Games Workshop Group PLC (LON:GAW) saw its shares fall in early morning trading Friday after an “as you were” trading update.
The FTSE 250 table top war gaming company had raised full-year expectations with a trading update in May and traders were evidently hoping for another upbeat trading statement; however, the company, best known for its Warhammer franchise, merely confirmed that results for the year to June 3 would be in line with current market expectations.
READ: Games Workshop sees good growth trends continuing, with sales and profits above forecasts
The company said it expected group sales for the year to be around £219mln, with a pre-tax profit of no less than £74mln and royalties receivable of licensing at around £10mln.
It declared a fourth dividend for the year of 30p, up from 20p in the same period of last year, taking the total pay-out for the year to 130p, up from 100p the year before.
Royalties receivable from licensing were around £10mln. In recognition of their contribution to these results, the company paid out £5mln in staff bonuses, paid equally to each member of staff.
Independent retail analyst Nick Bubb commented: "Notwithstanding the 53rd week impact, that outcome is only in line with City expectations, after a stellar year (in y/e May 2017 sales were just £158mln and PBT was only £38mln) and the new-year is expected to see things drop back."
Games Workshop shares were down 4.9% at 2,900p in mid-morning trading.
--Adds share price and analyst comment, corrects dividend payment details--