Is Cineplex stock a buy right now?
As of April 30, 2025, Cineplex Inc. (TSX: CGX) is trading near $9.87 CAD, supported by a steady average daily volume of over 311,500 shares. The stock has seen a one-week gain of 6.13% and continues to show signs of recovery, propelled by a strong 15.1% year-over-year revenue increase and a notable uptick in adjusted EBITDA. Key recent developments include the successful rollout of new Location-Based Entertainment venues and the return of popular pricing incentives like $5 Tuesdays, both intended to boost theater attendance and broaden market reach. While lingering effects from the pandemic and competition from streaming remain, the company’s disciplined cost management and strategic diversification make the path forward increasingly constructive. Market participants are balancing the challenges with optimism about Cineplex’s commitment to innovation, digital initiatives, and customer loyalty via the Scene+ program. In the broader context of Canada’s entertainment sector, Cineplex stands out for its resilience and adaptability. According to a consensus from over 30 national and international banks, the stock’s price target is set at $13.08 CAD, reflecting general confidence in the ongoing sector recovery and Cineplex’s leadership position. This backdrop suggests the stock merits close attention from Canadian investors seeking exposure to the entertainment space.
- Leading position as Canada’s largest movie theater operator with 168 locations.
- Strong year-over-year revenue and EBITDA growth, signaling operational recovery.
- Expansion into Location-Based Entertainment diversifies revenue streams.
- Robust Scene+ loyalty program enhances customer engagement and data analytics.
- Strategic cost controls and renewed promotional initiatives improving efficiency.
- Earnings remain negative and company carries elevated debt post-pandemic.
- Streaming competition still pressures attendance and traditional revenue streams.
- What is Cineplex?
- How much is Cineplex stock?
- Our full analysis on Cineplex </b>stock
- How to buy Cineplex stock in Canada?
- Our 7 tips for buying Cineplex stock
- The latest news about Cineplex
- FAQ
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At HelloSafe, our expert has been monitoring Cineplex's performance for more than three years. Every month, hundreds of thousands of users in Canada rely on us to interpret market trends and pinpoint the best investment opportunities. Our analyses are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute investment advice. In line with our ethical charter, we have never been, and will never be, compensated by Cineplex.
What is Cineplex?
Indicator | Value | Analysis |
---|---|---|
🏳️ Nationality | Canadian | Headquarters in Toronto; Canada's largest movie theater company. |
💼 Market | Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CGX) | Listed on TSX, eligible for RRSP and TFSA accounts. |
🏛️ ISIN code | CA1724541000 | Unique international securities identifier for Cineplex shares. |
👤 CEO | Ellis Jacob | Long-serving CEO known for industry experience and strategic leadership. |
🏢 Market cap | $626.03 million CAD | Relatively small cap; stock trades well below pre-pandemic valuations. |
📈 Revenue | $362.7 million CAD (latest quarter) | Revenue up 15.1% year-over-year, signaling ongoing sector recovery. |
💹 EBITDA | $40.3 million CAD (latest quarter) | Strong 66.6% growth, showing operational improvement and cost control. |
📊 P/E Ratio (Price/Earnings) | N/A (negative earnings); Forward P/E: 21.23 | No current P/E due to losses; forward ratio indicates expected return to profitability. |
How much is Cineplex stock?
The price of Cineplex stock is rising this week. As of today, Cineplex (CGX.TO) is trading at $9.87 CAD, up $0.21 (2.17%) over the last 24 hours and showing a strong 6.13% increase for the week.
Market Capitalization | $626.03 million |
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Average 3-Month Daily Volume | 311,513 shares |
P/E Ratio | N/A (negative earnings) |
Dividend Yield | 0.00% (suspended) |
Beta | 2.37 |
Cineplex stock shows a high beta of 2.37, indicating higher volatility compared to the market—an aspect investors should consider given the potential for significant price swings.
Compare the best brokers in Canada!Compare brokersOur full analysis on Cineplex stock
Having rigorously reviewed Cineplex Inc.'s latest financial disclosures alongside three years of stock performance, and applied our proprietary multi-factor screening—integrating fundamental metrics, technical trends, market sentiment, and peer analysis—we have assembled a comprehensive portrait of the current investment landscape surrounding CGX.TO. Notably, our algorithms spot the emergence of key strength signals in both financial stabilization and market positioning. So, why might Cineplex stock once again become a strategic entry point into the Canadian entertainment sector in 2025?
