Cineworld has received a boost at the box office after an increase in movie admissions over the summer.
The chain saw box office takings rise 1.4% in the 16 weeks to October 17, as it benefited from weaker comparatives with the London Olympics last year when many viewers stayed at home to watch sporting drama on television rather than forking out to see a movie.
While sales were up, it saw ticket prices fall 0.9% after selling more reduced price admissions to children.
The group also cautioned over tougher trading ahead in the absence of a smash hit to rival last year’s successful James Bond film Skyfall.
Cineworld said its fourth quarter would be “considerably more challenging”, despite a “promising” line-up including Marvel Studios’ upcoming Thor: The Dark World and the second installment of director Peter Jackson’s Hobbit trilogy.
The firm, which increased first half profits by 24.1% to £16.5 million, expects the comparisons to leave results broadly in line with City forecasts for the full year.
Screen advertising revenue continued to increase, boosting other revenues by 7.3% at its Cineworld chain in the 16-week period and up 11.9% in the 42 weeks so far of its financial year.
Cineworld recently acquired arthouse chain Picturehouse.