IMAX CORP - Annual Report: 2017 (Form 10-K)

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

(Mark One)

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017

Commission file Number 001-35066

IMAX Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

(Title of class)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

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 and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K  ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards 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 Act).    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

The aggregate market value of the common shares of the registrant held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the last sale price of such shares as of the close of trading on June 30, 2017 was $1,219.7 million.

As of January 31, 2018, there were 64,902,201 common shares of the registrant outstanding.

Document Incorporated by Reference

Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed within 120 days of the close of IMAX Corporation’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A involving the election of directors and the annual meeting of the stockholders of the registrant (the “Proxy Statement”) are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K to the extent described therein.

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IMAX CORPORATION

December 31, 2017

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IMAX CORPORATION

EXCHANGE RATE DATA

Unless otherwise indicated, all dollar amounts in this document are expressed in United States (“U.S.”) dollars. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain exchange rates based on the noon buying rate in the City of New York for cable transfers in foreign currencies as certified for customs purposes by the Bank of Canada (the “Noon Buying Rate”). Such rates quoted are the number of U.S. dollars per one Canadian dollar and are the inverse of rates quoted by the Bank of Canada for Canadian dollars per U.S. $1.00. The average exchange rate is based on the average of the exchange rates on the last day of each month during such periods. The Noon Buying Rate on December 31, 2017 was U.S. $0.7971.

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain statements included in this annual report may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, references to future capital expenditures (including the amount and nature thereof), business and technology strategies and measures to implement strategies, competitive strengths, goals, expansion and growth of business, operations and technology, plans and references to the future success of IMAX Corporation together with its consolidated subsidiaries (the “Company”) and expectations regarding the Company’s future operating, financial and technological results. These forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will conform with the expectations and predictions of the Company is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, risks associated with investments and operations in foreign jurisdictions and any future international expansion, including those related to economic, political and regulatory policies of local governments and laws and policies of the United States and Canada; risks related to the Company’s growth and operations in China; the performance of IMAX DMR films; the signing of theater system agreements; conditions, changes and developments in the commercial exhibition industry; risks related to currency fluctuations; the potential impact of increased competition in the markets within which the Company operates; competitive actions by other companies; the failure to respond to change and advancements in digital technology; risks relating to recent consolidation among commercial exhibitors and studios; risks related to new business initiatives; conditions in the in-home and out-of-home entertainment industries; the opportunities (or lack thereof) that may be presented to and pursued by the Company; risks related to cyber-security; risks related to the Company’s inability to protect the Company’s intellectual property; general economic, market or business conditions; the failure to convert theater system backlog into revenue; changes in laws or regulations; the failure to fully realize the projected cost savings and benefits from the Company’s restructuring initiative; and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this annual report are qualified by these cautionary statements, and actual results or anticipated developments by the Company may not be realized, and even if substantially realized, may not have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

IMAX^®, IMAX^® Dome, IMAX^® 3D, IMAX^® 3D Dome, Experience It In IMAX^®, The IMAX Experience^®, An IMAX Experience^®, An IMAX 3D Experience^®, IMAX DMR^®, DMR^®, IMAX nXos^®, IMAX think big^®, think big^® and IMAX Is Believing^®, are trademarks and trade names of the Company or its subsidiaries that are registered or otherwise protected under laws of various jurisdictions.

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PART I

Item 1. Business

The Company is a Canadian corporation that was formed in March 1994 as a result of an amalgamation between WGIM Acquisition Corp. and the former IMAX Corporation (“Predecessor IMAX”). Predecessor IMAX was incorporated in 1967.

GENERAL

The Company, together with its consolidated subsidiaries, is one of the world’s leading entertainment technology companies, specializing in motion picture technologies and presentations. IMAX offers a unique end-to-end cinematic solution combining proprietary software, theater architecture and equipment to create the highest-quality, most immersive motion picture experience for which the IMAX^® brand has become known globally. Top filmmakers and studios utilize IMAX theaters to connect with audiences in innovative ways, and as a result, IMAX’s theater network is among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event films around the world.

The Company’s core business consists of:

IMAX theater systems are based on proprietary and patented technology developed over the course of the Company’s 50-year history. The Company’s customers who purchase, lease or otherwise acquire the IMAX theater systems through joint revenue sharing arrangements are theater exhibitors that operate commercial theaters (particularly multiplexes), museums, science centers, or destination entertainment sites. The Company generally does not own IMAX theaters, but licenses the use of its trademarks along with the sale, lease or contribution of the IMAX theater system. The Company refers to all theaters using the IMAX theater system as “IMAX theaters”.

IMAX theater systems combine:

Together these components cause audiences in IMAX theaters to feel as if they are a part of the on-screen action, creating a more intense, immersive and exciting experience than a traditional theater.

As a result of the immersiveness and superior image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience, the Company’s exhibitor customers typically charge a premium for IMAX DMR films over films exhibited in their other auditoriums. The premium pricing, combined with the higher attendance levels associated with IMAX DMR films, generates incremental box-office for the Company’s exhibitor customers and for the movie studios releasing their films to the IMAX theater network. The incremental box-office generated by IMAX DMR films has helped establish IMAX as a key premium distribution and marketing platform for Hollywood blockbuster films.

IMAX THEATER NETWORK

The Company believes the IMAX theater network is one of the most extensive premium theater networks in the world with 1,370 theater systems (1,272 commercial multiplex, 12 commercial destination, 86 institutional) operating in 75 countries as at December 31, 2017.

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The Company believes that over time its commercial multiplex theater network could grow to approximately 2,855 IMAX theaters worldwide from the 1,272 commercial multiplex IMAX theaters in operation as of December 31, 2017. While the Company continues to grow in the United States and Canada, it believes that the majority of its future growth will come from international markets. As at December 31, 2017, 67.2% of IMAX theater systems in operation were located within international markets (defined as all countries other than the United States and Canada), up from 63.7% as at December 31, 2016, and approximately 90.2% of IMAX theater systems in backlog are scheduled to be installed in international markets, compared to 87.8% as at December 31, 2016. Revenues and gross box-office derived from outside the United States and Canada continue to exceed revenues and gross box-office from the United States and Canada.

Greater China continues to be the Company’s second-largest market, measured by revenues, with approximately 33% of overall revenues generated from the Company’s China operations in 2017. As at December 31, 2017, the Company had 544 theaters operating in Greater China and an additional 309 theaters in backlog that are scheduled to be installed in Greater China by 2022. The Company’s backlog in Greater China represents 61.9% of the Company’s current backlog. The Company’s largest single international partnership is in China with Wanda Film, formerly Wanda Cinema Line Corporation (“Wanda”). Wanda’s total commitment to the Company is for 359 theater systems, of which 343 theater systems are under the parties’ joint revenue sharing arrangement.

In 2015, the Company’s subsidiary, IMAX China Holding, Inc. (“IMAX China”), completed an initial public offering of its ordinary shares on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange Limited (the “IMAX China IPO”). Following the IMAX China IPO, the Company continues to indirectly own approximately 67.93% of IMAX China, which remains a consolidated subsidiary of the Company.

PRINCIPAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

The Company believes it is the world’s largest designer and manufacturer of specialty premium projection and sound system components for large-format theaters around the world, as well as a significant producer and distributor of large-format films. The Company’s theater systems include specialized IMAX projectors, advanced sound systems and specialty screens.

The Company’s principal products and services are as follows:

These product lines do not reflect the nature and sources of revenue, or the manner in which management reviews financial information. The Company’s segmented information is provided in Item 7 and note 18 to the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2017 (this “2017 Form 10-K”), which is incorporated by reference into this Item I.

Digital Re-Mastering (IMAX DMR)

The Company has developed a proprietary technology, known as IMAX DMR, to digitally re-master Hollywood films into IMAX digital cinema package format or 15/70-format film for exhibition in IMAX theaters. IMAX DMR digitally enhances the image resolution of motion picture films for projection on IMAX screens while maintaining or enhancing the visual clarity and sound quality to levels for which The IMAX Experience is known.

The IMAX DMR process involves the following:

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The original soundtrack of a film to be exhibited in the IMAX theater network is re-mastered for the IMAX digital sound systems in connection with the IMAX DMR release. Unlike the soundtracks played in conventional theaters, IMAX re-mastered soundtracks are uncompressed and full fidelity. IMAX sound systems use proprietary loudspeaker systems and proprietary surround sound configurations that ensure every theater seat is in an optimal listening position.

IMAX films also benefit from enhancements made by individual filmmakers exclusively for the IMAX release, and filmmakers and studios have sought IMAX-specific enhancements in recent years to generate interest in and excitement for their films. Such enhancements include shooting select scenes with IMAX cameras to increase the audience’s immersion in the film and taking advantage of the unique dimensions of the IMAX screen by projecting the film in a larger aspect ratio. In addition, the upcoming films Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War and the Untitled Avengers Sequel are expected to be shot in their entireties using IMAX cameras.

In 2017, 60 films were converted through the IMAX DMR process and released to theaters in the IMAX network by film studios as compared to 51 films in 2016. In addition, in 2017, in conjunction with Marvel and Disney|ABC Television Group, the Company co-produced and exclusively premiered theatrically the television series “Marvel’s Inhumans” in IMAX theaters.

To date, the Company has announced the following 31 DMR titles to be released in 2018 to the IMAX theater network:

In addition, the Company in conjunction with Panda Productions will be releasing an IMAX original production, Pandas, in April 2018.

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The Company remains in active negotiations with all of the major Hollywood studios for additional films to fill out its short and long-term film slate, and anticipates that the number of IMAX DMR films to be released to the IMAX theater network in 2018 will be similar to the 60 IMAX DMR films released to the IMAX theater network in 2017.

IMAX Systems

The Company’s primary products are its theater systems. The Company’s digital projection systems include a projector that offers superior image quality and stability and a digital theater control system; a digital audio system delivering up to 12,000 watts of sound; a screen with a proprietary coating technology, and, if applicable, 3D glasses cleaning equipment. IMAX’s digital projection system also operates without the need for analog film prints. Traditional IMAX film-based theater systems contain the same components as the digital projection systems but include a rolling loop 15/70-format projector and require the use of analog film prints. Since its introduction in 2008, the vast majority of the Company’s theater sales have been digital systems. Furthermore, a majority of the Company’s existing film-based theater systems have been upgraded, at a cost to the exhibitor, to an IMAX digital system. As part of the arrangement to sell or lease its theater systems, the Company provides extensive advice on theater planning and design and supervision of installation services. Theater systems are also leased or sold with a license for the use of the globally recognized IMAX brand.

The Company’s digital projection system provides a premium and differentiated experience to moviegoers that is consistent with what they have come to expect from the IMAX brand, while providing for the compelling economics and flexibility that digital technology affords.

The terms of each arrangement vary according to the configuration of the theater system provided, the cinema market and the film distribution market relevant to the geographic location of the customer.

Revenue from theater business arrangements is recognized at a different time from when cash is collected. See “Critical Accounting Policies” in Item 7 for further discussion on the Company’s revenue recognition policies.

IMAX Theater Backlog and Network

The Company’s sales backlog is as follows:

The number of theater systems in the backlog reflects the minimum number of commitments under signed contracts. The dollar value fluctuates depending on the number of new theater system arrangements signed from year to year, which adds to backlog and the installation and acceptance of theater systems and the settlement of contracts, both of which reduce backlog. Sales backlog typically represents the fixed contracted revenue under signed theater system sale and lease agreements that the Company believes will be recognized as revenue upon installation and acceptance of the associated theater. Sales backlog includes initial fees along with the estimated present value of contractual ongoing fees due over the term, however it excludes amounts allocated to maintenance and extended warranty revenues as well as fees (contingent fees) in excess of contractual ongoing fees that may be received in the future.

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The value of sales backlog does not include revenue from theaters in which the Company has an equity interest, operating leases, letters of intent or long-term conditional theater commitments. The value of theaters under joint revenue sharing arrangements is excluded from the dollar value of sales backlog, although certain theater systems under joint revenue sharing arrangements provide for contracted upfront payments and therefore carry a backlog value based on those payments. The Company believes that the contractual obligations for theater system installations that are listed in sales backlog are valid and binding commitments.

From time to time, in the normal course of its business, the Company will have customers who are unable to proceed with a theater system installation for a variety of reasons, including the inability to obtain certain consents, approvals or financing. Once the determination is made that the customer will not proceed with installation, the agreement with the customer is terminated or amended. If the agreement is terminated, once the Company and the customer are released from all their future obligations under the agreement, all or a portion of the initial rents or fees that the customer previously made to the Company are recognized as revenue.

The following chart shows the number of the Company’s theater systems by configuration, opened theater network and backlog as at December 31:

The Company estimates that it will install approximately 145 new theater systems (excluding upgrades) in 2018. The Company cautions, however, that theater system installations may slip from period to period over the course of the Company’s business, usually for reasons beyond its control.

