READING INTERNATIONAL INC
For the period ended Dec 31, 2024. Filed Mar 31, 2025.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2024 · Filed Mar 31, 2025
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2023-12-31; filed 2024-03-29.
0000716634-24-000009
Item 1A. – Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-03-31.
0000716634-25-000008
Item 1A. – Risk FactorsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 71 previous paragraphs and 72 current paragraphs.
52 unchanged; 17 reworded; 1 added; 1 removed; 1 previous and 2 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (1)
Current report
We are subject to a variety of litigation risks. The legal landscape in which we do business is subject to rapid change due to legislative enactments at the federal, state and local levels. Often these requirements are not stated in a uniform manner, and may vary, in intent or as the result of judicial determination, from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Many have material periodic penalties for non-compliance and allow (or have been interpreted to allow) private litigants to challenge whether such laws have been violated. As a consequence, we find that our vulnerability to forced settlements, litigation exposure and cost of liability insurance generally are substantially higher in the United States (and in particular in states such as California) than in Australia and New Zealand. The defense of such suits, even if successful, can be very costly due , among other things, to the cost of electronic discovery.
Removed paragraphs (1)
Reworded paragraphs (17)
Previous wording
Our cinema and live theatre businesses are dependent upon attendance, the availability of attractive entertainment product and employees willing to work in a public environment and, accordingly, are vulnerable to the adverse effects of any future pandemics which may result in government ordered closures, imposition of social distancing requirements, and changes in film release patterns. As demonstrated by the governmental and public response to the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses that bring large numbers of unrelated people together in an enclosed environment are particularly vulnerable to business disruption in the face of contagious diseases with life threatening potential. Not only may government authorities order closures or reduce operating capacities, but the public may feel uncomfortable attending our performances in the face of such an infectious disease risk. Our cinema business has high fixed costs (rent and increasing labor) and our revenue in this segment (ticket sales, food and beverage sales, screen advertising fees) is directly tied to our success at attracting customers to our venues.
Current wording
Our cinema and live theatre businesses are dependent upon attendance, the availability of attractive entertainment product and employees willing to work in a public environment and, accordingly, are vulnerable to the adverse effects of any future pandemics whichmay result in government ordered closures, imposition of social distancing requirements, and changes in film release patterns. As demonstrated by the governmental and public response to the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses that bring large numbers of unrelated people together in an enclosed environment are particularly vulnerable to business disruption in the face of contagious diseases with life threatening potential. Not only may government authorities order closures or reduce operating capacities, but the public may feel uncomfortable attending our performances in the face of such an infectious disease risk. Our cinema business has high fixed costs (rent and increasing labor) and our revenue in this segment (ticket sales, food and beverage sales, screen advertising fees) is directly tied to our success at attracting customers to our venues.
Previous wording
We are dependent upon third parties to supply the entertainment product we need for our cinemas and live theatres to attract customers. We do not produce the films we show at our cinemas and, generally speaking, we do not produce the plays that are performed at our live theatres. Film distributors have no obligation to supply us with film and producers have no obligation to make use of our live theatres. Any disruption in the production of these films (including by reason of a strike) could hurt our business and results of operations. The Hollywood Strikes in 2023 halted production of films for several months, and are expected to delay or otherwise affect the supply of certain films. The disruption in film production may also cause delays for currently scheduled film release dates. It is difficult to anticipate the scope and timing of such delays. It is difficult to predict the full extent of the adverse impact of the strikes on our business and results of operations in future reporting periods.
Current wording
We are dependent upon third parties to supply the entertainment product we need for our cinemas and live theatres to attract customers. We do not produce the films we show at our cinemas and, generally speaking, we do not produce the plays that are performed at our live theatres. Film distributors have no obligation to supply us with film and producers have no obligation to make use of our live theatres. Any disruption in the production of these films (including by reason of a strike) could hurt our business and results of operations. The Hollywood strikes in 2023 halted production of films for several months, did delay or otherwise affect the supply of certain films. The disruption in film production may also cause delays for currently scheduled film release dates. It is difficult to anticipate the scope and timing of such delays. It is difficult to predict the full extent of the adverse impact of the strikes on our business and results of operations in future reporting periods.
