Cineplex (TSX:CGX) Stock Price Could Be Poised for a Big Rally

Here are some key factors that could trigger a sharp rally in Cineplex (TSX:CGX) stock in the coming months.

| More on:
online shopping

Image source: Getty Images

Cineplex (TSX:CGX) has been one of the worst affected Canadian companies by the COVID-19. The global pandemic and related shutdowns caused big troubles for the company as it reported an adjusted net loss of $629 million last year. While its net losses are expected to significantly reduce this year, it still might take several quarters for Cineplex to return to sustainable profitability.

Before we look at some key factors from its latest earnings event, let’s quickly review its recent stock price movement.

Cineplex stock price movement

Cineplex stock has staged a sharp recovery in 2021 after witnessing a massive 72.6% value erosion in 2020. As of August 16, the stock is trading with about 48% year-to-date gains against a 17.5% rise in the TSX Composite Index. CGX stock price has dived by 8% in the third quarter thus far after posting strong gains in the previous three quarters in a row.

Also, the stock is still trading at $13.74 per share, which is significantly lower than its pre-pandemic levels. At the end of 2019, it was trading above $33 per share.

Latest earnings report

Cineplex announced its second-quarter results last week on August 12. The company reported revenue of $64.9 million for the quarter compared to about $22 million in the same quarter a year ago. Its revenue was also better than analysts’ expectations of $60.6 million. Cineplex reopened its entertainment venues and theatres in many provinces during the June quarter as the restrictions continued to ease. The reopening also gave a significant boost to its sales on a sequential basis.

Since the pandemic began, Cineplex’s management has increased its focus on cost reduction efforts. These efforts helped the company restrict its average monthly net cash burn rate to $24 million in the second quarter compared to $27 million in the first quarter. These could be some of the reasons why its stock rose by 8.2% last week.

The recovery could accelerate

While its recent quarterly financial figures might not be remarkable, they clearly reflected that Cineplex is on a gradual path to financial recovery. We must remember that many of its theatres and entertainment venues remained closed during the second quarter. However, the situation improved further in the third quarter. As a result, Cineplex opened all its theatres and entertainment venues from coast to coast on July 17 for the first time in months.

Commenting about these developments, Cineplex President and CEO Ellis Jacob said, “As vaccination numbers rise and restrictions loosen across the country, we expect that by the fall, we will be close to full capacity in time for the onslaught of blockbuster films scheduled for the back half of the year.”

It’s time to buy Cineplex stock

I’ve been skeptical about the expected recovery in Cineplex stock for months. However, its recent revenue growth trend and rising capacity with easing pandemic-related restrictions could help it financially recover sooner than expected. That’s why I believe that Cineplex stock could be poised for a sharp rally which could take it above $20 per share in the coming months.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

The Motley Fool recommends CINEPLEX INC. Fool contributor Jitendra Parashar has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Stocks for Beginners

The virtual button with the letters AI in a circle hovering above a keyboard, about to be clicked by a cursor.
Tech Stocks

Emerging Canadian AI Companies With Big Potential

These tech stocks are paving the way to an AI-filled future, but still offer enough growth ahead for a strong…

Read more »

Young Boy with Jet Pack Dreams of Flying
Tech Stocks

Is Constellation Software Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

CSU stock has long been a strong option for high growth, high value stocks. But are there now too many…

Read more »

hand stacks coins
Dividend Stocks

3 Ultra-High-Yield Dividend Stocks You Can Buy and Hold for a Decade

These three high-yield dividend stocks still have some work to do, but each are in steady areas that are only…

Read more »

Asset Management
Stocks for Beginners

TFSA: 4 Canadian Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever

Thinking about what to buy with the new TFSA contribution space in 2025? These four Canadian stocks are worth holding…

Read more »

concept of real estate evaluation
Stocks for Beginners

2 No-Brainer Real Estate Stocks to Buy Right Now for Less Than $1,000

These two real estate sector-focused stocks have the potential to deliver strong returns on your investments in the coming years.

Read more »

engineer at wind farm
Energy Stocks

Invest $20,000 in This Dividend Stock for $100 in Monthly Passive Income

This dividend stock has it all – a strong outlook, monthly income, and even more to consider buying today.

Read more »

stocks climbing green bull market
Stocks for Beginners

3 TSX Stocks Soaring Higher With No Signs of Slowing

Don't ignore stocks just because they look like they're at a high price. Instead, see exactly why they've driven so…

Read more »

Middle aged man drinks coffee
Dividend Stocks

Here’s the Average TFSA Balance at Age 35 in Canada

At age 35, it might not seem like you need to be thinking about your future cash flow. But ideally,…

Read more »