Cineplex Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Annual Results

TORONTO, Feb. 22, 2018 /CNW/ - (TSX: CGX) - Cineplex Inc. ("Cineplex") today released its financial results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2017.  Unless otherwise specified, all amounts are in Canadian dollars.

Fourth Quarter Results

Full Year Results

"We continue to pursue our diversification strategy and accomplished a great deal in 2017.  The fourth quarter increase in revenue across each of the primary business units supports our continued focus on our diversification plan driving adjusted EBITDA growth of 19.1% and EPS growth of 21.6%.", said Ellis Jacob, President and CEO, Cineplex Inc.

"Box office revenue during the fourth quarter increased 0.9% to $185.0 million and box office per patron ("BPP") increased 3.0% to $10.54.  Theatre food service revenue increased 7.0% to $110.3 million and concession per patron ("CPP") increased 9.4% to $6.29. The increases in BPP and CPP more than offset a 2.1% decline in attendance. Total Media increased 16.7% to $61.5 million this quarter with cinema media increasing 17.2% to $43.4 million and Cineplex Digital Media increasing 15.5% to $18.1 million due to the installation of an advanced digital signage network in more than 1,000 Citizens Bank branches across the American northeast.  Amusement revenue increased 46.1% largely resulting from the increased revenue associated with the acquisitions in 2016 and 2017 of Tricorp Amusements, SAW LLC, and Dandy Amusements and the contributions from The Rec Room.  Total revenues from The Rec Room amounted to $16.9 million and achieved a store level margin of 20.0%.  This culminated in adjusted EBITDA increasing 19.1% to $79.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2017," said Jacob.

"On a full year basis, total revenue increased 5.2% to $1.6 billion despite an attendance decrease of 5.6% compared to the prior year. The attendance decline was a result of a weaker than expected film slate, especially during the second and third quarters which significantly underperformed versus expectations.  This coupled with incremental costs related to the start-up and integration of our new businesses resulted in a relatively flat adjusted EBITDA of $235.9 million, up 0.8% for the year," said Jacob.

"Annual box office revenue of $715.6 million decreased 2.5% due to the aforementioned attendance decline, however theatre food service revenue of $422.3 million, BPP of $10.17 and CPP of $6.00 represented all-time annual records for Cineplex. Our media business continued to grow, reporting record annual media revenue of $171.9 million, largely due to higher cinema media revenue. Amusement revenue of $185.3 million increased 66.5%, which includes increased revenue from The Rec Room and Player One Amusement Group acquisitions."

"Accomplishments in 2017 included the opening of three new locations of The Rec Room in Toronto at the Roundhouse, at West Edmonton Mall and at Calgary's Deerfoot City. We added luxury recliners to 12 theatres across the country and released new enhancements to the Cineplex Store.  We also announced an exclusive partnership with Topgolf to bring its sports entertainment complexes to Canada and our SCENE loyalty program continued to grow its membership reaching 8.9 million members.  Subsequent to year end, we also announced that in addition to Citizens Bank, Cineplex Digital Media had been selected by Arcos Dorados, the largest independent McDonald's franchisee in the world, to deploy, maintain and operate a complex merchandising network of digital menu boards at McDonald's locations in Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay."

"We are encouraged by the outlook for the 2018 film slate and are confident that the investments made in 2017 have Cineplex well positioned for meaningful growth in the future as we continue to execute our diversification strategy."

KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN 2017

The following describes certain key business initiatives undertaken and results achieved during 2017 in each of Cineplex's core business areas:

FILM ENTERTAINMENT AND CONTENT

Theatre Exhibition

• Reported annual box office revenues of $715.6 million, a 2.5% decrease from 2016 due to a 5.6% decrease in attendance, partially offset by a 3.4% increase in BPP.
• BPP of $10.17 represents an annual record for Cineplex, $0.33 or 3.4% higher than $9.84 reported during 2016.
• Opened the first IMAX VR Centre in Canada at Cineplex's Scotiabank Theatre Toronto.
• Opened Canada's first D-BOX VR cinematic experience at Cineplex's Scotiabank Theatre Ottawa.
• During the year, Cineplex installed five D-BOX auditoriums, one IMAX auditorium, one UltraAVX auditorium and converted 121 auditoriums (12 locations) to recliner seating.