Recent Performance and Market Context
Cineplex shares have shown renewed resilience in 2025. Closing at $9.87 CAD on April 30th, the stock has surged 13.58% year-over-year, and it recorded a robust one-week gain of 6.13%. After a period of post-pandemic volatility and a shallow drawdown of -3.05% over the past six months, Cineplex’s strong rebound in recent sessions has reignited market interest.
This uptick is chiefly underpinned by several positive corporate developments:
- Impressive Quarterly Performance: Revenue rose by 15.1% YoY to $362.7 million, with adjusted EBITDA climbing a substantial 66.6%. This exceeded consensus expectations, driven by strong attendance and expense discipline.
- Strategic Diversification: Management has accelerated the roll-out of Location-Based Entertainment (LBE) venues, broadening its ecosystem beyond traditional box office revenue.
- Cost Rationalization: The company executed successful cost management initiatives to boost operational efficiencies.
- Return of Key Promotions: The reintroduction of popular "$5 Tuesdays" has been well-received, driving attendance, especially among value-conscious consumers.
These initiatives coincide with a sector-wide recovery in theatrical attendance, as blockbuster releases and a normalization of consumer leisure habits buoy exhibitors. Despite a challenging macroeconomic background—marked by fluctuating consumer confidence—rising real wages and pent-up demand for out-of-home experiences favor companies like Cineplex.
Technical Analysis
Technical signals presently suggest an inflection point for CGX.TO, with short-term bullish momentum starting to emerge even against a backdrop of lingering longer-term weakness.
Key observations include:
- RSI (14-day): 43.84—This places Cineplex in neutral territory, avoiding both overbought and oversold signals, and positioning the stock for a potential upward move.
- MACD: -0.31—While still slightly bearish, upward convergence may indicate a pending shift in trend.
- Moving Averages:
- The 20-day moving average is now below the current share price—an encouraging short-term bullish sign.
- The 50, 100, and 200-day moving averages sit above the current price—a legacy of previous downward movement, but also a setup often seen ahead of bullish reversals if positive catalysts materialize.
Support and Resistance: Current price action is consolidating just above the $9.35 support, with a critical resistance ceiling in the $9.67–$9.96 range. Sustained closes above this zone could validate a medium-term trend reversal, especially if upcoming earnings catalyze new buyer interest.
Short-/Medium-Term Momentum: The confluence of rising volume and price recovery from the $7.10 yearly low emphasizes that selling pressure is abating, and that bullish traders may be gaining the upper hand in the near term.
Fundamental Analysis
From a fundamental perspective, Cineplex now stands on notably firmer ground compared to the turbulence of the past three years.
Revenue and Profitability:
- Revenue Growth: Double-digit year-over-year revenue growth (+15.1%) signals resurgent demand—a trend that’s bucking both sector and macro headwinds.
- Adjusted EBITDA: A strong 66.6% uplift illustrates operational leverage and effectiveness of cost controls.
- Net Income and EPS: While Cineplex still reports negative net income (-$105.68 million TTM) and negative EPS (-$1.66), losses are narrowing as the pandemic’s impacts recede.
Valuation Metrics:
- The forward P/E ratio stands at 21.23, reflecting optimistic profit expectations as the company advances towards full profitability restoration.
- The price-to-sales ratio is compelling at just 0.46—widely interpreted as a deep-value signal, especially for a market-leading franchise. This discount, when coupled with the analyst target price of $13.08 (offering approximately 30% implied upside), is difficult to overlook.
- Although dividend payments remain suspended, the company’s improving cash flow and balance sheet could enable their restoration, adding another future total-return component.
Structural Strengths:
- Market Share & Brand: Cineplex is unchallenged as Canada’s dominant movie theatre operator, granting it substantial pricing power and bargaining leverage with studios and partners.
- Strategic Expansion: The focus on LBE venues, including Rec Room and Playdium, diversifies and de-risks revenue, lessening exposure to cinema attendance cycles.
- Digital Ecosystem: Enhanced mobile platforms and a data-driven Scene+ loyalty program drive customer engagement, cross-selling, and personalized marketing.
- Resilience and Adaptation: Management’s deft handling of unprecedented headwinds through diversification and efficiency signals highly capable leadership.
Volume and Liquidity
Trading volume for CGX.TO is robust and stable, averaging 311,513 shares daily over the past three months. This sustained liquidity is a vital indicator:
- It reflects broad market confidence and ensures efficient price discovery.
