Jan 29 (Reuters) - AMC Entertainment ( AMC ) on Thursday forecast a fourth-quarter loss wider than Wall Street estimates, as return to theaters remained slow, hurting recovery from pandemic-era lows.

The largest U.S. theater chain operator ‌also said it struck a deal with some creditors, including those ​of its Odeon European unit, that would clear the ‍path for debt refinancing aimed at cutting ⁠interest payments and ⁠extending maturities.

Still grappling with pandemic-era debt and uneven box office results, ‌theater chain operators have been ​leaning on blockbusters and franchise films to draw in an increasingly selective audience.

AMC said it ⁠expects a net loss of $127.4 ‍million ​for the quarter, higher than analysts' average estimate of $80.9 million. That would mark its ninth straight quarter ‍of losses.

The theater industry did not see "growth we anticipated," AMC CEO Adam Aron said in a statement, adding that "the box office improved modestly year-over-year, rising approximately 1.5%."

The company forecast revenue of $1.29 billion for the quarter ​ended ‍December 31, narrowly missing analysts' average estimate of $1.3 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG. 

The last three ​months of 2025 included some of the year's top-grossing movies such as "Avatar: Fire and Ash," "Zootopia 2," and "Wicked: For Good."

CEO Aron said 2026 had a "highly anticipated" slate. Franchise superhero films "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" and "Avengers: Doomsday" are slated for release this year, ​which could help the company shore up revenue and catalyze growth.

AMC will report its final results for the fourth quarter on February ‍24.