Theatre Food Service

• Reported record annual theatre food service revenues of $422.3 million (0.3% increase from 2016) due to record annual CPP of $6.00 ($0.35 or 6.2% increase from 2016).
• During the year, Cineplex added alcohol beverage service to several theatres in Ontario and Alberta due to an expansion of liquor license laws.

Alternative Programming

• Alternative programming during the year included strong performances from the Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD series, the live Mayweather vs. McGregor match featured in VIP cinemas, and featured numerous international films, including Hindi, Punjabi and Mandarin language films in select markets across the country.
• Announced a three year sponsorship agreement with the NFL that will bring Sunday Night Football and the Super Bowl live to select Cineplex theatres across Canada. The agreement also provides access to NFL brands and trademarks as well as sponsorship opportunities for Cineplex.

Digital Commerce

• Cineplex.com registered a 10.5% increase in visits in 2017 compared to 2016.
• Online and mobile ticketing represented 33.3% of total admissions during the year compared to 29.1% in the prior year.
• Monthly active users of the Cineplex Store increased 93.0% as compared to the prior year.
• Cineplex store registered a 63.0% increase in device activations over the prior year.
• Released a new Cineplex Store user interface and experience across the website and multiple connected televisions and device apps.

MEDIA

• Reported record annual media revenues of $171.9 million, 0.6% higher than the previous record set in 2016 mainly as a result of higher cinema media revenues.

Cinema Media

• Cinema media revenues were a record $116.4 million in 2017 (2.6% higher than 2016) with the increase due to record Show-Time advertising sales, with robust results seen in the automotive category.

Digital Place-Based Media

• Reported revenues of $55.5 million in 2017, a decrease of $1.8 million or 3.2%, compared to the prior year due to lower project installation revenues partially offset by higher advertising revenue generated from an expanded client base.
• Selected to install, maintain and operate a state-of-the-art digital signage network at 21 shopping centres in Canada managed by Morguard Investments Limited ("Morguard").
• Completed deployment of a digital display network at over a thousand Citizens Bank branches across the United States.

AMUSEMENT AND LEISURE

Amusement Solutions

• Reported annual revenues of $170.6 million in 2017 ($10.6 million from Cineplex theatre gaming and $160.0 million from all other sources of revenues). This was an increase of $61.6 million from the prior year mainly due to the acquisitions of Tricorp Amusements Inc. ("Tricorp"), SAW, LLC ("SAW") and Dandy Amusements International Inc. ("Dandy").
• On April 1, 2017, Cineplex acquired the assets of Dandy, a California-based leading amusement gaming machine operator with operations in the western United States, for $13.7 million.

Location-Based Entertainment

• The Rec Room reported total annual revenues of $35.2 million which includes food service revenues of $19.6 million and amusement revenues of $14.7 million.
• Opened three new locations of The Rec Room; one located at the iconic Roundhouse Park in downtown Toronto, one in Edmonton at the West Edmonton Mall and the other at Calgary's Deerfoot City.
• Announced plans for three locations of The Rec Room: one in Mississauga, Ontario at Square One, one in London, Ontario and the other, the first location in British Columbia, at The Amazing Brentwood.
• Announced the brand-new Playdium complex in Whitby, Ontario, which is scheduled to begin construction in early 2018.
• Announced an exclusive partnership with Topgolf to bring multiple Topgolf sports entertainment complexes to markets across Canada. Topgolf brings together people of all ages and skill levels for competitive play in the comfort of a climate-controlled sports and entertainment destination.

eSports

• In the second quarter, Cineplex acquired the 20% non-controlling interest in WGN for $4.0 million. Cineplex now owns and operates 100% of WGN.
• WGN hosted various tournaments including, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Canadian Championship Series, Northern Fights Canadian Championship Series and the Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare tournament. Collegiate Starleague ("CSL"), a subsidiary of WGN, hosted the 2017 North American Collegiate Grand Finals at the Scotiabank Theatre in Toronto, Ontario.
• As part of a partnership with the NFL, WGN hosted a series of online and offline Madden tournaments. The finals were held on November 15, 2017, at the The Rec Room's Roundhouse location in Toronto.