Previous wording
We face competition from other sources of entertainment and other entertainment delivery systems. Both our cinema and live theatre operations face competition from “in-home” and mobile device sources of entertainment. These include competition from network, cable and satellite television, and Video on Demand, internet streaming video services such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, Peacock, and Amazon Prime, and social media or user generated internet programing such as, YouTube, TikTok, Reddit, Instagram, and Snapchat, video games and other sources of entertainment. The quality of “in-home” and mobile entertainment systems, as well as programming available on an in-home and mobile basis, has increased, while the cost to consumers of such systems (and such programming) has decreased in recent periods, and some consumers may prefer the security and/or convenience of an “in-home” or mobile entertainment experience to the more public and presentation-oriented experience offered by our cinemas and live theatres. Film distributors have been responding to these developments by, in some cases, decreasing or eliminating the period of time between cinema release and the date such products is made available to “in-home” or mobile forms of distribution. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many distributors moved product onto their proprietary streaming service platforms or onto third party platforms (like Netflix) either in lieu of or simultaneously with a cinema release. Even before the recent pandemic, some traditional in-home and mobile distributors had begun to produce full-length movies, specifically for the purpose of direct or simultaneous release to the in-home and mobile markets. Cinemas will need to meet these competitive factors to continue to attract customers. This may require substantial capital outlays and increased labor expense, which exhibitors may not be able to fully pass on to their customers.
Current wording
We face competition from other sources of entertainment and other entertainment delivery systems. Both our cinema and live theatre operations face competition from “in-home” and mobile device sources of entertainment. These include competition from network, cable and satellite television, and Video on Demand, internet streaming video services such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, Peacock, and Amazon Prime, and social media or user generated internet programing such as, YouTube, TikTok, Reddit, Instagram, and Snapchat, video games and other sources of entertainment. The quality of “in-home” and mobile entertainment systems, as well as programming available on an in-home and mobile basis, has improved and increased, while the cost to consumers of such systems (and such programming) has decreased in recent periods, and some consumers may prefer the security and/or convenience of an “in-home” or mobile entertainment experience to the more public and presentation-oriented experience offered by our cinemas and live theatres. Film distributors have been responding to these developments by, in some cases, decreasing or eliminating the period of time between cinema release and the date such product is made available to “in-home” or mobile forms of distribution. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many distributors moved product onto their proprietary streaming service platforms or onto third party platforms (like Netflix) either in lieu of or simultaneously with a cinema release. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, some traditional in-home and mobile distributors had begun to produce full-length movies, specifically for the purpose of direct or simultaneous release to the in-home and mobile markets. Cinemas will need to meet these competitive factors to continue to attract customers. This may require substantial capital outlays and increased labor expense, which exhibitors may not be able to fully pass on to their customers.
Previous wording
-23 - continue for the foreseeable future and plan to minimize the impact by focusing on the supply of those items with the greatest impact on our sales and operations.
Current wording
-22 - continue for the foreseeable future and plan to minimize the impact by focusing on the supply of those items with the greatest impact on our sales and operations.
Previous wording
In the case of our live theatres, we compete for shows not only with other “for-profit” Off-Broadway theatres, but also with “not-for-profit” operators and, increasingly, with Broadway theatres. We believe our live theatres are generally competitive with other Off-Broadway venues. However, due to the increased cost of staging live theatre productions, we are seeing an increasing tendency for plays that would historically have been staged in an Off-Broadway theatre moving directly to larger Broadway venues.
Current wording
In the case of our live theatres, we compete for shows not only with other commercial Off-Broadway operators, but also with “not-for-profit” theatres. We believe our live theatres are generally competitive with other Off-Broadway venues.
