Latest news with #Warhammer
Telegraph
10 hours ago
- Business
- Telegraph
Bat delaying our new car park, says Games Workshop
The plastic miniatures manufacturer behind the Warhammer table-top game has revealed that a single bat is holding up its expansion plans. On Tuesday, Games Workshop said a common pipistrelle microbat had been found on a site near the company's Nottingham headquarters where bosses are trying to build a new car park. The winged creatures – generally small enough to fit into a matchbox – are protected by law, meaning developers must put in place mitigations when disrupting their habitats. Games Workshop said the temporary new car park was being created at its sprawling campus headquarters on a Nottingham industrial estate, which houses two manufacturing plants as well as the Warhammer World hobby shop. The FTSE 100 company revealed the bat problem as it provided an update on its finances to investors, assuring them things looked 'solid' despite some disruption from Donald Trump's tariffs in the US. It said things were 'in line with our detailed operational plans and policies', before adding: 'The exception was the news about tariffs and the cute-looking pipistrelle bat that is delaying our work on our new temporary car park. 'We are carefully looking after the bat and we hope the uncertainty around tariffs is resolved soon.' Planning battle It comes after Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, complained that planning rules were holding back the economy. She said businesses should be able to 'focus on getting things built, and stop worrying about the bats and the newts'. HS2, the rail mega-project, also sparked controversy when it emerged that £100m had been spent on a 1km-long 'bat shed' designed to protect a colony of bats from 225mph trains. The tunnel-like structure covers tracks near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. However, under reforms of regulators announced in March, ministers have taken aim at what they say are disproportionate bat-related restrictions. At the time Jonathan Reynolds, the Business Secretary, said: 'It should not be the case that to convert a garage or outbuilding you need to wade through hundreds of pages of guidance on bats. 'Environmental guidance, including on protecting bats, will be looked at afresh. 'Natural England has agreed to review and update their advice to Local Planning Authorities on bats to ensure there is clear, proportionate and accessible advice available.' Under the changes, the Government ordered Natural England, the nature watchdog, to remove all references to the Bat Conservation Trust from its guidance. The trust has hit back, arguing it is false to suggest 'that in order to grow the economy we must sacrifice our natural heritage'. A statement published by the group in January said: 'Pitting nature against development is dangerous, irresponsible and unnecessary. 'The language being used by government ministers is divisive and ignores the pragmatic and sustainable ways that could be used to build more homes and infrastructure. 'Rather than using soundbite politics, it is time for the Government to work with Bat Conservation Trust and others to find pragmatic solutions that will benefit the economy, society and wildlife.'
Geek Girl Authority
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
What Your Favorite Card Game Says About You
Card games have a unique way of revealing more than just a knack for strategy or luck – they offer a glimpse into your personality. Whether you prefer games that test your wits, encourage social interaction, or simply provide a fun escape, your choice says a lot about how you think, how you play, and how you connect with others. Let's take a look at what your favorite card game might be telling people about who you are! Outplay, outwit, outcheat If you're bold, quick-witted, and love testing the limits – both your own and those of your opponents, Cheat is your go-to card game. You thrive on deception and suspense, knowing exactly when to bluff and when to fold. For the unapologetic jokester, always ready to push boundaries and spark laughter, Cards Against Humanity is the perfect choice. Psychologists would call you a 'high sensation seeker' – you crave novelty, enjoy flirting with social boundaries, and aren't afraid to go off-script. You get a thrill from bending the rules (without actually breaking them!), reading the room, and delivering those zingers that get everyone laughing or gasping. Decks, dice, and drama For fans of games like Warhammer and Magic: The Gathering, the battlefield