LOYALTY

• Membership in the SCENE loyalty program increased by 0.8 million in 2017, reaching 8.9 million members at December 31, 2017.
• Announced the launch of a new program for SCENE members, which will allow them to earn and redeem SCENE points for food and drink purchases within Cineplex theatres.
• 2017 marks the 10th year anniversary of the SCENE loyalty program.

CORPORATE

• During the year, under provisions in its Credit Facility, Cineplex increased the Revolving Facility by $75.0 million with the Term Facility remaining unchanged.
• During the year, Cineplex implemented a normal course issuer bid ("NCIB") through the Toronto Stock Exchange allowing Cineplex to purchase up to 6,308,955 Shares through September 2018. All of the Shares purchased will be cancelled. As at December 31, 2017, 211,942 Shares were purchased and cancelled by Cineplex for $8.0 million.
• Effective with the May 2017 dividend, the Board of Directors of Cineplex (the "Board") announced a monthly dividend increase of 3.7% to $0.140 per share ($1.68 on an annual basis) up from $0.135 per Share ($1.62 on an annual basis).
• Cineplex was once again the entertainment sponsor for WE Day Family, which was held at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto. Cineplex also hosted it seventh annual National Community Day in October 2017 in support of WE, its national charitable partner. In the past seven years, Cineplex has raised a total of $2.8 million on Community Days.

OPERATING RESULTS FOR THE THREE MONTHS AND YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017

Total revenues

Total revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2017 increased $40.9 million (10.6%) to $426.3 million as compared to the prior year period.  Total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased $76.7 million (5.2%) to $1.6 billion as compared to the prior year.  A discussion of the factors affecting the changes in box office, food service, media, amusement and other revenues for the two periods is provided below.

Non-GAAP measures discussed throughout this news release, including adjusted EBITDA, adjusted free cash flow, attendance, BPP, premium priced product, same theatre metrics, CPP, film cost percentage, theatre food service cost percentage and theatre concession margin per patron are defined and discussed in the Non-GAAP measures section of this news release.

Box office revenues

The following table highlights the movement in box office revenues, attendance and BPP for the quarter and the full year (in thousands of dollars, except attendance reported in thousands of patrons and per patron amounts, unless otherwise noted):

Fourth Quarter

Box office revenues increased $1.6 million, or 0.9%, to $185.0 million during the fourth quarter of 2017, compared to $183.4 million recorded in the same period in 2016.  This increase compared to the prior year is due to the higher BPP more than offsetting the impact of a 2.1% decrease in attendance.

BPP for the three months ended December 31, 2017 was $10.54, a $0.31 increase from the prior year period and an all-time quarterly record for Cineplex.  The increase in BPP was due to price increases in selective markets as compared to the prior year period.  While there was a greater concentration of 3D movies in the top five films in the current year, 3D accounted for a larger percentage of box office revenue outside of the top five movies in 2016.

Full Year

Box office revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017 were $715.6 million, a decrease of $18.6 million or 2.5% from the prior year.  This was due to the 5.6% decrease in attendance, as a result of the weaker film slate in 2017 as compared to the prior year.

Cineplex's BPP for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased $0.33, or 3.4%, from $9.84 in 2016 to an annual record of $10.17 in 2017.  This increase was primarily due to price increases in selective markets as compared to the prior year.

Food service revenues

The following table highlights the movement in food service revenues, attendance and CPP for the quarter and the full year (in thousands of dollars, except attendance and same store attendance reported in thousands of patrons and per patron amounts):

Fourth Quarter

Food service revenues are comprised primarily of concession revenues, which includes food service sales at theatre locations.  Food service revenues also include food and beverage sales at The Rec Room.  Theatre food service revenues increased $7.2 million, or 7.0% as compared to the prior year period due to the 9.4% increase in CPP more than offsetting the impact of a 2.1% decrease in attendance.  The operations of The Rec Room contributed $9.2 million in the period. These revenues are excluded from the CPP calculation. 

