IMAX CORP - Annual Report: 2021 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

(Mark One)

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021

Commission file Number 001-35066

IMAX Corporation

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(Address of principal executive offices, zip code, telephone numbers)

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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files).  Yes ☒    No ☐

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

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 has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒

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, 2021 was $1,069.2 million.

As of January 31, 2022, there were 58,575,134 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, 2021, 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.

IMAX CORPORATION

December 31, 2021

Table of Contents

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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, 2021 was U.S. $0.7888.

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 business and technology strategies and measures to implement strategies, competitive strengths, goals, expansion and growth of business, operations and technology, future capital expenditures (including the amount and nature thereof), industry prospects and consumer behavior, plans and references to the future success of the Company and expectations regarding its 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 related to the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; 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, including competitive actions by other companies; the failure to respond to change and advancements in digital technology; risks relating to consolidation among commercial exhibitors and studios; risks related to brand extensions and 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 and data privacy; risks related to the Company’s inability to protect its intellectual property; risks related to climate change; risks related to weather conditions and natural disasters that may disrupt or harm the Company’s business; risks related to the Company’s indebtedness and compliance with its debt agreements; general economic, market or business conditions; the failure to convert theater system backlog into revenue; changes in laws or regulations; any statements of belief and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing; other factors and risks outlined in the Company’s periodic filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”); 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 forward-looking statements herein are made only as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, 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 Enhanced^TM, IMAX nXos^® and Films to the Fullest^® 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.

As of December 31, 2021, the Company indirectly owns 71.11% of IMAX China Holding, Inc. (“IMAX China”), whose shares trade on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. IMAX China is a consolidated subsidiary of the Company.

GENERAL

IMAX is a premier global technology platform for entertainment and events. Through its proprietary software, theater architecture, patented intellectual property, and specialized equipment, IMAX offers a unique end-to-end solution to create superior, immersive content experiences for which the IMAX^® brand is globally renowned. Top filmmakers, movie studios, artists, and creators utilize the cutting-edge visual and sound technology of IMAX to connect with audiences in innovative ways. As a result, IMAX is among the most important and successful global distribution platforms for domestic and international tentpole films and, increasingly, exclusive experiences ranging from live performances to interactive events with leading artists and creators.

The Company leverages its proprietary technology and engineering in all aspects of its business, which principally consists of the digital remastering of films and other content into the IMAX format (“IMAX DMR”^®) and the sale or lease of premium IMAX theater systems (“IMAX Theater Systems”).

IMAX Theater Systems are based on proprietary and patented image, audio and other technology developed over the course of the Company’s history since its founding in 1968. The customers for IMAX Theater Systems are principally theater exhibitors that operate commercial multiplex theaters, and, to a much lesser extent, museums, science centers and destination entertainment sites. The Company generally does not own the theaters in the IMAX network, and is not an exhibitor, but instead sells or leases the IMAX Theater System to the exhibitor along with a license to use its trademarks.

As of December 31, 2021, there were 1,683 IMAX Theater Systems operating in 87 countries and territories, including 1,599 commercial multiplexes, 12 commercial destinations, and 72 institutional locations. This compares to 1,650 IMAX Theater Systems operating in 84 countries and territories as of December 31, 2020 including 1,562 commercial multiplexes, 12 commercial destinations, and 76 institutional locations. (See the table below under “Marketing and Customers” for additional information on the composition of the IMAX network.)

The IMAX Theater System provides the Company’s exhibitor customers with a combination of the following benefits:

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In addition, certain movies shown in IMAX theaters are filmed using proprietary IMAX film cameras or IMAX certified digital cameras, which offer filmmakers customized guidance and a workflow process to provide further enhanced and differentiated image quality and an IMAX-exclusive film aspect ratio that delivers up to 26% more image onto a standard IMAX movie screen. In select IMAX theaters worldwide, movies filmed with IMAX cameras have an IMAX-exclusive 1.43 film aspect ratio, with up to 67% more image.

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 engineering and scientific achievements that are a hallmark of The IMAX Experience®, the Company’s exhibitor customers typically charge a premium for IMAX films over films exhibited in their other auditoriums. The premium pricing, combined with the higher attendance levels associated with IMAX films, generates incremental box office for the Company’s exhibitor customers and for the movie studios releasing their films to the IMAX network. The incremental box office generated by IMAX films has helped establish IMAX as a key premium distribution and marketing platform for Hollywood blockbuster films and foreign local language movie studios.

As a premier global technology platform for entertainment and events, the Company strives to remain at the forefront of advancements in cinema technology. The Company offers a suite of IMAX Laser Theater Systems, which deliver increased resolution, sharper and brighter images, deeper contrast and the widest range of colors available to filmmakers today. The Company further believes that its suite of IMAX Laser Theater Systems are helping facilitate the next major renewal and upgrade cycle for the global IMAX network.

In addition, the Company continues to evolve its platform to bring new, innovative events and experiences to audiences worldwide. The Company has a connected IMAX theater footprint capable of delivering live, interactive content with low latency and superior sight and sound. As of December 31, 2021, 68 theaters in the IMAX network were configured to enable the streaming of live events with additional theaters expected to go-live throughout 2022.

IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is complex and continuously evolving, resulting in significant disruption to the Company’s business and the global economy. At various points during the pandemic, authorities around the world imposed measures intended to control the spread of COVID-19, including stay-at-home orders and restrictions on large public gatherings, which caused movie theaters in countries around the world to temporarily close, including the IMAX theaters in those countries. As a result of these theater closures, movie studios postponed the theatrical release of most films originally scheduled for release in 2020 and early 2021, including many of the films scheduled to be shown in IMAX theaters, while several other films were released directly or concurrently to streaming platforms. Beginning in the third quarter of 2020, stay-at-home orders and capacity restrictions were lifted in many key markets and movie theaters throughout the IMAX network gradually reopened. However, following the emergence of the Omicron variant and the rise of COVID-19 cases in late 2021 and early 2022, some governments reinstituted capacity restrictions and safety protocols on large public gatherings, leading to the temporary closure of theaters or the imposition of capacity restrictions in certain markets. As of December 31, 2021, 95% of the theaters in the global IMAX commercial multiplex network were open at various capacities. For additional information regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s business, refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic” and Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8.

(See “Risk Factors – The Company has experienced a significant decrease in its revenues, earnings and cash flows due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its business, financial condition and results of operations may continue to be significantly harmed in future reporting periods” in Part I, Item 1A, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic” and Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8.)

IMAX NETWORK

The Company believes the IMAX network is one of the most extensive premium networks in the world with 1,683 IMAX Theater Systems operating in 87 countries and territories, including 1,599 commercial multiplexes, 12 commercial destinations and 72 institutional locations as of December 31, 2021. (See the table below under “IMAX Network and Backlog” in Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, for additional information on the composition of the IMAX network.)

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The Company currently believes that over time its commercial multiplex network could grow to approximately 3,318 IMAX theaters worldwide from the 1,599 operating as of December 31, 2021. The Company believes that the majority of its future growth will come from international markets. As of December 31, 2021, 74% of IMAX Theater Systems in operation were located within international markets (defined as all countries other than the United States and Canada), compared to 73% as of December 31, 2020. Accordingly, the box office results and revenues derived from international markets continue to exceed those derived 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 Part I, Item 1A.

Greater China is the Company’s largest market, measured by revenues, with approximately 44% and 38% of consolidated revenues generated from its Greater China operations in the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had 783 theaters operating in Greater China and an additional 215 theaters in backlog. The Company’s backlog in Greater China represents 44% of its total current backlog, including upgrades in system type. The Company’s largest single international partnership is in China with Wanda Film (“Wanda”). As of December 31, 2021, through the Company’s partnership with Wanda, there are 369 IMAX Theater Systems operational in Greater China, of which 355 are under the parties’ joint revenue sharing arrangement.

(See “Risk Factors – The Company faces risks in connection with its significant presence in China and the continued expansion of its business there”, “Risk Factors – General political, social and economic conditions can affect the Company’s business by reducing both revenues generated from existing IMAX Theater Systems and the demand for new IMAX Theater Systems”, and “Risk Factors – The Company may not convert all of its backlog into revenue and cash flows” in Part I, Item 1A.)

(See “Risk Factors – The Company has experienced a significant decrease in its revenues, earnings and cash flows due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its business, financial condition and results of operations may continue to be significantly harmed in future reporting periods” in Part I, Item 1A.)

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, and it is also a significant distributor of large-format films. IMAX 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 fully reflect the nature and sources of revenue, or the manner in which management reviews financial information. The Company’s segment information is provided in Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Note 21 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8.

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IMAX DMR

IMAX DMR is a proprietary technology that digitally remasters films into IMAX formats. IMAX DMR digitally enhances the image resolution of 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 addition, the original soundtrack of a film to be exhibited in IMAX theaters is remastered for IMAX digital sound systems. Unlike the soundtracks played in conventional theaters, IMAX remastered 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 IMAX DMR process involves:

IMAX films also benefit from enhancements made by individual filmmakers exclusively for the IMAX release of the film. Collectively, the Company refers to these enhancements as “IMAX DNA”. Filmmakers and movie studios have sought IMAX-specific enhancements in recent years to generate interest in and excitement for their films. Such enhancements include shooting films with IMAX cameras to increase the audience’s immersion in the film and to take advantage of the unique dimensions of the IMAX screen by projecting the film in a larger aspect ratio that delivers up to 26% more image onto a standard IMAX movie screen. In select IMAX theaters worldwide, movies filmed with IMAX cameras have an IMAX-exclusive 1.43 film aspect ratio, with up to 67% more image.

In 2021, 63 IMAX films were released to the Company’s global theater network, including films such as Spider-Man: No Way Home, No Time to Die, Dune, F9, The Battle at Lake Changjin, Detective Chinatown 3, Godzilla vs. Kong, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, The Eternals, and Black Widow. The films released in 2021 include 10 with IMAX DNA and 32 local language films released in China (21), Japan (9), Russia (1) and South Korea (1). In 2020, 31 IMAX films were released to the Company’s global theater network, including five with IMAX DNA, and 17 local language films released in China (10), Russia (3), Japan (3), and South Korea (1). In 2019, 60 IMAX films were released to the Company’s global theater network, including six with IMAX DNA, and 18 local language films released in China (14), Japan (1), South Korea (1), India (1) and Russia (1).

Management believes that growth in international box office remains an important driver of growth for the Company. To support continued growth in international markets, the Company has sought to bolster its international film strategy, supplementing its slate of Hollywood films with appealing local language IMAX films released in select markets, particularly in China. The Company expects to announce additional local language IMAX films to be released to its global theater network in 2022.

