Shares of AMC Entertainment (NYSE: AMC) have jumped over 20% as investors react positively to the movie theater chain’s strong performance over the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
As of press time, AMC was up 24.65%, trading at $4.02. The rally marks a sharp rebound for AMC shares, which have gained 37% over the past week and 47% in the last month. However, despite this short-term momentum, AMC remains slightly down, 0.12% year-to-date.
Why AMC stock is surging
The surge followed AMC’s announcement that the holiday period from Thursday to Monday brought in its third-highest revenue total for any five days in over a decade.
More than seven million moviegoers visited AMC locations in the U.S. and its international ODEON Cinemas, helping the company log its best-attended Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the year.
Alongside strong admissions, food and beverage sales over the weekend also hit a high, marking the biggest five-day period in the 2020s and the second-highest in the company’s history.
This milestone is pivotal as AMC continues to battle declining attendance. In response, the firm has shifted its focus toward premium theater formats, luxury seating, and enhanced loyalty programs.
Its GO Plan aims to elevate guest experiences, while upcoming PLF expansions, including IMAX with Laser and 200 new XL screens by 2026, signal a push to solidify its premium positioning. Recent seating upgrades at key locations have already delivered notable revenue boosts.
Wall Street’s take on AMC stock
Despite the 25% rally, Wall Street analysts remain cautious. According to TipRanks, a consensus of six analysts has set a 12-month average price target of $2.83, a nearly 30% downside from current levels. Forecasts range from a high of $3 to a low of $2.30.
The stock currently holds a “Hold” rating, with five analysts advising to hold and one recommending a sell. Notably, no analysts have issued a buy rating, highlighting skepticism around the sustainability of AMC’s recent surge.
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