CPP of $6.29 is an all-time quarterly record for Cineplex.  Expanded offerings outside of core food service products, including offerings at Cineplex's VIP Cinemas and Outtakes locations, have contributed to increased visitation and higher average transaction values, resulting in the record CPP.

Full Year

Food service revenues increased $18.0 million, or 4.2% as compared to the prior year to a record $441.9 million due to the impact of the higher CPP more than offsetting the impact of the lower attendance and the impact of The Rec Room.  CPP increased from $5.65 in 2016 to $6.00 in 2017, an annual record for Cineplex.  The operations of The Rec Room contributed $19.6 million in the current year. These revenues are excluded from the CPP calculation. 

While programs including SCENE points issued and redeemed on food services purchases reduce individual CPP, Cineplex believes that this loyalty program drives incremental visits and food service purchases, resulting in higher overall food service revenues.

Media revenues

The following table highlights the movement in media revenues for the quarter and the full year (in thousands of dollars):

Fourth Quarter

Total media revenues increased 16.7% to an all-time quarterly record of $61.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to the prior year period.  This increase was due to all-time quarterly records for both cinema media and digital place-based media revenues. Cinema media increased by $6.4 million, or 17.2% higher than the prior year period.  This growth came from strong Show-Time results due to the high anticipation for Star Wars: The Last Jedi, particularly in the automotive industry.

Digital place-based media revenues increased $2.4 million due to an expansion of the client base resulting in increased project installation revenues, as well as advertising and other media revenue growth. During the quarter, digital placed-based media added 1,079 new locations for a total of 12,926 locations (an increase of 9.2% over the prior year).  Cineplex also completed deployment of a digital display network at over a thousand Citizens Bank branches across the United States.

Full Year

Total media revenues increased $1.1 million, or 0.6%, in the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the prior year.  This increase was due to the record performance of Cinema media, which reported growth of $2.9 million (2.6%) compared to the prior year due primarily to strong Show-Time results in the automotive industry.   Digital place-based media revenues decreased $1.8 million due to lower project revenues in 2017 compared to 2016, partially offset by higher advertising and service revenues on various networks including Ivanhoe and Oxford.

Amusement Revenues

The following table highlights the movement in amusement revenues for the quarter and the full year (in thousands of dollars):

Fourth Quarter

Amusement revenues increased 46.1%, or $15.6 million, to $49.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to the prior year period. The increase was due to the acquisitions by P1AG and the increase to four operating locations of The Rec Room in the fourth quarter of 2017, compared to one location in the prior year period, resulting in a revenue increase of $4.7 million.

Full Year

For the full year period amusement revenues increased 66.5%, or $74.0 million to $185.3 million, primarily due to the acquisitions by P1AG in the current year and the increase in operating locations of The Rec Room which resulted in a revenue increase of $12.4 million.

Other revenues

The following table highlights the other revenues which includes revenues from the Cineplex Store, promotional activities, screenings, private parties, corporate events, breakage on gift card sales and revenues from management fees for the quarter and full year (in thousands of dollars):

Film cost

The following table highlights the movement in film cost and the film cost percentage for the quarter and the full year (in thousands of dollars, except film cost percentage):

Fourth Quarter

Film cost varies primarily with box office revenues, and can vary from quarter to quarter usually based on the relative strength and concentration of the titles exhibited during the period.  The 1.0% increase in film cost percentage in the current period is as a result of the concentration of box office results from a few titles, with the top five films in the current period accounting for 49.7% of box office revenues (2016 - top five represented 46.3%)

Full Year

The full year decrease in film cost expense was due a combination of the 0.5% decrease in the film cost percentage and the lower box office revenues in the current period compared to the prior year period. The decrease in film cost percentage is attributable to the top films in the current year having lower settlement rates compared to the prior year period.

