Games Workshop Group — Merci, France

Games Workshop Group (LSE: GAW)

Last close As at 04/10/2024

GBP108.10

300.00 (2.85%)

Market capitalisation

GBP3,464m

More on this equity

Research: Consumer

Games Workshop Group — Merci, France

Games Workshop Group’s (GAW’s) update highlights that Q323 trading to the end of February 2023 is in line with expectations. In addition, a further dividend of £1.20 per share has been declared, taking the year-to-date total to £4.15 per share, a very healthy current yield of 4.6%, well ahead of FY22’s £2.35 per share. Separately, this week the company announced that the tenth edition of Warhammer 40,000 will be released in the summer of 2023.

Russell Pointon

Written by

Russell Pointon

Director of Content, Consumer and Media

Craftworld Eldar_games workshop

Consumer

Games Workshop Group

Merci, France

Q223 trading update and dividend

Consumer goods

24 March 2023

Price

£90.20

Market cap

£2,968m

Net cash (£m) at 27 November 2022 (excluding lease liabilities)

85.2

Shares in issue

32.9m

Free float

99%

Code

GAW

Primary exchange

LSE

Secondary exchange

N/A

Share price performance

%

1m

3m

12m

Abs

(4.4)

3.6

24.4

Rel (local)

0.2

2.5

25.7

52-week high/low

£95.15

£56.90

Business description

Games Workshop is a leading international specialist designer, manufacturer and multi-channel retailer of miniatures, scenery, artwork and fiction for tabletop miniature games set in its fantasy Warhammer worlds.

Next events

FY23 trading update

June 2023

Analysts

Russell Pointon

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Milo Bussell

+44 (0)20 3077 5700

Games Workshop Group is a research client of Edison Investment Research Limited

Games Workshop Group’s (GAW’s) update highlights that Q323 trading to the end of February 2023 is in line with expectations. In addition, a further dividend of £1.20 per share has been declared, taking the year-to-date total to £4.15 per share, a very healthy current yield of 4.6%, well ahead of FY22’s £2.35 per share. Separately, this week the company announced that the tenth edition of Warhammer 40,000 will be released in the summer of 2023.

Year

end

Revenue (£m)

PBT*
(£m)

EPS*
(p)

DPS
(p)

P/E
(x)

Yield
(%)

05/21

369.6

150.9

370.5

235.0

24.3

2.6

05/22

414.8

156.5

390.6

235.0

23.1

2.6

05/23e

447.0

160.4

389.6

415.0

23.2

4.6

05/24e

461.1

169.2

384.5

320.0

23.5

3.5

Note: *PBT and EPS are normalised, excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles, exceptional items and share-based payments.

Higher dividend due to a VAT receipt

Following Brexit, GAW has been required to pay VAT on the entry of goods to Europe and submit a reclaim with the authorities, which led to the build of a debtor balance from the French authorities of £11.6m at the end of H123. The outstanding debtor has now been received by the company; the quoted £12m receipt is equivalent to c 36p/share. The declared dividend is the fifth dividend announced this financial year. GAW’s dividend policy is to distribute ‘truly surplus’ cash, which is the cash balance after allowing for a ‘working cash buffer’ of three months’ worth of working capital and six months’ worth of tax payments.

FY23: Higher dividend

We make no changes to our profit estimates but update our estimates to include the cash receipt for the VAT debtor and increase the dividend estimate for FY23 to be in line with the total declared to date, from £3.20/share previously.

Valuation: DCF valuation of £102 p/share unchanged

The share price has been broadly stable since the start of CY23, having performed well through the end of 2022. The prospective P/E multiples for FY23 and FY24 of 23.2x and 23.5x (higher corporate tax rate in both years) are at a premium to the post-FY17 average of 18.4x, but below the peak multiples of over 30x. Our DCF-based valuation of £102 per share is unchanged. This includes no potential benefits from GAW’s agreement in principle with Amazon to develop film and televisions content.

Exhibit 1: Financial summary

Year-end May

£'m

 

2019

2020

2021

2021R

2022

2023e

2024e

 

 

 

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

IFRS

INCOME STATEMENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total revenues

 

 

256.6

269.7

353.2

369.6

414.8

447.0

461.1

- Core revenue

 

 

256.6

269.7

353.2

353.2

386.8

418.5

430.5

- Licensing revenue

 

 

0.0

0.0

0.0

16.3

28.0

28.6

30.7

Cost of sales

 

 

(83.3)

(89.1)

(96.3)

(96.4)

(127.4)

(146.5)

(139.9)

Gross profit

 

 

173.3

180.6

256.9

273.2

287.4

300.6

321.2

SG&A (expenses)

 

 

(103.4)

(107.4)

(121.5)

(121.5)

(130.3)

(136.7)

(146.9)

Other operating income/(expense)

 

 

11.4

16.8

16.3

15.0

25.4

25.8

27.6

EBITDA (excl royalties)

 

 

85.7

98.8

162.0

163.3

167.8

170.7

183.5

EBITDA

 

 

97.1

115.6

178.3

178.3

193.2

196.5

211.1

Depreciation and amortisation

 

 

(15.9)

(25.6)

(26.6)

(26.6)

(36.1)

(35.4)

(39.8)

Operating profit (before royalties and exceptionals)

 

 

69.8

73.2

135.4

136.7

131.7

135.3

143.7

Licensing

 

 

11.4

16.8

16.3

15.0

25.4

25.8

27.6

Reported operating profit

 

 

81.2

90.0

151.7

151.7

157.1

161.1

171.3

Finance income/(expense)

 

 

0.1

(0.6)

(0.8)

(0.8)

(0.6)

(0.7)

(2.0)

Reported PBT

 

 

81.3

89.4

150.9

150.9

156.5

160.4

169.2

Income tax expense (includes exceptionals)

 

 

(15.5)

(18.1)

(28.9)

(28.9)

(28.1)

(32.1)

(42.3)

Adjusted net income

 

 

65.8

71.3

122.0

122.0

128.4

128.3

126.9

Reported net income

 

 

65.8

71.3

122.0

122.0

128.4

128.3

126.9

WASC (m)

 

 

32.438

32.602

32.733

32.733

32.813

32.875

32.944

Diluted average number of shares (m)

 

 

32.785

32.736

32.927

32.927

32.873

32.935

33.004

Reported EPS (p)

 

 

202.9

218.7

372.7

372.7

391.3

390.3

385.2

Reported diluted EPS (p)

 

 

200.8

217.8

370.5

370.5

390.6

389.6

384.5

Adjusted diluted EPS (p)

 

 

200.8

217.8

370.5

370.5

390.6

389.6

384.5

DPS (p)

 

 

155.0

145.0

235.0

235.0

235.0

415.0

320.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margin

 

 

67.5%

67.0%

72.7%

73.9%

69.3%

67.2%

69.7%

EBITDA margin (excl royalties)

 

 

33.4%

36.6%

45.9%

44.2%

40.5%

38.2%

39.8%

EBITDA margin (incl royalties)

 

 

37.8%

42.9%

50.5%

48.2%

46.6%

43.9%

45.8%

Operating margin

 

 

31.6%

33.4%

43.0%

41.0%

37.9%

36.0%

37.1%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BALANCE SHEET

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

 

35.3

42.0

49.8

49.8

55.0

57.4

59.2

Right-of-use assets

 

 

 

31.9

46.0

46.0

48.1

46.9

45.7

Goodwill

 

 

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

Intangible assets

 

 

16.0

17.6

23.7

23.7

25.6

30.8

33.8

Other non-current assets

 

 

11.7

16.4

16.4

16.4

37.2

25.2

25.2

Total non-current assets

 

 

64.4

109.3

137.3

137.3

167.3

161.7

165.2

Cash and equivalents

 

 

29.4

52.9

85.2

85.2

71.4

56.4

73.3

Inventories

 

 

24.2

20.7

27.5

27.5

38.4

52.8

51.4

Trade and other receivables

 

 

18.8

19.6

30.6

30.6

39.6

45.8

47.2

Other current assets

 

 

0.8

0.2

1.1

1.1

4.4

4.4

4.4

Total current assets

 

 

73.2

93.4

144.4

144.4

153.8

159.3

176.3

Trade and other payables

 

 

(19.2)

(30.3)

(35.4)

(35.4)

(33.5)

(42.3)

(42.5)

Borrowings

 

 

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Leases

 

 

0.0

(8.3)

(8.6)

(8.6)

(9.2)

(9.2)

(9.2)

Other current liabilities

 

 

(10.1)

(4.5)

(0.7)

(0.7)

(1.9)

(1.9)

(1.9)

Total current liabilities

 

 

(29.3)

(43.1)

(44.7)

(44.7)

(44.6)

(53.4)

(53.6)

Borrowings

 

 

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

0.0

Leases

 

 

0.0

(23.8)

(38.4)

(38.4)

(39.7)

(37.2)

(34.1)

Other non-current liabilities

 

 

(1.9)

(2.1)

(2.3)

(2.3)

(2.1)

(2.1)

(2.1)

Total non-current liabilities

 

 

(1.9)

(25.9)

(40.7)

(40.7)

(41.8)

(39.3)

(36.2)

Net assets

 

 

106.5

133.7

196.3

196.3

234.7

228.3

251.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOW STATEMENT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EBIT

 

 

81.2

90.0

151.7

151.7

157.1

161.1

171.3

Depreciation and amortisation

 

 

15.9

25.0

26.2

26.2

34.8

35.4

39.8

Impairments

 

 

0.0

0.6

0.4

0.4

1.3

0.0

0.0

Share-based payments

 

 

0.3

0.5

1.2

1.2

1.6

1.8

1.9

Other adjustments

 

 

0.3

0.3

0.1

0.1

0.3

0.0

0.0

Movements in working capital

 

 

(9.0)

10.8

(14.8)

(14.8)

(35.9)

0.2

0.1

Income taxes paid

 

 

(16.3)

(22.7)

(32.1)

(32.1)

(37.7)

(32.1)

(42.3)

Operating cash flow

 

 

72.5

104.5

132.7

132.7

121.5

166.4

170.8

Net capex and intangibles

 

 

(22.5)

(24.6)

(30.0)

(30.0)

(32.3)

(31.8)

(33.4)

Net interest

 

 

0.1

0.1

0.2

0.2

0.2

(0.7)

(2.0)

Net proceeds from issue of shares

 

 

0.7

0.8

1.4

1.4

1.8

0.0

0.0

Dividends paid

 

 

(50.3)

(47.3)

(60.5)

(60.5)

(93.5)

(136.4)

(105.4)

Other financing activities

 

 

0.0

(10.3)

(10.9)

(10.9)

(11.9)

(12.5)

(13.1)

Net cash flow

 

 

0.5

23.2

32.9

32.9

(14.2)

(15.0)

16.9

Opening cash and cash equivalents

 

 

28.5

29.4

52.9

85.2

85.2

71.4

56.4

Currency translation differences and other

 

 

0.3

0.3

(0.6)

(0.6)

0.4

0.0

0.0

Closing cash and cash equivalents

 

 

29.4

52.9

85.2

117.5

71.4

56.4

73.3

Closing net cash (including leases)

 

 

29.4

20.8

38.2

38.2

22.5

10.0

30.0

Source: Company data, Games Workshop Group

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Games Workshop Group and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Games Workshop Group. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £60,000 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2023 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

General disclaimer and copyright

This report has been commissioned by Games Workshop Group and prepared and issued by Edison, in consideration of a fee payable by Games Workshop Group. Edison Investment Research standard fees are £60,000 pa for the production and broad dissemination of a detailed note (Outlook) following by regular (typically quarterly) update notes. Fees are paid upfront in cash without recourse. Edison may seek additional fees for the provision of roadshows and related IR services for the client but does not get remunerated for any investment banking services. We never take payment in stock, options or warrants for any of our services.

Accuracy of content: All information used in the publication of this report has been compiled from publicly available sources that are believed to be reliable, however we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this report and have not sought for this information to be independently verified. Opinions contained in this report represent those of the research department of Edison at the time of publication. Forward-looking information or statements in this report contain information that is based on assumptions, forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and therefore involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of their subject matter to be materially different from current expectations.

Exclusion of Liability: To the fullest extent allowed by law, Edison shall not be liable for any direct, indirect or consequential losses, loss of profits, damages, costs or expenses incurred or suffered by you arising out or in connection with the access to, use of or reliance on any information contained on this note.

No personalised advice: The information that we provide should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as, personalised advice. Also, the information provided by us should not be construed by any subscriber or prospective subscriber as Edison’s solicitation to effect, or attempt to effect, any transaction in a security. The securities described in the report may not be eligible for sale in all jurisdictions or to certain categories of investors.

Investment in securities mentioned: Edison has a restrictive policy relating to personal dealing and conflicts of interest. Edison Group does not conduct any investment business and, accordingly, does not itself hold any positions in the securities mentioned in this report. However, the respective directors, officers, employees and contractors of Edison may have a position in any or related securities mentioned in this report, subject to Edison's policies on personal dealing and conflicts of interest.

Copyright: Copyright 2023 Edison Investment Research Limited (Edison).

Australia

Edison Investment Research Pty Ltd (Edison AU) is the Australian subsidiary of Edison. Edison AU is a Corporate Authorised Representative (1252501) of Crown Wealth Group Pty Ltd who holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (Number: 494274). This research is issued in Australia by Edison AU and any access to it, is intended only for "wholesale clients" within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 of Australia. Any advice given by Edison AU is general advice only and does not take into account your personal circumstances, needs or objectives. You should, before acting on this advice, consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. If our advice relates to the acquisition, or possible acquisition, of a particular financial product you should read any relevant Product Disclosure Statement or like instrument.

New Zealand

The research in this document is intended for New Zealand resident professional financial advisers or brokers (for use in their roles as financial advisers or brokers) and habitual investors who are “wholesale clients” for the purpose of the Financial Advisers Act 2008 (FAA) (as described in sections 5(c) (1)(a), (b) and (c) of the FAA). This is not a solicitation or inducement to buy, sell, subscribe, or underwrite any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. For the purpose of the FAA, the content of this report is of a general nature, is intended as a source of general information only and is not intended to constitute a recommendation or opinion in relation to acquiring or disposing (including refraining from acquiring or disposing) of securities. The distribution of this document is not a “personalised service” and, to the extent that it contains any financial advice, is intended only as a “class service” provided by Edison within the meaning of the FAA (i.e. without taking into account the particular financial situation or goals of any person). As such, it should not be relied upon in making an investment decision.

United Kingdom

This document is prepared and provided by Edison for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation for investment in any securities mentioned or in the topic of this document. A marketing communication under FCA Rules, this document has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and is not subject to any prohibition on dealing ahead of the dissemination of investment research.

This Communication is being distributed in the United Kingdom and is directed only at (i) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments, i.e. investment professionals within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "FPO") (ii) high net-worth companies, unincorporated associations or other bodies within the meaning of Article 49 of the FPO and (iii) persons to whom it is otherwise lawful to distribute it. The investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to such persons. It is not intended that this document be distributed or passed on, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons and in any event and under no circumstances should persons of any other description rely on or act upon the contents of this document.

This Communication is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced by, further distributed to or published in whole or in part by, any other person.

United States

Edison relies upon the "publishers' exclusion" from the definition of investment adviser under Section 202(a)(11) of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and corresponding state securities laws. This report is a bona fide publication of general and regular circulation offering impersonal investment-related advice, not tailored to a specific investment portfolio or the needs of current and/or prospective subscribers. As such, Edison does not offer or provide personal advice and the research provided is for informational purposes only. No mention of a particular security in this report constitutes a recommendation to buy, sell or hold that or any security, or that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person.

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

London │ New York │ Frankfurt

20 Red Lion Street

London, WC1R 4PS

United Kingdom

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