Can Imax Outrun Live Nation Entertainment in the Next Rally?
Live Nation Entertainment fell -17% during the past Month. You may be tempted to buy more, or may want to reduce your exposure. But there is an entirely different perspective you might be missing. Is there a better alternative? Turns out, its peer Imax gives you more. Imax (IMAX) stock offers superior revenue growth across key periods, better profitability, and relatively lower valuation vs Live Nation Entertainment (LYV) stock, suggesting you may be better off investing in IMAX
- IMAX’s quarterly revenue growth was 16.6%, vs. LYV’s 11.1%.
- In addition, its Last 12 Months revenue growth came in at 9.3%, ahead of LYV’s 5.5%.
- IMAX leads on profitability over both periods – LTM margin of 19.7% and 3-year average of 15.2%.
These differences become even clearer when you look at the financials side by side. The table highlights how LYV’s fundamentals stack up against those of IMAX on growth, margins, momentum, and valuation multiples.
Valuation & Performance Overview
| LYV | IMAX | Preferred | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valuation | |||
| P/EBIT Ratio | 26.7 | 26.4 | IMAX |
| Revenue Growth | |||
| Last Quarter | 11.1% | 16.6% | IMAX |
| Last 12 Months | 5.5% | 9.3% | IMAX |
| Last 3 Year Average | 18.6% | 7.6% | LYV |
| Operating Margins | |||
| Last 12 Months | 4.6% | 19.7% | IMAX |
| Last 3 Year Average | 4.6% | 15.2% | IMAX |
| Momentum | |||
| Last 3 Year Return | 96.3% | 142.3% | IMAX |
Note: For “Last 3 Year Return” metric, preferred stock is one with higher returns unless the returns are too high (>300%) which creates risk of sell off.
See more revenue details: LYV Revenue Comparison | IMAX Revenue Comparison
See more margin details: LYV Operating Income Comparison | IMAX Operating Income Comparison
See detailed fundamentals on Buy or Sell IMAX Stock and Buy or Sell LYV Stock. Below we compare market return and related metrics across years.
Historical Market Performance
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | Total [1] | Avg | Best | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Returns | |||||||||
| LYV Return | 3% | 63% | -42% | 34% | 38% | 0% | 82% | ||
| IMAX Return | -12% | -1% | -18% | 2% | 70% | 42% | 78% | ||
| S&P 500 Return | 16% | 27% | -19% | 24% | 23% | 13% | 106% | <=== | |
| Monthly Win Rates [3] | |||||||||
| LYV Win Rate | 42% | 58% | 25% | 42% | 67% | 50% | 47% | ||
| IMAX Win Rate | 50% | 50% | 25% | 58% | 58% | 60% | 50% | ||
| S&P 500 Win Rate | 58% | 75% | 42% | 67% | 75% | 70% | 64% | <=== | |
| Max Drawdowns [4] | |||||||||
| LYV Max Drawdown | -59% | -10% | -45% | -6% | -7% | -11% | -23% | ||
| IMAX Max Drawdown | -65% | -24% | -32% | 0% | -10% | -16% | -25% | ||
| S&P 500 Max Drawdown | -31% | -1% | -25% | -1% | -2% | -15% | -12% | <=== | |
[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2020
[2] 2025 data is for the year up to 11/19/2025 (YTD)
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
No matter how good the numbers, stock investment is never a smooth ride. There is a risk you must factor in. Read IMAX Dip Buyer Analyses and LYV Dip Buyer Analyses to see how these stocks have fallen and recovered in the past.
Still not sure about LYV or IMAX? Consider portfolio approach.
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