IMAX theater systems consist of the following configurations:

IMAX Digital: Xenon Theater Systems. The vast majority of the Company’s theater system signings have been for the Company’s proprietary xenon-based digital systems. The Company believes that its xenon-based digital projection system delivers high quality imagery compared with other digital systems. As at December 31, 2017, the Company had installed 1,250 xenon-based digital theater systems and has an additional 467 xenon-based digital theater systems in its backlog.

IMAX Digital: Laser Theater Systems. The Company introduced its laser-based digital projection system at the end of 2014. The Company believes the IMAX laser-based digital projectors present greater brightness and clarity, higher contrast, a wider color gamut and deeper blacks, and consume less power and last longer than existing digital technology, capable of illuminating the largest screens in the IMAX theater network. As at December 31, 2017, the Company had installed 51 laser-based digital systems. The Company is in the process of developing an updated laser-based projection system, which is targeted primarily for screens in commercial multiplexes.

IMAX Flat Screen and IMAX Dome Theater Systems. IMAX flat screen and IMAX dome systems primarily have been installed in institutions such as museums and science centers. Flat screen IMAX theaters were introduced in 1970, while IMAX dome theaters, which are designed for tilted dome screens, were introduced in 1973. There have been several significant proprietary and patented enhancements to these systems since their introduction. As at December 31, 2017, there were 48 IMAX flat screen and IMAX dome theater systems in the IMAX network, as compared to 56 IMAX flat screen and IMAX dome theater systems as at December 31, 2016. With the introduction of the IMAX digital theater systems, there has been a decrease in the number of IMAX flat screen and IMAX dome theater systems in the network.

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IMAX 3D GT and IMAX 3D SR Theater Systems. IMAX 3D theaters utilize a flat screen 3D system, which produces realistic 3D images on an IMAX screen. As at December 31, 2017, there were 21 IMAX 3D GT and IMAX 3D SR theater systems in operation compared to 27 IMAX 3D GT and IMAX 3D SR theater systems in operation as at December 31, 2016. The decrease in the number of 3D GT and 3D SR theater systems is largely attributable to the conversion of existing 3D GT and 3D SR theater systems to IMAX digital theater systems.

New Business Initiatives

The Company is exploring new lines of business outside of its core business, with a focus on alternative location-based entertainment experiences, investments in original content, as well as premium IMAX home entertainment technologies and services.

Virtual Reality

The Company is piloting a comprehensive virtual reality (“VR”) strategy to develop a premium, location-based VR offering that delivers immersive, multi-dimensional experiences, including entertainment content and games, to branded VR centers (“IMAX VR Centers”). Pilot IMAX VR Centers are located in a stand-alone venue and in several multiplexes, and are retrofitted with proprietary VR pods that permit interactive, moveable VR experiences. The Company’s VR initiative is premised on a unique combination of premium content, proprietary design and best-in-class technology.

In January 2017, the Company launched its flagship pilot IMAX VR Center in Los Angeles. Since that time, the Company has opened six pilot IMAX VR Centers (two in New York City, one in Toronto, one in Manchester, England, one in Shanghai, China and one in Bangkok, Thailand.) The Company continues to evaluate its pilot VR strategy based on several factors, including the overall customer experience, pricing models, throughput, types of content featured and differences in geographic areas.

The Company has also established a virtual reality fund (the “VR Fund”) among the Company, its subsidiary IMAX China and other strategic investors. The VR Fund will help finance the creation of interactive VR content experiences over the next three years for use across all VR platforms, including in the pilot IMAX VR Centers. The VR Fund recently helped finance the production of one interactive VR experience, which debuted exclusively in the pilot IMAX VR Centers in November 2017 before being made available to other VR platforms.

Original Content

In 2017, the Company partnered with Marvel Television Inc. (“Marvel”) and Disney|ABC Television Group to co-produce and premiere theatrically the television series “Marvel’s Inhumans” in IMAX theaters. The first two episodes of the series ran worldwide in IMAX theaters for two weeks in September 2017 and subsequently the series premiered on the ABC network in the U.S. and across other networks internationally. As part of the investment, the Company shares in the economics across the venture, including in both the theatrical and television platforms.

The Company continues to believe that the IMAX network serves as a valuable platform to launch and distribute original content, especially during shoulder periods. However, the Company expects that future investments in original content will be less capital intensive to the Company than its investment in “Marvel’s Inhumans”.

The Company has also created two film funds to help finance the production of original content. The Company is forming the IMAX China Film Fund (the “China Film Fund”) with its subsidiary IMAX China Holding Inc. (“IMAX China”), its partner CMC and several other large investors to help fund Mandarin language commercial films. The China Film Fund, which is expected initially to be capitalized with over $80.0 million, will target productions that can leverage the Company’s brand, relationships, technology and release windows in China. The China Film Fund is expected to co-finance approximately 15 Mandarin-language tent-pole films over three years, and will target contributions of between $3.0 million and $7.0 million per film. The China Film Fund will operate under an IMAX China-CMC controlled greenlight committee.

In addition, the Company’s IMAX Original Film Fund (the “Original Film Fund”) was established in 2014 to co-finance a portfolio of 10 original large format films. The Original Film Fund, which is intended to be capitalized with up to $50.0 million, will finance an ongoing supply of original films that the Company believes will be more exciting and compelling than traditional documentaries. The initial investment in the Film Fund was committed to by a third party in the amount of $25.0 million, with the possibility of contributing additional funds. The Company agreed to contribute $9.0 million to the Original Film Fund over five years starting in 2014 and sees the Original Film Fund as a self-perpetuating vehicle designed to generate a continuous flow of high-quality documentary content. As at December 31, 2017, the Original Film Fund has invested $13.4 million toward the development of original films.

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IMAX Home Entertainment Technologies and Services

The Company has also announced home theater initiatives, including a joint venture with TCL Multimedia Technology Holding Limited (“TCL”) to design, develop, manufacture and sell a premium home theater system. The joint venture has signed agreements with end users for the sale of more than 170 premium home theater systems, and has signed agreements with distributors for the sale of more than 470 home theater systems. The Company does not intend to invest significant capital into the joint venture going forward, and instead expects any additional funding to be provided through third party capital.

Beyond its premium home theater, the Company has also developed other components of a broader home entertainment platform designed to permit customers to view content on a premium video-on-demand basis in their home theaters.

Other

The Company is also a distributor of large-format films, primarily for its institutional theater partners.

Films produced by the Company are typically financed through third parties, whereby the Company will generally receive a film production fee in exchange for producing the film and a distribution fee for distributing the film. The ownership rights to such films may be held by the film sponsors, the film investors and/or the Company. As at December 31, 2017, the Company currently has distribution rights with respect to 46 of such films, which cover such subjects such as space, wildlife, music, history and natural wonders.

Several more recent large-format films that have been distributed by the Company include: A Beautiful Planet, which was released in April 2016 and has grossed over $19.3 million as at the end of 2017; Voyage of Time, which was released in October 2016 and has grossed over $0.5 million as at the end of 2017; Island of Lemurs: Madagascar, which was released in April 2014 and has grossed over $13.8 million as at the end of 2017; Journey to the South Pacific, which was released in 2013 has grossed $13.6 million as at the end of 2017. Large-format films have significantly longer exhibition periods than conventional commercial films and many of the films in the large-format library have remained popular for many decades, including the films SPACE STATION, Hubble 3D and T-REX: Back to the Cretaceous.

The Company also provides film post-production and quality control services for large-format films (whether produced internally or externally), and digital post-production services.

As at December 31, 2017, the Company had two owned and operated IMAX theaters (December 31, 2016 — two owned and operated IMAX theaters). In addition, the Company has a commercial arrangement with one theater resulting in the sharing of profits and losses and provides management services to three other theaters. The Company also rents its proprietary 2D and 3D large-format film and digital cameras to third party production companies. The Company maintains cameras and other film equipment and also offers production advice and technical assistance to both documentary and Hollywood filmmakers.

MARKETING AND CUSTOMERS

The Company markets its theater systems through a direct sales force and marketing staff located in offices in Canada, the United States, Greater China, Europe and Asia. In addition, the Company has agreements with consultants, business brokers and real estate professionals to locate potential customers and theater sites for the Company on a commission basis.

The commercial multiplex theater segment of the IMAX theater network is the Company’s largest segment, comprising 1,272 IMAX theaters, or 92.8%, of the 1,370 IMAX theaters open as at December 31, 2017. The Company’s institutional customers include science and natural history museums, zoos, aquaria and other educational and cultural centers. The Company also sells or leases its theater systems to theme parks, private home theaters, tourist destination sites, fairs and expositions (the Commercial Destination segment). At December 31, 2017, approximately 67.2% of all opened IMAX theaters were in locations outside of the United States and Canada.

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The following table outlines the breakdown of the theater network by type and geographic location as at December 31:

For information on revenue breakdown by geographic area, see note 18 to the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this 2017 Form 10-K. The Company’s foreign operations are subject to certain risks. See “Risk Factors – The Company conducts business internationally, which exposes it to uncertainties and risks that could negatively affect its operations sales and future growth prospects” and “Risk Factors – The Company faces risks in connection with the continued expansion of its business in China” in Item 1A. The Company’s largest customers as at December 31, 2017, collectively represent 34.1% of the Company’s network of theaters, 28.5% of the Company’s theater system backlog and 13.2% of revenues.

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

Competition

The out-of-home entertainment industry is very competitive, and the Company faces a number of competitive challenges. In recent years, for instance, exhibitors and entertainment technology companies have introduced their own branded, large-screen 3D auditoriums or other proprietary theater systems, some of which include laser-based projectors, and in many cases, have marketed those auditoriums or theater systems as having the same quality or attributes as an IMAX theater. The Company believes that all of these alternative formats deliver images and experiences that are inferior to The IMAX Experience.

The Company may continue to face competition in the future from companies in the entertainment industry with new technologies and/or substantially greater capital resources to develop and support them. The Company also faces in-home competition from a number of alternative motion picture distribution channels such as home video, pay-per-view, streaming services, video-on-demand, DVD, Internet and syndicated and broadcast television. The Company further competes for the public’s leisure time and disposable income with other forms of entertainment, including gaming, sporting events, concerts, live theater, social media and restaurants.

The Company believes that its competitive strengths include the value of the IMAX brand name, the premium IMAX consumer experience, the design, quality and historic reliability rate of IMAX theater systems, the return on investment of an IMAX theater, the number and quality of IMAX films that it distributes, the relationships the Company maintains with prominent Hollywood and international filmmakers, a number of whom desire to film portions of their movies with IMAX cameras, the quality of the sound system components included with the IMAX theater, the availability of Hollywood and international event films to IMAX theaters through IMAX DMR technology, consumer loyalty and the level of the Company’s service and maintenance and extended warranty efforts. The Company believes that its laser-based projection system increases further the technological superiority of the consumer experience it delivers. As a result, the Company believes that virtually all of the best performing premium theaters in the world are IMAX theaters.

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Exhibitor Consolidation

The Company’s primary customers are commercial multiplex exhibitors. The commercial exhibition industry has undergone significant consolidation in recent years, with Dalian Wanda’s acquisitions of AMC and Hoyts Group in 2012 and 2015, respectively, and AMC’s acquisition of Carmike Cinemas and Odeon & UCI Cinemas Group (“Odeon”), which includes Nordic Cinema Group (“Nordic”), in 2016. The industry continues to consolidate, as evidenced by Cineworld Group’s planned acquisition of Regal Entertainment Group, the Company’s second largest customer.

The Company believes that recent exhibitor consolidation has helped facilitate the growth of the Company’s theater network. The Company has historically enjoyed strong relationships with large commercial exhibitor chains, which have greater capital to purchase, lease or otherwise acquire IMAX theater systems. As larger commercial chains such as AMC have purchased smaller chains, those smaller chains have in turn become part of the IMAX theater network. For instance, following AMC’s acquisition of Odeon and Nordic, the Company and AMC entered into an agreement for 25 new IMAX theater systems across the Odeon and Nordic theater network. This deal represented the largest single European agreement in the Company’s history. The Company believes that continued consolidation could facilitate further signings and other strategic benefits going forward.

However, exhibitor consolidation has also resulted in individual exhibitor chains constituting a material portion of the Company’s revenue and network. Continued industry consolidation (as well as consolidation in the movie studio industry) may present risks to the Company. See “Risk Factors” in Item 1.A of this 2017 Form 10-K.