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To date, in 2022, eight titles have been released to the global IMAX theater network, including one released in connection with a live performance/interactive event, and the Company has announced the following 18 titles to be released later in 2022:

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

IMAX Theater Systems

The Company’s primary products are its various digital projection systems, which are either sold or leased to exhibitor customers along with a license for the use of the globally recognized IMAX brand. 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, in certain situations, 3D glasses cleaning equipment. IMAX’s digital projection systems also operate without the need for analog film prints. The Company’s digital projection systems provide a premium and differentiated experience to moviegoers that is consistent with what they have come to expect from the IMAX brand, while providing exhibitor customers with the compelling economics and flexibility that digital technology affords.

As part of the arrangement to sell or lease an IMAX Theater System, the Company provides extensive advice on theater planning and design, and supervision of installation services. The terms of each sale or lease arrangement vary according to the configuration of the IMAX Theater System, as well as the cinema and film distribution markets relevant to the geographic location of the customer.

Revenue from the sale or lease of an IMAX Theater System may be recognized at a different time from when cash is collected from the exhibitor customer. (See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” in Part II, Item 7 and Note 20 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 for further discussion on the Company’s revenue recognition policies.)

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The following table presents the number of IMAX Theater Systems that are open and in backlog, by configuration, as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:

IMAX Laser Theater Systems

In 2014, the Company introduced its first laser-based digital projection system. Since then, the Company has continued research and development aimed at creating more affordable laser-based solutions with various screen sizes for its commercial multiplex customers. Beginning in late-2021, the Company began offering an additional laser-based theater system product to provide a broader array of customers with an opportunity to replace and upgrade IMAX Xenon Theater Systems. The Company believes that IMAX Laser Theater Systems present greater brightness and clarity, higher contrast, a wider color gamut and deeper blacks, consume less power and last longer than other digital projection technologies, and are capable of illuminating the largest screens in the IMAX network.

IMAX Xenon Theater Systems

In 2008, the Company introduced its digital IMAX Xenon Theater System. Prior to 2008, all of the IMAX Theater Systems offered by the Company were film-based and required analog film prints. The Company believes that IMAX Xenon Theater Systems deliver higher quality imagery when compared with IMAX Film Theater Systems.

IMAX Film Theater Systems

IMAX Film Theater Systems include various configurations, including 2D and 3D systems, and screen sizes. Following the introduction of the digital IMAX Xenon Theater System in 2008, the number of IMAX Film Theater Systems in the IMAX network has decreased significantly.

The following table provides information about the Company’s theater system backlog as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:

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The number of IMAX Theater Systems in backlog reflects the minimum number of commitments under signed contracts. The dollar value fluctuates depending on the number of new arrangements signed from year-to-year, which adds to backlog, and the installation and acceptance of IMAX Theater Systems and the settlement of contracts, both of which reduce backlog. The dollar value of backlog typically represents the fixed contracted revenue under signed IMAX Theater System sale and lease agreements that the Company expects to recognize as revenue upon installation and acceptance of the associated system, as well as an estimate of variable consideration in sales arrangements. The value of backlog does not include amounts allocated to maintenance and extended warranty revenues or revenue from theaters in which the Company has an equity interest, operating leases, and long-term conditional theater commitments. The Company believes that the contractual obligations for IMAX Theater System installations that are listed in 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 an IMAX 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.

Certain of the Company’s contracts contain options for the customer to elect to upgrade system type during the term or to alter the contract structure (for example, from a joint revenue sharing arrangement to a sale) after signing, but before installation. Current backlog information reflects all known elections.

IMAX Maintenance

IMAX Theater System arrangements also include a requirement for the Company to provide maintenance services over the life of the arrangement in exchange for an extended warranty and annual maintenance fee paid by the theater owner or operator. Under these arrangements, the Company provides preventative and emergency maintenance services 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. (See “Maintenance and Extended Warranty Services” below.)

Film Distribution and Post-Production

Through its Film Distribution segment, the Company distributes large-format documentary films, primarily to institutional theaters. The Company receives as its distribution fee either a fixed amount or a fixed percentage of the theater box office receipts and following the recoupment of its costs, is typically entitled to receive an additional percentage of gross revenues as participation revenues.

The ownership rights to the films distributed by the Company may be held by the film’s sponsors, third-party film investors and/or the Company. As of December 31, 2021, the Company has distribution rights with respect to 53 films, which cover subjects such as space, wildlife, music, sports, history, and natural wonders.

In addition, the Company continues to evolve its platform to bring new, innovative events and experiences to audiences worldwide. The Company has a connected IMAX theater footprint capable of delivering live, interactive content with low latency and superior sight and sound. As of December 31, 2021, 68 theaters in the IMAX network were configured to enable the streaming of live events with additional theaters expected to go-live throughout 2022.

In the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company distributed a Kanye West and Drake concert to 35 IMAX theaters across the United States and Canada through a partnership with Amazon Music. In the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company also held special screenings of Joel Coen’s The Tragedy of Macbeth, including a live Q&A with Mr. Coen and actress Frances McDormand streamed from the IMAX theater in Lincoln Square, New York, and West Side Story, featuring a live Q&A with director Steven Spielberg and his cast, which was streamed from the IMAX theater of Century City, California. Also, in the first quarter of 2022, the Company partnered with Disney to hold a special screening of The Beatles: Get Back – The Rooftop Concert, featuring a live Q&A with director and producer Peter Jackson streaming to 68 IMAX theaters worldwide.

The Company continues to believe that the IMAX network serves as a valuable platform to launch and distribute original content.

Through its Film Post-Production segment, the Company provides film post-production and quality control services for large-format films, whether produced by IMAX or third parties, and digital post-production services.

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New Business Initiatives

The New Business Initiatives segment includes activities related to the expansion of the IMAX brand across new lines of business and initiatives, which seek to leverage the Company’s proprietary, innovative technologies, its leadership position in the entertainment technology space, its unique relationship with content creators, and its brand.

In September 2018, the Company launched IMAX Enhanced^TM, a new initiative to bring The IMAX Experience into the home, in partnership with audio leader DTS (an Xperi subsidiary). IMAX Enhanced provides end-to-end premium technology across streaming content and best-in-class entertainment devices, offering consumers high-fidelity playback of image and sound in the home and beyond, including the following features:

To be certified as IMAX Enhanced, leading consumer electronics manufacturers spanning 4K/8K televisions, projectors, A/V receivers, loudspeakers, soundbars and smartphones must meet a carefully prescribed set of audiovisual performance standards, set by a certification committee of IMAX and DTS engineers, along with some of Hollywood’s leading technical specialists.

At present, certified global device partners include Sony Electronics, Hisense, TCL, Phillips, Xiaomi, Sound United and Honor, among others. More than 150 IMAX Enhanced titles are now available across six of the biggest streaming platforms worldwide, including Disney+, Sony Bravia CORE, Tencent Video, iQiyi, Tsutaya TV and Rakuten TV.

The Company’s collaboration with Disney, which was announced in November 2021, allows fans to stream 14 Marvel titles in IMAX’s Expanded Aspect Ratio at home on Disney+. The 14 titles available on Disney+ include Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings and Eternals, as well as Iron Man, Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Captain America: Civil War, Doctor Strange, Thor: Ragnarok, Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War, Ant-Man and The Wasp, Captain Marvel, Avengers: Endgame, and Black Widow (content availability varies by region). The launch of IMAX Enhanced on Disney+ served as a focal point of Disney’s “Disney+ Day” two-year anniversary event, earning significant positive media coverage and providing strong brand exposure for IMAX by expanding the Company’s in-home entertainment footprint to more than 80 million subscribers.

IMAX Enhanced and the collaboration with Disney is part of the Company’s next evolutionary step to grow beyond Hollywood blockbusters and extend the IMAX brand and technology further into the streaming environment.

Other

The Company derives a small portion of its revenues from other sources including one owned and operated IMAX theater in Sacramento, California; a commercial arrangement with one theater resulting in the sharing of profits and losses; the provision of management services to three other theaters; renting its proprietary 2D and 3D large-format film and digital cameras to third-party production companies; and also offering production advice and technical assistance to both documentary and Hollywood filmmakers.

MARKETING AND CUSTOMERS

The Company markets IMAX 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.

Commercial multiplex theaters are the largest part of the IMAX network, comprising 1,599 IMAX theaters, or 95%, of the 1,683 IMAX theaters in the IMAX network as of December 31, 2021. 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 IMAX Theater Systems to commercial destinations such as theme parks, private home theaters, tourist destination sites, fairs and expositions. As of December 31, 2021, approximately 74% of all open IMAX theaters were in locations outside of the United States and Canada.

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The following table provides detailed information about the IMAX network by theater type and geographic location as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:

(For information on revenue breakdown by geographic area, see Note 21 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8. 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 its significant presence in China and the continued expansion of its business there” in Item 1A. As of December 31, 2021, the Company’s largest customer, Wanda, is based in China and represents 22% of the Company’s network of theaters, 4% of the Company’s theater system backlog and 10% of its revenues. As of December 31, 2020, Wanda and AMC, which was then controlled by Wanda, represented 35% of the Company’s network of theaters, 19% of the Company’s theater backlog and 16% of its revenue. Wanda sold its controlling interest in AMC in 2021.)

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

Competition

The out-of-home entertainment industry is very competitive, and the Company faces a number of competitive challenges. 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 similar quality or attributes to an IMAX Theater System. 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 subscription streaming services, transactional video-on-demand (both rentals and sales), advertiser-supported video-on-demand, pay-per-view, internet, and broadcast and cable television. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when theaters were closed in many global markets, certain movie studios released several high-profile films directly or concurrently to streaming platforms rather than exclusively to theaters within the traditional theatrical release window. While there can be no assurances whether or when this practice will end once the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic fully recede, several Hollywood studios have recently reiterated their commitment to maintaining exclusive theatrical release windows. 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.

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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 (including the quality of the sound system components included with an IMAX Theater System), the return on investment of an IMAX Theater System for exhibitors, the number and quality of IMAX films that it distributes, the relationships the Company maintains with prominent Hollywood and international filmmakers and other content creators (a number of whom desire to film their movies and events with IMAX cameras), the availability of Hollywood and international event films to IMAX theaters through IMAX DMR technology, the availability of unique and innovative events and experiences such as distributed concerts, special theatrical screenings, and live Q&A sessions with top content creators, consumer loyalty and the level of the Company’s service and maintenance and extended warranty efforts. The Company believes that its laser-based projection systems further increase 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.

Exhibitor Consolidation

The Company’s primary customers are commercial multiplex exhibitors. The commercial exhibition industry has undergone significant consolidation, including AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc.’s (“AMC”) acquisition of Carmike Cinemas and Odeon & UCI Cinemas Group (“Odeon”), which includes Nordic Cinema Group (“Nordic”), in 2016. In recent years, the commercial exhibition industry has continued to consolidate, as evidenced by Cineworld Group’s acquisition of Regal Entertainment Group (“Regal”) in 2018.

The Company believes that the consolidation of the commercial exhibition industry has helped facilitate the growth of the IMAX 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 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 network. 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 – 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 and 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.” in Part I, Item 1A.)

