitors. Competition among theatre exhibition companies is often intense with respect to attracting patrons, terms for licensing of motion pictures and availability and securing and maintaining desirable locations.
We also compete with other film delivery methods, including video streaming, network, syndicated cable and satellite television, as well as video-on-demand, pay-per-view services, and subscription streaming services. We also compete for the public’s leisure time and disposable income with other forms of entertainment, including sporting events, amusement parks, live music concerts, live theatre, and restaurants. An increase in the popularity of these alternative film delivery methods and other forms of entertainment could reduce attendance at our theatres, limit the prices we can charge for admission and materially adversely affect our business and results of operations.
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The Company's current equity incentive plan is expiring in December 2023 and a new equity incentive plan has not been put into place. Without a new equity incentive plan, the Company could experience difficulties retaining and hiring executives due to its inability to issue compensatory equity awards and could experience an adverse impact on its cash flow or adverse accounting consequences from alternative forms of compensation.
The current equity incentive plan of the Company will expire at the end of its 10-year term in December 2023. As required by NYSE rules, the Company intends to ask its stockholders for approval of a new equity incentive plan at its 2024 annual meeting. There can be no guarantee that the stockholders will approve a new plan. The absence of an equity incentive plan may create challenges for executive recruitment and retention. Absent a new plan the Company could issue equity-related awards to be settled in cash. The issuance of such awards may mitigate short-term risks related to executive recruitment and retention, but cash settlements of these awards would negatively impact cash flow and would require the Company to account for these awards based on the fair value of the related equity at the end of each reporting period, giving effect to the portion of services rendered during the requisite service periods. Until such time as the stockholders approve a new equity incentive plan, equity-related awards made to executives would need to be settled in cash. Continued issuance of cash-settled awards may not be sustainable given the Company’s cash flow challenges. The cash flow of the Company, while improving, is still negative.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Item 5. Other Information
Rule 10b5-1 Trading Arrangements
In the third quarter of 2023, no director or officer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 16a-1(f)) of AMC adopted or terminated a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement for the purchase or sale of securities of the Company, within the meaning of Item 408 of Regulation S-K.
Item 6. Exhibits.
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBITNUMBER
DESCRIPTION
Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-33892) filed on December 23, 2013).
Certificate of Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-33892) filed on August 14, 2023).
*3.3
Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc., as amended as of August 24, 2023 (redline version of amended sections).
Certificate of Elimination of Series A Convertible Participating Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 1-33892) filed on August 25, 2023).
+*10.1
Employment Agreement, dated as of August 11, 2023, by and between Ellen Copaken and AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc.
+*10.2
Fifth Amendment to the AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. 2013 Equity Incentive Plan, effective as of August 25, 2023.
*31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Acts of 2002.
*31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Acts of 2002.
*32.1
Section 906 Certifications of Adam M. Aron (Chief Executive Officer) and Sean D. Goodman (Chief Financial Officer) furnished in accordance with Securities Act Release 33-8212.
**101.INS
Inline XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
**101.SCH
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
**101.CAL
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
**101.DEF
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
**101.LAB
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
**101.PRE
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
**104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL and contained as Exhibit 101)
* Filed or furnished herewith, as applicable.
** Submitted electronically with this Report.
+
Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Date: November 8, 2023
/s/ Adam M. Aron
Adam M. Aron
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President
/s/ Sean D. Goodman
Sean D. Goodman
Executive Vice President, International Operations, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer