Games Workshop Group PLC
(the “Group“ or “Company”)
TRADING UPDATE AND DIVIDEND
In advance of our AGM on 16 September 2020, Games Workshop Group PLC announces today that trading for the three months to 30 August 2020 (the “ Period “ ) was ahead of the Board's expectations. Current estimates show sales of c. £90 million in the Period against a prior year of £78 million for the same period. Operating profit for the Period before royalty income is estimated to be c. £45 million (2019: £28 million) and royalty income is estimated to be c. £3 million (2019: £2 million).
This has been driven by healthy growth in our online and trade channels. However, our retail channel is still recovering from the COVID-19 closures earlier in 2020. The longer term impact on the Group as a result of the ongoing pandemic is still unknown.
The Board recognises that this performance is better than the prior year but is also aware that it is still early in the financial year. A further update will be given as appropriate.
The Board has also today declared a dividend of 50 pence per share. This is in line with the Company's policy to distribute truly surplus cash. This will be paid on 23 October 2020 for shareholders on the register at 18 September 2020, with an ex-dividend date of 17 September 2020. The last date for elections for the dividend re-investment plan is 2 October 2020.