The latest Star Wars blockbuster and demand from filmgoers for luxury cinema experiences has delivered a profit boost for the company behind the Greater Union and Event chains.
Cinema chain operator Event Hospitality and Entertainment lifted its first half profit by 50 per cent as Star Wars fans flocked to see the latest episode in the epic film series.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens was a stand-out driver of the $76.8 million profit made by the company, which owns Event Cinemas, Moonlight Cinemas and Greater Union.
Underlying cinema earnings soared 48 per cent to $38.7 million.
Managing director David Sergeant attributed the profit jump to more moviegoers watching films at premium cinemas, such as Gold Class at Event Cinemas.
"People are realising that if you've got big films, you do want to see it on a very large screen with the best sound, with the most comfortable, spacious seat, in the company of others," Mr Sergeant told AAP.
Other blockbusters such as The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 and The Martian also delivered strong returns.
The company also reported a strong contribution to earnings from its hotels and resorts business, particularly the new QT and Atura branded hotels.
Underlying earnings rose 25.1 per cent to $29 million, an increase of $5.8 million on the previous period.
Mr Sergeant said his company was reaping the rewards of a weaker Australian dollar and more flights between Australia and Asia bringing more Chinese and other Asian tourists.
Event's Thredbo Alpine Resort in NSW also lifted earnings by 9 per cent, despite a lower than average snowfall last winter.
The company says its full year outlook is strong, though it will be hard to replicate the box office growth seen in the first half that was largely driven by Star Wars.
But Mr Sergeant is optimistic because many studios chose to hold off releasing their films during the Star Wars frenzy, paving the way for a steady flow of good movies in 2016.
Event shares rose 16 cents to close at $15.31.
A GOOD HALF YEAR FOR EVENT HOSPITALITY AND ENTERTAINMENT
* Net profit up 49.9pct to $76.752m
* Revenue up 15.9pct to $661m
* Interim dividend of 20 cents, up from 16 cents
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