THE IMAX BRAND

IMAX is a world leader in entertainment technology. The Company relies on its brand to communicate its leadership and singular goal of creating entertainment experiences that exceed all expectations. Top filmmakers and studios use the IMAX brand to message that a film will connect with audiences in unique and extraordinary ways. The IMAX brand is a promise to deliver what today’s movie audiences crave — a memorable, more emotionally engaging, more thrilling and shareable experience. Consumer research conducted in six countries worldwide by a leading third-party research firm shows that the IMAX brand has near universal awareness, creates a special experience and is one of the most differentiated movie-going brands. On a standardized measure of brand equity, the IMAX brand ranged from two to 10 times more powerful than other exhibition and entertainment technology brands. The Company believes that its strong brand equity supports consumers’ predisposition to choose IMAX over competing brands and to pay a premium for The IMAX Experience now and into the future.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The Company believes that it is one of the world’s leading entertainment technology companies with significant proprietary expertise in digital and film-based projection and sound system component design, engineering and imaging technology, particularly in laser-based technology. In recent years, the Company has increased its level of research and development in order to develop laser-based projection systems. The Company rolled out its laser-based projection system at the end of 2014, which is capable of illuminating the largest screens in the Company’s network. The laser-based projection system provides greater brightness and clarity, higher contrast, a wider color gamut and deeper blacks, while consuming less power and lasting longer than existing digital technology, to ensure that the Company continues to provide the highest quality, premier movie going experience available to consumers. However, the Company has experienced lower than expected margins from the installation of these laser-based projection systems. As a result, over the past several years, the Company has focused its research and development efforts on an updated laser-based projection system, which is targeted primarily for screens in commercial multiplexes.

Recent research and development activity has also focused on the exploration of a comprehensive VR strategy to deliver immersive and interactive experiences to consumers through pilot IMAX VR Centers. The Company also has made progress deploying its proprietary expertise in image technology and 3D technology, as well as its proprietary film content and the IMAX brand, for applications in its in-home entertainment technology initiatives, including its premium home theater system with TCL. The premium home theater system incorporates 4K projection technology, together with security and delivery technology to enable the viewing of current theatrical releases that have been digitally re-mastered with IMAX enhancement technology.

Going forward, the Company plans to continue research and development activity in the future in other areas considered important to the Company’s continued commercial success, including further improving the reliability of its projectors; enhancing the Company’s 2D and 3D image quality; expanding the applicability of the Company’s digital technology; developing IMAX theater systems’ capabilities; and improving the Company’s proprietary tuning system and mastering processes. Furthermore, due to the increasing

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success major Hollywood filmmakers have experienced with IMAX cameras, the Company has identified the development and manufacture of additional IMAX cameras as an important research and development initiative.

For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, the Company recorded research and development expenses of $20.9 million, $16.3 million and $12.7 million, respectively. As at December 31, 2017, 81 of the Company’s employees were connected with research and development projects.

MANUFACTURING AND SERVICE

Projector Component Manufacturing

The Company assembles the projector of its theater systems at its office in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada (near Toronto). The Company develops and designs all of the key elements of the proprietary technology involved in this component. Fabrication of a majority of parts and sub-assemblies is subcontracted to a group of carefully pre-qualified third-party suppliers. Manufacture and supply contracts are signed for the delivery of the component on an order-by-order basis. The Company believes its significant suppliers will continue to supply quality products in quantities sufficient to satisfy its needs. The Company inspects all parts and sub-assemblies, completes the final assembly and then subjects the projector to comprehensive testing individually and as a system prior to shipment. In 2017, these projectors, including both the Company’s xenon and laser-based projection systems, had reliability rates based on scheduled shows of approximately 99.9%.

Sound System Component Manufacturing

The Company develops, designs and assembles the key elements of its theater sound system component. The standard IMAX theater sound system component comprises parts from a variety of sources, with approximately 50% of the materials of each sound system attributable to proprietary parts provided under original equipment manufacturers agreements with outside vendors. These proprietary parts include custom loudspeaker enclosures and horns, specialized amplifiers, and signal processing and control equipment. The Company inspects all parts and sub-assemblies, completes the final assembly and then subjects the sound system component to comprehensive testing individually and as a system prior to shipment.

Screen and Other Components

The Company purchases its screen component and glasses cleaning equipment from third parties. The standard screen system component is comprised of a projection screen manufactured to IMAX specifications and a frame to hang the projection screen. The proprietary glasses cleaning machine is a stand-alone unit that is connected to the theater’s water and electrical supply to automate the cleaning of 3D glasses.

Maintenance and Extended Warranty Services

The Company also provides ongoing maintenance and extended warranty services to IMAX theater systems. These arrangements are usually for a separate fee, although the Company often includes free service in the initial year of an arrangement. The maintenance and extended warranty arrangements include service, maintenance and replacement parts for theater systems.

To support the IMAX theater network, the Company has personnel stationed in major markets throughout the world who provide periodic and emergency maintenance and extended warranty services on existing theater systems. The Company provides various levels of maintenance and warranty services, which are priced accordingly. Under full service programs, Company personnel typically visit each theater every six months to provide preventative maintenance, cleaning and inspection services and emergency visits to resolve problems and issues with the theater system. Under some arrangements, customers can elect to participate in a service partnership program whereby the Company trains a customer’s technician to carry out certain aspects of maintenance. Under such shared maintenance arrangements, the Company participates in certain of the customer’s maintenance checks each year, provides a specified number of emergency visits and provides spare parts, as necessary. For both xenon and laser-based digital systems, the Company provides pre-emptive maintenance, remote system monitoring and a network operations center that provides continuous access to product experts.

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PATENTS AND TRADEMARKS

The Company’s inventions cover various aspects of its proprietary technology and many of these inventions are protected by Letters of Patent or applications filed throughout the world, most significantly in the United States, Canada, China, Belgium, Japan, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. The subject matter covered by these patents, applications and other licenses encompasses theater design and geometry, electronic circuitry and mechanisms employed in projectors and projection equipment (including 3D projection equipment), a method for synchronizing digital data, a method of generating stereoscopic (3D) imaging data from a monoscopic (2D) source, a process for digitally re-mastering 35mm films into large-format, a method for increasing the dynamic range and contrast of projectors, a method for visibly seaming or superimposing images from multiple projectors and other inventions relating to digital projectors. The Company has secured the exclusive license rights from Kodak to a portfolio of more than 50 patent families covering laser projection technology as well as certain exclusive rights to a broad range of Kodak patents in the field of digital cinema. The Company has been and will continue to be diligent in the protection of its proprietary interests.

As at December 31, 2017, the Company holds 106 patents, has 14 patents pending in the United States and has corresponding patents or filed applications in many countries throughout the world. While the Company considers its patents to be important to the overall conduct of its business, it does not consider any particular patent essential to its operations. Certain of the Company’s patents for improvements to the IMAX projection system components expire between 2018 and 2034.

The Company owns or otherwise has rights to trademarks and trade names used in conjunction with the sale of its products, systems and services. The following trademarks are considered significant in terms of the current and contemplated operations of the Company: IMAX^®, IMAX^® Dome, IMAX^® 3D, IMAX^® 3D Dome, Experience It in IMAX^®, The IMAX Experience^®, An IMAX Experience^®, An IMAX 3DExperience^®, IMAX DMR^®, DMR^®, IMAX nXos^®, IMAX think big^®, think big^® and IMAX Is Believing^®. These trademarks are widely protected by registration or common law throughout the world. The Company also owns the service mark IMAX THEATRE^TM.

EMPLOYEES

The Company had 606 employees as at December 31, 2017, compared to 703 employees as at December 31, 2016. Both employee counts exclude hourly employees at the Company’s owned and operated theaters, virtual reality centers and certain other new business initiatives.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

The Company makes available, free of charge, its Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to such reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after such filings have been made with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The public may read and copy any materials the Company files with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549, as well as obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. Reports may be obtained free of charge through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and through the Company’s website at www.imax.com or by calling the Company’s Investor Relations Department at 212-821-0100. No information included on the Company’s website shall be deemed included or otherwise incorporated into this 2017 Form 10-K, except where expressly indicated.

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If any of the risks described below occurs, the Company’s business, operating results and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

The risks described below are not the only ones the Company faces. Additional risks not presently known to the Company or that it deems immaterial, may also impair its business or operations.

The Company conducts business internationally, which exposes it to uncertainties and risks that could negatively affect its operations, sales and future growth prospects.

A significant portion of the Company’s revenues and gross box-office are generated by customers located outside the United States and Canada. Approximately 65%, 62% and 60% of the Company’s revenues were derived outside of the United States and Canada in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As at December 31, 2017, approximately 90% of IMAX theater systems arrangements in backlog are scheduled to be installed in international markets. The Company’s network currently spans 75 different countries, and the Company expects its international operations to continue to account for an increasingly significant portion of its revenues in the future. There are a number of risks associated with operating in international markets that could negatively affect the Company’s operations, sales and future growth prospects. These risks include:

In addition, changes in United States or Canadian foreign policy can present additional risks or uncertainties as the Company continues to expand its international operations.

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The Company faces risks in connection with the continued expansion of its business in China.

At present, Greater China is the Company’s second largest market, by revenue. In recent years, the Company’s Greater China operations have accounted for an increasingly significant portion of its overall revenues, with nearly 33% of overall revenues generated from the Company’s China operations in 2017. As at December 31, 2017, the Company had 544 theaters operating in Greater China with an additional 309 theaters in backlog, which represent 61.9% of the Company’s current backlog and which are scheduled to be installed in Greater China by 2022. Of the systems currently scheduled to be installed in Greater China, 47.3% are under joint revenue sharing arrangements, which further increase the Company’s ongoing exposure to box office performance in this market.

The China market faces a number of risks, including changes in laws and regulations, currency fluctuations, increased competition and changes in economic conditions, including the risk of an economic downturn or recession, as well as other conditions that may impact the Company’s exhibitor and studio partners, as well as consumer spending. Adverse developments in any of these areas could impact the Company’s future revenues and cash flows and could cause the Company to fail to achieve anticipated growth. In addition, over the past several years, the growth of screens in Greater China has outpaced IMAX box office growth.

Moreover, certain risks and uncertainties of doing business in China are solely within the control of the Chinese government, and Chinese law regulates both the scope of the Company’s continued expansion in China and the business conducted by it within China. For instance, the Chinese government regulates both the number and timing or terms of Hollywood films released to the China market. The Company cannot provide assurance that the Chinese government will continue to permit the release of IMAX films in China or that the timing or number of IMAX releases will be favorable to the Company. There are also uncertainties regarding the interpretation and application of laws and regulations and the enforceability of intellectual property and contract rights in China. If the Company were unable to navigate China’s regulatory environment, including with respect to its current customs inquiry, or if the Company were unable to enforce its intellectual property or contract rights in China, the Company’s business could be adversely impacted.

The success of the IMAX theater network is directly related to the availability and success of IMAX DMR films for which there can be no guarantee.

An important factor affecting the growth and success of the IMAX theater network is the availability and strategic selection of films for IMAX theaters and the box-office performance of such films. The Company itself produces only a small number of such films and, as a result, the Company relies principally on films produced by third party filmmakers and studios, including both Hollywood and local language features converted into the Company’s large format using the Company’s IMAX DMR technology. In 2017, 60 IMAX DMR films were released by studios to the worldwide IMAX theater network. There is no guarantee that filmmakers and studios will continue to release films to the IMAX theater network, or that the films selected for release to the IMAX theater network will be commercially successful. The Company is directly impacted by the box-office results for the films released to the IMAX network through its joint revenue sharing arrangements as well as through the percentage of the box-office receipts the Company receives from the studios releasing IMAX DMR films, and the Company’s continued ability to secure films, find suitable partners for joint revenue share arrangements and to sell IMAX theater systems also depends on the number and commercial success of films released to its network. The commercial success of films released to IMAX theaters depends on a number of factors outside of the Company’s control, including whether the film receives critical acclaim, the timing of its release, the success of the marketing efforts of the studio releasing the film, consumer preferences and trends in cinema attendance. Moreover, films can be subject to delays in production or changes in release schedule, which can negatively impact the number, timing and quality of IMAX DMR and IMAX original films released to the IMAX theater network.

In addition, as the Company’s international network has expanded, the Company has signed deals with studios in other countries to convert their films to the Company’s large format and release them to IMAX theaters. The Company may be unable to select films which will be successful in international markets or may be unsuccessful in selecting the right mix of Hollywood and local DMR films for a particular country or region. Also, conflicts in international release schedules may make it difficult to release every IMAX film in certain markets.

The Company depends principally on commercial movie exhibitors to purchase or lease IMAX theater systems, to supply box-office revenue under joint revenue sharing arrangements and under its sales and sales-type lease agreements and to supply venues in which to exhibit IMAX DMR films. The Company can make no assurances that exhibitors will continue to do any of these things.