Previous wording
We may be subject to increased labor and benefits costs generally. We are subject to inflationary pressures which have resulted in increased costs of goods and increased cost of film. Our labor costs more as post COVID-19 worker shortages continue, particularly in the minimum wage sector where we operate. In venues that have alcohol licenses, there are higher labor, inventory, and insurance costs. Our cinemas are a major user of electricity, and utility costs are also rising. Given competitive pressures and other forces
Current wording
We may be subject to increased labor and benefits costs generally. We are subject to inflationary pressures which have resulted in increased costs of goods and increased cost of film. Also, labor shortages may impact our ability to hire and retain employees. In venues that have alcohol licenses, there are higher labor, inventory, and insurance costs. Our cinemas are a major user of electricity, and utility costs are also rising. Given competitive pressures and other forces adversely impacting movie attendances, it may not be possible to pass all or any material portion of these increased costs on to consumers. In addition, we are subject to a variety of changing laws governing such matters as minimum wages, access to benefits and paid or unpaid leave, working conditions and overtime under which
Previous wording
-24 - adversely impacting movie attendances, it may not be possible to pass all or any material portion of these increased costs on to consumers. In addition, we are subject to a variety of changing laws governing such matters as minimum wages, access to benefits and paid or unpaid leave, working conditions and overtime under which minor violations can result in material liabilities. In California and New York, in particular, law firms have developed which advertise for plaintiffs and bring such cases on a class action, contingent fee basis, where typically between 25% and 40% of any recovery goes to the law firm. Moreover, given the statutory basis of such claims, insurance is not available to cover such exposure. In recent periods, legislatures have been actively increasing minimum wages, mandating minimum hours or imposing notice and leave provisions that make it increasingly difficult to adjust staffing levels to accommodate fluctuating cinema attendance levels, all of which have resulted in increased operating costs as we work to maintain a high level of amenity to our customers.
Current wording
-23 - minor violations can result in material liabilities. In California and New York, in particular, law firms have developed which advertise for plaintiffs and bring such cases on a class action, contingent fee basis, where typically between 25% and 40% of any recovery goes to the law firm. Moreover, given the statutory basis of such claims, insurance is not available to cover such exposure. In recent periods, legislatures have been actively increasing minimum wages, mandating minimum hours or imposing notice and leave provisions that make it increasingly difficult to adjust staffing levels to accommodate fluctuating cinema attendance levels, all of which have resulted in increased operating costs as we work to maintain a high level of amenity to our customers.
Previous wording
Our real estate business suffered effects from the coronavirus outbreak from which it has not fully recovered. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the closure or reduced capacity of certain of our retail tenants. All of our ETCs are anchored by our cinemas, which suffered temporary closures and/or reductions in seating capacities during the COVID-19 Pandemic, thereby reducing foot traffic to our ETCs. In some cases, we have been compelled to provide our tenants with rent abatements or deferrals and some tenants continue to be impacted.
Current wording
Our real estate business suffered effects from the coronavirus outbreak from which it has not fully recovered. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in theclosure or reduced capacity of certain of our retail tenants. All of our ETCs are anchored by our cinemas, which suffered temporary closures and/or reductions in seating capacities during the COVID-19 Pandemic, thereby reducing foot traffic to our ETCs. In some cases, we have been compelled to provide our tenants with rent abatements or deferrals and some tenants continue to be impacted.
Previous wording
Our financial performance will be affected by risks associated with the real estate industry generally. Events and conditions generally applicable to developers, owners, and operators of real property will affect our performance as well. These include (i) changes in the national, regional and local economic climate, (ii) local conditions, such as an oversupply of, or a reduction in demand for, commercial space and/or entertainment-oriented properties, (iii) reduced attractiveness of our properties to tenants, (iv) the rental rates and capitalization rates applicable to the markets in which we operate and the quality of properties that we own, (v) competition from other properties, (vi) inability to collect rent from tenants, (vii) increased operating costs, including labor, materials, real estate taxes, insurance premiums, and utilities, (viii) costs of complying with changes in law and government regulations including those relating to access, energy conservation and environmental matters, (ix) the relative illiquidity of real estate investments, and (x) decreases in sources of both construction and long-term lending as traditional sources of such funding leave or reduce their commitments to real estate-based lending. In addition, periods of rising interest rates or declining demand for real estate (for example, due to competition from internet sellers the demand for brick and mortar retail spaces has declined and may continue to decline, and due to the increasing popularity of tele-commuting demand for traditional office space has likewise declined and may likewise continue to decline), or the public perception that any of these events may occur, could result in declining rents or increased lease defaults. Increasing cap rates can result in lower property values.