THE IMAX BRAND

IMAX is a premier global technology platform for entertainment and events. The Company relies on its brand to communicate its leadership and singular goal of creating entertainment experiences that exceed all expectations. Top filmmakers, studios, and other content creators use the IMAX brand to message that a film will connect with audiences in unique and extraordinary ways. In 2020, IMAX launched the “Filmed in IMAX” program, a partnership with the world's leading camera manufacturers to meet filmmaker demand for The IMAX Experience. Through the program, IMAX will certify high-end, best-in-class digital cameras with leading brands including ARRI, Panavision, RED Digital Cinema and Sony to work in the IMAX format when paired with its proprietary post-production process.

The IMAX brand is a promise to deliver what today’s movie audiences crave — a memorable, more emotionally engaging, more thrilling and shareable experience. From 2015 to 2019, the Company commissioned leading third-party research firms to conduct multiple consumer research studies in eleven countries. The studies show that the IMAX brand has near universal awareness, creates a special experience for the audience, 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 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.

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RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The Company believes that it is a premier global technology platform for entertainment and events with significant proprietary expertise in digital and film-based projection and sound system component design, engineering, and imaging technology, particularly in laser-based technology. The Company rolled out its flagship laser-based projection system at the end of 2014, which is capable of illuminating the largest screens in the Company’s network. This 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. Since then, the Company has continued research and development aimed at creating more affordable laser-based solutions with various screen sizes for its commercial multiplex customers. Beginning in late 2021, the Company began offering an additional laser-based theater system product to provide a broader array of customers with an opportunity to replace and upgrade IMAX Xenon Theater Systems.

The Company intends to continue research and development to further evolve its end-to-end technology. This includes bringing connectivity to the Company’s global theater network and experimenting with live and interactive events worldwide; developing new IMAX film cameras and certifying additional digital cameras; further improving its proprietary DMR process for the delivery of content for both theatrical and home entertainment; and further improving the reliability of its projectors, as well as enhancing the Company’s image and sound quality.

As of December 31, 2021, 34 of the Company’s employees were connected with research and development projects, as compared to 45 employees as of December 31, 2020.

MANUFACTURING AND SERVICE

Projector Component Manufacturing

The Company assembles IMAX Theater System projectors at its facility in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada (near Toronto). With few exceptions, 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. Historically, these projectors, including both IMAX Laser Theater Systems and IMAX Xenon Theater Systems, have had reliability rates based on scheduled shows of approximately 99%.

Sound System Component Manufacturing

The Company develops, designs, and assembles the key elements of the theater sound system component. The standard IMAX theater sound system component consists of 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 to comprehensive testing as a system.

Screen and Other Components

The Company purchases its screen component and glasses cleaning equipment from third parties. The standard screen system component consists 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 provides ongoing maintenance and extended warranty services to IMAX Theater Systems. These arrangements are usually for a separate fee, although the Company sometimes includes free service in the initial year of an arrangement. The maintenance and extended warranty arrangements include service, maintenance and replacement parts for IMAX Theater Systems.

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To support the IMAX network, the Company has personnel stationed in major markets throughout the world who provide periodic and emergency maintenance and extended warranty services on existing IMAX 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 IMAX Laser Theater Systems and IMAX Xenon Theater Systems, the Company provides pre-emptive maintenance, remote system monitoring and a network operations center that provides continuous access to product experts.

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 and applications includes theater design and geometry, audio and display technology, mechanisms employed in projectors and projection equipment (including 3D projection equipment), stereoscopic (3D) imaging, digitally re-mastering 35mm films into large-format, dynamic range and contrast of projectors, seaming or superimposing images from multiple projectors, and other inventions relating to imaging technology, digital projectors and laser projection. Included in the Company’s patent portfolio are more than 40 patent and patent families acquired from The Eastman Kodak Company covering laser projection technology. The Company has been and will continue to be diligent in the protection of its proprietary interests.

As of December 31, 2021, the Company holds 107 patents, has 9 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 2022 and 2038.

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 3D Experience^®, IMAX DMR^®, DMR^®, IMAX nXos^® and Films to the Fullest^®. These trademarks are widely protected by registration or common law throughout the world.

HUMAN CAPITAL

The Company is a globally diverse brand with the mission to connect the world through extraordinary experiences that inspire us to reimagine what’s possible, together. The Company has the power to inspire, ignite and involve its teams, customers and partners across the 1,683 IMAX Theater Systems in its network to transcend the ordinary. However, the Company understands that these experiences are only made possible through its employees’ diverse range of unique abilities and perspectives and its ability to attract, retain, and engage a talented, inclusive and respected workforce.

The Company is committed to acquiring talent and developing internal talent to create a high-performing, diverse workforce. In order to achieve this objective, the Company offers competitive pay programs and benefits to its people globally. Please see “—Total Rewards” below for additional information regarding the Company’s compensation practices. The Company supports and develops its employees through a variety of training and development programs that build and strengthen leadership and professional skills, including an education reimbursement program, career development planning, and in-house learning opportunities that support its people as they grow in their careers. In addition, to promote a safe and inclusive environment for its employees, the Company provides specific annual compliance and trainings on cultivating respect in the workplace and harassment prevention.

The Company obtains and reviews employee feedback to monitor employee satisfaction and engagement on an annual basis. The most recent employee survey resulted in the participation of over 81% of the global workforce, and an engagement score 5 points higher than the cross-industry and cross-country benchmark provided by a third-party employee engagement platform, showcasing a highly engaged and dedicated workforce. The survey also provides management with insightful feedback to help build, drive, and measure the success of people initiatives in the future. Following this year’s survey, focus groups were conducted to engage employees further to help the Company plan and execute programs with respect to people initiatives by highlighting potential opportunities, such as increasing communication throughout the business, building supportive resources for the managers, and building programs to highlight career development opportunities.

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As of December 31, 2021, the Company had 665 full-time employees, of whom 147 employees were based outside of North America.

Total Rewards

The Company continues to have a total rewards mindset that encompasses all that is provided to its employees in the form of financial and nonfinancial compensation, benefits, well-being, and growth opportunities. The goal of these total rewards programs is to provide employees with market competitive offerings, opportunities and experiences that evolve over time.

As the Company continues to evolve as an organization, it continues to modernize its total rewards programs to improve the employee experience and adequately reflect a diverse, multigenerational, and talented workforce.

The structure of the Company’s total rewards programs balances base compensation, incentive compensation for both short-term and long-term performance and a focus on total well-being. In addition:

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Company believes that a culture of diversity and inclusion is a competitive advantage that fuels innovation and strengthens a company’s reputation. The Company is committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (“DE&I”), and its culture is defined by its core values of Inspire, Ignite, and Involve. The Company’s focus with respect to DE&I is to attract, retain, and engage a talented, inclusive and respected workforce. As a part of its ongoing commitment to expanding its diverse and inclusive workforce, the Company has assembled a DE&I council of employees across levels, tenures and demographic backgrounds to assist the Company in executing the four key pillars of its global DE&I strategy, which includes the following objectives:

In 2021, the DE&I council hosted multiple Company-wide events and launched educational awareness campaigns that represent, support and spark dialogue among the diverse communities that make up IMAX’s workforce. As of December 31, 2021, women represented approximately 36% of the Company’s global workforce. The Company currently has one female director on the Board of Directors (13%) and five female members on the Company’s management team of 17 (29%). Moreover, four members of the Company’s management team identify as ethnically diverse (24%).

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Employee Health and Safety

Recognizing the various employee health and safety risks associated with the delivery of the world’s most immersive movie-going experience, the Company has implemented a global program for workplace safety that ensures it has the necessary controls in place to keep its employees and visitors safe.

Employee health and safety is one of the Company’s top priorities. Risks to the health and safety of the Company’s employees are present in day-to-day office work, building renovation, manufacturing, logistics, training, testing, research and development, and during the designing, installation and service of the Company’s theaters around the world. Every employee at each IMAX location, workplace, business unit and department is responsible for participating in workplace safety planning activities and managers are responsible for employee health and safety program implementation for their business function. This effort is supported by a cross-functional Health and Safety team dedicated to employee health and safety and business continuity.

This continuous focus on and commitment to the health and safety of the Company’s employees has remained central to the Company’s continued response to COVID-19. Specifically, the Company:

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”). 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 Form 10-K, except where expressly indicated.

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Item 1A.  Risk Factors

Before you make an investment decision with respect to the Company’s common stock, you should carefully consider all of the information included in this Form 10-K and the Company’s subsequent periodic filings with the SEC. In particular, you should carefully consider the risk factors described below and the risks and uncertainties related to "Forward Looking Statements," any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition and the actual outcome of matters as to which forward looking statements are made in this annual report. The following risk factors, which are not ranked in any particular order, should be read in conjunction with the balance of this annual report, including the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes. The risks described below are not the only ones the Company faces. Additional risks that the Company deems immaterial or that are currently unknown to the Company may also impair its business or operations.

RISKS RELATED TO THE COMPANY’S BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS

The Company has experienced a significant decrease in its revenues, earnings, and cash flows due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its business, financial condition and results of operations may continue to be significantly harmed in future reporting periods.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is complex and continuously evolving, resulting in significant disruption to the Company’s business and the global economy. At various points during the pandemic, authorities around the world imposed measures intended to control the spread of COVID-19, including stay-at-home orders and restrictions on large public gatherings, which caused movie theaters in countries around the world to temporarily close, including the IMAX theaters in those countries. As a result of these theater closures, movie studios postponed the theatrical release of most films originally scheduled for release in 2020 and early 2021, including many scheduled to be shown in IMAX theaters, while several other films were released directly or concurrently to streaming platforms. Beginning in the third quarter of 2020, stay-at-home orders and capacity restrictions were lifted in many key markets and movie theaters throughout the IMAX network gradually reopened. However, following the emergence of the Omicron variant and the rise of COVID-19 cases in late 2021 and early 2022, some governments reinstituted capacity restrictions and safety protocols on large public gatherings, leading to the temporary closure of theaters or the imposition of capacity restrictions in certain markets. As such, there is no assurance that movie theaters will remain open if there is a continued rise of or resurgence in COVID-19 cases in certain jurisdictions. As of December 31, 2021, 95% of the theaters in the global IMAX commercial multiplex network were open at various capacities, spanning 75 countries. This included 99% of Domestic theaters (i.e., in the United States and Canada), 95% of the theaters in Greater China and 91% of the theaters in Rest of World markets.

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in significantly lower levels of revenues, earnings, and operating cash flows for the Company during 2020 and, to a lesser extent, during 2021, when compared to periods prior to the onset of the pandemic, as gross box office (“GBO”) results from theaters in the IMAX network declined, the installation of certain theater systems was delayed, and maintenance fees were generally not recognized for theaters that were closed or operating with reduced capacities. Given the uncertainty around when movie-going will return to historical levels, there is no guarantee that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic will end even after theaters are reopened. The timing and extent of a recovery of consumer behavior and willingness to spend discretionary income on movie-going may delay the Company’s ability to generate significant revenue from GBO generated by its exhibitor customers until consumer behavior normalizes and consumer spending recovers.