The Company is unable to predict the pace at which exhibitors will purchase or lease IMAX theater systems or enter into joint revenue sharing arrangements with the Company, or whether any of the Company’s existing exhibitor customers will continue to do any of the foregoing. If exhibitors choose to reduce their levels of expansion, negotiate less favorable economic terms, or decide not to enter into transactions with the Company, the Company’s revenues would not increase at an anticipated rate and motion picture studios may be

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less willing to convert their films into the Company’s format for exhibition in commercial IMAX theaters. As a result, the Company’s future revenues and cash flows could be adversely affected.

Recent consolidation among commercial exhibitors and studios reduces the breadth of the Company’s customer base, and could result in a narrower market for the Company’s products and reduced negotiating leverage. A deterioration in the Company’s relationship with key partners could materially, adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operation. In addition, an adverse economic impact on a significant customer’s business operations could have a corresponding material adverse effect on the Company.

The Company’s primary customers are commercial multiplex exhibitors. The commercial exhibition industry has undergone significant consolidation in recent years, with Dalian Wanda’s acquisitions of AMC and Hoyts Group in 2012 and 2015, respectively, and AMC’s acquisition of Carmike Cinemas and Odeon & UCI Cinemas Group, which includes Nordic Cinema Group, in 2016. The industry continues to consolidate, as evidenced by Cineworld Group’s planned acquisition of Regal Entertainment Group. Exhibitor concentration has resulted in individual exhibitor chains constituting a material portion of the Company’s network and revenue. For instance, Wanda and AMC continue to be the Company’s largest exhibitor customer, representing approximately, 16.4%, 13.5% and 16.0% of the Company’s total revenues in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Wanda’s current commitment to the Company stands at 359 IMAX theater systems, and Wanda and AMC together represented approximately 40.7% of the commercial network and 30.5% of the Company’s backlog as of December 31, 2017. The share of the Company’s revenue that is generated by Wanda and AMC is expected to continue to grow as the significant number of Wanda theater systems currently in backlog are opened. No assurance can be given that significant customers such as Wanda and/or AMC will continue to purchase theater systems and/or enter into joint revenue sharing arrangements with the Company and if so, whether contractual terms will be affected. If the Company does business with either Wanda and/or AMC or other large exhibitor chains less frequently or on less favorable terms than currently, the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations may be adversely affected. In addition, an adverse economic impact on a significant customer’s business operations could have a corresponding material adverse effect on the Company.

The Company also receives revenues from studios releasing IMAX DMR films. Hollywood studios have also experienced recent consolidation, as evidenced by Walt Disney Studios’ planned acquisition of certain studio assets from Twenty First Century Fox. Studio consolidation could result in individual studios comprising a greater percentage of the Company’s film slate and overall DMR revenue, and could expose the Company to the same risks described above in connection with exhibitor consolidation.

General political, social and economic conditions can affect the Company’s business by reducing both revenue generated from existing IMAX theater systems and the demand for new IMAX theater systems.

The Company’s success depends in part on general political, social and economic conditions and the willingness of consumers to purchase tickets to IMAX movies. If movie-going becomes less popular globally, the Company’s business could be adversely affected. In addition, the Company’s operations could be adversely affected if consumers’ discretionary income falls as a result of an economic downturn. In recent years, the majority of the Company’s revenue has been directly derived from the box-office revenues of its films. Accordingly, a decline in attendance at commercial IMAX theaters could materially and adversely affect several sources of key revenue streams for the Company.

The Company also depends on the sale and lease of IMAX theater systems to commercial movie exhibitors to generate revenue. Commercial movie exhibitors generate revenues from consumer attendance at their theaters, which depends on the willingness of consumers to visit movie theaters and spend discretionary income at movie theaters. In the event of declining box-office and concession revenues, commercial exhibitors may be less willing to invest capital in new IMAX theaters. In addition, a significant portion of theaters in the Company’s backlog are expected to be installed in newly built multiplexes. An economic downturn could impact developers’ ability to secure financing and complete the buildout of these locations, thereby negatively impacting the Company’s ability to grow its theater network.

The Company may experience adverse effects due to exchange rate fluctuations.

A substantial portion of the Company’s revenues are denominated in U.S. dollars, while a substantial portion of its expenses are denominated in Canadian dollars. The Company also generates revenues in Chinese Yuan Renminbi, Euros and Japanese Yen. While the Company periodically enters into forward contracts to hedge its exposure to exchange rate fluctuations between the U.S. and the Canadian dollar, the Company may not be successful in reducing its exposure to these fluctuations. The use of derivative contracts is intended to mitigate or reduce transactional level volatility in the results of foreign operations, but does not completely eliminate volatility. Even in jurisdictions in which the Company does not accept local currency or requires minimum payments in U.S. dollars, significant local currency issues may impact the profitability of the Company’s arrangements for the Company’s customers, which

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ultimately affect the Company’s ability to negotiate cost-effective arrangements and, therefore, the Company’s results of operations. In addition, because IMAX films generate box-office in 75 different countries, unfavorable exchange rates between applicable local currencies and the U.S. dollar could affect the Company’s reported gross box-office and revenues, further impacting the Company’s results of operations.

The introduction of new, competing products and technologies could harm the Company’s business.

The out-of-home entertainment industry is very competitive, and the Company faces a number of competitive challenges. According to the National Association of Theater Owners, as at December 31, 2017, there were approximately 42,381 conventional-sized screens in North American multiplexes. The Company faces competition both in the form of technological advances in in-home entertainment as well as those within the theater-going experience. In recent years, for instance, exhibitors and entertainment technology companies have introduced their own branded, large-screen 3D auditoriums or other proprietary theater systems, and in many cases have marketed those auditoriums or theater systems as having the same quality or attributes as an IMAX theater. The Company may continue to face competition in the future from companies in the entertainment industry with new technologies and/or substantially greater capital resources to develop and support them. If the Company is unable to continue to deliver a premium movie-going experience, or if other technologies surpass those of the Company, the Company may be unable to continue to produce theater systems which are premium to, or differentiated from, other theater systems.

As noted above, the Company faces in-home competition from a number of alternative motion picture distribution channels such as home video, pay-per-view, streaming services, video-on-demand, DVD, Internet and syndicated and broadcast television. The Company further competes for the public’s leisure time and disposable income with other forms of entertainment, including gaming, sporting events, concerts, live theater, social media and restaurants.

If the Company is unable to continue to produce a differentiated theater experience, consumers may be unwilling to pay the price premiums associated with the cost of IMAX theater tickets and box-office performance of IMAX films may decline. Declining box-office performance of IMAX films could materially and adversely harm the Company’s business and prospects.

Failure to respond adequately or in a timely fashion to changes and advancements in digital technology could negatively affect the Company’s business.

There have been a number of advancements in the digital cinema field in recent years. In order to keep pace with these changes and in order to continue to provide an experience which is premium to and differentiated from conventional cinema experiences, the Company has made, and expects to continue to make, significant investments in digital technology in the form of research and development and the acquisition of third party intellectual property and/or proprietary technology. Recently, the Company has made significant investments in laser technology as part of the development of its next-generation laser-based digital projection system, which it began rolling out to the largest theaters in the IMAX network at the end of 2014. The Company continued research and development throughout 2017 to support the further development of an updated laser-based digital projection system, which is targeted primarily for screens in commercial multiplexes. The process of developing new technologies is inherently uncertain and subject to certain factors that are outside of the Company’s control, including reliance on third party partners and suppliers, and the Company can provide no assurance its investments will result in commercially viable advancements to the Company’s existing products or in commercially successful new products, or that any such advancements or products will improve upon existing technology or will be developed within the timeframe expected.

The Company is undertaking new lines of business and these new business initiatives may not be successful.

The Company is undertaking new lines of business. These initiatives represent new areas of growth for the Company and could include the offering of new products and services that may not be accepted by the market. The Company has recently explored initiatives in the fields of location-based virtual reality, original content and in-home entertainment technology, all of which are intensively competitive businesses and which are dependent on consumer demand, over which the Company has no control. If any new business in which the Company invests or attempts to develop does not progress as planned, the Company may be adversely affected by investment expenses that have not led to the anticipated results, by write-downs of its equity investments, by the distraction of management from its core business or by damage to its brand or reputation.

In addition, these initiatives may involve the formation of joint ventures and business alliances. While the Company seeks to employ the optimal structure for each such business alliance, the alliance may require a high level of cooperation with and reliance on the Company’s partners and there is a possibility that the Company may have disagreements with its relevant partner with respect to financing, technological management, product development, management strategies or otherwise. Any such disagreement may cause

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the joint venture or business alliance to be terminated.

The Company may not be able to adequately protect its intellectual property, and competitors could misappropriate its technology or brand, which could weaken its competitive position.

The Company depends on its proprietary knowledge regarding IMAX theater systems and digital and film technology. The Company relies principally upon a combination of copyright, trademark, patent and trade secret laws, restrictions on disclosures and contractual provisions to protect its proprietary and intellectual property rights. These laws and procedures may not be adequate to prevent unauthorized parties from attempting to copy or otherwise obtain the Company’s processes and technology or deter others from developing similar processes or technology, which could weaken the Company’s competitive position and require the Company to incur costs to secure enforcement of its intellectual property rights. The protection provided to the Company’s proprietary technology by the laws of foreign jurisdictions may not protect it as fully as the laws of Canada or the United States. The lack of protection afforded to intellectual property rights in certain international jurisdictions may be increasingly problematic given the extent to which future growth of the Company is anticipated to come from foreign jurisdictions. Finally, some of the underlying technologies of the Company’s products and system components are not covered by patents or patent applications.

The Company owns or licenses patents issued and patent applications pending, including those covering its digital projector, digital conversion technology and laser illumination technology. The Company’s patents are filed in the United States, often with corresponding patents or filed applications in other jurisdictions, such as Canada, China, Belgium, Japan, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. The patent applications pending may not be issued or the patents may not provide the Company with any competitive advantage. The patent applications may also be challenged by third parties. Several of the Company’s issued patents for improvements to IMAX projectors, IMAX 3D Dome and sound system components expire between 2021 and 2034. Any claims or litigation initiated by the Company to protect its proprietary technology could be time consuming, costly and divert the attention of its technical and management resources.

The IMAX brand stands for the highest quality and most immersive motion picture entertainment. Protecting the IMAX brand is a critical element in maintaining the Company’s relationships with studios and its exhibitor clients. Though the Company relies on a combination of trademark and copyright law as well as its contractual provisions to protect the IMAX brand, those protections may not be adequate to prevent erosion of the brand over time, particularly in foreign jurisdictions. Erosion of the brand could threaten the demand for the Company’s products and services and impair its ability to grow future revenue streams.

The Company faces cyber-security and similar risks, which could result in the disclosure, theft or loss of confidential or other proprietary information, including intellectual property; damage to the Company’s brand and reputation; legal exposure and financial losses.

The nature of the Company’s business involves access to and storage of confidential and proprietary content and other information, including intellectual property, as well as information regarding the Company’s customers, employees, licensees and suppliers. Although the Company maintains robust procedures to safeguard such content and information, as well as a cyber-security insurance policy, the Company’s information technology systems could be penetrated by internal or external parties’ intent on extracting information, corrupting information, stealing intellectual property or trade secrets, or disrupting business processes. Information security risks have increased in recent years because of the proliferation of new technologies and the increased sophistication and activities of perpetrators of cyber-attacks. It is possible that computer hackers could compromise the Company’s security measures or the security measures of parties with whom the Company does business, and thereby obtain the confidential or proprietary information of the Company or its customers, employees, licensees and suppliers. Any such breach or unauthorized access could result in a disruption of the Company’s operations, the theft, unauthorized use or publication of the Company’s intellectual property and other proprietary information, a reduction of the revenues the Company is able to generate from its operations, damage to the Company’s brand and reputation, a loss of confidence in the security of the Company’s business and products, and significant legal and financial exposure, each of which could potentially have an adverse effect on the Company’s business.

The Company’s revenues from existing customers are derived in part from financial reporting provided by its customers, which may be inaccurate or incomplete, resulting in lost or delayed revenues.

The Company’s revenue under its joint revenue sharing arrangements, a portion of the Company’s payments under lease or sales arrangements and its film distribution fees are based upon financial reporting provided by its customers. If such reporting is inaccurate, incomplete or withheld, the Company’s ability to receive the appropriate payments in a timely fashion that are due to it may be impaired. The Company’s contractual ability to audit IMAX theaters may not rectify payments lost or delayed as a result of customers not fulfilling their contractual obligations with respect to financial reporting.

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There is collection risk associated with payments to be received over the terms of the Company’s theater system agreements.

The Company is dependent in part on the viability of its exhibitors for collections under long-term leases, sales financing agreements and joint revenue sharing arrangements. Exhibitors or other operators may experience financial difficulties that could cause them to be unable to fulfill their contractual payment obligations to the Company. As a result, the Company’s future revenues and cash flows could be adversely affected.

