Are Record-Breaking Ticket Sales a Good Reason to Buy AMC Stock?

AMC Entertainment Holdings (NYSE: AMC) has benefited from something that seemed unthinkable in recent years: record ticket sales. The world's largest movie theater chain suffered in recent years as numerous headwinds reduced movie attendance.

Nonetheless, the industry reported $4.76 billion in North American summer box office revenue, a record high. Now, after AMC briefly became a meme stock, years of struggle have taken its price to low levels. Does that position it for a comeback? Let's take a closer look.

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The state of AMC

After the aforementioned stint as a meme stock, AMC became a penny stock as reality set in. Even after the pandemic took a toll on attendance, the movie chain found itself competing with other forms of entertainment and with the growing ability of some consumers to mimic the movie theater experience at home.

Fortunately, movie theater attendance has become trendy among younger generations. Moreover, AMC has made moviegoing a more immersive experience, countering the narrative that the home viewing experience has become the same.

Additionally, the summer blockbusters seem to have returned. Moviegoers came back for films such as Spider-Man: Brand New Day and The Odyssey, which also offered an IMAX version that further enhanced the immersive experience.

That comeback improved its financials. In the first half of 2026, revenue of $2.64 billion rose 17% from year-ago levels. Also, free cash flow for the same period totaled $15 million, a huge improvement over the negative free cash flow of $328 million in the first two quarters of 2025. Such conditions could draw some investors while it is below $3 per share.

Unfortunately, its struggles in recent years have left AMC with $3.9 billion in corporate borrowings, and its $1.45 billion in stockholders' deficit shows the strain on its balance sheet. Consequently, high interest expenses contributed to a $129 million loss in the first half of the year.

Ultimately, to win back investor confidence, it will have to earn operating profits sufficient to strengthen its balance sheet. Until investors see clear signs of that happening, the stock may continue to struggle.

Moving forward with AMC stock

Given AMC's financial situation, investors are likely best served by treating its stock as a speculative play.

Indeed, the interest in movies has made a comeback, and the positive free cash flows are an encouraging sign. AMC remains the world's largest theater chain, so if attendance continues to improve, AMC stock could experience significant growth.

However, with the debt overhang from years of struggle, AMC remains unprofitable, and its massive debt load is a major obstacle to the stock's growth. Until its financials show sustained improvement, the entertainment stock will likely continue to struggle.

Will Healy has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.