Current wording
Our financial performance will be affected by risks associated with the real estate industry generally. Events and conditions generally applicable to developers, owners, and operators of real property will affect our performance as well. These include (i) changes in the national, regional and local economic climate, (ii) local conditions, such as an oversupply of, or a reduction in demand for, commercial space and/or entertainment-oriented properties, (iii) reduced attractiveness of our properties to tenants, (iv) the rental rates and capitalization rates applicable to the markets in which we operate and the quality of properties that we own, (v) competition from other properties, (vi) inability to collect rent from tenants, (vii) increased operating costs, including labor, materials, real estate taxes, insurance premiums, and utilities, (viii) costs of complying with changes in law and government regulations including those relating to access, energy conservation and environmental matters, (ix) the relative illiquidity of real estate investments, and (x) decreases in sources of both construction and long-term lending as traditional sources of such funding leave or reduce their commitments to real estate-based lending. In addition, periods of rising interest rates or declining demand for real estate (for example, due to competition from internet sellers the demand for brick and mortar retail spaces has declined and may continue to decline, and due to the increasing popularity of
Previous wording
We may be subject to liability under environmental laws and regulations. We own and operate cinemas and other properties within the U.S. and internationally, which may be subject to various foreign, federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment or human health. Such environmental laws and regulations include those that impose liability for the investigation and remediation of spills or releases of hazardous materials. We may incur such liability, including for any currently or formerly owned, leased or operated property, or for any site, to which we may have disposed, or arranged for the disposal of, hazardous materials or wastes. Certain of these laws and regulations may impose liability, including on a joint and several liability, which can result in a liable party being obliged to pay for greater than its share, regardless of fault or the legality of the original
Current wording
We may be subject to liability under environmental laws and regulations. We own and operate cinemas and other properties within the U.S. and internationally, which may be subject to various foreign, federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment or human health. Such environmental laws and regulations include those that impose liability for the investigation and remediation of spills or releases of hazardous materials. We may incur such liability, including for any currently or formerly owned, leased or operated property, or for any site, to which we may have disposed, or arranged for the disposal of, hazardous
Previous wording
Changes in interest rates may increase our interest expense. Because a portion of our debt bears interest at variable rates, increases in interest rates could materially increase our interest expense. While much of our debt is fixed rate, approximately $174.6 million of our current debt will mature over the next twenty-four months and will require refinancing. We anticipate that we will not be able to refinance such maturing debt at current interest rates. Based on our debt outstanding as of December 31, 2023, if interest rates were to increase by 1%, the corresponding increase in interest expense on our variable rate debt would decrease future earnings and cash flows by approximately $1.6 million per year. Potential future increases in interest rates may therefore negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations and reduce our access to the debt or equity capital markets.
Current wording
Changes in interest rates may increase our interest expense. Because most of our debt bears interest at variable rates, increases in interest rates could materially increase our interest expense. Approximately $174.8 million of our current debt will mature over the next twenty-four months and will require refinancing. Based on our debt outstanding as of December 31, 2024, if interest rates were to increase by 1%, the corresponding increase in interest expense on our variable rate debt would decrease future earnings and cash flows by approximately $2.0 million per year. Potential future increases in interest rates may therefore negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations and reduce our access to the debt or equity capital markets.