The Company may not convert all of its backlog into revenue and cash flows.

At December 31, 2017, the Company’s sales backlog included 499 theater systems, consisting of 162 systems under sales arrangements and 337 theater systems under joint revenue sharing arrangements. The Company lists signed contracts for theater systems for which revenue has not been recognized as sales backlog prior to the time of revenue recognition. The total value of the sales backlog represents all signed theater system sale or lease agreements that are expected to be recognized as revenue in the future and includes initial fees along with the present value of fixed minimum ongoing fees due over the term, but excludes contingent fees in excess of fixed minimum ongoing fees that might be received in the future and maintenance and extended warranty fees. Notwithstanding the legal obligation to do so, not all of the Company’s customers with which it has signed contracts may accept delivery of theater systems that are included in the Company’s backlog. This could adversely affect the Company’s future revenues and cash flows. In addition, customers with theater system obligations in backlog sometimes request that the Company agree to modify or reduce such obligations, which the Company has agreed to in the past under certain circumstances. Customer requested delays in the installation of theater systems in backlog remain a recurring and unpredictable part of the Company’s business.

The Company’s operating results and cash flow can vary substantially from period to period and could increase the volatility of its share price.

The Company’s operating results and cash flow can fluctuate substantially from period to period. In particular, fluctuations in theater system installations and gross box-office performance of IMAX DMR content can materially affect operating results. Factors that have affected the Company’s operating results and cash flow in the past, and are likely to affect its operating results and cash flow in the future, include, among other things:

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Most of the Company’s operating expenses are fixed in the short term. The Company may be unable to rapidly adjust its spending to compensate for any unexpected shortfall in sales, joint revenue sharing arrangements revenue or IMAX DMR revenue which would harm operating results for a particular period, although the results of any particular period are not necessarily indicative of its results for any period.

The Company’s theater system revenue can vary significantly from its cash flows under theater system sales or lease agreements.

The Company’s theater systems revenue can vary significantly from the associated cash flows. The Company often provides financing to customers for theater systems on a long-term basis through long-term leases or notes receivables. The terms of leases or notes receivable are typically 10 years. The Company’s sale and lease-type agreements typically provide for three major sources of cash flow related to theater systems:

Initial fees generally make up the vast majority of cash received under theater system sales or lease agreements for a theater arrangement.

For sales and sales-type leases, the revenue recorded is generally equal to the sum of initial fees and the present value of minimum ongoing fees due under the agreement. Cash received from initial fees in advance of meeting the revenue recognition criteria for the theater systems is recorded as deferred revenue. Contingent fees are recognized as they are reported by the theaters after annual minimum fixed fees are exceeded.

Leases that do not transfer substantially all of the benefits and risks of ownership to the customer are classified as operating leases. For these leases, initial fees and minimum fixed ongoing fees are recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Contingent fees are recognized as they are reported by the theaters after annual minimum fixed fees are exceeded.

As a result of the above, the revenue set forth in the Company’s financial statements does not necessarily correlate with the Company’s cash flow or cash position. Revenues include the present value of future contracted cash payments and there is no guarantee that the Company will receive such payments under its lease and sale agreements if its customers default on their payment obligations.

The Company’s stock price has historically been volatile and declines in market price, including as a result a market downturn, may negatively affect its ability to raise capital, issue debt, secure customer business and retain employees.

The Company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and its publicly traded shares have in the past experienced, and may continue to experience, significant price and volume fluctuations. This market volatility could reduce the market price of its common stock, regardless of the Company’s operating performance. A decline in the capital markets generally, or an adjustment in the market price or trading volumes of the Company’s publicly traded securities, may negatively affect its ability to raise capital, issue debt, secure customer business or retain employees. These factors, as well as general economic and geopolitical conditions, may have a material adverse effect on the market price of the Company’s publicly traded securities.

The credit agreement governing the Company’s senior secured credit facility contains significant restrictions that limit its operating and financial flexibility.

The credit agreement governing the Company’s senior secured credit facility contains certain restrictive covenants that, among other things, limit its ability to:

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These restrictive covenants impose operating and financial restrictions on the Company that limit the Company’s ability to engage in acts that may be in the Company’s long-term best interests.

The Company is subject to impairment losses on its film assets.

The Company amortizes its film assets, including IMAX DMR costs capitalized using the individual film forecast method, whereby the costs of film assets are amortized and participation costs are accrued for each film in the ratio of revenues earned in the current period to management’s estimate of total revenues ultimately expected to be received for that title. Management regularly reviews, and revises when necessary, its estimates of ultimate revenues on a title-by-title basis, which may result in a change in the rate of amortization of the film assets and write-downs or impairments of film assets. Results of operations in future years include the amortization of the Company’s film assets and may be significantly affected by periodic adjustments in amortization rates.

The Company is subject to impairment losses on its inventories.

The Company records write-downs for excess and obsolete inventory based upon current estimates of future events and conditions, including the anticipated installation dates for the current backlog of theater system contracts, technological developments, signings in negotiation and anticipated market acceptance of the Company’s current and pending theater systems.

If the Company’s goodwill or long-lived assets become impaired the Company may be required to record a significant charge to earnings.

Under United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”), the Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Goodwill is required to be qualitatively assessed at least annually and when events or changes in circumstances arise or can be quantitatively tested for impairment. Factors that may be considered a change in circumstances include (but are not limited to) a decline in stock price and market capitalization, declines in future cash flows, and slower growth rates in the Company’s industry. The Company may be required to record a significant charge to earnings in its financial statements during the period in which any impairment of its goodwill or long-lived assets is determined.

Changes in accounting and changes in management’s estimates may affect the Company’s reported earnings and operating income.

U.S. GAAP and accompanying accounting pronouncements, implementation guidelines and interpretations for many aspects of the Company’s business, such as revenue recognition, film accounting, accounting for pensions and other postretirement benefits, accounting for income taxes, and treatment of goodwill or long-lived assets, are highly complex and involve many subjective judgments. Changes in these rules, their interpretation, management’s estimates, or changes in the Company’s products or business could significantly change its reported future earnings and operating income and could add significant volatility to those measures, without a comparable underlying change in cash flow from operations. See “Critical Accounting Policies” in Item 7.

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The Company may not fully realize the projected cost savings and benefits from its restructuring initiative.

The Company recently implemented a cost reduction plan that included staff reductions and the consolidation of certain leased facilities. As part of its cost reduction plan, the Company eliminated approximately 100 full-time positions, including positions at IMAX China Holding, Inc., equal to roughly 14% of the Company’s full-time global workforce. Although the Company expects the restructuring plan to result in cost savings aimed at increasing profitability, operating leverage and free cash flow, there can be no assurances that these benefits will be realized to the full extent projected. If the Company does not achieve projected savings as a result of these initiatives, or incurs higher than expected or unanticipated costs in implementing these initiatives, its business, financial condition or results of operations could be adversely impacted.

Enactment of the Tax Act could have a negative effect on the Company or its shareholders.

On December 20, 2017, the U.S. Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1) (the “Tax Act”), and on December 22, 2017, President Trump signed the Tax Act into law. The Tax Act makes significant changes to the U.S. federal income tax rules applicable to both individuals and entities, including corporations. This tax legislation reduced the U.S. statutory corporate tax rate and made other changes that could have an impact on our overall U.S. federal tax liability in a given period. The tax legislation also included a number of provisions that limit or eliminate various deductions, including interest expense, performance-based compensation for certain executives and the domestic production activities deduction, among others, that could affect the Company’s U.S. federal income tax position. The Company is continuing to evaluate the overall impact of this tax legislation on its operations and U.S. federal income tax position. See Note 9 (Income Taxes) to the consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 for further discussion of the Tax Act. There can be no assurance that changes in tax laws or regulations, both within the U.S. and the other jurisdictions in which the Company operates, will not materially and adversely affect the effective tax rate, tax payments, financial condition and results of operations. Similarly, changes in tax laws and regulations that impact the Company’s customers and counterparties or the economy generally may also impact its financial condition and results of operations. There is some uncertainty as to the impact of the Tax Act on the Company or an investment in the Company’s shares. Investors should consult with their tax advisors with respect to the status of U.S. tax reform and its potential effect on an investment in the Company’s securities.

The Company relies on its key personnel, and the loss of one or more of those personnel could harm its ability to carry out its business strategy.

The Company’s operations and prospects depend in large part on the performance and continued service of its senior management team. The Company may not find qualified replacements for any of these individuals if their services are no longer available. The loss of the services of one or more members of the Company’s senior management team could adversely affect its ability to effectively pursue its business strategy.

Because the Company is incorporated in Canada, it may be difficult for plaintiffs to enforce against the Company liabilities based solely upon U.S. federal securities laws.

The Company is incorporated under the federal laws of Canada, some of its directors and officers are residents of Canada and a substantial portion of its assets and the assets of such directors and officers are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for U.S. plaintiffs to effect service within the United States upon those directors or officers who are not residents of the United States, or to realize against them or the Company in the United States upon judgments of courts of the United States predicated upon the civil liability under the U.S. federal securities laws. In addition, it may be difficult for plaintiffs to bring an original action outside of the United States against the Company to enforce liabilities based solely on U.S. federal securities laws.

None.

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The Company’s principal executive offices are located in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, New York, New York, and Playa Vista, California. The Company’s principal facilities are as follows:

The Company believes that its existing facilities and equipment are in good operating condition and are suitable for the conduct of its business.

See note 13 to the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this 2017 Form 10-K.

Not applicable.

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PART II

The Company’s common shares are listed for trading under the trading symbol “IMAX” on the NYSE. The following table sets forth the range of high and low sales prices per share for the common shares on the NYSE.

As at January 31, 2018, the Company had approximately 239 registered holders of record of the Company’s common shares.

Over the last two years, the Company has not paid, nor does the Company have any current plans to pay, cash dividends on its common shares. The payment of dividends by the Company is subject to certain restrictions under the terms of the Company’s indebtedness (see note 11 to the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements in Item 8 and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” in Item 7 of this 2017 Form 10-K). The payment of any future dividends will be determined by the Board of Directors in light of conditions then existing, including the Company’s financial condition and requirements, future prospects, restrictions in financing agreements, business conditions and other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors.

Equity Compensation Plans

The following table sets forth information regarding the Company’s Equity Compensation Plan as at December 31, 2017:

Performance Graph

The following graph compares the total cumulative shareholder return for $100 invested on December 31, 2011 (assuming that all dividends were reinvested) in common shares of the Company against the cumulative total return of the NYSE Composite Index, the S&P/TSX Composite Index and the IMAX Peer Group to the end of the most recently completed fiscal year. The IMAX Peer Group consists of TiVo Corporation, World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., Corus Entertainment Inc., Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc., Dolby Laboratories, Inc., Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. and Cinemark Holdings, Inc.

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Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

In 2017, the Company repurchased 1,736,150 common shares at an average price of $26.57 per share. The repurchases in 2017 exhausted the remaining allowance of $46.1 million under the previously announced $200.0 million share repurchase program, which expired in June 2017. The average carrying value of the stock retired was deducted from common stock and the remaining excess over the average carrying value of stock was charged to accumulated deficit. Since the inception of the prior buyback program, the Company has repurchased 6,697,406 common shares at an average price of $29.86 per share.

On June 12, 2017, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved a new $200.0 million share repurchase program for shares of the Company’s common stock. The share purchase program expires on June 30, 2020. The repurchases may be made either in the open market or through private transactions, subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements and other relevant factors. The Company has no obligation to repurchase shares and the share repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued by the Company at any time. There were no share repurchases under the new program in 2017.

The total number of shares repurchased during the year does not include any shares received in the administration of employee share-based compensation plans.

CERTAIN INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

United States Federal Income Tax Considerations

The following discussion is a general summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of the common shares by a holder of common shares that is an individual resident of the United States or a United States corporation (a “U.S. Holder”). This discussion does not discuss all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to investors subject to special treatment under U.S. federal income tax law (including, for example, owners of 10.0% or more of the voting shares of the Company).

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Distributions on Common Shares

In general, distributions (without reduction for Canadian withholding taxes) paid by the Company with respect to the common shares will be taxed to a U.S. Holder as dividend income to the extent that such distributions do not exceed the current and accumulated earnings and profits of the Company (as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes). Subject to certain limitations, under current law dividends paid to non-corporate U.S. Holders may be eligible for a reduced rate of taxation as long as the Company is considered to be a “qualified foreign corporation”. A qualified foreign corporation includes a foreign corporation that is eligible for the benefits of an income tax treaty with the United States or a foreign corporation the stock of which is regularly tradable on an established securities market in the United States. The amount of a distribution that exceeds the current and accumulated earnings and profits of the Company will be treated first as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in the common shares and thereafter as taxable capital gain. Corporate holders generally will not be allowed a deduction for dividends received in respect of distributions on common shares. Subject to the limitations set forth in the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, as modified by the U.S.-Canada Income Tax Treaty, U.S. Holders may elect to claim a foreign tax credit against their U.S. federal income tax liability for Canadian income tax withheld from dividends. Alternatively, U.S. Holders may claim a deduction for such amounts of Canadian tax withheld.