Cost of food service

The following table highlights the movement in cost of food service for both theatres and The Rec Room for the quarter and the full year (in thousands of dollars, except percentages and margins per patron):

Fourth Quarter

Cost of food service at the theatres varies primarily with theatre attendance as well as the quantity and mix of offerings sold.  Cost of food service at The Rec Room varies primarily with the volume of guests who visit the locations as well as the quantity and mix between food and beverage items sold.

The increase in the theatre cost of food service as compared to the prior year period was due to the higher food service revenues, partially offset by the 1.2% decrease in the concession cost percentage during the period.

The theatre concession margin per patron increased 10.9% from $4.42 in the fourth quarter of 2016 to $4.90 in the same period in 2017, reflecting the impact of the higher CPP during the period and the lower theatre concession cost percentage.

The increase in The Rec Room cost of food service as compared to the prior year period was due to the higher food service revenues as a result of the increase in operating locations.  The decrease of 8.0% in The Rec Room food cost percentage during the quarter compared to the prior period was due to improved cost management as new locations opened.

Full Year

The decrease in the theatre cost of food service as compared to the prior year was due to the 0.5% decrease in the theatre concession cost percentage. The theatre concession margin per patron increased from $4.37 in the prior year to $4.67 in the current year, reflecting the impact of the higher CPP in the current year.

The increase in The Rec Room cost of food service as compared to the prior year was due to the higher food service revenues as a result of the increase in operating locations.  The decrease of 4.7% for the food cost percentage regarding The Rec Room was due to improved cost management with the rollout of new locations.

Depreciation and amortization

The following table highlights the movement in depreciation and amortization expenses during the quarter and full year (in thousands of dollars):

The quarterly and annual increase in depreciation of property, equipment and leaseholds of $3.2 million and $12.1 million, respectively, was primarily due to the investments in amusement and leisure businesses, including The Rec Room and the acquisitions of Tricorp, SAW and Dandy.

The quarterly and full year increase in amortization of intangible assets and other is primarily due to the acquisitions of Tricorp, SAW and Dandy customer relationships.

Loss on disposal of assets

The following table shows the movement in the loss on disposal of assets during the quarter and full year (in thousands of dollars):

Other costs

Other costs include three main sub-categories of expenses, including theatre occupancy expenses, which capture the rent and associated occupancy costs for Cineplex's theatre operations; other operating expenses, which include the costs related to running Cineplex's film entertainment and content, media, amusement and leisure as well as Cineplex's ancillary businesses; and general and administrative expenses, which includes costs related to managing Cineplex's operations, including head office expenses. Please see the discussions below for more details on these categories. The following table highlights the movement in other costs for the quarter and full year (in thousands of dollars):

Theatre occupancy expenses

The following table highlights the movement in theatre occupancy expenses for the quarter and full year (in thousands of dollars):

Fourth Quarter

Theatre occupancy expenses increased $0.5 million during the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to the prior year period.  This increase was primarily due to higher same store rent expense ($1.0 million), offset by a decrease in one-time charges of $0.4 million.

Full Year

The increase in theatre occupancy expenses of $2.4 million for the 2017 compared the prior year was mainly due to the impact of the same store rent-change $2.1 million as compared to the prior year period.

Other operating expenses 

The following table highlights the movement in other operating expenses during the quarter and the full year (in thousands of dollars):

Fourth Quarter

Other operating expenses during the fourth quarter of 2017 increased $20.4 million or 15.2% compared to the prior year period.  The increase is primarily due to higher amusement and leisure costs, including higher P1AG costs due to the acquisitions of SAW and Dandy, which are not included in the prior year comparative, as well as costs relating to the The Rec Room (which only had one operating location in the prior year).  Media costs were also higher due to the increased business volumes during the quarter. These increases were partially offset by proactive cost control measures resulting in a $0.8 million decline in same theatre payroll in response to the decline in attendance. Other costs include $0.8 million in pre-opening costs at The Rec Room and integration costs incurred by P1AG.