In 2020 and 2021, the Company applied for and received wage subsidies, tax credits and other financial support under COVID-19 relief legislation that has been enacted in the countries in which it operates. There are no guarantees that the Company will apply for or receive such benefits in the future or that the Company will receive any additional material financial support through these or other programs that may be created, expanded, or implemented by governments in the countries in which the Company operates.

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As a result of the financial difficulties faced by certain of the Company’s exhibition customers arising out of pandemic-related theater closures, the Company has experienced and may continue to experience delays in collecting payments due under existing theater sale or lease arrangements. In response, beginning in the second quarter of 2020 through the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company provided temporary relief to certain exhibitor customers by waiving or reducing maintenance fees during periods when theaters were closed or operating with reduced capacities and, in certain situations, by providing extended payment terms on annual minimum payment obligations in exchange for a corresponding or longer extension of the term of the underlying sale or lease arrangement. However, certain of the Company’s exhibitor partners that had reopened theaters have temporarily suspended operations of their theater network in certain jurisdictions and other exhibitor partners have reduced their theaters’ operating hours, which may exacerbate existing financial difficulties. The Company’s exhibitor partners may continue to experience operational and/or financial difficulties if the COVID-19 pandemic continues or consumers change their behavior and consumption patterns in response to the prolonged suspension of movie-going, or for other reasons, which would further increase the risks associated with payments due under existing agreements with the Company. The ability of such partners to make payments cannot be guaranteed and is subject to changing economic circumstances. Further, the Company has had to delay certain theater system installations from backlog and may be required to further delay or cancel such installations in the future. As a result, the Company’s future revenues and cash flows may be adversely affected.

Given the dynamic nature of the circumstances, while the Company has been negatively impacted as of the date of filing of this report, it is difficult to predict the full extent of the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s financial condition, liquidity, business and results of operations in future reporting periods. The extent and duration of such impact on the Company will depend on future developments, including, but not limited to, the duration and scope of the pandemic, the emergence, spread and severity of variants of the virus, the progress made on administering vaccines and developing treatment and the effectiveness of such vaccines and treatments, the progress towards the resumption of normal operations of movie theaters worldwide and their return to historical levels of attendance, the timing of when new films are released, consumer behavior, the solvency of the Company’s exhibitor partners, their ability to make timely payments, any potential construction or installation delays involving our exhibitor partners, the continuing impact of the pandemic on global economic conditions and ongoing government responses to the pandemic. Such events are highly uncertain and cannot be accurately forecast. Moreover, there can be no guarantees that the Company’s liquidity needs will not increase materially as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. In addition, liquidity needs as well as other changes to the Company’s business and operations may impact the Company’s ability to maintain compliance with certain covenants under the Company’s credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank (see Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8). The Company may also be subject to impairment losses based on long-term estimated projections. These estimates and the likelihood of future changes in these estimates depend on a number of underlying variables and a range of possible outcomes. Actual results may differ materially from management’s estimates, especially due to the uncertainties associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. If business conditions deteriorate further, or should they remain depressed for a more prolonged period of time, management’s estimates of operating results and future cash flows for reporting units may be insufficient to support the goodwill assigned to them, thus requiring impairment charges. Estimates related to future expected credit losses and deferred tax assets, as well as the recoverability of equipment supporting joint revenue sharing arrangements and the realization of variable consideration assets, could also be materially impacted by changes in estimates in the future.

The COVID-19 pandemic and public health measures implemented to contain it may also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks described in this Form 10-K, including, but not limited to, risks relating to harm to the Company’s key personnel, diverting management’s resources and time to addressing the impacts of COVID-19, which may negatively affect the Company’s ability to implement its business plan and pursue certain opportunities, potential impairments, the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control of financial reporting, cybersecurity and data privacy risks due to employees working from home, and risks of increased indebtedness under the Company’s revolving credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, including the Company’s ability to seek waivers of covenants or to refinance any of the Company’s borrowings, among others (see Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8). The longer the COVID-19 pandemic and associated protective measures persist, the more severe the extent of the adverse impact of the pandemic on the Company is likely to be.

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General political, social and economic conditions can affect the Company’s business by reducing both revenues 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, especially if such a decline occurs in Greater China. In addition, the Company’s operations could be adversely affected if consumers' discretionary income globally or in a particular geography falls as a result of an economic downturn resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic or otherwise, as a result of increased inflation, or for any other reason. Such adverse impact on consumer’s discretionary income could result in a shift in consumer demand away from movie-going. In recent years, the majority of the Company’s revenue has been directly derived from the box office results of its exhibitor partners. 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 success of the IMAX network is directly related to the availability and success of IMAX DMR films, and other films released to the IMAX network, as well as the continued purchase or lease of IMAX Theater Systems and other support by movie exhibitors, for which there can be no guarantee.

An important factor affecting the growth and success of the IMAX 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 format. In 2021, 63 IMAX films were released to the Company’s global theater network. There is no guarantee that filmmakers and studios will continue to release films to the IMAX network, or that the films selected for release to the IMAX network will be commercially successful. The Company is directly impacted by the commercial success and box office results of 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 films, and the Company’s continued ability to secure films, find suitable partners for joint revenue sharing arrangements and to sell IMAX Theater Systems. 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 and consumer 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 films released to the Company’s global 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 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 language films for a particular country or region, notably Greater China, the Company’s largest market. 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 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 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.

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The Company is undertaking brand extensions and new business initiatives, and the Company’s investments and efforts in such business evolution may not be successful.

The Company is undertaking brand extensions and new business initiatives. 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 original content and in-home entertainment technology, both of which are intensely competitive businesses and which are dependent on consumer demand, over which the Company has no control. The Company is also exploring new technologies to connect the IMAX network to facilitate bringing more unique content, including broadcasts of live events, to IMAX theater audiences. If any new brand extensions and business initiatives 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 assets, 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 a relevant partner with respect to financing, technological management, product development, management strategies or otherwise. Any such disagreement may cause the joint venture or business alliance to be terminated.

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 Company must also comply with a variety of data privacy regulations and failure to comply with such regulations may affect the Company’s financial performance.

The nature of the Company’s business involves access to and storage of confidential and proprietary content and other information, including its own intellectual property and the intellectual property of certain movie studios or partners it may work with, as well as certain information regarding the Company’s customers, employees, licensees, and suppliers. Although the Company maintains robust procedures, internal policies and technological security measures to safeguard such content and information, as well as a cyber-security insurance policy, the Company’s information technology systems, and the information technology systems of our current or future third-party vendors, collaborators, consultants and service providers, 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. The Company’s information technology infrastructure may be vulnerable to such attacks, including through the use of malware, software bugs, computer viruses, ransomware, social engineering, and denial of service. It is possible that such attacks could compromise the Company’s security measures or the security measures of parties with whom the Company does business. Because the techniques that may be used to circumvent the Company’s safeguards change frequently and may be difficult to detect, the Company may be unable to anticipate any new techniques or implement sufficient preventive security measures. The Company seeks to monitor such attempts and incidents and to prevent their recurrence through modifications to the Company’s internal procedures and information technology infrastructure and provides information security training and compliance program to its employees on an annual basis, but in some cases preventive action might not be successful. Moreover, the development and maintenance of these security measures may be costly and will require ongoing updates as technologies evolve and techniques to overcome the Company’s security measures become more sophisticated. Any such attack or unauthorized access could result in a disruption of the Company’s operations, the theft, unauthorized use or publication of confidential or proprietary information of the Company or its customers, employees, licensees or suppliers, 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.

In addition, a variety of laws and regulations at the international, national, and state level govern the Company’s collection, use, protection and processing of personal data. These laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation and the California Consumer Privacy Act, are constantly evolving and may result in increasing regulatory oversight and public scrutiny in the future. The Company’s actual or perceived failure to comply with such laws and regulations could result in fines, investigations, enforcement actions, penalties, sanctions, claims for damages by affected individuals, and damage to the Company’s reputation, among other negative consequences, any of which could have a material adverse effect on its financial performance.

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RISKS RELATED TO THE COMPANY’S INTERNATIONAL 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 GBO generated by the Company’s exhibitor customers and its revenues are generated by customers located outside the United States and Canada. Approximately 70%, 77%, and 66% of the Company’s revenues were derived outside of the United States and Canada in 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, approximately 74% of IMAX Theater Systems in backlog are scheduled to be installed in international markets. The Company’s network spanned 87 different countries as of December 31, 2021, and the Company expects its international operations to continue to account for an increasingly significant portion of its future revenues. 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:

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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. Opening and operating theaters in markets that have experienced geopolitical or sociopolitical unrest or controversy, including through partnerships with local entities, exposes the Company to the risks listed above, as well as additional risks of operating in a volatile region. Such risks may negatively impact the Company’s business operations in such regions and may also harm the Company’s brand. Moreover, a deterioration of the diplomatic relations between the United States or Canada and a given country may impede the Company’s ability to operate theaters in such countries and have a negative impact on the Company’s financial condition and future growth prospects.

The Company faces risks in connection with its significant presence in China and the continued expansion of its business there.

Greater China is the Company’s largest market by revenue, with approximately 44% of overall revenues generated from its Greater China operations in 2021. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had 783 theaters operating in Greater China with an additional 215 theaters in backlog, which represent 44% of the Company’s current backlog. Of the IMAX Theater Systems currently scheduled to be installed in Greater China, 67% are under joint revenue sharing arrangements, which further increases 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, trade embargoes, restrictions or other barriers, as well as other conditions that may impact the Company’s exhibitor and studio partners, and consumer spending. The worsening of U.S.–China political tensions could exacerbate any or all of these risks, and 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.

The Company does not believe that it is currently required to obtain any permission or approval from the China Securities Regulatory Commission, the Cyberspace Administration of China or any other regulatory authority in the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) for its operations, but there can be no assurance that such permissions or approvals would not be required in the future and, if required, that they would be granted in a timely manner, on acceptable terms, or at all. Furthermore, PRC regulators, including the Cyberspace Administration of China, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and the Ministry of Public Security, have been increasingly focused on regulation in data security and data protection. Regulatory requirements concerning data protection and cybersecurity in the PRC, as well as other requirements concerning operations of foreign businesses in the PRC, are evolving, and their enactment timetable, interpretation and implementation involve significant uncertainties. To the extent any PRC laws and regulations become applicable to the Company, it may be subject to the risks and uncertainties associated with the legal system in the PRC, including with respect to the enforcement of laws and the possibility of changes of rules and regulations with little or no advance notice.

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 the number, timing, and terms of Hollywood films released to the China market. A number of prominent Hollywood films were denied release dates in China in 2020 and 2021, including several films released in IMAX format in other markets. The Company cannot provide assurance that the Chinese government will continue to permit the release of Hollywood 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, or if the Company were unable to enforce its intellectual property or contract rights in China, the Company’s business could be adversely impacted.

