AMC earnings jump 65 percent

Higher revenues helped AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc. to post a 65 percent jump in third quarter earnings.

The Leawood based owner of AMC Theatres said it earned $12.2 million, or 12 cents a share, in July, August and September. A year earlier, profits equaled $7.4 million, or 8 cents a share.

Customers spent more on tickets, food and beverages, which the company attributed largely to its efforts to boost amenities, such as leather seating and broader food selections and service.

“Whether it’s the comfort and convenience of our recliner re-seats and reserved seating, the variety and accessibility of enhanced food and beverage offerings or the richness of our premium sight and sound experience, we believe that through relentless innovation, the AMC guest experience differentiates us from our competition,” interim chief executive Craig Ramsey said in the company’s announcement.

Revenues totaled $688.8 million, compared with $633.9 million a year ago. AMC said its food and beverage revenues per customer reached a record $4.58 in the quarter. Box office sales in the industry generally have been stronger this year.

Ramsey had been chief executive officer until taking over Aug. 7 for then-CEO Gerry Lopez, who left to lead Extended Stay America based in North Carolina.

This story was originally published November 2, 2015 at 3:29 PM with the headline "AMC earnings jump 65 percent."