Full Year

For the year ended December 31, 2017, other operating expenses increased $82.3 million or 16.9% compared to the prior year. The increase is primarily due to higher amusement and leisure costs, including higher P1AG costs due to the acquisitions of Tricorp and SAW in the fourth quarter of 2016 and Dandy in the second quarter of 2017. Excluding P1AG, other operating expenses increased primarily due to operating expenses for The Rec Room, which had fewer operating locations in the prior year, and increases to media cost due to increased business volumes.  These were partially offset by a $4.2 million decrease in marketing costs and a $5.7 million decrease in same theatre payroll due to proactive cost control measures put in place in response to the decline in attendance. Other costs include an increase of $7.6 million in pre-opening costs at The Rec Room and integration costs incurred by P1AG, to $9.9 million for the year.

General and administrative expenses

The following table highlights the movement in general and administrative ("G&A") expenses during the quarter and the full year, including Share based compensation costs, and G&A net of these costs (in thousands of dollars):

Fourth Quarter

G&A expenses increased $1.9 million during the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to the prior year period primarily due to higher head office payroll expenses.

Full Year

G&A expenses for 2017 decreased $1.4 million compared to the prior year, due to the $7.5 million decrease in LTIP expense as a result of Cineplex's lower Share price of $37.33 at December 31, 2017 compared to $51.22 at December 31, 2106. This was partially offset by higher head office payroll expenses.

EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST, INCOME TAXES, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION ("EBITDA") (see Non-GAAP measures section of this news release)

The following table presents EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA for the three months and year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to the prior year periods (expressed in thousands of dollars, except adjusted EBITDA margin):

Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter of 2017 increased $12.8 million, or 19.1%, as compared to the prior year period, to $79.6 million.  This increase as compared to the prior year period was due primarily to growth in the amusement and leisure businesses, higher contribution from media due to record media sales volumes and from the increase in theatre food service revenues as a result of the record CPP.  Adjusted EBITDA margin, calculated as adjusted EBITDA divided by total revenues, was 18.7% in the current period, a increase of 1.4% from 17.3% in the prior year period.

Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased $1.9 million, or 0.8%, to $235.9 million as compared to $234.0 million primarily due to the growth in the amusement and leisure businesses which was partially offset by the decrease in box office revenues as a result of the lower attendance partially due to the weaker film product in the current year. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 15.2% in 2017 compared to 15.8% in 2016 due to the integration costs of the P1AG acquisitions and pre-opening costs of The Rec Room.

ADJUSTED FREE CASH FLOW (see Non-GAAP measures section of this news release)

For the fourth quarter of 2017, adjusted free cash flow per common share of Cineplex was $0.81 as compared to $0.62 in the prior year period.  The declared dividends per common share of Cineplex were $0.42 in the fourth quarter of 2017 and $0.41 in the prior year period.  During the 12 months ended December 31, 2017, Cineplex generated adjusted free cash flow per Share of $2.37, compared to $2.46 per Share in the 12 months ended December 31, 2016.  Cineplex declared dividends per Share of $1.66 and $1.60, respectively, in each period.  The payout ratios for these periods were approximately 70.0% and 65.1%, respectively.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT PRESENTATION

Cineplex has reclassified box office, amusement and other revenues to reflect the growth of its Amusement and Leisure business and to enhance comparability with exhibition peers in the United States. Certain revenues from Cineplex's enhanced guest experience initiatives were previously included in other revenues and are now included with box office revenues. This presentation is consistent with other exhibitors and better reflects how Cineplex management measures and operates the business. This affects the BPP, film cost percentage and percentage of premium priced products due to the increase in box office revenues reported. Prior period financial statement figures have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation.  The following table presents the reclassified box office revenues for the three months and year ended December 31, 2016 (in thousands of dollars):

Other revenues also previously contained all amusement revenue. Due to the growth of Cineplex's amusement solutions and location based entertainment businesses, these revenues are now separately reported as amusement revenues. The following table presents the reclassified other revenues for the three months and year ended December 31, 2016 (in thousands of dollars):