is as much on the tabletop as in the mind. As a strategic thinker and an immersive creative, you're drawn to intricate worldbuilding, love mastering complex systems, and have a knack for seeing the big picture (as well as the tiniest details). Whether you're building the perfect deck or painting armies for hours, your commitment reveals patience, imagination, and a drive to outwit opponents on every level. Warhammer fans revel in narratives and customization, while Magic players love to invent combos that no one's ever tried before. You're the person who never shies away from lore, backstory, or inventing new scenarios, because half the fun is creating universes within universes. If you like Yu-Gi-Oh! and Pokémon TCG, you're definitely part of this club too! Masters of Mayhem If Uno is your favorite card game, odds are you're not afraid of a little chaos. Uno fans value spontaneity and adaptability. They roll with the punches, savoring every turn of fortune, from their own victory to a spectacular comeback by someone else. Quick-thinking and energetic, you love games that keep everyone on their toes and refuse to take setbacks too seriously. Fans of Exploding Kittens fit right into this lively category. You're drawn to absurd humor, and you thrive on unpredictability and embrace the joy of sudden twists. Both Uno and Exploding Kittens players share a zest for dynamic, fast-paced fun where adaptability and a sharp sense of humor are the ultimate winning strategies. The solitude strategist If you're drawn to Solitaire or Patience, you likely appreciate introspection, self-reliance, and the simple satisfaction of conquering a challenge on your own terms. You enjoy quiet moments, finding peace and focus in strategic decision-making and methodical play. Ultimately, every card game is a mirror, reflecting the unique vibe and personality you bring to the table, whether you crave the suspense and chaos or the strategic depths of card games. Who Gets To Be a Geek: Unpacking Gatekeeping in the Geek Community RELATED: SDCC 2025: Anne Rice Immortal Universe Panel Unveils Dark Delights for The Vampire Lestat and Talamasca
Times
a day ago
- Business
- Times
Games Workshop profit jumps but warns of tariff hit
The business behind the Warhammer fantasy universe has reported a near-third jump in annual profit, although it warned of a possible £12 million hit from tariffs next year. Pre-tax profit at Games Workshop came in at £262.8 million, up 30 per cent from £203 million the year prior and well ahead of the £255 million it had guided for in May. Revenue rose 14.2 per cent to £565 million, up from £494 million. A record set of financial results continued the Nottingham-based business's stellar performance in recent years, which included elevation into the FTSE 100 last December. Shares in Games Workshop have skyrocketed in recent years amid huge demand for its miniature figurines and games, and its market cap now sits at more than £5 billion. • Market turmoil drives profit surge at Barclays However, the company did warn that tariffs could have an impact on its pre-tax profit figure for the 2025-26 financial year by about £12 million and reduce reported gross margins by 2 per cent. Games Workshop insisted it was 'business as usual', with little change to any operational plans as of today. Shares in Games Workshop, which have risen more than 50 per cent over the past year, gained 4.6 per cent to £159.60. There had also been some concern after the company announced in May it would be unlikely to repeat a record revenue haul from licenses in the new financial year, a warning that sent shares down about 3 per cent. Licensing revenue rose from £31 million to £52.5 million in the year ended June 1, while licensing operating profit rose to £49.5 million from £27 million. Games Workshop said its licensing performance had been a 'nice surprise,' although this would be 'difficult to match' next year given its Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 game performed well above expectations. Kevin Rountree, the chief executive, 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. Despite our recent successes we will never take our hobbyists' support for granted.' Founded in 1975 by three friends, John Peake, Ian Livingstone and Steve Jackson, Games Workshop employs around 1,500 people at its Nottingham hub, with 134 stores in the UK and more globally. It floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1994.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
My favourite UK stock rose 5% today and topped the FTSE 100 index!