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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 with its customers, which ultimately affect the ability to negotiate cost-effective arrangements and, therefore, the Company’s results of operations. In addition, because IMAX films generate box office revenue in 87 different countries, unfavorable exchange rates between applicable local currencies and the U.S. Dollar could affect the GBO generated by exhibitors and the Company’s reported revenues, further impacting the Company’s results of operations.

RISK RELATED TO THE COMPANY’S INDUSTRY AND COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT

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 and 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, including AMC’s acquisition of Carmike Cinemas and Odeon & UCI Cinemas Group, which includes Nordic Cinema Group, in 2016. In recent years, the industry has continued to consolidate, as evidenced by Cineworld Group’s acquisition of Regal Entertainment Group in 2018. Exhibitor concentration has resulted in certain exhibitor chains constituting a material portion of the Company’s network and revenue. For instance, although Wanda sold its controlling interest in AMC in 2021, it continues to be the Company’s largest exhibitor customer, representing approximately 10% of the Company’s total revenues in 2021. As of December 31, 2021, through the Company’s partnership with Wanda, there are 369 IMAX Theater Systems operational in Greater China and Wanda represented approximately 22% of the commercial network and 4% of the Company’s backlog. The share of the Company’s revenue that is generated by Wanda is expected to continue to grow as the number of Wanda theater systems currently in backlog are opened. No assurance can be given that significant customers such as Wanda will continue to purchase IMAX 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 Wanda 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 films. Hollywood studios have also experienced consolidation, as evidenced by the Walt Disney Company’s acquisition of certain studio assets from Twenty First Century Fox in 2019. Studio consolidation could result in individual studios comprising a greater percentage of the Company’s film slate and overall IMAX DMR revenue, and could expose the Company to the same risks described above in connection with exhibitor consolidation.

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 that 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. A significant portion of the Company’s recent research and development efforts have been focused on its laser-based projection systems, which began rolling out to the largest theaters in the IMAX network at the end of 2014. Since then, the Company has continued research and development aimed at creating more affordable laser-based solutions with various screen sizes for its commercial multiplex customers. 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.

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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. The Company faces competition both in the form of technological advances in in-home entertainment, as well as those within the theater-going experience. For example, according to the National Association of Theater Owners and the Movie Theater Association of Canada, as of December 31, 2020, there were approximately 43,800 conventional-sized screens in North American commercial multiplexes. In addition, 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 similar quality or attributes as an IMAX Theater System. 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, internet, and broadcast and cable television. The average exclusive theatrical release window for Hollywood titles has decreased over the years and there can be no assurance that this release window, which is determined by the movie studios, will not shrink further, which could have an adverse impact on the Company’s business and results of operations. In addition, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and related movie theater closures, in 2020 and 2021, a number of films were released directly or concurrently to streaming services the same day as to theaters. In the third quarter of 2021, many major film studios recommitted to exclusive theatrical releases for blockbuster movies. However, there can be no assurance that direct or concurrent release to streaming services will not resume or increase in the future, intensifying in-home competition. 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.

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 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 projection system components expire between 2022 and 2038. If the Company’s patent claims are rendered invalid or unenforceable, or narrowed in scope, the patent coverage afforded the Company’s products and services could be impaired, which could negatively affect its competitive position. In addition, competitors and other third parties may be able to circumvent or design around the Company’s patents and may develop and obtain patent protection for more effective technologies. If these developments were to occur, it could have an adverse effect on the Company’s sales or market position.

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. If the Company chooses to go to court to stop a third party from infringing its intellectual property, that third party may ask the court to rule that the Company’s intellectual property rights are invalid and/or should not be enforced against that third party.

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The Company relies upon trade secrets and other confidential and proprietary know how to develop and maintain the Company’s competitive position. While it is the Company’s policy to enter into agreements imposing nondisclosure and confidentiality obligations upon its employees and third parties to protect the Company’s intellectual property, these obligations may be breached, may not provide meaningful protection for the Company’s trade secrets or proprietary know how, or adequate remedies may not be available in the event of an unauthorized access, use or disclosure of the Company’s trade secrets and know how. Furthermore, despite the existence of such nondisclosure and confidentiality agreements, or other contractual restrictions, the Company may not be able to prevent the unauthorized disclosure or use of its confidential proprietary information or trade secrets by consultants, vendors and employees. In addition, others could obtain knowledge of the Company’s trade secrets through independent development or other legal means.

The IMAX brand stands for the highest quality and most immersive entertainment experiences. Protecting the IMAX brand is a critical element in maintaining the Company’s relationships with studios and its exhibitor clients and building and maintaining brand loyalty and recognition. 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. In addition, if any of the Company’s registered or unregistered trademarks, trade names or service marks is challenged, infringed, circumvented or declared generic or determined to be infringing on other marks, it could have an adverse effect on the Company’s sales or market position.

The Company may be subject to claims of infringement of third-party intellectual property rights that are costly to defend, result in the diversion of management’s time and efforts, require the payment of damages, limit the Company’s ability to use particular technologies in the future or prevent the Company from marketing its existing or future products and services.

The Company’s commercial success will depend in part on not infringing, misappropriating, or violating the intellectual property rights of others. A third party could assert a claim against the Company for alleged infringement of its patent, copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights, including in relation to technologies that are important to the Company’s business. The Company may not be aware of whether its products or services do or will infringe existing or future patents or the intellectual property rights of others. In addition, there can be no assurance that one or more of The Company’s competitors who have developed competing technologies or the Company’s other competitors will not be granted patents for their technology and allege that the Company has infringed.

Any claims that the Company’s business infringes the intellectual property rights of others, regardless of the merit or resolution of such claims, could entail significant costs in responding to, defending, and resolving such claims. An adverse determination in any intellectual property claim could require the Company to pay damages and/or stop using its technologies, trademarks, copyrighted works, and other material found to be in violation of another party’s rights and could prevent the Company from licensing its technologies to others unless we enter into royalty or licensing arrangements with the prevailing party or are able to redesign our products and services to avoid infringement. Any such license may not be available on reasonable terms, if at all, and there can be no assurance that the Company would be able to redesign its services in a way that would not infringe the intellectual property rights of others. Any payments the Company is required to make and any injunction the Company is required to comply with as a result of any infringement could harm its reputation and financial results.

RISKS RELATED TO THE COMPANY’S REVENUES, EARNINGS, AND FINANCIAL POSITION

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 IMAX Theater System installations and GBO performance of IMAX films 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.

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

The Company’s theater system revenue can vary significantly from the associated cash flows. The Company often provides financing to customers for IMAX Theater Systems on a long-term basis through long-term sale or lease arrangements. The terms of leases or financing receivables are typically 10 to 12 years. The sale and sales-type lease agreements for IMAX Theater Systems typically provide for three major sources of cash flow:

Initial fees generally make up the vast majority of cash received under IMAX Theater System sales or sales-type 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 any future initial payments, and fixed minimum ongoing payments. Sales arrangements also include an estimate of future variable consideration due under the agreement. Cash received from initial fees in advance of meeting the revenue recognition criteria for the IMAX Theater Systems is recorded as deferred revenue.

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 fixed minimum ongoing payments are recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Contingent payments in excess of fixed minimum ongoing payments are recognized as revenue when reported by theater operators, provided collectability is reasonably assured.

As a result of the above, the revenue set forth in the Company’s Consolidated 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.

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

As of December 31, 2021, the Company’s backlog included 489 IMAX Theater Systems, consisting of 173 IMAX Theater Systems under sales or lease arrangements and 316 IMAX Theater Systems under joint revenue sharing arrangements. The Company lists signed contracts for IMAX Theater Systems for which revenue has not been recognized as backlog prior to the time of revenue recognition. The total value of the backlog represents all signed IMAX Theater System sale or lease agreements that are expected to be recognized as revenue in the future and includes initial fees along with the estimated present value of contractual ongoing fees due over the term, and a variable consideration estimate for the IMAX Theater Systems under sales arrangements, but it excludes amounts allocated to maintenance and extended warranty revenues. Notwithstanding the legal obligation to do so, some of the Company’s customers with which it has signed contracts may not accept delivery of IMAX Theater Systems that are included in the Company’s backlog. An economic downturn may exacerbate the risk of customers not accepting delivery of IMAX Theater Systems. Any reduction in backlog 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 do in the past under certain circumstances. Customer-requested delays in the installation of IMAX Theater Systems in backlog remain a recurring and unpredictable part of the Company’s business.

The Company’s inability to enter into renewals of new sales and lease agreements on favorable terms or at all would adversely affect its cash flows and operating results.

Approximately 9% of the Company’s sales and lease agreements are due to expire in the next 12 months. If these agreements are not renewed, or if the Company is unable to enter into new leases agreements comparable to those currently in effect in a timely manner, then the Company’s theater revenue could be adversely affected. Although the Company has not been informed by any client of its intention not to renew an expiring sales or lease agreement, there can be no assurance that the expiring sales and lease agreements will be renewed or new agreements will be entered into on favorable terms, in a timely manner or at all.

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 it is owed in a timely fashion 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.

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 be subject to impairment losses on its film assets if such assets do not meet management’s estimates of total revenues.

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 will include the amortization of the Company’s film assets and may be significantly affected by periodic adjustments in amortization rates.

The Company may be subject to impairment losses on its inventories if they become obsolete.

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 IMAX Theater Systems.

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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.

RISKS RELATED TO THE COMPANY’S COMMON SHARES

The market price for the Company’s common shares has historically been volatile and declines in market price, including as a result of a market downturn resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic or otherwise, 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 shares, 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.

Because the Company is incorporated in Canada, it may be difficult for plaintiffs to enforce against the Company liabilities based solely upon United States 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 United States plaintiffs to effect service within the United States upon those directors or officers who are not residents of the United States, or to obtain or enforce against them or the Company judgments of United States courts predicated solely upon civil liability under the United States 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 United States federal securities laws.

RISKS RELATED TO THE COMPANY’S INDEBTEDNESS

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 its ability to engage in acts that may be in the Company’s long-term best interests.

The Company’s indebtedness and liabilities could limit the cash flow available for its operations, expose the Company to risks that could adversely affect its business, financial condition, and results of operations.

As of December 31, 2021, the Company had approximately $361.5 million of consolidated indebtedness. The Company may also incur additional indebtedness to meet future financing needs. The Company’s indebtedness could have significant negative consequences for its security holders and its business, results of operations and financial condition by, among other things:

The Company’s business may not generate sufficient funds, and the Company may otherwise be unable to maintain sufficient cash reserves, to pay amounts due under its indebtedness, and the Company’s cash needs may increase in the future. In addition, the Credit Agreement contains, and any future indebtedness that the Company incurs may contain, financial and other restrictive covenants that limit its ability to operate, raise capital or make payments under its other indebtedness. If the Company fails to comply with these covenants or to make payments under its indebtedness when due, then the Company would be in default under that indebtedness, which could, in turn, result in that and the Company’s other indebtedness becoming immediately payable in full. For a description of the Company outstanding indebtedness, see Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8.