Cineplex had previously included foreign exchange gain and losses in interest expense. As of January 1, 2017, the foreign exchange gains and losses are reported separately on the statements of operations. The prior year period figures have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation. The following table reflects the changes to the interest expense due to the change in presentation for the three months and year ended December 31, 2016 (in thousands of dollars):

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

EBITDA and Adjusted Free Cash Flow
EBITDA and adjusted free cash flow are not measures recognized by GAAP and do not have standardized meanings in accordance with such principles.  Therefore, EBITDA and adjusted free cash flow may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers.  Management uses adjusted EBITDA and adjusted free cash flow to evaluate performance primarily because of the significant effect certain unusual or non-recurring charges and other items have on EBITDA from period to period.

EBITDA is calculated by adding back to net income, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization expense, and interest income.  Adjusted EBITDA is calculated by adjusting EBITDA for the change in fair value of financial instrument, losses on disposal of assets, foreign exchange loss (gain), the equity income of CDCP, the non-controlling interests' share of adjusted EBITDA of WGN and Brady Starburst LLC, and depreciation, amortization, interest and taxes of Cineplex's other joint ventures.  Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated by dividing adjusted EBITDA by total revenues.

Adjusted free cash flow is a non-GAAP measure generally used by Canadian corporations, as an indicator of financial performance and it should not be seen as a measure of liquidity or a substitute for comparable metrics prepared in accordance with GAAP.

For a detailed reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA and from cash provided by operating activities to adjusted free cash flow, please refer to Cineplex's management's discussion and analysis filed on www.sedar.com.

Earnings per Share Metrics
The year ended December 31, 2017 includes the gain associated with the change in fair value of financial instrument relating to the WGN put option and the revaluation of certain financial assets. Cineplex has presented basic and diluted earnings per share net of this item to provide a more comparable earnings per share metric between the current periods and prior year periods.  In the non-GAAP measure, earnings is defined as net income excluding the change in fair value of financial instrument.

Per Patron Revenue Metrics
Cineplex reviews per patron metrics as they relate to box office revenue and theatre food service revenue such as BPP, CPP, BPP excluding premium priced product, and concession margin per patron, as these are key measures used by investors to value and assess Cineplex's performance, and are widely used in the theatre exhibition industry.  Management of Cineplex defines these metrics as follows:

Attendance: Attendance is calculated as the total number of paying patrons that frequent Cineplex's theatres during the period.

BPP: Calculated as total box office revenues divided by total paid attendance for the period.

BPP excluding premium priced product: Calculated as total box office revenues for the period, less box office revenues from 3D, 4DX, UltraAVX, VIP and IMAX product; divided by total paid attendance for the period, less paid attendance for 3D, 4DX, UltraAVX, VIP and IMAX product.

CPP: Calculated as total theatre food service revenues divided by total paid attendance for the period.

Premium priced product: Defined as 3D, 4DX, UltraAVX, IMAX and VIP film product.

Theatre concession margin per patron: Calculated as total food service revenues less total food service cost, divided by attendance for the period.

Same Theatre Analysis
Cineplex reviews and reports same theatre metrics relating to box office revenues, theatre food service revenues, theatre rent expense and theatre payroll expense, as these measures are widely used in the theatre exhibition industry as well as other retail industries.

Same theatre metrics are calculated by removing the results for all theatres that have been opened, acquired, closed or otherwise disposed of subsequent to the start of the prior year comparative period.  For the three months ended December 31, 2017 the impact of the one location that has been opened or acquired and two locations that have been closed have been excluded, resulting in 160 theatres being included in the same theatre metrics.  For the year ended December 31, 2017 the impact of the four locations that have been opened or acquired and the three locations that have been closed have been excluded, resulting in 156 theatres being included in the same theatre metrics.

Cost of sales percentages
Cineplex reviews and reports cost of sales percentages for its two largest revenue sources, box office revenues and theatre food service revenues as these measures are widely used in the theatre exhibition industry.  These measures are reported as film cost percentage and concession cost percentage, respectively, and are calculated as follows:

Film cost percentage: Calculated as total film cost expense divided by total box office revenues for the period.