Of all the stocks in the FTSE 100 index, Games Workshop (LSE: GAW) is my favourite. This choice is made easier when the share price is up 107% in three years, and continues to make money in my portfolio. Games Workshop stock rose again today (29 July), up 5.7% to 16,140p. In 10 years, the Warhammer maker has returned around 2,700%, not including cash dividends (of which there have been plenty). Let's take a look at why this FTSE 100 outperformer is on the move right now. A cracking year Games Workshop has just published its full-year results, covering the 52 weeks to 1 June (FY25). The headline news was that pre-tax profit rose nearly 30% year on year to £262.8m. This comfortably matched prior guidance of 'not less than £255m.' That was on revenue of £617.5m, up 17.5%. Immediately, we can see with these figures why many investors love the miniature wargames maker. It's very, very profitable, with eye-catching margins. Licensing revenue jumped 69% to £52.5m, as video game Space Marine 2 performed well above expectations. This highlights how the firm is successfully monetising its treasure trove of intellectual property to bring in high-margin revenue. Management says it will look to release more Warhammer 40,000 games, as well hunt for partners to bring its Age of Sigmar setting and characters to console, PC and mobile. CEO Kevin Rountree commented: 'Games Workshop and the Warhammer hobby are in great shape. A cracking performance by the team delivering some cracking results: core business profit before tax of over £200m from sales of Warhammer products for the first time and the best financial results in Games Workshop's history, so far.' Licensing lumpiness Warhammer IP is rich, vast and endless…Our strategy is to exploit the value of our IP beyond our core tabletop business, in multiple categories and markets globally. Now, one thing worth mentioning is that the licensing revenue figure may be hard to top this year. This points to a bit of IP lumpiness, which might cause volatility in the share price. And while a deal with Amazon for the adaptation of Warhammer 40,000 universe into TV content is now signed, management cautions that 'these things take several years to bring to market'. Elsewhere, the company said it could take around a 2% hit on the gross margin this year due to tariffs. It's trying to make up the shortfall through efficiency savings, but it warns that 'this is not a simple task when we are already very efficient'. A slight disappointment for me was that its three stores in China are now under review. If Warhammer had taken off there, the growth opportunity could have been vast. However, you can't win them all, and most countries are still delivering strong growth, including Japan (where retail sales rose 25.9%). Games Workshop ended the period with 570 stores. This year, it aims to open another 35 or so in North America, Europe and Asia (including its first Warhammer store in South Korea). Foolish takeaway While the company continues to impress and could be worth considering, the stock isn't cheap, trading at nearly 30 times forward earnings. Investors researching Games Workshop should be mindful of the valuation. Personally though, I intend to keep holding my shares for many years to come. The post My favourite UK stock rose 5% today and topped the FTSE 100 index! appeared first on The Motley Fool UK. More reading 5 Stocks For Trying To Build Wealth After 50 One Top Growth Stock from the Motley Fool Ben McPoland has positions in Games Workshop Group Plc. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Amazon and Games Workshop Group Plc. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. Motley Fool UK 2025
The Independent
a day ago
- Business
- The Independent
Games Workshop cheers record year but faces £12m US tariff hit
Warhammer maker Games Workshop has cheered a record year thanks to the continued popularity of its table-top games but warned that US tariffs could wipe £12 million off its profits. Shares in the company swung higher on Tuesday morning, as investors were buoyed by surging sales. The Nottingham-based company jumped into the FTSE 100 last year after growing global trade helped to drive a rise in the firm's value. Games Workshop saw North American sales rise 14.6% to record levels of £51.7 million for the year to June, as it benefited from more store openings over the year. However, the company cautioned that it could face higher costs because of new tariff plans from US President Donald Trump's administration. 'Our current estimate is that if we did nothing, new tariffs could impact profit before tax by around £12 million in 2025/26,' the company said. It said it plans to deal with the issue in its 'normal pragmatic way' and will not change its operational plans 'too much'. Tariff costs are likely to reduce its gross profit margins by around 2% for the year, but the company said it expects to recoup this through efficiencies. It came as Games Workshop revealed that revenues lifted by 14.2% to £565 million for the year, amid strong demand for core Warhammer 40,000 products and through its licensed IP. Meanwhile, pre-tax profits jumped by almost a third to £262.8 million for the year from £203 million a year earlier. The company opened 30 new stores over the past year and shut eight sites to leave it with a portfolio of 570 stores globally. Kevin Rountree, chief executive of Games Workshop, 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. 'Despite our recent successes we will never take our hobbyists' support for granted.' Shares in the company were 5% higher as a result.
