National CineMedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: NCMI), the managing member of National CineMedia, LLC—the operator of the United States’ most extensive cinema‑screen advertising network—has confirmed that it will publish its fourth‑quarter and full‑year 2025 financial results after the close of markets on Thursday, February 26, 2026. The company will follow the release with a conference call scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, during which senior executives are expected to field questions from analysts and investors.
What the Announcement Looks Like
The earnings release will be accompanied by a live audio webcast that can be accessed through the Investor Relations section of the company’s website (www.ncm.com). Participants who wish to join the real‑time discussion must dial in at 1‑844‑826‑3033 (U.S.) or 1‑412‑317‑5185 (international) and register at least fifteen minutes before the call starts. The registration step is required to download and install the necessary audio software, a standard practice for corporate earnings calls.
For those who cannot attend the live session, NCM is offering a replay that will remain available until midnight Eastern Time on March 12, 2026. The replay can be reached by dialing 1‑844‑512‑2921 (U.S.) or 1‑412‑317‑6671 (international) and entering conference ID 10206729. A recorded version of the webcast will also be posted on the same Investor Relations page.
Why the Timing Matters
Releasing earnings after the market closes gives investors and analysts a full trading day to digest the numbers before the next session opens. For a company like National CineMedia, whose revenue streams are tightly linked to cinema attendance, box‑office performance, and the broader health of the advertising market, the post‑close window allows market participants to weigh the results against recent trends in theatrical releases and ad spend.
The February 26 date also positions NCM’s filing just ahead of the earnings season for many other media and entertainment firms, potentially setting a benchmark for how cinema‑screen advertising is faring amid a landscape that increasingly favors digital out‑of‑home (DOOH) formats and programmatic buying. Analysts will likely compare NCM’s performance to that of peers such as Screenvision and other DOOH operators, looking for signs of market share shifts or changes in inventory utilization.
What Investors Will Scrutinize
- Revenue per screen – a key indicator of how effectively the company is monetizing its inventory.
- Digital conversion rates – the proportion of ad inventory sold on digital screens versus traditional static formats.
- Box‑office correlation – how closely ad revenue tracks fluctuations in movie attendance.
- Operating margin – especially important given the capital‑intensive nature of cinema‑screen infrastructure.
- Cash flow and balance‑sheet health – crucial for funding future technology upgrades and potential acquisitions.
Given the company’s emphasis on digital signage and programmatic capabilities, any commentary on the rollout of new ad‑tech platforms or partnerships with data providers could also move the needle for investors.
The Broader Context: Cinema Advertising in 2026
The cinema advertising market has been navigating a complex set of forces over the past several years. On one hand, theatrical attendance has shown resilience, rebounding from pandemic lows and benefiting from a slate of high‑budget releases. On the other, advertisers are increasingly allocating budgets to addressable DOOH, streaming‑related ad inventory, and mobile‑first campaigns.
National CineMedia’s claim of operating “the largest cinema advertising platform in the U.S.” reflects a network that spans thousands of screens across major multiplex chains. This scale provides the company with a unique data set that can be leveraged for audience targeting, a capability that is becoming a differentiator in an industry traditionally dominated by broad‑reach, non‑addressable ads.
Industry observers have noted that cinema screens, with their captive audiences and high‑definition visuals, remain an attractive venue for brands seeking impact. The immersive environment of a theater—darkened rooms, large screens, and high‑quality sound—offers a level of engagement that digital billboards and streaming ads can struggle to match. However, the challenge lies in integrating that experience with the data‑driven expectations of modern advertisers.
Potential Implications of the Results
If National CineMedia reports solid growth in digital inventory and demonstrates an ability to monetize higher‑value, addressable ad slots, it could signal a broader shift toward more sophisticated, data‑rich cinema advertising solutions. Conversely, a weaker performance might raise questions about the company’s capacity to adapt to the rapid evolution of programmatic buying and the increasing competition from non‑theatrical DOOH platforms.
Analysts will also be watching for any guidance on capital expenditures. Upgrading screens to support higher resolution and dynamic content is a capital‑intensive endeavor, and the company’s willingness to invest could be a bellwether for the health of the sector.
How to Follow the Release
Stakeholders interested in the live discussion can join the conference call by dialing the toll‑free number listed above. International participants should use the alternative number provided. The company recommends registering early to avoid technical hiccups.
For a recorded version, the replay will be accessible until March 12, 2026, using the designated phone line and conference ID. The webcast recording will also be posted on www.ncm.com, where investors can stream it at their convenience.
Bottom Line
National CineMedia’s upcoming earnings release is set to provide a snapshot of how the cinema‑screen advertising market is performing at a time when advertisers are juggling multiple channels and seeking more measurable outcomes. The post‑market timing, coupled with a comprehensive webcast and replay strategy, ensures that analysts and investors have ample opportunity to dissect the results and assess the company’s strategic direction.
The forthcoming data will likely influence how the broader ad‑tech community views cinema as a viable, high‑impact medium in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.
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