Theatre concession cost percentage: Calculated as total theatre food service costs divided by total theatre food service revenues for the period.

The Rec Room food cost percentage: Calculated as total The Rec Room food costs divided by total The Rec Room food service revenues for the period.

Store Level EBITDA Metrics
Cineplex reviews and reports EBITDA at the location level for the The Rec Room which is calculated as total The Rec Room revenues from all reportable segments less the total of The Rec Room costs.

Store Level Margin
Calculated as store level EBITDA divided by total revenues for The Rec Room for the period.

Certain information included in this news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws.  These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements with respect to Cineplex's objectives, goals and strategies to achieve those objectives and goals, as well as statements with respect to Cineplex's beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations, anticipations, estimates and intentions.  The words "may", "will", "could", "should", "would", "suspect", "outlook", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "expect", "intend", "forecast", "objective" and "continue" (or the negative thereof), and words and expressions of similar import, are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, including those described in Cineplex's Annual Information Form ("AIF"), Cineplex's management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A") and in this news release.  Those risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, give rise to the possibility that predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not be achieved. Certain material factors or assumptions are applied in making forward-looking statements and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Cineplex cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these statements, as a number of important factors, many of which are beyond Cineplex's control, could cause actual results to differ materially from the beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations, anticipations, estimates and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, risks generally encountered in the relevant industry, competition, customer, legal, taxation and accounting matters.

The foregoing list of factors that may affect future results is not exhaustive. When reviewing Cineplex's forward-looking statements, readers should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Additional information about factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from expectations and about material factors or assumptions applied in making forward-looking statements may be found in the "Risks and Uncertainties" section of Cineplex's MD&A.

Cineplex does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable Canadian securities law. Additionally, we undertake no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of Cineplex, its financial or operating results or its securities. All forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date hereof and are qualified by these cautionary statements. Additional information, including Cineplex's AIF and MD&A, can be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

About Cineplex
A leading entertainment and media company, Cineplex (TSX:CGX) is a top-tier Canadian brand that operates in the Film Entertainment and Content, Amusement and Leisure, and Media sectors. As Canada's largest and most innovative film exhibitor, Cineplex welcomes over 70 million guests annually through its circuit of 163 theatres across the country. Cineplex also operates successful businesses in digital commerce (CineplexStore.com), food service, alternative programming (Cineplex Events), cinema media (Cineplex Media), digital place-based media (Cineplex Digital Media), amusement solutions (Player One Amusement Group) and an online eSports platform for competitive and passionate gamers (WorldGaming.com). Additionally, Cineplex operates a location based entertainment business through Canada's newest destination for 'Eats & Entertainment' (The Rec Room), and will also be opening new complexes specially designed for teens and families (Playdium) as well as exciting new sports and entertainment venues across Canada (Topgolf). Cineplex is a joint venture partner in SCENE, Canada's largest entertainment loyalty program.

Proudly recognized as having one of the country's Most Admired Corporate Cultures, Cineplex employs approximately 13,000 people in its offices across Canada and the United States. To learn more visit Cineplex.com or download the Cineplex App.

You are cordially invited to participate in a teleconference call with the management of Cineplex (TSX: CGX) to review our fourth quarter and year-end results. Ellis Jacob, President and Chief Executive Officer, Gord Nelson, Chief Financial Officer and Pat Marshall, Investor Relations Officer will host the call.  The teleconference call is scheduled for:

Thursday February 22, 2018
10:00 am Eastern Time

In order to participate in the conference call please dial 647-484-0475, or from outside Toronto and from the U.S., dial 1-888-394-8218 at least five to ten minutes prior to 10:00 am ET. Please quote the conference confirmation code 6219020 to access the call.

If you cannot participate in a live mode, a replay will be available. Please dial 647-436-0148, or from outside Toronto and from the U.S., dial 1-888-203-1112. The replay passcode is 6219020.

The replay will begin at 1:00 pm ET on Thursday February 22, 2018 and end at 1:00 pm ET on Thursday March 1, 2018.

Note that media will be participating in the call in listen-only mode.