The Company may be unable to raise the funds necessary to repurchase the Convertible Notes for cash following a fundamental change, or to pay the cash amounts due upon conversion, and the Company’s other indebtedness may limit its ability to repurchase the Convertible Notes or pay cash upon their conversion.

Noteholders may, subject to a limited exception described in the indenture governing the Convertible Notes, require the Company to repurchase their Convertible Notes following a fundamental change at a cash repurchase price generally equal to the principal amount of the Convertible Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. In addition, all conversions of Convertible Notes will be settled partially or entirely in cash. The Company may not have enough available cash or be able to obtain financing at the time it is required to repurchase the Convertible Notes or pay the cash amounts due upon conversion. In addition, applicable law, regulatory authorities and the agreements governing the Company’s other indebtedness may restrict the Company’s ability to repurchase the Convertible Notes or pay the cash amounts due upon conversion. The Company’s failure to repurchase Convertible Notes or pay the cash amounts due upon conversion when required will constitute a default under the indenture governing the Convertible Notes. A default under the indenture or the fundamental change itself could also lead to a default under agreements governing the Company’s other indebtedness, which may result in that other indebtedness becoming immediately payable in full. The Company may not have sufficient funds to satisfy all amounts due under its other indebtedness and the Convertible Notes.

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Provisions in the indenture could delay or prevent an otherwise beneficial takeover of the Company.

Certain provisions in the Convertible Notes and the related indenture could make a third-party attempt to acquire the Company more difficult or expensive. For example, if a takeover constitutes a fundamental change, then noteholders will have the right to require the Company to repurchase their Convertible Notes for cash. In addition, if a takeover constitutes a make-whole fundamental change, then the Company may be required to temporarily increase the conversion rate of the Convertible Notes. In either case, and in other cases, the Company’s obligations under the Convertible Notes and the indenture could increase the cost of acquiring the Company otherwise discourage a third party from acquiring the Company or removing incumbent management, including in a transaction that noteholders or holders of the Company’s common shares may view as favorable.

The Company is subject to counterparty risk with respect to the Capped Call Transactions, and the capped call may not operate as planned.

In connection with the issuance of the Convertible Notes, the Company entered into privately negotiated capped call transactions with option counterparties (the “Capped Call Transactions”). The Capped Call Transactions are expected to reduce potential dilution resulting from the common shares the Company is required to issue and/or to offset any potential cash payments the Company is required to make in excess of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes in the event that the market price per share of the Company’s common shares is greater than the strike price of the Capped Call Transactions, with such reduction and/or offset subject to a cap. Collectively, the Capped Call Transactions cover, subject to anti-dilution adjustments substantially similar to those applicable to the Convertible Notes, the number of the Company’s common shares underlying the Convertible Notes.

The option counterparties are financial institutions, and the Company will be subject to the risk that they might default under the Capped Call Transactions. The Company’s exposure to the credit risk of the option counterparties will not be secured by any collateral. Global economic conditions have from time to time resulted in the actual or perceived failure or financial difficulties of many financial institutions. If an option counterparty becomes subject to insolvency proceedings, the Company will become an unsecured creditor in those proceedings with a claim equal to the Company’s exposure at that time under our transactions with that option counterparty. The Company’s exposure will depend on many factors, but, generally, the increase in the Company’s exposure will be correlated with increases in the market price or the volatility of its common shares. In addition, upon a default by an option counterparty, the Company may suffer adverse tax consequences and more dilution than the Company currently anticipate with respect to its common shares. The Company can provide no assurances as to the financial stability or viability of any option counterparty. In addition, the Capped Call Transactions are complex, and they may not operate as planned. For example, the terms of the Capped Call Transactions may be subject to adjustment, modification or, in some cases, renegotiation if certain corporate or other transactions occur. Accordingly, these transactions may not operate as the Company intends if it is required to adjust their terms as a result of transactions in the future or upon unanticipated developments that may adversely affect the functioning of the Capped Call Transactions.

GENERAL RISK FACTORS

The loss of one or more of the Company’s key personnel, or its failure to attract and retain its employee population, could adversely affect its business.

The Company’s operations and prospects depend in large part on the performance and continued service of its senior management team. The competition for experienced senior management in the Company’s industry is intense, and the Company may not find qualified replacements for any of these individuals if their services are no longer available, on the same terms or at all. 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.

In addition, the Company may experience challenges with respect to employee retention given the current competitive labor market. A number of external factors beyond the Company’s control, including its industry’s highly competitive market for skilled workers and leaders, cost inflation, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and workforce participation rates, may negatively affect the Company’s ability to retain and attract qualified employees. If the Company experiences high attrition rates in its employee population, the results of our operations may be adversely affected.

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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 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 Estimates” in Item 7.)

Regulatory and market responses to climate change concerns may negatively impact our business and increase our operating costs.

Growing public concern about climate change has resulted in the increased focus of local, state, regional, national and international regulatory bodies on climate change issues. As a result, climate change regulation and market reactions to climate change could adversely impact the Company’s business, including the potential for an increase in climate risk assessment. Such enhanced governmental and societal attention to climate matters, including expanding mandatory and voluntary reporting, diligence, and disclosure on topics such as climate change, carbon emissions, water usage, waste management, and risk oversight, could expand the nature, scope, and complexity of matters that the Company is required to control, assess, and report. Furthermore, legislative or regulatory efforts to combat climate change could result in increases in the cost of raw materials, taxes, transportation and utilities for the Company’s suppliers and vendors which would result in higher operating costs for the Company and potentially impact the availability of components used in the Company’s systems. These and other rapidly changing laws, regulations, policies, interpretations, and expectations may increase the cost of the Company’s compliance and alter the environment in which it does business, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations, and financial condition. In addition, the shift toward a lower-carbon economy, driven by policy regulations, low-carbon technology advancement, consumer sentiment, and/or liability risks, may negatively impact the Company’s business and operating costs. However, the Company is unable to predict at this time, the potential effects, if any, that any climate change initiatives may have on its business.

The Company’s business and financial results could be adversely affected by weather conditions and natural disasters.

Physical risks, including weather conditions and natural disasters, such as earthquakes, droughts, floods, hailstorms, heavy or prolonged precipitation, wildfires and others, could harm the Company’s business. Additionally, the physical impacts of climate change may cause these occurrences to increase in frequency, severity and duration. The climates and geology of some of the regions in which the Company’s principal offices are located, including California, present increased risks of adverse weather or natural disasters. Any such events in the future could disrupt the Company’s operations and impact the Company’s ability to serve its customers.

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

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Item 2.  Properties

The Company’s principal executive offices are located in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, New York, New York, and Playa Vista, California. As of December 31, 2021, 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.

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings

See Note 16 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8.

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

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PART II

Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The Company’s common shares are traded on the NYSE under the symbol “IMAX”.

As of January 31, 2022, the Company had approximately 224 registered holders of record of its common shares.

Over the last few 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 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8). 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.

In 2020, the Company expanded its share-based compensation program to include the issuance of performance stock units (“PSUs”). The Company grants two types of PSU awards, one which vests based on a combination of employee service and the achievement of certain EBITDA-based targets, and one which vests based on a combination of employee service and the achievement of total shareholder return (“TSR”) targets. The achievement of the EBITDA and TSR targets in these PSUs is determined over a three-year performance period. At the conclusion of the three-year performance period, the number of PSUs that ultimately vest can range from 0% to a maximum vesting opportunity of 175% of the initial award, depending upon actual performance versus the established EBITDA and stock-price targets.

Equity Compensation Plans

The following table sets forth information regarding the Company’s Equity Compensation Plan as of December 31, 2021:

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Performance Graph

The following graph compares the total cumulative shareholder return for $100 invested on December 31, 2013 (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 Ambarella, Inc., Avid Technologies, Inc., Cinemark Holdings, Inc., Cineplex Inc., Dolby Laboratories, Inc., Harmonic Inc., Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., The Marcus Corporation, World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., and Zynga Inc.

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Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

In April 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a 12-month extension to its share repurchase program through June 30, 2022. The extension authorized the Company to repurchase up to approximately $89.4 million worth of common shares, the remaining amount available of the original $200.0 million initially authorized under the share repurchase program when it commenced on July 1, 2017. The repurchases may be made either in the open market or through private transactions, including repurchases made pursuant to a plan intended to comply with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, 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. During the three months ended December 31, 2021, the Company repurchased 524,519 common shares at an average price of $17.70 per share for a total of $9.3 million, excluding commissions. As of December 31, 2021, the Company has $75.5 million available under its approved repurchase program.

The Company’s common share repurchase program activity for the three months ended December 31, 2021 was as follows:

In 2021, IMAX China’s shareholders granted its Board of Directors a general mandate authorizing the Board, subject to applicable laws, to repurchase shares of IMAX China not to exceed 10% of the total number of issued shares as of May 6, 2021 (34,835,824 shares). This program will be valid until the 2022 Annual General Meeting of IMAX China. The repurchases may be made in the open market or through other means permitted by applicable laws. IMAX China has no obligation to repurchase its shares and the share repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued by IMAX China at any time. During the three months ended December 31, 2021, IMAX China repurchased 3,095,700 common shares at an average price of HKD 12.58 per share (U.S. $1.61 per share) for a total of HKD 38.9 million or U.S. $5.0 million.

The total number of shares purchased during the year ended December 31, 2021, under both the Company and IMAX China’s repurchase plans, does not include any shares purchased in the administration of employee share-based compensation plans.

(See Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of the material terms and conditions of the Company’s revolving credit facility, which include a limitation of the amount of permitted share repurchases.)

Issuer Sales of Unregistered Securities

Please see Note 14(b) of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8.

Item 6.  Selected Financial Data

Reserved.

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Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

OVERVIEW

IMAX is a premier global technology platform for entertainment and events. Through its proprietary software, theater architecture, patented intellectual property, and specialized equipment, IMAX offers a unique end-to-end solution to create superior, immersive content experiences for which the IMAX^® brand is globally renowned. Top filmmakers, movie studios, artists, and creators utilize the cutting-edge visual and sound technology of IMAX to connect with audiences in innovative ways. As a result, IMAX is among the most important and successful global distribution platforms for domestic and international tentpole films and, increasingly, exclusive experiences ranging from live performances to interactive events with leading artists and creators.

The Company leverages its proprietary technology and engineering in all aspects of its business, which principally consists of the digital remastering of films and other content into the IMAX format (“IMAX DMR”^®) and the sale or lease of premium IMAX theater systems (“IMAX Theater Systems”).

IMAX Theater Systems are based on proprietary and patented image, audio, and other technology developed over the course of the Company’s history since its founding in 1968. The customers for IMAX Theater Systems are principally theater exhibitors that operate commercial multiplex theaters, and, to a much lesser extent, museums, science centers and destination entertainment sites. The Company generally does not own the theaters in the IMAX network and is not an exhibitor, but instead sells or leases the IMAX Theater System to the exhibitor along with a license to use its trademarks.