Previous wording
Our Company transacts business in Australia and New Zealand and is subject to risks associated with changing foreign currency exchange rates. During year 2023, the Australian dollar and New Zealand dollar weakened against the U.S. dollar by 4.3% and 3.3%, respectively, compared to the prior year. Our international operations are subject to a variety of risks, including the following:
Current wording
International Business Risks. Our Company transacts business in Australia and New Zealand and is subject to risks associated with changing foreign currency exchange rates. During year 2024, the Australian dollar and New Zealand dollar weakened against the U.S. dollar by 0.8% and 1.5%, respectively, compared to the prior year. Our international operations are subject to a variety of risks, including the following:
Previous wording
In recent periods, we have repaid intercompany debt and used the proceeds to fund capital investment in the United States. Accordingly, our debt levels in Australia are higher than they would have been if funds had not been returned for such purposes. On a company wide basis, this means that a reduction in the relative strength of the U.S. dollar versus the Australian Dollar and/or the New Zealand dollar would effectively raise the overall cost of our borrowing and capital and make it more expensive to return funds from the United States to Australia and New Zealand. As the impacts of COVID on our business operations in Australia and New Zealand have been less severe than on our operations in the U.S., plus the impact of Hollywood Strikes on US operations, we have been looking to our operations in Australia and New Zealand to fund our overall corporate general and administrative expense (most of which is resident in the U.S.). The current strength of the U.S. Dollar has diminished the value to our Company of our Australia and New Zealand cash flow.
Current wording
In recent periods, our debt levels in Australia are higher than they would have been if funds had not been repatriated. On a company wide basis, this means that a reduction in the relative strength of the U.S. dollar versus the Australian Dollar and/or the New Zealand dollar would effectively raise the overall cost of our borrowing and capital and make it more expensive to return funds from the United States to Australia and New Zealand. As the impacts of COVID on our business operations in Australia and New Zealand have been less severe than on our operations in the U.S., plus the impact of Hollywood strikes on US operations, we have been looking to our operations in Australia and New Zealand to fund our overall corporate general and administrative expense (most of which is resident in the U.S.). The current strength of the U.S. Dollar has diminished the value to our Company of our Australia and New Zealand cash flow.
Previous wording
In 2023, global growth weakened, trade tensions heightened, and several emerging markets experienced significant downturns as macroeconomic and geopolitical developments weighed on market sentiments. Governmental policies of developed economies, such as the U.S., have a substantial effect on emerging markets, and the consequences of a trade war between two developed countries, like that of the U.S. and China, could further contribute to the adverse economic and political conditions of emerging and other developed economies. Additionally, North Korea’s nuclear weapons capabilities, Chinese activities relative to the South China Sea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine continue to be an ongoing security concern and worsening relations between the U.S. and North Korea, Russia and China continue to create a global security issue that may adversely affect international business and economic conditions. While it is difficult for us to predict the effect of such trade wars and heightened geopolitical and economic instability on our business, they could lead to currency devaluation, economic and political turmoil, market volatility, and a loss of consumer confidence in the broader U.S. economy.
Current wording
In 2024, global growth weakened, trade tensions heightened, and several emerging markets experienced significant downturns asmacroeconomic and geopolitical developments weighed on market sentiments. Governmental policies of developed economies, such as the U.S., have a substantial effect on emerging markets, and the consequences of a trade war between two developed countries, like that of the U.S. and China, could further contribute to the adverse economic and political conditions of emerging and other developed economies. Additionally, North Korea’s nuclear weapons capabilities, Chinese activities relative to the South China Sea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine continue to be an ongoing security concern and worsening relations between the U.S. and North Korea, Russia and China continue to create a global security issue that may adversely affect international business and economic conditions. While it is difficult for us to predict the effect of such trade wars and heightened geopolitical and economic instability on our business, they could lead to currency devaluation, economic and political turmoil, market volatility, and a loss of consumer confidence in the broader U.S. economy.
