Marcus Theatres, the nation’s no. 4 chain, saw losses in the March quarter grow to $6.3 million from $5.7 million on a softer box office and higher costs before A Minecraft Movie and Sinners reignited moviegoing in April.
Revenue rose 7.5% to $87.4 million due largely to four more operating days vs the prior year period.
The company cited higher film costs as a percentage of admissions revenues and higher labor expenses vs a strike-crippled Q1 2024.
Attendance rose 7% and average ticket prices fell 5% on the impact of pricing promotions like the $7 Everyday Matinee and Value Tuesday, and an “unfavorable ticket mix” with an increased number of family films. Captain America: Brave New World, Mufasa: The Lion King, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Dog Man and Moana 2 were the top performers.
Concession revenues per customer rose 2.9%.
“While the overall performance of the first quarter film slate was disappointing, the start to the second quarter has exceeded expectations with the smashing success of A Minecraft Movie,” said Theatres president Mark Gramz. “The box office hot streak continued in April with A Minecraft Movie holding strong and The King of Kings, The Amateur and Sinners exceeding expectations. With the recent strong opening weekend performance of Marvel’s Thunderbolt* kicking off the summer movie season, momentum continues to build” ahead of Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning, F1, Jurassic World Rebirth, Superman, Lilo & Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon.
In April, the circuit announced the addition of three new 270-degree panoramic ScreenX auditoriums in Illinois, Minnesota, and Ohio for the premiere weekend of Thunderbolts*.
Milwaukee-based Marcus has two businesses, movie theaters and hotels. CEO Greg Marcus will host a call with analysts on the quarter at 11 ET.