As of December 31, 2021, there were 1,683 IMAX Theater Systems operating in 87 countries and territories, including 1,599 commercial multiplexes, 12 commercial destinations, and 72 institutional locations. This compares to 1,650 IMAX Theater Systems operating in 84 countries and territories as of December 31, 2020, including 1,562 commercial multiplexes, 12 commercial destinations, and 76 institutional locations. (See the table below under “IMAX Network and Backlog” for additional information on the composition of the IMAX network.)

The IMAX Theater System provides the Company’s exhibitor customers with a combination of the following benefits:

In addition, certain movies shown in IMAX theaters are filmed using proprietary IMAX film cameras or IMAX certified digital cameras, which offer filmmakers customized guidance and a workflow process to provide further enhanced and differentiated image quality and an IMAX-exclusive film aspect ratio that delivers up to 26% more image onto a standard IMAX movie screen. In select IMAX theaters worldwide, movies filmed with IMAX cameras have an IMAX-exclusive 1.43 film aspect ratio, with up to 67% more image.

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.

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As a result of the engineering and scientific achievements that are a hallmark of The IMAX Experience^®, the Company’s exhibitor customers typically charge a premium for IMAX films over films exhibited in their other auditoriums. The premium pricing, combined with the higher attendance levels associated with IMAX films, generates incremental box office for the Company’s exhibitor customers and for the movie studios releasing their films to the IMAX network. The incremental box office generated by IMAX films has helped establish IMAX as a key premium distribution and marketing platform for Hollywood blockbuster films and foreign local language movie studios.

As a premier global technology platform for entertainment and events, the Company strives to remain at the forefront of advancements in cinema technology. The Company offers a suite of IMAX Laser Theater Systems, which deliver increased resolution, sharper and brighter images, deeper contrast, and the widest range of colors available to filmmakers today. The Company further believes that its suite of IMAX Laser Theater Systems are helping facilitate the next major renewal and upgrade cycle for the global IMAX network.

In addition, the Company continues to evolve its platform to bring new, innovative events and experiences to audiences worldwide. The Company has a connected IMAX theater footprint capable of delivering live, interactive content with low latency and superior sight and sound. As of December 31, 2021, 68 theaters in the IMAX network were configured to enable the streaming of live events with additional theaters expected to go-live throughout 2022.

IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is complex and continuously evolving, resulting in significant disruption to the Company’s business and the global economy. At various points during the pandemic, authorities around the world imposed measures intended to control the spread of COVID-19, including stay-at-home orders and restrictions on large public gatherings, which caused movie theaters in countries around the world to temporarily close, including the IMAX theaters in those countries. As a result of these theater closures, movie studios postponed the theatrical release of most films originally scheduled for release in 2020 and early 2021, including many of the films scheduled to be shown in IMAX theaters, while several other films were released directly or concurrently to streaming platforms. Beginning in the third quarter of 2020, stay-at-home orders and capacity restrictions were lifted in many key markets and movie theaters throughout the IMAX network gradually reopened. However, following the emergence of the Omicron variant and the rise of COVID-19 cases in late 2021 and early 2022, some governments reinstituted capacity restrictions and safety protocols on large public gatherings, leading to the temporary closure of theaters or the imposition of capacity restrictions in certain markets. As of December 31, 2021, 95% of the theaters in the global IMAX commercial multiplex network were open at various capacities, spanning 75 countries. This included 99% of Domestic theaters (i.e., in the United States and Canada), 95% of the theaters in Greater China and 91% of the theaters in Rest of World markets.

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in significantly lower levels of revenues, earnings, and operating cash flows for the Company during 2020 and, to a lesser extent, during 2021, when compared to periods prior to the onset of the pandemic, as GBO results from the theaters in the IMAX network declined, the installation of certain theater systems was delayed, and maintenance fees were generally not recognized for theaters that were closed or operating with reduced capacities. In addition, as a result of the financial difficulties faced by certain of the Company’s exhibition customers arising out of pandemic-related theater closures, although improving, the Company has experienced and may continue to experience delays in collecting payments due under existing theater sale or lease arrangements. In response, beginning in the second quarter of 2020 through the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company provided temporary relief to certain exhibitor customers by waiving or reducing maintenance fees during periods when theaters were closed or operating with reduced capacities and, in certain situations, by providing extended payment terms on annual minimum payment obligations in exchange for a corresponding or longer extension of the term of the underlying sale or lease arrangement.

As a result of the uncertainties associated with the pandemic, the Company took significant steps in 2020 and 2021 to preserve cash by eliminating non-essential costs, temporarily furloughing certain employees, reducing the working hours of other employees, and reducing all non-essential capital expenditures to minimum levels. The Company also implemented an active cash management process, which, among other things, required senior management approval of all outgoing payments.

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Also, in the first quarter of 2021, the Company issued $230.0 million of Convertible Notes. The net proceeds from the issuance of the Convertible Notes were approximately $223.7 million, after deducting the initial purchasers’ discounts and commissions, which were used in part to repay a portion of outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility provided by the Company’s Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo. In addition, during 2021, the Company entered into amendments to its Credit Agreement which, among other things, suspend the Senior Secured Net Leverage Ratio financial covenant in the Credit Agreement through the first quarter of 2022 and once re-established, permits the Company to use EBITDA from the third and fourth quarters of 2019 in lieu of EBITDA for the corresponding quarters of 2021. As of December 31, 2021, the Company was in compliance with all of its requirements under the Credit Agreement, as amended. (Each defined term used, but not defined in this paragraph is defined in Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. See Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of the amendments to the Credit Agreement that the Company entered into in 2021.)

In 2020 and 2021, the Company recognized a total of $10.9 million in wage subsidies, tax credits, and other financial support under COVID-19 relief legislation that has been enacted in the countries in which it operates, primarily under the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (“CEWS”) program. For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, these benefits were recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as reductions to Selling, General and Administrative Expenses ($2.9 million and $6.0 million, respectively), Costs and Expenses Applicable to Revenues ($0.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively), and Research and Development ($nil and $0.1 million, respectively). The CEWS program expired in October 2021. 

For the year ended December 31, 2021, GBO generated by IMAX films totaled $638.2 million, surpassing the total for 2020 by $379.0 million (146%), whereas conventional theaters saw an estimated 78% increase in box office. Moreover, during the fourth quarter of 2021, GBO generated by IMAX films totaled $277.5 million, surpassing the pre-pandemic total of $241.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2019, due to the performance of films such as Spider-Man: No Way Home, No Time to Die, and Dune. Included in this fourth quarter GBO performance is an all-time Company record for the month of October. Management is encouraged by these box office results and believes they indicate that moviegoers are returning to theaters, and in particular IMAX theaters, where and when theaters are open and they feel safe. Management is further encouraged by the return of the prevalence of exclusive theatrical windows and the strong pipeline of Hollywood movies scheduled to be released for theatrical exhibition in 2022. However, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company’s business and financial results will continue to depend on numerous evolving factors that cannot be accurately predicted and that will vary by jurisdiction and market, including the duration and scope of the pandemic, the emergence of new and the spread of existing variants of the virus, the progress made on administering vaccines and developing treatments and the effectiveness of such vaccines and treatments, the continuing impact of the pandemic on global economic conditions and ongoing government responses to the pandemic, which could lead to further theater closures, theater capacity restrictions and/or delays in the release of films.

(See “Risk Factors – The Company has experienced a significant decrease in its revenues, earnings and cash flows due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its business, financial condition and results of operations may continue to be significantly harmed in future reporting periods” in Part I, Item 1A, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic” and Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8.)

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SOURCES OF REVENUE

For the presentation of MD&A, the Company has organized its reportable segments into the following four categories: (i) IMAX Technology Network; (ii) IMAX Technology Sales and Maintenance; (iii) Film Distribution and Post-Production; and (iv) New Business Initiatives. Within these four categories are the Company’s following reportable segments: (i) IMAX DMR; (ii) Joint Revenue Sharing Arrangements; (iii) IMAX Systems; (iv) IMAX Maintenance; (v) Other Theater Business; (vi) Film Distribution; (vii) Film Post-Production; and (viii) New Business Initiatives.

IMAX Technology Network

The IMAX Technology Network category earns revenue based on contingent box office receipts. Included in the IMAX Technology Network category are the IMAX DMR segment and contingent rent from the Joint Revenue Sharing Arrangement (“JRSA”), which are each described in more detail below.

IMAX DMR

IMAX DMR is a proprietary technology that digitally remasters films into IMAX formats. In a typical IMAX DMR film arrangement, the Company receives a percentage of the box office receipts from a movie studio in exchange for converting a commercial film into IMAX DMR format and distributing it through the IMAX network. The fee earned by the Company in a typical IMAX DMR arrangement averages approximately 12.5% of box office receipts (i.e., GBO receipts less applicable sales taxes), except for within Greater China, where the Company receives a lower percentage of net box office receipts for certain Hollywood films.

IMAX DMR digitally enhances the image resolution of 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 addition, the original soundtrack of a film to be exhibited in IMAX theaters is remastered for IMAX digital sound systems. Unlike the soundtracks played in conventional theaters, IMAX remastered 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 of the film. Collectively, the Company refers to these enhancements as “IMAX DNA”. Filmmakers and movie studios have sought IMAX-specific enhancements in recent years to generate interest in and excitement for their films. Such enhancements include shooting films with IMAX cameras to increase the audience’s immersion in the film and to take advantage of the unique dimensions of the IMAX screen by projecting the film in a larger aspect ratio that delivers up to 26% more image onto a standard IMAX movie screen. In select IMAX theaters worldwide, movies filmed with IMAX cameras have an IMAX-exclusive 1.43 film aspect ratio, with up to 67% more image.

In 2021, 63 IMAX films were released to the Company’s global theater network, including films such as Spider-Man: No Way Home, No Time to Die, Dune, F9, The Battle at Lake Changjin, Detective Chinatown 3, Godzilla vs. Kong, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, The Eternals, and Black Widow. The films released in 2021 include 10 with IMAX DNA and 32 local language films released in China (21), Japan (9), Russia (1) and South Korea (1). In 2020, 31 IMAX films were released to the Company’s global theater network, including five with IMAX DNA, and 17 local language films released in China (10), Russia (3), Japan (3), and South Korea (1). In 2019, 60 IMAX films were released to the Company’s global theater network, including six with IMAX DNA, and 18 local language films released in China (14), Japan (1), South Korea (1), India (1) and Russia (1).

Management believes that growth in international box office remains an important driver of growth for the Company. To support continued growth in international markets, the Company has sought to bolster its international film strategy, supplementing its slate of Hollywood films with appealing local language IMAX films released in select markets, particularly in China. The Company expects to announce additional local language IMAX films to be released to its global theater network in 2022.