Previous wording
If our company suffers cybersecurity attacks, data security challenges or privacy incidents that result in security breaches, we could suffer a loss of sales, additional liability, reputational harm or other adverse consequences. The effective operation of our international businesses depends on our network infrastructure, computer systems, physical, virtual and/or cloud based, and software. Our information technology systems collect and process information provided by customers, employees and vendors. In addition, third-party vendors’ systems process ticketing for our theaters. These various information technology systems and the data stored within them are subject to penetration by cyber attackers. We utilize industry accepted security protocols to securely maintain and protect proprietary and confidential information. However, despite our best efforts, our information systems may fail to operate for a variety of technological or human reasons. An interruption or failure of our information technology systems and of those maintained by our third-party providers could adversely affect our business, liquidity or results of operations and result in increases in reputational risk, litigation or penalties. Furthermore, any such occurrence, if significant could require us to expend resources to remediate and
Current wording
If our company suffers cybersecurity attacks, data security challenges or privacy incidents that result in security breaches, we could suffer a loss of sales, additional liability, reputational harm or other adverse consequences. The effective operation of our international businesses depends on our network infrastructure, computer systems, physical, virtual and/or cloud based, and software. Our information technology systems collect and process information provided by customers, employees and vendors. In addition, third-party vendors’ systems process ticketing for our theaters. These various information technology systems and the data stored within them are subject to penetration by cyber attackers. We utilize industry accepted security protocols to securely maintain and protect proprietary and confidential information. However, despite our best efforts, our information systems may fail to operate for a variety of technological or human reasons. An interruption or failure of our information technology systems and of those maintained by our third-party providers could adversely affect our business, liquidity or results of operations and result in increases in reputational risk, litigation or penalties. Furthermore, any such occurrence, if significant could require us to expend resources to remediate and upgrade information
Previous wording
-29 - upgrade information technology systems. Since 2015, we have annually procured cybersecurity insurance to protect against cybersecurity risks; however, we cannot provide any assurance regarding the adequacy of such insurance coverage.
Current wording
-28 - technology systems. Since 2015, we have annually procured cybersecurity insurance to protect against cybersecurity risks; however, we cannot provide any assurance regarding the adequacy of such insurance coverage.
Previous wording
As of December 31, 2023, according to a Schedule 13D/A filed on October 27, 2023 by Margaret Cotter (the Chair of our Board, Executive Vice President of our Company and sister of Ellen Cotter), Ellen Cotter (the Vice-Chair of our Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of our Company and sister of Margaret Cotter) and certain of their affiliates (the “Cotter Schedule 13D”), Margaret Cotter has sole voting control over 1,058,988 shares of Class B Stock and shared voting power with Ellen Cotter over 100,000 shares of Class B Stock, collectively representing 69% of the outstanding Class B stock of the Company.
Current wording
According to a Schedule 13D/A filed on October 27, 2023 by Margaret Cotter (the Chair of our Board, Executive Vice President of our Company and sister of Ellen Cotter), Ellen Cotter (the Vice-Chair of our Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of our Company and sister of Margaret Cotter) and certain of their affiliates (the “Cotter Schedule 13D”), Margaret Cotter has sole voting control over 1,058,988 shares of Class B Stock and shared voting power with Ellen Cotter over 100,000 shares of Class B Stock, collectively representing 69% of the outstanding Class B stock of the Company.
Rearranged current paragraphs (2)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
-24 - tele-commuting demand for traditional office space has likewise declined and may likewise continue to decline), or the public perception that any of these events may occur, could result in declining rents or increased lease defaults. Increasing cap rates can result in lower property values.
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
-25 - materials or wastes. Certain of these laws and regulations may impose liability, including on a joint and several liability, which can result in a liable party being obliged to pay for greater than its share, regardless of fault or the legality of the original disposal. Environmental conditions relating to our properties or operations could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations and cash flows.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (1)
Previous report — wording carried elsewhere
-26 - disposal. Environmental conditions relating to our properties or operations could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations and cash flows.