Disposition of Common Shares

Upon the sale or other disposition of common shares, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale or other disposition and such holder’s tax basis in the common shares. Gain or loss upon the sale or other disposition of the common shares will be long-term if, at the time of the sale or other disposition, the common shares have been held for more than one year. Long-term capital gains of non-corporate U.S. Holders may be eligible for a reduced rate of taxation. The deduction of capital losses is subject to limitations for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Canadian Federal Income Tax Considerations

This summary is applicable to a holder or prospective purchaser of common shares who, for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and any applicable treaty and at all relevant times, is not (and is not deemed to be) resident in Canada, does not (and is not deemed to) use or hold the common shares in, or in the course of, carrying on a business in Canada, and is not an insurer that carries on an insurance business in Canada and elsewhere.

This summary is based on the current provisions of the Income Tax Act (Canada), the regulations thereunder, all specific proposals to amend such Act and regulations publicly announced by or on behalf of the Minister of Finance (Canada) prior to the date hereof and the Company’s understanding of the administrative policies and assessing practices published in writing by the Canada Revenue Agency prior to the date hereof. This summary does not otherwise take into account any change in law or administrative policy or assessing practice, whether by judicial, governmental, legislative or administrative decision or action, nor does it take into account other federal or provincial, territorial or foreign tax consequences, which may vary from the Canadian federal income tax considerations described herein.

This summary is of a general nature only and it is not intended to be, nor should it be construed to be, legal or tax advice to any holder of the common shares and no representation with respect to Canadian federal income tax consequences to any holder of common shares is made herein. Accordingly, prospective purchasers and holders of the common shares should consult their own tax advisers with respect to their individual circumstances.

Dividends on Common Shares

Canadian withholding tax at a rate of 25.0% (subject to reduction under the provisions of any applicable tax treaty) will be payable on dividends (or amounts paid or credited on account or in lieu of payment of, or in satisfaction of, dividends) paid or credited to a holder of common shares. Under the Canada-U.S. Income Tax Convention (1980), as amended (the “Canada - U.S. Income Tax Treaty”) the withholding tax rate is generally reduced to 15.0% for a holder entitled to the benefits of the Canada - U.S. Income Tax Treaty who is the beneficial owner of the dividends (or 5.0% if the holder is a company that owns at least 10.0% of the common shares).

Capital Gains and Losses

Subject to the provisions of any relevant tax treaty, capital gains realized by a holder on the disposition or deemed disposition of common shares held as capital property will not be subject to Canadian tax unless the common shares are taxable Canadian property (as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada)), in which case the capital gains will be subject to Canadian tax at rates which will approximate

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those payable by a Canadian resident. Common shares generally will not be taxable Canadian property to a holder provided that, at the time of the disposition or deemed disposition, the common shares are listed on a designated stock exchange (which currently includes the NYSE) unless at any time within the 60 month period immediately preceding such time (a) any combination of (i) such holder, (ii) persons with whom such holder did not deal at arm’s length or (iii) a partnership in which such holder or any such persons holds a membership interest either directly or indirectly through one or more partnerships, owned 25.0% or more of the issued shares of any class or series of shares of the Company and (b) more than 50% of the fair market value of the common shares was derived directly or indirectly from one or any combination of (i) real or immovable property situated in Canada, (ii) Canadian resource properties, (iii) timber resource properties, and (iv) options in respect of, or interests in, or for civil law rights in, property described in any of paragraphs (i) to (iii), whether or not the property exists. In certain circumstances set out in the Income Tax Act (Canada), the common shares may be deemed to be taxable Canadian property. Under the Canada-U.S. Income Tax Treaty, a holder entitled to the benefits of the Canada - U.S. Income Tax Treaty and to whom the common shares are taxable Canadian property will not be subject to Canadian tax on the disposition or deemed disposition of the common shares unless at the time of disposition or deemed disposition, the value of the common shares is derived principally from real property situated in Canada.

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The selected financial data set forth below is derived from the consolidated financial information of the Company. The financial information has been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. All financial information referred to herein is expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.

BALANCE SHEET DATA

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, “Income Taxes (Topic 740)”. The purpose of ASU 2016-16 is to eliminate the exception for an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory. The amendments require the recognition of the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset, other than inventory, when the transfer occurs. The Company elected to early adopt ASU 2016-16 during the first quarter of 2017. The impact from the adoption was reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements on a modified retrospective basis resulting in an increase to Accumulated deficit of $8.3 million, a decrease to Other assets of $14.8 million, an increase to Deferred taxes of $7.9 million and an increase to Accrued and other liabilities of $1.4 million.

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OVERVIEW

IMAX Corporation, together with its consolidated subsidiaries (the “Company”), is one of the world’s leading entertainment technology companies, specializing in motion picture technologies and presentations. The Company refers to all theaters using the IMAX theater system as “IMAX theaters”. IMAX offers a unique end-to-end cinematic solution combining proprietary software, theater architecture and equipment to create the highest-quality, most immersive motion picture experience for which the IMAX^® brand has become known globally. Top filmmakers and studios utilize IMAX theaters to connect with audiences in innovative ways, and, as a result, IMAX’s network is among the most important and successful theatrical distribution platforms for major event films around the world. There were 1,370 IMAX theater systems (1,272 commercial multiplexes, 12 commercial destinations, 86 institutional) operating in 75 countries as of December 31, 2017. This compares to 1,215 theater systems (1,107 commercial multiplexes, 16 commercial destinations, 92 institutional) operating in 75 countries as of December 31, 2016.

The Company’s core business consists of:

IMAX theater systems are based on proprietary and patented technology developed over the course of the Company’s 50-year history and combine:

Together these components cause audiences in IMAX theaters to feel as if they are a part of the on-screen action, creating a more intense, immersive and exciting experience than in a traditional theater.

As a result of the immersiveness and superior image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience, the Company’s exhibitor customers typically charge a premium for IMAX DMR films over films exhibited in their other auditoriums. The premium pricing, combined with the higher attendance levels associated with IMAX DMR films, generates incremental box office for the Company’s exhibitor customers and for the movie studios releasing their films to the IMAX theater network. The incremental box office generated by IMAX DMR films has helped establish IMAX as a key premium distribution and marketing platform for Hollywood blockbuster films. The Company released 60 films in 2017, up from 51 films in 2016. The Company expects to release a similar number of IMAX DMR films in 2018 as compared to 2017.

SOURCES OF REVENUE

The primary revenue sources for the Company can be categorized into four main groups: network business, theater business, new business and other.

The network business includes variable revenues that are primarily derived from film studios and exhibitors. Under the Company’s DMR arrangements, the Company provides DMR services to studios in exchange for a percentage of contingent box office receipts. Under joint revenue sharing arrangements, the Company provides IMAX theater systems to exhibitors and also receives a percentage of contingent box office receipts. In addition, certain of the Company’s sales and sales-type leases require customers to make contingent rent payments that are tied to box office performance, and this contingent rent is included in the network business.

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The theater business includes fixed revenues that are primarily derived from theater exhibitors through either a sale or sales-type lease arrangement for IMAX theater systems. Sales and sales-type lease arrangements typically require fixed upfront and annual minimum payments. The Company’s theater business also includes fixed revenues that are required under its hybrid theater systems from the joint revenue sharing arrangements segment. In addition, theater exhibitors also pay for associated maintenance, extended warranty services and the provision of aftermarket parts of its system components, and these revenues are included in the theater business.

New business includes revenues from content licensing and distribution fees associated with the Company’s original content investments, virtual reality initiatives, IMAX Home Entertainment, and other new business initiatives that are in the development and/or start-up phase).

The Company also derives a small portion of other revenues from the film studios for provision of film production services, operation of its owned and operated theaters and camera rentals.

The Company believes that separating the fixed price revenues from the variable sources of revenue, as well as isolating its non-core new business initiatives, provides greater transparency into the Company’s performance.

Network Business: Digital Re-Mastering (IMAX DMR) and Joint Revenue Sharing Arrangements

Digital Re-Mastering (IMAX DMR)

The Company has developed a proprietary technology, known as IMAX DMR, to digitally re-master Hollywood films into IMAX digital cinema package format or 15/70-format film for exhibition in IMAX theaters at a cost that is incurred by the Company. IMAX DMR digitally enhances the image resolution of motion picture films for projection on IMAX screens while maintaining or enhancing the visual clarity and sound quality to levels for which The IMAX Experience is known. In a typical IMAX DMR film arrangement, the Company receives a percentage, which in recent years has averaged approximately 12.5%, of net box office receipts, defined as gross box office receipts less applicable sales taxes, of any commercial films released outside of Greater China in return for converting them to the IMAX DMR format and distributing them through the IMAX theater network. Within Greater China, the Company receives a lower percentage of box office receipts for certain Hollywood films.

IMAX films also benefit from enhancements made by individual filmmakers exclusively for the IMAX release, and filmmakers and studios have sought IMAX-specific enhancements in recent years to generate interest in and excitement for their films. Such enhancements include shooting select scenes with IMAX cameras to increase the audience’s immersion in the film and taking advantage of the unique dimensions of the IMAX screen by projecting the film in a larger aspect ratio. In addition, the upcoming films Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War and the Untitled Avengers Sequel are expected to be shot in their entireties using IMAX cameras.

The original soundtrack of a film to be released to the IMAX theater network is re-mastered for the IMAX digital sound systems in connection with the IMAX DMR release. Unlike the soundtracks played in conventional theaters, IMAX re-mastered soundtracks are uncompressed and full fidelity. IMAX sound systems use proprietary loudspeaker systems and proprietary surround sound configurations that ensure every theater seat is in an optimal listening position.

The Company believes that the growth in international box office remains an important driver of future growth for the Company. During the year ended December 31, 2017, 63.4% of the Company’s gross box office from IMAX DMR films was generated in international markets, as compared to 61.8% in the year ended December 31, 2016. To support continued growth in international markets, the Company has sought to bolster its international film strategy, supplementing the Company’s film slate of Hollywood DMR titles with appealing local IMAX DMR releases in select markets. During the year ended December 31, 2017, 22 local language IMAX DMR films including 15 in China, three in Russia, three in Japan and one in India were released to the IMAX theater network. The Company expects to announce additional local language IMAX DMR films to be released to the IMAX theater network in the remainder of 2018 and beyond.

In addition, in conjunction with Marvel and Disney|ABC Television Group, the Company co-produced and exclusively premiered theatrically the television series “Marvel’s Inhumans” in IMAX theaters.

To date, the Company has announced the following 31 DMR titles to be released in 2018 to the IMAX theater network:

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In addition, the Company in conjunction with Panda Productions will be releasing an IMAX original production, Pandas, in April 2018.

The Company remains in active negotiations with all of the major Hollywood studios for additional films to fill out its short and long-term film slate.

Joint Revenue Sharing Arrangements – Contingent Rent

The Company provides IMAX theater systems to certain of its exhibitor customers under joint revenue sharing arrangements (“JRSA”). The Company has two basic types of joint revenue sharing arrangements: traditional and hybrid.

Under a traditional joint revenue sharing arrangement, the Company provides an IMAX theater system to a customer in return for a portion of the customer’s IMAX box office receipts and, in some cases, concession revenues, rather than requiring the customer to pay a fixed upfront payment or annual minimum payments, as would be required under a sales or sales-type lease arrangement (which is discussed below under “Theater Business”). Payments, which are based on box office receipts, are required throughout the term of the arrangement and are due either monthly or quarterly. Certain maintenance and extended warranty services are provided to the customer for a separate fixed annual fee. The Company retains title to the theater system equipment components, and the equipment is returned to the Company at the conclusion of the arrangement.

Under a hybrid joint revenue sharing arrangement, by contrast, the customer is responsible for making upfront payments prior to the delivery and installation of the IMAX theater system in an amount that is typically half of what the Company would receive from a straight sale transaction. As with a traditional joint revenue sharing arrangement, the customer also pays the Company a portion of the customer’s IMAX box office receipts over the term of the arrangement, although the percentage of box office receipts owing to the Company is typically half that of a traditional joint revenue sharing arrangement. The fixed revenues under a hybrid joint revenue

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sharing arrangement are reported in the Company’s theater business operations, while the contingent box office receipts are included in the Company’s network business operations.

