AMC stock soars 7% as Wedbush lifts target to $4 — box office comeback and debt progress fuel rally

Economic Times

11-07-2025

Synopsis
AMC stock is rising again, thanks to a fresh upgrade from Wedbush Securities and a boost in box office performance. On July 11, AMC shares jumped over 7% after analyst Alicia Reese raised the price target to $4, pointing to a 33% upside. The upgrade came as AMC cleared all 2026 debt, reducing financial risk, while stronger movie releases like Superman help bring crowds back to theaters. With better promotions and premium screens, AMC is regaining investor confidence. This story explores what's really driving the AMC stock surge and why this time, it might be different.
ETMarkets.com AMC stock jumps over 7% as Wedbush upgrades rating and lifts price target to $4, citing box office recovery, debt restructuring, and better revenue outlook. Investors are watching closely as AMC regains traction with premium screens and solid movie releases. AMC stock surges after Wedbush upgrade and box office recovery sparks investor hope- AMC stock is back in the spotlight after a fresh upgrade from Wedbush Securities sent shares higher. On Friday, July 11, AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc. (NYSE: AMC) rose more than 7%, touching $3.30, as analyst Alicia Reese changed the stock rating from Neutral to Outperform and raised the price target to $4, signaling a 33% upside. This shift in sentiment comes as the movie theater giant navigates an improving box office environment and clears major debt hurdles, renewing optimism in a sector long considered high-risk. The key factor driving AMC's stock momentum is a more stable and promising movie release schedule. Big theatrical titles like Inside Out 2 , Despicable Me 4 , and the highly anticipated Superman have started drawing more consistent crowds. According to Wedbush, this trend could lead to mid- to high-single-digit annual growth in box office revenue through 2026.
After a shaky few years where streaming dominated and major releases were delayed or skipped theaters altogether, the industry is now seeing a healthier rhythm of content. This directly boosts AMC's revenue—not only through ticket sales but also through higher-margin concession sales, which remain a key income stream. Debt has been one of AMC's biggest challenges since the pandemic nearly crippled the theater business. But recently, the company refinanced or restructured all of its 2026 debt obligations. According to the Wedbush note, this significantly reduces near-term financial risk and lowers investor concerns about bankruptcy or further share dilution. In fact, the firm believes this may have been the last major equity raise AMC will need in the foreseeable future. That's good news for shareholders, who have watched the stock get diluted multiple times to keep the business afloat. With the balance sheet looking cleaner, AMC can now focus on operational growth instead of survival.
AMC isn't just counting on blockbuster movies to bring people in. The company has also expanded its premium offerings—such as Dolby Cinema and IMAX—in both North America and Europe. These formats allow the company to charge higher prices, and customers often spend more on snacks and drinks during these experiences. In addition, AMC has introduced value-focused promotions like '50% Off Wednesdays,' which are designed to drive weekday traffic when theaters are usually less crowded. These efforts aim to improve both occupancy rates and per-customer revenue. Wedbush's upgraded $4 price target may not sound huge, but from AMC's current levels, it represents a potential 33% upside. This is a meaningful vote of confidence from a well-regarded firm, especially given that AMC has often been labeled as a 'meme stock' and dismissed by traditional investors. The analyst report highlights that while the overall theater industry remains a low-growth environment, AMC is now better positioned than most of its peers. Stronger management, an improved debt profile, and a more robust release calendar make the case for gradual recovery, not explosive growth—but stability alone could justify the upgrade. Despite the positive shift, it's worth noting that the long-term path for AMC stock still faces headwinds. Consumer habits have changed, and competition from streaming platforms isn't going away. However, the short-term indicators—from better attendance to healthier finances—point to a more stable footing than AMC has seen in years.
Here's a snapshot of the current data for AMC stock (as of July 11, 2025):
Metric Value Current Price $3.30 Price Change +$0.31 (+10.17%) Intraday High $3.36 Intraday Low $3.01 Opening Price $3.24 Trading Volume 11.2 million Target Price (Wedbush) $4.00
AMC's recent surge isn't just a fluke. It's driven by real changes—more consistent box office releases, a cleaned-up debt situation, and smart promotional strategies. Wedbush's bullish stance suggests there may still be some life left in the theater chain's comeback story. Investors who've written AMC off might want to give it another look—but with cautious optimism. Q1: Why is AMC stock going up today? AMC stock is rising due to a Wedbush upgrade and stronger box office numbers.
Q2: What is AMC's new stock price target?
Wedbush raised AMC's price target to $4 with a 33% growth outlook