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To date, in 2022, eight titles have been released to the global IMAX theater network, including one released in connection with a live performance/interactive event, and the Company has announced the following 18 titles to be released later in 2022:

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

Joint Revenue Sharing Arrangements – Contingent Rent

The JRSA segment provides IMAX Theater Systems to exhibitors through joint revenue sharing arrangements. Under the traditional form of these arrangements, IMAX provides the IMAX projection and sound system under a long-term lease in which the Company assumes the majority of the equipment and installation costs. In exchange for its upfront investment, the Company earns rent based on a percentage of contingent box office receipts and, in some cases, concession revenues, rather than requiring the customer to pay a fixed upfront fee or annual minimum payments. Rental payments from the customer are required throughout the term of the arrangement and are due either monthly or quarterly. The Company retains title to the IMAX Theater System equipment components throughout the lease term, and the equipment is returned to the Company at the conclusion of the arrangement.

Under certain other joint revenue sharing arrangements, known as hybrid arrangements, the customer is responsible for making fixed 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 typical sale transaction. As with a traditional joint revenue sharing arrangement, the customer also pays the Company a percentage of contingent box office receipts over the term of the arrangement, although this percentage is typically half that of a traditional joint revenue sharing arrangement. For hybrid joint revenue sharing arrangements that take the form of a lease, the contingent rent is reported within the IMAX Technology Network, while the fixed upfront payment is recorded as revenue within IMAX Technology Sales and Maintenance, as discussed below. For hybrid joint revenue sharing arrangements that take the form of a sale, see the discussion below under IMAX Technology Sales and Maintenance.

Under most joint revenue sharing arrangements (both traditional and hybrid), the initial non-cancellable term 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.

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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 IMAX Theater Systems, the nature of the arrangement, the location, size and management of the theater and other factors specific to individual arrangements.

Joint revenue sharing arrangements also require IMAX to provide maintenance and extended warranty services to the customer over the term of the lease in exchange for a separate fixed annual fee. These fees are reported within IMAX Technology Sales and Maintenance, as discussed below.

Joint revenue sharing arrangements have 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 these arrangements pay the Company a portion of their ongoing box office receipts. The Company funds its investment in equipment for joint revenue sharing arrangements through cash flows from operations. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had 909 theaters in operation under joint revenue sharing arrangements, a 2% increase as compared to the 890 theaters in operation under joint revenue sharing arrangements as of December 31, 2020. The Company also had contracts in backlog for 316 theaters under joint revenue sharing arrangements as of December 31, 2021, including 82 upgrades to existing theater locations and 234 new theater locations.

IMAX Technology Sales and Maintenance

The IMAX Technology Sales and Maintenance category earns revenue principally from the sale or sales-type lease of IMAX Theater Systems, as well as from the maintenance of IMAX Theater Systems. To a lesser extent, the IMAX Technology Sales and Maintenance category also earns revenue from certain hybrid joint revenue sharing arrangements and certain ancillary theater business activities. These activities are described in more detail below under the captioned section for each respective segment.

IMAX Systems

The IMAX Systems segment provides IMAX Theater Systems to exhibitors through sale arrangements or long-term lease arrangements that for accounting purposes are classified as sales-type leases. Under these arrangements, in exchange for providing the IMAX Theater System, the Company earns initial fees and ongoing consideration, which can include fixed annual minimum payments and contingent fees in excess of the minimum payments, as well as maintenance and extended warranty fees (see “IMAX Maintenance” below). 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 signing the arrangement 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. Finance income is recognized over the term of a financed sale or sales-type lease arrangement. In addition, in sale arrangements, an estimate of the contingent fees that may become due if certain annual minimum box office receipt thresholds are exceeded, is recorded as revenue in the period when the sale is recognized and is adjusted in future periods based on actual results and changes in estimates. Such variable consideration is only recognized on sales transactions to the extent the Company believes there is not a risk of significant revenue reversal.

In sale arrangements, title to the IMAX Theater System equipment generally transfers to the customer. However, in certain instances, the Company retains title or a security interest in the equipment until the customer has made all payments required by the agreement or until certain shipment events for the equipment have occurred. In a sales-type lease arrangement, title to the IMAX Theater System equipment 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 IMAX Theater Systems, the nature of the arrangement and other factors specific to individual contracts.

Joint Revenue Sharing Arrangements – Fixed Fees

Under certain joint revenue sharing arrangements, known as hybrid arrangements, the customer is responsible for making fixed 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 typical sale transaction. For hybrid joint revenue sharing arrangements that take the form of a lease, the contingent rent is reported within the IMAX Technology Network, as discussed above, while the fixed upfront payment is reported within IMAX Technology Sales and Maintenance.

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IMAX Maintenance

IMAX Theater System arrangements also include a requirement for the Company to provide maintenance services over the life of the arrangement in exchange for an extended warranty and annual maintenance fee paid by the theater owner or operator. Under these arrangements, the Company provides preventative and emergency maintenance services 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 Business

The Other Theater Business segment principally includes after-market sales of IMAX Theater System parts and 3D glasses.

Film Distribution and Post-Production

Through its Film Distribution segment, the Company distributes large-format documentary films, primarily to institutional theaters. The Company receives as its distribution fee either a fixed amount or a fixed percentage of the theater box office receipts and following the recoupment of its costs, is typically entitled to receive an additional percentage of gross revenues as participation revenues.

The ownership rights to the films distributed by the Company may be held by the film’s sponsors, third-party film investors and/or the Company. As of December 31, 2021, the Company has distribution rights with respect to 53 films, which cover subjects such as space, wildlife, music, sports, history, and natural wonders.

In addition, the Company continues to evolve its platform to bring new, innovative events and experiences to audiences worldwide. The Company has a connected IMAX theater footprint capable of delivering live, interactive content with low latency and superior sight and sound. As of December 31, 2021, 68 theaters in the IMAX network were configured to enable the streaming of live events with additional theaters expected to go-live throughout 2022.

In the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company distributed a Kanye West and Drake concert to 35 IMAX theaters across the United States and Canada through a partnership with Amazon Music. In the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company also held special screenings of Joel Coen’s The Tragedy of Macbeth, including a live Q&A with Mr. Coen and actress Frances McDormand streamed from the IMAX theater in Lincoln Square, New York, and West Side Story, featuring a live Q&A with director Steven Spielberg and his cast, which was streamed from the IMAX theater of Century City, California. Also, in the first quarter of 2022, the Company partnered with Disney to hold a special screening of The Beatles: Get Back – The Rooftop Concert, featuring a live Q&A with director and producer Peter Jackson streaming to 68 IMAX theaters worldwide.

The Company continues to believe that the IMAX network serves as a valuable platform to launch and distribute original content.

Through its Film Post-Production segment, the Company provides film post-production and quality control services for large-format films, whether produced by IMAX or third parties, and digital post-production services.

New Business Initiatives

The New Business Initiatives segment includes activities related to the expansion of the IMAX brand across new lines of business and initiatives, which seek to leverage the Company’s proprietary, innovative technologies, its leadership position in the entertainment technology space, its unique relationship with content creators, and its brand.

In September 2018, the Company launched IMAX Enhanced, a new initiative to bring The IMAX Experience into the home, in partnership with audio leader DTS (an Xperi subsidiary). IMAX Enhanced provides end-to-end premium technology across streaming content and best-in-class entertainment devices, offering consumers high-fidelity playback of image and sound in the home and beyond, including the following features:

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To be certified as IMAX Enhanced, leading consumer electronics manufacturers spanning 4K/8K televisions, projectors, A/V receivers, loudspeakers, soundbars and smartphones must meet a carefully prescribed set of audiovisual performance standards, set by a certification committee of IMAX and DTS engineers, along with some of Hollywood’s leading technical specialists.

At present, certified global device partners include Sony Electronics, Hisense, TCL, Phillips, Xiaomi, Sound United and Honor, among others. More than 150 IMAX Enhanced titles are now available across six of the biggest streaming platforms worldwide, including Disney+, Sony Bravia CORE, Tencent Video, iQiyi, Tsutaya TV and Rakuten TV.

The Company’s collaboration with Disney, which was announced in November 2021, allows fans to stream 14 Marvel titles in IMAX’s Expanded Aspect Ratio at home on Disney+. The 14 titles available on Disney+ include Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings and Eternals, as well as Iron Man, Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Captain America: Civil War, Doctor Strange, Thor: Ragnarok, Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity War, Ant-Man and The Wasp, Captain Marvel, Avengers: Endgame, and Black Widow (content availability varies by region). The launch of IMAX Enhanced on Disney+ served as a focal point of Disney’s “Disney+ Day” two-year anniversary event, earning significant positive media coverage and providing strong brand exposure for IMAX by expanding the Company’s in-home entertainment footprint to more than 80 million subscribers.

IMAX Enhanced and the collaboration with Disney is part of the Company’s next evolutionary step to grow beyond Hollywood blockbusters and extend the IMAX brand and technology further into the streaming environment.

Other

The Company derives a small portion of its revenues from other sources including one owned and operated IMAX theater in Sacramento, California; a commercial arrangement with one theater resulting in the sharing of profits and losses; the provision of management services to three other theaters; renting its proprietary 2D and 3D large-format film and digital cameras to third-party production companies; and also offering production advice and technical assistance to both documentary and Hollywood filmmakers.

IMAX NETWORK AND BACKLOG

IMAX Network

The following table provides detailed information about the IMAX network by theater type and geographic location as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:

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The Company currently believes that over time its commercial multiplex network could grow to approximately 3,318 IMAX theaters worldwide from the 1,599 operating as of December 31, 2021. The Company believes that the majority of its future growth will come from international markets. As of December 31, 2021, 74% of IMAX Theater Systems in operation were located within international markets (defined as all countries other than the United States and Canada), compared to 73% as of December 31, 2020. Accordingly, the GBO and revenues derived from international markets continue to exceed the GBO and revenues derived 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 Part I, Item 1A.

Greater China is the Company’s largest market, measured by revenues, with approximately 44% and 38% of consolidated revenues generated from its Greater China operations in the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had 783 theaters operating in Greater China with an additional 215 theaters in backlog. The Company’s backlog in Greater China represents 44% of its total current backlog, including upgrades in system type. The Company’s largest single international partnership is in China with Wanda. As of December 31, 2021, through the Company’s partnership with Wanda, there are 369 IMAX Theater Systems operational in Greater China, of which 355 are under the parties’ joint revenue sharing arrangement.

(See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic”)

(See “Risk Factors – The Company faces risks in connection with its significant presence in China and the continued expansion of its business there”, “Risk Factors – General political, social and economic conditions can affect the Company’s business by reducing both revenues generated from existing IMAX Theater Systems and the demand for new IMAX Theater Systems”, and “Risk Factors – The Company may not convert all of its backlog into revenue and cash flows” in Part I, Item 1A.)

(See “Risk Factors – The Company has experienced a significant decrease in its revenues, earnings and cash flows due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its business, financial condition and results of operations may continue to be significantly harmed in future reporting periods” in Part I, Item 1A.)

The following tables provide detailed information about the commercial multiplex theaters in operation within the IMAX network by arrangement type and geographic location as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:

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Backlog

The following table provides detailed information about the Company’s backlog as of December 31, 2021 and 2020: