Games Workshop PLC's (LON:GAW) revenues and profits cruised past forecasts already upgraded several times due to a surge of interest in game playing during the Coronavirus lockdowns.
The fantasy game specialist reported revenues of £353.2mln, up 31%, in the year to end May 2021, compared to a forecast of £350mln, while profits jumped 69% to £150.9mln.
Online sales jumped to 25% of the total; from 19% and Games Workshop pointed out that the majority of its 523 retail stores were either restricted or closed during the period, following government Coronavirus guidelines.
Shareholders, meanwhile, get a bumper dividend payout of 235p (145p), while staff received a discretionary cash bonus shared equally of £10.6mln, which it said was to reflect the bumper profits.
“After a tough year we are delighted that the Warhammer hobby and Games Workshop are in great shape,” said Kevin Rountree, chief executive.
Rountree added that its Warhammer games IP is among the best in the world and populated by more than three decades of fantastical characters and comprise thousands of exciting narratives.
“Aided by a small, senior team we have already begun to find new partners and new ways to help us bring the worlds of Warhammer to life like never before," he added.
“Together, we'll continue to explore animation, live-action and more," he added, with a new subscription service Warhammer + very close to launching.
“This service will provide our loyal fans with a new way to experience the worlds of Warhammer and is how we will distribute the animated shows our internal Warhammer animations team have been working on.
"Launching with a host of animation shows, as well as all-new gaming, painting and lore shows, Warhammer + will also give subscribers access to free exclusive miniatures and more.
Fifteen video games are also in development, while work is underway with writers from Hollywood to Japanese animation groups over entertainment projects.