North American box office revenue is projected to grow at least 7% in 2025, according to Wedbush. The firm anticipates a strong performance across multiple quarters, citing blockbuster releases and a sustained recovery in theater attendance.
Major movie releases in late spring and summer could fuel the double-digit increase in second-quarter income. Though challenging comparisons to 2024 and 2023, holiday and autumn releases in the third and fourth quarters are expected to be robust. While the first quarter of 2026 is expected to show a 9% year-over-year increase, first-quarter 2025 box office revenue is tracking 2.8% higher than the same time in 2024.Wedbush changed National CineMedia from "neutral," rating it "outperform," based on hope for rising theater attendance and changes in advertising practices. The company expects movie advertising to gain from the shift from linear television to more focused, programmatic advertising. While National CineMedia has added 50% more self-serve and programmatic ad purchasing alternatives, higher movie attendance is projected to produce higher sponsor bookings. Especially in regional campaigns, Wedbush hopes for better targeting and ad optimization. Maintaining a $7.50 price objective, the company represented a 26% increase over existing levels. Friday after the release, National CineMedia shares ended 4.2% higher.
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