- It increases the appeal for both individual investors and institutions, as larger orders can be executed with minimal slippage.
The company’s market capitalization of $626 million sustains Cineplex’s status as a mid-cap stock, ensuring inclusion in key indexes and portfolios. The current float is sufficiently tight to allow for dynamic valuation shifts—meaning good news has the potential for outsized price moves, making the timing all the more critical for potential buyers.
Catalysts and Positive Outlook
Cineplex’s path forward is studded with promising catalysts, each set to reinforce or accelerate the recovery story.
Content Pipeline:
- Multiple blockbuster releases are on the horizon in 2025, expected to drive foot traffic across Cineplex’s 168-location national cinema network.
Business Model Evolution:
- The continued expansion into LBE not only enhances margins but also introduces new revenue streams that are less vulnerable to box-office cycles.
- Management continues to deliver on strategic digital investments—improving ticketing, concessions, and loyalty integration.
ESG Initiatives and Partnerships:
- Cineplex has made strides in enhancing operational sustainability, which can resonate with institutional investors subject to ESG mandates.
Loyalty and Analytics:
- The Scene+ program now boasts one of Canada’s largest entertainment customer databases, providing invaluable data for personalized promotions and upselling.
Upcoming Events:
- The Q2 2025 earnings release (May 9, 2025) is highly anticipated. Should revenue trends and operational efficiencies continue to improve, sentiment and momentum could accelerate further.
- Any positive updates on debt restructuring or resumption of dividends could act as further upside catalysts.
Favorable Sector Backdrop:
- Consumer spending on experiences continues to rebound post-pandemic, while competitive pressures from streaming appear to have plateaued, as studios re-commit to exclusive theatrical windows for tentpole releases.
Investment Strategies
Short-Term Entry:
- Investors may find an attractive technical entry near present levels, with support at $9.35 providing a reference point for risk management, and the upcoming earnings event serving as a near-term price catalyst.
- Positive momentum from recent news and sector flows could fuel a short-term rally, particularly if technical resistance at $9.96 is decisively broken.
Medium-Term Positioning:
- The medium-term argument rests on the company’s operational turnaround and the ongoing phase of sector normalization. As valuation multiples remain compressed, any confirmation of sustained revenue and EBITDA growth is likely to prompt a re-rating towards the analyst target of $13.08.
- The expected ramp-up of LBE venues and digital initiatives throughout the year may trigger incremental upward revisions from analysts.
Long-Term Thesis:
- For the patient investor with a multi-year horizon, Cineplex offers a reconstruction story: a proven brand, a diversified entertainment model, and a stronghold in a rebounding sector. Normalization of profit, potential dividend reinstatement, and industry consolidation prospects support a structurally bullish stance.
- Entry at a post-pandemic technical low, with valuation below historic averages, may represent an ideal foundation for compounding as the sector resumes a growth trajectory.
Is It the Right Time to Buy Cineplex?
Cineplex demonstrates a compelling confluence of factors at this juncture: sequentially improving financials, robust top-line momentum, a resurgent core sector, and technical signals hinting at renewed bullishness. The stock’s attractive valuation, combined with the promise of structural growth from location-based entertainment and digital engagement, justifies fresh attention.
As operational leverage takes hold and consumer demand for theatrical and out-of-home entertainment builds, Cineplex seems poised to capitalize on a powerful recovery tailwind. While risks remain—notably competition from streaming, debt overhang, and macroeconomic sensitivity—the risk/reward profile appears skewed in favor of investors at current levels.
Given current price action consolidating just above strong support, and multiple near-term and strategic catalysts on the horizon, Cineplex stock may be entering a new bullish phase that merits thoughtful consideration for a diversified portfolio. For those seeking Canadian entertainment sector exposure with tangibly improving fundamentals, Cineplex stands out as an opportunity whose best days still seem ahead.
In conclusion, Cineplex appears to be reasserting its leadership in Canadian entertainment, combining improved financial strength, favorable technicals, and a clear roadmap for growth—making now a potentially excellent moment for investors to re-examine its place within their investment strategy.
How to buy Cineplex stock in Canada?
Buying Cineplex Inc. stock online is straightforward and secure when using a regulated Canadian broker. Today, retail investors have two principal ways to get exposure: buying the shares outright (spot purchase), or trading Cineplex via contracts for difference (CFDs). Both methods are accessible through reliable online platforms that offer investor protections and user-friendly tools. Whether you prefer to hold the stock in your name or trade price movements with leverage, there’s an approach to suit your goals. To help you find the right fit, we present a detailed broker comparison further down the page.
