Why IMAX Is Poised to Pop in 2013

Based on the aggregated intelligence of 180,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, jumbo-movie-screen systems maker IMAX (NYSE: IMAX  ) has earned a respected four-star ranking.

With that in mind, let's take a closer look at IMAX and see what CAPS investors are saying about the stock right now.

IMAX facts

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Headquarters (founded)	Mississauga, Canada (1967)
Market Cap	$1.6 billion
Industry	Movies and entertainment
Trailing-12-Month Revenue	$270.7 million
Management	CEO Richard Gelfond (since 2009) CFO Joseph Sparacio (since 2007)
Return on Equity (average, past 3 years)	44.5%
Cash/Debt	$29.5 million / $30.0 million
Competitors	AMC Entertainment RealD (NYSE: RLD  ) Regal Entertainment (NYSE: RGC  )

Sources: S&P Capital IQ and Motley Fool CAPS.

On CAPS, 93% of the 1,636 members who have rated IMAX believe the stock will outperform the S&P 500 going forward.

Just yesterday, one of those Fools, All-Star 3Fairfield, nicely summed up the IMAX bull case for our community:

I agree with [JP Morgan] analyst Townsend Buckles who expects 2012 strong earnings performance will continue through 2013 and 2014 as IMAX expands its global screen count and box office trends remain favorable from the company's emerging market exposure and focus on blockbuster movies.

I think, too, more American movie goers will choose to shell out higher prices for the 'luxury' IMAX movie experience in the year ahead as Hollywood focuses on more elaborate (IMAX friendly) film production (a la Skyfall) adding to the IMAX repertoire. ...

I look forward to a good year for IMAX and an increase in the stock price -- perhaps an increase to $30/share or beyond.

If you want market-thumping returns, you need to put together the best portfolio you can. Of course, despite a strong four-star rating, IMAX may not be your top choice.

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