Under the majority of joint revenue sharing arrangements (both traditional and hybrid), the initial non-cancellable term of IMAX theater systems is 10 years or longer, and is renewable by the customer for one to two additional terms of between three to five years. The Company has the right to remove the equipment for non-payment or other defaults by the customer. The contracts are non-cancellable by the customer unless the Company fails to perform its obligations.

The introduction of joint revenue sharing arrangements has been an important factor in the expansion of the Company’s commercial theater network. Joint revenue sharing arrangements allow commercial theater exhibitors to install IMAX theater systems without the significant initial capital investment required in a sale or sales-type lease arrangement. Joint revenue sharing arrangements drive recurring cash flows and earnings for the Company, as customers under joint revenue sharing arrangements pay the Company a portion of their ongoing box office. The Company funds its joint revenue sharing arrangements through cash flows from operations. As at December 31, 2017, the Company had 747 theaters in operation under joint revenue sharing arrangements, a 16.7% increase as compared to the 640 joint revenue sharing arrangements open as at December 31, 2016. The Company also had contracts in backlog for an additional 337 theaters under joint revenue sharing arrangements as at December 31, 2017.

The revenue earned from customers under the Company’s joint revenue sharing arrangements can vary from quarter to quarter and year to year based on a number of factors including film performance, the mix of theater system configurations, the timing of installation of these theater systems, the nature of the arrangement, the location, size and management of the theater and other factors specific to individual arrangements.

IMAX Systems – Contingent Rent

The Company’s sales and sales type lease arrangements include contingent rent in excess of fixed minimum ongoing payments. This contingent rent, which is included in the Company’s network business operations, is recognized after the fixed minimum amount per annum is exceeded as driven by box office performance. Contingent payments in excess of fixed minimum ongoing payments of sales or sales type lease arrangements are recognized as revenue when reported by theater operators, provided collectability is reasonably assured. In addition, contingent rent includes amounts realized for changes in rent and maintenance payments which are indexed to a local consumer price index.

Theater Business: IMAX Systems, Theater System Maintenance and Fixed Fees from Joint Revenue Sharing Arrangements

IMAX Systems

The Company also provides IMAX theater systems to customers on a sales or long-term lease basis, typically with an initial 10-year term. These agreements typically require the payment of initial fees and ongoing fees (which can include a fixed minimum amount per annum and contingent fees in excess of the minimum payments), as well as maintenance and extended warranty fees. The initial fees vary depending on the system configuration and location of the theater. Initial fees are paid to the Company in installments between the time of system signing and the time of system installation, which is when the total of these fees, in addition to the present value of future annual minimum payments, are recognized as revenue. Ongoing fees are paid over the term of the contract, commencing after the theater system has been installed, and is a fixed minimum amount per annum. Finance income is derived over the term of a financed sale or sales-type lease arrangement as the unearned income on that financed sale or sales-type lease is earned. Certain maintenance and extended warranty services are provided to the customer for a separate fixed annual fee.

Under the Company’s sales agreements, title to the theater system equipment components passes to the customer. In certain instances, however, the Company retains title or a security interest in the equipment until the customer has made all payments required under the agreement. Under the terms of a sales-type lease agreement, title to the theater system equipment components remains with the Company. The Company has the right to remove the equipment for non-payment or other defaults by the customer.

The revenue earned from customers under the Company’s theater system sales or lease agreements varies from quarter to quarter and year to year based on a number of factors, including the number and mix of theater system configurations sold or leased, the timing of installation of the theater systems, the nature of the arrangement and other factors specific to individual contracts.

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Joint Revenue Sharing Arrangements – Fixed Fees

As discussed in joint revenue sharing arrangements above, under a hybrid joint revenue sharing arrangement the customer is responsible for making upfront payments prior to the delivery and installation of the IMAX theater system in an amount that is typically half of what the Company would receive from a straight sale transaction. These fixed upfront payments are included in the Company’s theater business operations.

Theater System Maintenance

For all IMAX theaters, theater owners or operators are also responsible for paying the Company an annual maintenance and extended warranty fee. Under these arrangements, the Company provides proactive and emergency maintenance services to every theater in its network to ensure that each presentation is up to the highest IMAX quality standard. Annual maintenance fees are paid throughout the duration of the term of the theater agreements.

Other Theater Revenues

Additionally, the Company generates revenues from the sale of after-market parts and 3D glasses.

Revenue from theater business arrangements is recognized at a different time from when cash is collected. See “Critical Accounting Policies” in Item 1 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 (the “2017 Form 10-K”) for further discussion on the Company’s revenue recognition policies.

New Business

The Company is exploring new lines of business outside of its core business, with a focus on investments in alternative location-based entertainment experiences, original content, as well as premium IMAX home entertainment technologies and services.

Virtual Reality

The Company is piloting a comprehensive virtual reality (“VR”) strategy to develop a premium, location-based VR offering to deliver immersive, multi-dimensional experiences, including entertainment content and games, to branded VR centers (“IMAX VR Centers”). Pilot IMAX VR Centers are located in a stand-alone venue and in several multiplexes and are retrofitted with proprietary VR pods that permit interactive, moveable VR experiences. The Company’s VR initiative is premised on a unique combination of premium content, proprietary design and best-in-class technology.

In January 2017, the Company launched its flagship pilot IMAX VR Center in Los Angeles. Since that time, the Company has opened six pilot IMAX VR Centers (two in New York City, one in Toronto, one in Manchester, England, one in Shanghai, China and one in Bangkok, Thailand). The Company continues to evaluate its pilot VR strategy based on several factors including the overall customer experience, pricing models, throughput, types of content featured and differences in geographic areas.

The Company also has a virtual reality fund (the “VR Fund”) among the Company, its subsidiary IMAX China and other strategic investors. The VR Fund will help finance the creation of interactive VR content experiences over the next three years for use across all VR platforms, including in the pilot IMAX VR Centers. The VR Fund recently helped finance the production of one interactive VR experience, which debuted exclusively in the pilot IMAX VR Centers in November 2017 before being made available to other VR platforms.

Original Content

In 2017, the Company partnered with Marvel Television Inc. (“Marvel”) and Disney|ABC Television Group to co-produce and premiere theatrically the television series “Marvel’s Inhumans” in IMAX theaters. The first two episodes of the series ran worldwide in IMAX theaters for two weeks in September 2017 and subsequently the series premiered on the ABC network in the U.S. and across other networks internationally. As part of the investment, the Company shares in the economics across the venture, including in both the theatrical and television platforms. This agreement marks the first time a live-action television series has debuted in this manner, and the first time the Company has an economic interest in a television property.

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The Company continues to believe that the IMAX network serves as a valuable platform to launch and distribute original content, especially during shoulder periods. However, the Company expects that future investments in original content will be less capital intensive to the Company than its investment in “Marvel’s Inhumans”.

The Company has also created two film funds to help finance the production of original content. The Company is forming the IMAX China Film Fund (the “China Film Fund”) with its subsidiary IMAX China Holding Inc. (“IMAX China”), its partner CMC and several other large investors to help fund Mandarin language commercial films. The China Film Fund, which is expected initially to be capitalized with over $80.0 million, will target productions that can leverage the Company’s brand, relationships, technology and release windows in China. The China Film Fund is expected to co-finance approximately 15 Mandarin-language tent-pole films over three years, and will target contributions of between $3.0 million and $7.0 million per film. The China Film Fund will operate under an IMAX China-CMC controlled greenlight committee.

In addition, the Company’s IMAX Original Film Fund (the “Original Film Fund”) was established in 2014 to co-finance a portfolio of 10 original large format films. The initial investment in the Film Fund was committed to by a third party in the amount of $25.0 million, with the possibility of contributing additional funds. The Company agreed to contribute $9.0 million to the Original Film Fund over five years starting in 2014 and sees the Original Film Fund as a self-perpetuating vehicle designed to generate a continuous flow of high-quality documentary content. As at December 31, 2017, the Original Film Fund has invested $13.4 million toward the development of original films.

IMAX Home Entertainment Technologies and Services

The Company has also announced home theater initiatives, including a joint venture with TCL Multimedia Technology Holding Limited (“TCL”) to design, develop, manufacture and sell a premium home theater system. The joint venture has signed agreements with end users for the sale of more than 170 premium home theater systems, and has signed agreements with distributors for the sale of more than 470 home theater systems. The Company does not intend to invest significant capital into the joint venture going forward, and instead expects any additional funding to be provided through third party capital.

Beyond its premium home theater, the Company has also developed other components of a broader home entertainment platform designed to permit customers to view content on a premium video-on-demand basis in their home theaters.

Other

The Company is also a distributor of large-format films, primarily for its institutional theater partners. The Company generally distributes films which it produces or for which it has acquired distribution rights from independent producers. The Company receives either a percentage of the theater box office receipts or a fixed amount as a distribution fee.

The Company also provides film post-production and quality control services for large-format films (whether produced internally or externally), and digital post-production services.

The Company derives a small portion of its revenues from other sources. As at December 31, 2017, the Company had two owned and operated IMAX theaters (December 31, 2016 — two owned and operated IMAX theaters). In addition, the Company has a commercial arrangement with one theater resulting in the sharing of profits and losses and provides management services to three other theaters. The Company also rents its proprietary 2D and 3D large-format film and digital cameras to third party production companies. The Company maintains cameras and other film equipment and also offers production advice and technical assistance to both documentary and Hollywood filmmakers.

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IMAX Theater Network and Backlog

IMAX Theater Network

The following table outlines the breakdown of the IMAX theater network by type and geographic location as at December 31:

The Company believes that over time its commercial multiplex theater network could grow to approximately 2,855 IMAX theaters worldwide from 1,272 commercial multiplex IMAX theaters operating as of December 31, 2017. The Company believes that the majority of its future growth will come from international markets. As at December 31, 2017, 67.2% of IMAX theater systems in operation were located within international markets (defined as all countries other than the United States and Canada), up from 63.7% as at December 31, 2016. Revenues and gross box office derived from outside the United States and Canada continue to exceed revenues and gross box office from the United States and Canada. Risks associated with the Company’s international business are outlined in Risk Factors – “The Company conducts business internationally, which exposes it to uncertainties and risks that could negatively affect its operations, sales and future growth prospects” in Item 1A of Part I of this 2017 Form 10-K.

Greater China continues to be the Company’s second largest market, measured by revenues, with approximately 33% of overall revenues generated from the Company’s China operations in 2017. As at December 31, 2017, the Company had 544 theaters operating in Greater China with an additional 309 theaters in backlog that are scheduled to be installed in Greater China by 2022. The Company’s backlog in Greater China represents 61.9% of the Company’s current backlog. The Company’s largest single international partnership is in China with Wanda Film, formerly Wanda Cinema Line Corporation (“Wanda”). Wanda’s total, commitment to the Company is for 359 theater systems in Greater China (of which 343 theater systems are under the parties’ joint revenue sharing arrangement). See Risk Factors – “The Company faces risks in connection with the continued expansion of its business in China” in Item 1A of Part I of this 2017 Form 10-K.

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The following table outlines the breakdown of the Commercial Multiplex theater network by arrangement type and geographic location as at December 31

As at December 31, 2017, 277 (2016 – 266) of the 747 (2016 – 640) theaters under joint revenue sharing arrangements in operation, or 37.1% (2016 – 41.6%) were located in the United States and Canada, with the remaining 470 (2016 – 374) or 62.9% (2016 – 58.4%) of arrangements being located in international markets.

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Sales Backlog

The Company’s current sales backlog is as follows:

The number of theater systems in the backlog reflects the minimum number of commitments under signed contracts. The dollar value fluctuates depending on the number of new theater system arrangements signed from year to year, which adds to backlog, and the installation and acceptance of theater systems and the settlement of contracts, both of which reduce backlog. Sales backlog typically represents the fixed contracted revenue under signed theater system sale and lease agreements that the Company believes will be recognized as revenue upon installation and acceptance of the associated theater. Sales backlog includes initial fees along with the estimated present value of contractual ongoing fees due over the term; however, it excludes amounts allocated to maintenance and extended warranty revenues as well as fees (contingent rent) in excess of contractual ongoing fees that may be received in the future. The value of sales backlog does not include revenue from theaters in which the Company has an equity interest, operating leases, letters of intent or long-term conditional theater commitments. The value of theaters under joint revenue sharing arrangements is excluded from the dollar value of sales backlog, although certain theater systems under joint revenue sharing arrangements provide for contracted upfront payments and therefore carry a backlog value based on those payments. The Company believes that the contractual obligations for theater system installations that are listed in sales backlog are valid and binding commitments.