Spot Buying
A spot, or cash, purchase means buying Cineplex (TSX: CGX) shares directly on the Toronto Stock Exchange. You become a partial owner of the company, with all the rights and obligations of a shareholder—including holding the stock in tax-advantaged accounts like a TFSA or RRSP. Most Canadian brokers charge a fixed commission per order, typically between $5 and $10 CAD.
Concrete example
If Cineplex shares are trading at $9.87 CAD each, a $1,000 CAD investment (minus an average $5 commission) allows you to buy about 100 shares ($995 / $9.87 ≈ 100 shares).
✔️ Gain scenario: If the share price rises by 10% to $10.86, your holding is now worth $1,100 CAD. Result: +$100 gross gain, or +10% on your initial investment.
Trading via CFD
CFD (Contract for Difference) trading lets you speculate on Cineplex’s share price without owning the underlying shares. Instead, you enter a contract to exchange the difference in price over time. This method is popular for its use of leverage, allowing you to control a bigger exposure with less capital. Typical fees include a bid-ask spread and overnight financing costs if you keep positions open beyond a day.
Concrete example
You open a CFD position on Cineplex with a $1,000 CAD deposit and 5x leverage, granting a $5,000 market exposure.
✔️ Gain scenario: If Cineplex’s price climbs by 8%, your leveraged position earns 8% × 5 = 40%. Result: +$400 gain on your $1,000 stake (before fees).
Final Advice
Before investing, always compare brokers’ commission structures, trading tools, and platform reliability—costs and conditions can differ significantly. Your choice between spot buying and CFD trading depends on your investment goals, risk appetite, and whether you seek long-term ownership or short-term speculative opportunities. For a detailed comparison of top Canadian brokers and their fees, see our table further down the page.
Our 7 tips for buying Cineplex stock
📊 Step | 📝 Specific tip for Cineplex |
---|---|
Analyze the market | Review Cineplex’s recent financial recovery, sector trends in Canadian entertainment, and the analyst price target of $13.08 to gauge growth potential before buying. |
Choose the right trading platform | Use a trusted Canadian brokerage that gives direct access to the TSX and offers TFSAs or RRSPs for potential tax benefits when investing in Cineplex. |
Define your investment budget | Decide how much to allocate by considering Cineplex's higher volatility (beta of 2.37) and the absence of dividends, and balance this with other stable holdings. |
Choose a strategy (short or long term) | Consider a long-term approach to benefit from Cineplex’s business diversification and expected sector recovery, but be flexible to adjust for short-term opportunities. |
Monitor news and financial results | Regularly track Cineplex’s quarterly earnings, updates on Location-Based Entertainment venues, and major movie releases that could impact revenues and market sentiment. |
Use risk management tools | Employ limit and stop-loss orders to protect your position, especially given Cineplex’s price swings and shifting post-pandemic dynamics in the sector. |
Sell at the right time | Plan your exit to take advantage of short-term technical rallies near resistance levels ($9.67–$9.96), or reassess after major news or quarterly results. |
The latest news about Cineplex
Cineplex stock has climbed 6.13% over the past week, outperforming the broader Canadian market. This sharp one-week gain is indicative of renewed investor confidence, likely stemming from robust quarterly results and recent positive strategic moves. The TSX: CGX share price closed at $9.87 CAD as of April 30, 2025, with intraday momentum (+2.17%) and a notable rebound from this year’s lows, suggesting a constructive shift in near-term sentiment among market participants in Canada.
Recent financial results show double-digit revenue growth and a strong rebound in adjusted EBITDA, exceeding analyst expectations. For the latest quarter, Cineplex posted $362.7 million in revenue—a 15.1% year-over-year increase—while adjusted EBITDA jumped by 66.6%, underscoring the company’s operational recovery as Canadian consumers return to theaters and entertainment venues. This financial outperformance is particularly relevant to analysts monitoring the recovery of consumer discretionary sectors across Canada, where Cineplex leads the market.
Cineplex’s rollout of new Location-Based Entertainment (LBE) venues and return of popular "$5 Tuesdays" aim to further boost attendance and revenue diversification. The company recently opened three new LBE sites and reinstated its $5 promotional Tuesdays, initiatives designed to spark foot-traffic and expand its non-traditional revenue streams. Such moves capitalize on the pent-up demand for in-person experiences in Canadian urban markets and strengthen Cineplex’s strategic focus on multi-channel entertainment, beyond just movie screenings.
Market analysts maintain a cautiously optimistic outlook, with a consensus price target about 30% above current trading levels. The current analyst price target sits at approximately $13.08 CAD, reflecting upside potential of nearly 30%. This optimism is grounded in Cineplex’s leadership in the Canadian market, its scaling digital initiatives (like the Scene+ loyalty platform), and anticipated boosts from this year’s robust film slate—all signals seen as catalysts by financial professionals evaluating mid-term stock appreciation.
Technical signals reflect short-term bullish momentum amid longer-term caution, offering attractive entry points for investors focused on Canadian recovery plays. While momentum indicators like the 20-day moving average and relative strength index (RSI 43.84) are turning positive, the stock remains in a longer-term bearish trend according to 50-, 100-, and 200-day moving averages. This duality offers context for advisors and investors seeking value entries ahead of Cineplex’s next earnings report on May 9, 2025—a key date to assess the sustainability of recent operational and financial improvements.
FAQ
What is the latest dividend for Cineplex stock?
Cineplex stock does not currently pay a dividend, as distributions remain suspended since 2020. The last dividend paid was $0.15 CAD on February 28, 2020. Investors looking for income from this stock should note that the company’s focus is currently on financial recovery and operational growth rather than resuming dividend payments. Historically, Cineplex provided regular dividends, suggesting that resumption is possible once earnings stabilize.
What is the forecast for Cineplex stock in 2025, 2026, and 2027?
The projected share prices for Cineplex stock are approximately $12.83 CAD for the end of 2025, $14.80 CAD for the end of 2026, and $19.74 CAD for the end of 2027. The entertainment sector is experiencing strong recovery momentum as in-person events and major film releases return to pre-pandemic levels. Cineplex’s ongoing diversification into new entertainment venues further supports a positive medium-term outlook.
Should I sell my Cineplex shares?
Holding onto Cineplex shares may be appropriate, given the company’s strategic resilience and continued recovery efforts. Cineplex is the Canadian market leader, with strong brand recognition and renewed growth through its diversified business model. Its recent financial results exceeded expectations, and the current share price trades below pre-pandemic levels, suggesting potential for mid- to long-term appreciation as consumer demand improves.
Are Cineplex shares eligible for Canadian tax-advantaged accounts, and how are gains or dividends taxed?
Cineplex shares are eligible to be held within Canadian tax-advantaged accounts such as the TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) and RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan). Capital gains and any future dividends earned inside these accounts are sheltered from Canadian income tax. When Cineplex resumes dividends, Canadian residents may also benefit from the dividend tax credit for shares held in taxable accounts.
What is the latest dividend for Cineplex stock?
Cineplex stock does not currently pay a dividend, as distributions remain suspended since 2020. The last dividend paid was $0.15 CAD on February 28, 2020. Investors looking for income from this stock should note that the company’s focus is currently on financial recovery and operational growth rather than resuming dividend payments. Historically, Cineplex provided regular dividends, suggesting that resumption is possible once earnings stabilize.
What is the forecast for Cineplex stock in 2025, 2026, and 2027?
The projected share prices for Cineplex stock are approximately $12.83 CAD for the end of 2025, $14.80 CAD for the end of 2026, and $19.74 CAD for the end of 2027. The entertainment sector is experiencing strong recovery momentum as in-person events and major film releases return to pre-pandemic levels. Cineplex’s ongoing diversification into new entertainment venues further supports a positive medium-term outlook.
Should I sell my Cineplex shares?
Holding onto Cineplex shares may be appropriate, given the company’s strategic resilience and continued recovery efforts. Cineplex is the Canadian market leader, with strong brand recognition and renewed growth through its diversified business model. Its recent financial results exceeded expectations, and the current share price trades below pre-pandemic levels, suggesting potential for mid- to long-term appreciation as consumer demand improves.
Are Cineplex shares eligible for Canadian tax-advantaged accounts, and how are gains or dividends taxed?
Cineplex shares are eligible to be held within Canadian tax-advantaged accounts such as the TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) and RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan). Capital gains and any future dividends earned inside these accounts are sheltered from Canadian income tax. When Cineplex resumes dividends, Canadian residents may also benefit from the dividend tax credit for shares held in taxable accounts.