Games Workshop Group PLC (LSE:GAW) shares neared an all-time high in early trading on Tuesday after the tabletop gaming group reported stronger annual profit growth than expected.
The board also declared a dividend of 55p per share, taking total dividends declared in the year to 140p per share, up 40% on the previous year.
Profit before tax increased 29.5% to £262.8 million, well above previous guidance of £255 million, as sales grew 17.5% to £617.5 million, or 19.5% in constant currency.
Core revenue from the Warhammer hobby rose 14.2% as the Warhammer+ service grew subscriber numbers 32%, with continued investment in platform content.
Licensing revenue grew 69.4% to £52.5 million, of which 81% is from PC and console game licences.
Looking forward, one of the main short-term priorities in the licensing businss was said to support the work needed to deliver the new media deal with Amazon and to sign "a few" significant licensing deals.
As for the core business, the aim is to open around 35 new stores across North America, Continental Europe and Asia in the coming financial year.
CEO Kevin Rountree said: "After a record year, we remain focused on delivering our operational plans and working tirelessly to overcome any significant obstacles that get in the way. We will continue to give ourselves the freedom to make some mistakes, constantly working on improvements in product quality and manufacturing innovation."
The shares jumped over 8% 16,600p in early trade, just shy of all-time highs earlier this year, before easing to 15,750p, a gain of around 3%.