From time to time, in the normal course of its business, the Company will have customers who are unable to proceed with a theater system installation for a variety of reasons, including the inability to obtain certain consents, approvals or financing. Once the determination is made that the customer will not proceed with installation, the agreement with the customer is terminated or amended. If the agreement is terminated, once the Company and the customer are released from all their future obligations under the agreement, all or a portion of the initial rents or fees that the customer previously made to the Company are recognized as revenue.

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The following table outlines the breakdown of the total backlog by arrangement type and geographic location as at December 31:

Approximately 90.2% of IMAX theater system arrangements in backlog as at December 31, 2017 are scheduled to be installed in international markets (2016 – 87.8%).

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Signings and Installations

The following reflects the Company’s theater system signings and installations:

The Company anticipates that it will install approximately 145 new theater systems (excluding upgrades) in 2018. The Company cautions, however, that theater system installations may slip from period to period over the course of the Company’s business, usually for reasons beyond its control.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”).

The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments under its accounting policies that affect the financial results. The precision of these estimates and the likelihood of future changes depend on a number of underlying variables and a range of possible outcomes.

Management bases its estimates on historical experience, future expectations and other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable at the date of the consolidated financial statements. Actual results may differ from these estimates due to uncertainty involved in measuring, at a specific point in time, events which are continuous in nature, and differences may be material. The Company’s significant accounting policies are discussed in note 2 to its audited consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of the Company’s Annual Report for the Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2017 (this “2017 Form 10-K”). Management considers an accounting policy to be critical if it is important to its financial condition and results, and requires significant judgments and estimates.

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The Company considers the following significant estimates, assumptions and judgments to have the most significant effect on its results:

Revenue Recognition

Application of the various accounting principles under U.S. GAAP related to the measurement and recognition of revenue requires the Company to make judgments and estimates. Contract arrangements with nonstandard terms and conditions may require significant contract interpretation to determine the appropriate accounting. The Company believes that revenue recognition is critical for its financial statements because consolidated net income is directly affected by the timing of revenue recognition

Multiple Element Arrangements

The Company’s revenue arrangements with certain customers may involve multiple elements consisting of a theater system (projector, sound system, screen system and, if applicable, 3D glasses cleaning machine); services associated with the theater system including theater design support, supervision of installation, and projectionist training; a license to use the IMAX brand; 3D glasses; maintenance and extended warranty services; and licensing of films. The Company evaluates all elements in an arrangement to determine what are considered typical deliverables for accounting purposes and which of the deliverables represent separate units of accounting based on the applicable accounting guidance in the Leases Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC” or “Codification”); the Guarantees Topic of the FASB ASC; the Entertainment – Films Topic of the FASB ASC; and the Revenue Recognition Topic of the FASB ASC. If separate units of accounting are either required under the relevant accounting standards or determined to be applicable under the Revenue Recognition Topic, the total consideration received or receivable in the arrangement is allocated based on the applicable guidance in the above noted standards.

Theater Systems

The Company has identified the projection system, sound system, screen system and, if applicable, 3D glasses cleaning machine, theater design support, supervision of installation, projectionist training and the use of the IMAX brand to be a single deliverable and a single unit of accounting (“the System Deliverable”). When an arrangement does not include all the elements of a System Deliverable, the elements of the System Deliverable included in the arrangement are considered by the Company to be a single deliverable and a single unit of accounting.

The Company uses vendor-specific objective evidence of selling price (VSOE) when the Company sells the deliverable separately and is the price actually charged by the Company for that deliverable. VSOE is established for the Company’s System Deliverable, maintenance and extended warranty services and film license arrangements. The Company uses a best estimate of selling price (BESP) for units of accounting that do not have VSOE or third-party evidence of selling price. The Company determines BESP for a deliverable by considering multiple factors including the Company’s historical pricing practices, product class, market competition and geography.

Revenue allocated to the System Deliverable is recognized in accordance with the Revenue Recognition Topic of the FASB ASC, when all of the following conditions have been met: (i) the projector, sound system and screen system have been installed and are in full working condition, (ii) the 3D glasses cleaning machine, if applicable, has been delivered, (iii) projectionist training has been completed, and (iv) the earlier of (a) receipt of written customer acceptance certifying the completion of installation and run-in testing of the equipment and the completion of projectionist training or (b) public opening of the theater, provided there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured.

The initial revenue recognized consists of the initial payments received and the present value of any future initial payments and fixed minimum ongoing payments that have been attributed to this unit of accounting. Contingent payments in excess of the fixed minimum ongoing payments are recognized when reported by theater operators, provided collectability is reasonably assured.

The Company has also agreed, on occasion, to sell equipment under lease or at the end of a lease term. Consideration agreed to for these lease buyouts is included in revenues from equipment and product sales, when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the fees are fixed or determinable, collectability is reasonably assured and title to the theater system passes from the Company to the customer.

Film Production and IMAX DMR Services

In certain film arrangements, the Company produces a film financed by third parties, whereby the third party retains the copyright and the Company obtains exclusive distribution rights. Under these arrangements, the Company is entitled to receive a fixed fee or to

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retain as a fee the excess of funding over cost of production (the “production fee”). The third parties receive a portion of the revenues received by the Company from distributing the film, which is charged to costs and expenses applicable to revenues-services. The production fees are deferred, and recognized as a reduction in the cost of the film, based on the ratio of the Company’s distribution revenues recognized in the current period to the ultimate distribution revenues expected from the film.

Revenues from digitally re-mastering (IMAX DMR) films where third parties own or hold the copyrights and the rights to distribute the film are derived in the form of processing fees and recoupments calculated as a percentage of box-office receipts generated from the re-mastered films. Processing fees are recognized as Service revenues when the performance of the related re-mastering service is completed, provided there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the fee is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Recoupments, calculated as a percentage of box-office receipts, are recognized as Services revenues when box-office receipts are reported by the third party that owns or holds the related film rights, provided collectability is reasonably assured.

Losses on film production and IMAX DMR services are recognized as costs and expenses applicable to revenues-services in the period when it is determined that the Company’s estimate of total revenues to be realized by the Company will not exceed estimated total production costs to be expended on the film production and the cost of IMAX DMR services.

Allowances for Accounts Receivable and Financing Receivables

Allowances for doubtful accounts receivable are based on the Company’s assessment of the collectability of specific customer balances, which is based upon a review of the customer’s credit worthiness, past collection history and the underlying asset value of the equipment, where applicable. Interest on overdue accounts receivable is recognized as income as the amounts are collected.

The Company monitors the performance of the theaters to which it has leased or sold theater systems which are subject to ongoing payments. When facts and circumstances indicate that there is a potential impairment in the accounts receivable, net investment in lease or a financing receivable, the Company will evaluate the potential outcome of either a renegotiation involving changes in the terms of the receivable or defaults on the existing lease or financed sale agreements. The Company will record a provision if it is considered probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the arrangement or a renegotiated lease amount will cause a reclassification of the sales-type lease to an operating lease.

These provisions are adjusted when there is a significant change in the amount or timing of the expected future cash flows or when actual cash flows differ from cash flow previously expected. While such credit losses have historically been within the Company’s expectations and the provisions established, the Company cannot guarantee that it will continue to experience the same credit loss rates that it has in the past. Changes in the underlying financial condition of its customers could result in a material impact on the Company’s consolidated results of operation and financial position.

Inventories

The Company records write-downs for excess and obsolete inventory based upon current estimates of future events and conditions, including the anticipated installation dates for the current backlog of theater system contracts, technological developments, signings in negotiation, growth prospects within the customers’ ultimate marketplace and anticipated market acceptance of the Company’s current and pending theater systems.

Asset Impairments

The Company performs a qualitative, and when necessary quantitative, impairment test on its goodwill on an annual basis, coincident with the year-end, as well as in quarters where events or changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

Goodwill impairment is assessed at the reporting unit level by comparing the unit’s carrying value, including goodwill, to the fair value of the unit. The Company completed a full quantitative analysis as required by ASC 350 – “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other” (Step 1) in 2014. The carrying values of each unit are subject to allocations of certain assets and liabilities that the Company has applied in a systematic and rational manner. The fair value of the Company’s units is assessed using a discounted cash flow model. The model is constructed using the Company’s budget and long-range plan as a base. The Company performs a qualitative assessment of its reporting units and certain select quantitative calculations against its current long range plan to determine whether it is more likely than not (that is, a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount (Step 0).

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Long-lived asset impairment testing is performed at the lowest level of an asset group at which identifiable cash flows are largely independent. In performing its review for recoverability, the Company estimates the future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset or asset group and its eventual disposition. If the sum of the expected future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset or asset group, an impairment loss is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations. Measurement of the impairment loss is based on the excess of the carrying amount of the asset or asset group over the fair value calculated using discounted expected future cash flows.

The Company’s estimates of future cash flows involve anticipating future revenue streams, which contain many assumptions that are subject to variability, as well as estimates for future cash outlays, the amounts of which, and the timing of which are both uncertain. Actual results that differ from the Company’s budget and long-range plan could result in a significantly different result to an impairment test, which could impact earnings.

The Company’s investment in debt securities classified as an available-for-sale investment has unrealized holding gains and losses which is excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income until realized. Realization occurs upon the sale of a portion of or the entire investment. The investment is impaired if the value is not expected to recover based on the length of time and extent to which the market value has been less than cost. Furthermore, when the Company intends to sell a specifically identified beneficial interest, a write-down for other-than-temporary impairment shall be recognized in earnings.

Pension Plan Assumptions

The Company’s pension plan obligations and related costs are calculated using actuarial concepts, within the framework of the Compensation – Retirement Benefits Topic of the FASB ASC. A critical assumption to this accounting is the discount rate. The Company evaluates this critical assumption annually or when otherwise required to by accounting standards. Other assumptions include factors such as expected retirement date, mortality rate, rate of compensation increase, and estimates of inflation.

The discount rate enables the Company to state expected future cash payments for benefits as a present value on the measurement date. The guideline for setting this rate is a high-quality long-term corporate bond rate. A lower discount rate increases the present value of benefit obligations and increases pension expense. The Company’s discount rate was determined by considering the average of pension yield curves constructed from a large population of high-quality corporate bonds. The resulting discount rate reflects the matching of plan liability cash flows to the yield curves.

The discount rate used is a key assumption in the determination of the pension benefit obligation and expense. A 1.0% change in the discount rate used would result in a $2.2 million reduction or a $2.6 million increase in the pension benefit obligation with a corresponding benefit or charge recognized in other comprehensive income in the year.

Deferred Tax Asset Valuation

As at December 31, 2017, the Company had net deferred income tax assets of $30.7 million. The Company’s management assesses realization of its deferred tax assets based on all available evidence in order to conclude whether it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. Available evidence considered by the Company includes, but is not limited to, the Company’s historical operating results, projected future operating results, reversing temporary differences, contracted sales backlog at December 31, 2017, changing business circumstances, and the ability to realize certain deferred tax assets through loss and tax credit carry-back and carry-forward strategies.

When there is a change in circumstances that causes a change in judgment about the realizability of the deferred tax assets, the Company would adjust the applicable valuation allowance in the period when such change occurs.

Tax Exposures

The Company is subject to ongoing tax exposures, examinations and assessments in various jurisdictions. Accordingly, the Company may incur additional tax expense based upon the outcomes of such matters. In addition, when applicable, the Company adjusts tax expense to reflect the Company’s ongoing assessments of such matters which require judgment and can materially increase or decrease its effective rate as well as impact operating results. The Company provides for such exposures in accordance with Income Taxes Topic of the FASB ASC.

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Stock-Based Compensation

The Company’s stock-based compensation generally includes stock options and restricted share units (“RSUs”).

The Company estimates the fair value of stock option awards on the date of grant using fair value measurement techniques. The fair value of RSU awards is equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant.

The Company utilizes a lattice-binomial option-pricing model (the “Binomial Model”) to determine the fair value of stock option awards. The fair value determined by the Binomial Model is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. The Binomial Model also considers the expected exercise multiple which is the multiple of exercise price to grant price at which exercises are expected to occur on average. Option-pricing models were developed for use in estimating the value of traded options that have no vesting or hedging restrictions and are fully transferable. Because the Company’s employee stock options have certain characteristics that are significantly different from traded options, and because changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimated value, in management’s opinion, the Binomial Model best provides an accurate measure of the fair value of the Company’s employee stock options. Although the fair value of employee stock options is determined in accordance with the Equity topic of the FASB ASC using an option-pricing model, that value may not be indicative of the fair value observed in a willing buyer/willing seller market transaction.

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Please see note 3 to the audited consolidated financial statements in Item 8 of this Company’s 2017 Form 10-K for information regarding the Company’s recent changes in accounting policies and recently issued accounting pronouncements impacting the Company.

ASSET IMPAIRMENTS AND OTHER CHARGES (RECOVERIES)

The following table identifies the Company’s charges (recoveries) relating to the impairment of assets: