TLDR; AMC has a unique opportunity to pivot. What would you do?
Okay, so you’re AMC. You’re a meme stock now. Your executives are publicly saying there is no fundamental reason for the current stock price, and not to buy it. However, for this brief moment in time you are worth >$20B, and have the ability to raise capital to make meaningful changes in your business to survive.
What do you do? I don’t have a clue honestly, but here are some off-the-wall ideas…
Acquire Quibi Assets. Quibi failed but the content wasn’t bad, it was the delivery mechanism. Mobile & subscription only, no thanks. AMC could use its newly minted USD’s to acquire world-class content and become a streaming giant with a physical footprint. Think Amazon + Amazon retail stores.
eSports Arenas. eSports are becoming far more popular than you probably realize. This could be AMC’s chance to bring it mainstream in America.
Digital Galleries. Add the letters N-F-T to your business and you’re instantly worth $100m these days. Why not disrupt the museum? Partner with OpenSea or Patreon and bring creator economy content to the physical world.
Sentiment Analysis. The same way Wikipedia proved that people will contribute to something bigger than themselves, why not bring that same energy to movies, music, and art by giving people exclusive early access to content in exchange for analyzing their reactions to it.
Psychedelic Therapy. Psilocybin and other drugs are becoming legalized, and companies like Field Trip Health allow you to do guided experiences under the supervision of a doctor. It may be too early, but imagine a medically supervised journey into your own mind in an iMAX theater.
Sports Book. Gambling has made strides, games of skill are mainstream, DraftKings, Jackpocket, Zensports, they’re already disrupting the market. Why not turn movie theaters into sports books.
Live Shows. The mini theater is an amazing venue to experience world-class talent. To be one of fifty in an audience changes the supply and demand curve of ticket prices. Instead of making $20/ticket, change the economics of the business by increasing the value and exclusivity of the shows. Post pandemic, everyone is ready to get back together IRL.
Combine them all. This is my favorite. Malls are actually enjoyable, but retail is dying. Create an experience where all of these things are available in the various theaters within one location, and you could spend the entire day there.
Curious to see in the comments, are any of these any good?
See you Monday.