Is IMAX a Screaming Buy? | LFTC

Watch on YouTube ↗  |  August 10, 2026 at 21:00  |  44:28  |  The Compound News
Speakers
Josh Brown — CEO, Ritholtz Wealth Management
Michael Batnick — Managing Partner, Ritholtz Wealth Management
Rich Gelfond — CEO, IMAX

Summary

IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond joins Josh Brown and Michael Batnick to discuss the company's central role in the movie industry, strong brand, and growth initiatives. Both hosts are bullish on IMAX, citing its essential role for blockbusters and a market cap disconnect. Gelfond highlights theater and film backlogs, new revenue from merchandising, and expresses caution on Sphere Entertainment.

  • IMAX's brand value far exceeds its market capitalization.
  • The company is integral to the global blockbuster ecosystem.
  • A large backlog of theater installs and committed films provides revenue visibility.
  • New revenue streams include merchandise (popcorn buckets, film strips) and in-car AV in China.
  • Rich Gelfond avoids Sphere stock due to high build costs and uncertain profits.
  • 2026 box office is strong, with the Odyssey opening far exceeding internal estimates.
  • Hosts see limited recognition of IMAX's brand monetization potential.
Ideas
Josh Brown CEO, Ritholtz Wealth Management 2:07
IMAX essential for blockbuster movie success.
IMAX is increasingly integral to the global film ecosystem, with high visibility from a large theater installation backlog, a strong pipeline of blockbuster films committed through 2028, and new revenue streams like merchandising and film prints. These factors provide unusual earnings predictability and growth.
IMAX HIGH
Rich Gelfond CEO, IMAX 20:36
Sphere too expensive, can't justify valuation.
The Sphere's business model is unattractive because it allegedly cost nearly $3 billion to build and there is no clear path to profitability at that price, making it an investment he would avoid in favor of companies with earnings and cash flow.
SPHR MED
Up Next
5:26
Intelligent Alpha's Doug Clinton on what led to decision to sell Alphabet
CNBC · Aug 10
44:26
Jones Act Relief Extended, Iran War Presses On | Bloomberg Businessweek Daily 8/10/2026
Bloomberg Markets · Aug 10
2:19
Market Close: Crude Oil Jumps, Stocks Slide, Apple Falls, Lilly Rallies 8-10-2026
CNBC · Aug 10
4:00
RBC’s Helima Croft: Ongoing attacks on Russian refineries are going to cause deeper problems
CNBC · Aug 10
10:03
Oil Jumps as Markets Await Middle East Clarity | Closing Bell
Bloomberg Markets · Aug 10

This The Compound News video, published August 10, 2026, features Josh Brown, Rich Gelfond discussing IMAX, SPHR. 2 trade ideas extracted by AI with direction and confidence scoring.

Speakers: Josh Brown, Rich Gelfond  · Tickers: IMAX, SPHR