GAMES WORKSHOP GROUP PLC
Annual report 2019
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Revenue
Revenue at constant currency*
Operating profit - pre-royalties receivable
Royalties receivable
Operating profit
Profit before taxation
Cash generated from operations
Earnings per share
Dividends per share declared in the year
CONTENTS
Chairman’s statement
Strategic report
Directors’ report
Corporate governance report
Audit and risk committee report
Remuneration report
Directors’ responsibilities statement
Company directors and advisers
Independent auditors’ report
Consolidated income statement
Statements of comprehensive income
Balance sheets
Consolidated and Company statements of changes in total equity
Consolidated and Company cash flow statements
Notes to the financial statements
Five year summary
Financial calendar
Notice of annual general meeting
2019
£000
256,574
255,295
69,834
11,365
81,199
81,296
88,776
202.9p
155p
Restated
2018
£000
221,304
221,304
64,702
9,617
74,319
74,270
82,332
184.3p
126p
2
3
15
21
25
28
37
38
39
45
45
46
47
48
49
72
72
73
*Constant currency revenue is calculated by comparing results in the underlying currencies for 2019 and 2018, both converted at the 2018 average
exchange rates as set out on page 12.
1 Games Workshop Group PLC
CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT
I’m delighted to report that Games Workshop’s financial year ended 2 June 2019 was another great year for the Company. Revenue and
profit before tax were both at record levels, revenue exceeding £250 million for the first time. Games Workshop’s 2019 performance beat
the 2018 result with sales and profit growth across all channels. This is the first time in the Company’s history that performance in the
financial year following a Warhammer 40,000 launch year has beaten the Warhammer 40,000 year!
Dividend payments in respect of the 2019 financial year amounted to 155 pence per share, compared with 126 pence per share in respect
of 2018. I’m sure that Games Workshop shareholders appreciate the fact that our dividends are paid entirely out of surplus cash generated,
not debt. We continue to have no borrowings.
This performance was achieved notwithstanding a busy year on other fronts: phase 1 of Leenside - our new production facility in
Nottingham – was completed (on time and on budget) and commenced operations in December 2018. Phase 2 of the Leenside project is
underway and is expected to be operational in Autumn 2019. Other investment projects, which Kev describes in his report later in this
annual report, continue to make progress.
I would also draw to shareholders’ attention the growing contribution to our performance from royalty income. There is increasing interest
on the part of media businesses in Games Workshop’s intellectual property - our rich fantasy worlds of Warhammer.
We continue to try to remain alert to the business risks we must address. This includes the risks which confront every business routinely –
for example, finding and retaining good people, innovation, sales growth, cost control – and those which a business that has grown fast
over a short period of time might consider in particular, such as the effectiveness of our operating systems, our design, development and
manufacturing capacity; in short, how best to address our ‘growing pains’. No easy task: your executive team has a lot on its plate.
The process of refreshing the composition of the board of the Company continues. As noted in our 2018 annual report, Chris Myatt, our
senior independent director, will step down from the board at our AGM in September 2019. Chris has been a great source of clear,
independent-minded advice to Games Workshop since his appointment to the board as a non-executive director in April 1996. On behalf of
everyone involved in any way in Games Workshop, thank you, Chris. We will miss your contribution.
Finding new non-executive director candidates who ‘fit’ with Games Workshop does take time – and we believe ‘fit’ to be of great
importance. Your board has spent a good deal of time on this exercise since our last annual report. We have however now appointed as
non-executive directors John Brewis in June 2018 and Kate Marsh in July 2019. Following the 2019 AGM, your board now has in place three
non-executive directors (besides me). We will commence our search for a fourth non-executive in 2019/20 and I expect my successor as
non-executive chairman to be appointed from this group within the next few years. We will keep you fully updated on our progress on this
front.
Our 2018 AGM had a structure similar to most other listed companies, focusing on normal AGM business. This year’s AGM will be similar in
format, but following the AGM this year Kev and Rachel will make a presentation about the business. And, as before, there will be the
opportunity for shareholders to meet and engage with all board members and some of our senior operational team.
On the subject of trying to improve awareness generally about what we’re doing at Games Workshop and in particular in the light of the
MIFID II regulations, we recently appointed Edison Group, an independent research firm, to publish research into our business. You can
access this on our investor relations website. I encourage you to read it! I hope you will find it informative and helpful.
Finally, and as was the case last year, I have three enjoyable responsibilities to discharge before concluding this statement:
-
-
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Firstly, to thank our executive directors and the Games Workshop team as a whole for achieving such success this year. I know
you will try and keep it up. The team’s performance has been fantastic.
Secondly, to thank our loyal customers: we will do our best to continue to produce what you’re looking for and to include you in
the conversation.
Thirdly, to thank you, our shareholders, for your support and your loyalty. Do please try and come to our AGM on 18 September
2019: we look forward to seeing you there.
With thanks, and best wishes.
Nick Donaldson
Non-executive chairman
29 July 2019
2 Games Workshop Group PLC
STRATEGIC REPORT
Strategy and objectives
Games Workshop is committed to making the Warhammer Hobby and our business ever better.
Our ambitions remain clear: to make the best fantasy miniatures in the world, to engage and inspire our customers, and to sell our
products globally at a profit. We intend to do this forever. Our decisions are focused on long-term success, not short-term gains.
Let me go through our strategy part by part:
The first element - we make high quality miniatures. We understand that what we make is not for everyone, so to recruit and re-recruit
customers we are absolutely focused on making our models the best in the world. In order to continue to do that forever and to deliver a
decent return to our owners, we sell them for the price that we believe the investment we have made in quality is worth.
The second element is that we make fantasy miniatures based in our endless, imaginary worlds. This gives us control over the imagery and
styles we use and ownership of the intellectual property (IP). Aside from our core business, we are constantly looking to grow our royalty
income from opportunities to use our IP in other markets.
The third element is that we are customer focused. We talk to our customers. We aim to communicate in an open, fun way. Whoever and
wherever our customers are, and in whichever way they want to engage with Warhammer, we will do our utmost to support them.
The fourth element is the global nature of our business. We seek out our customers all over the world. We believe that our customers carry
our Hobby gene and to find them we apply our tried and tested approach of recruiting customers in our own stores, by offering a fantastic
customer experience. Our retail business is supported by our own online store (it has the full range of our product) and our independent
stockist and trade accounts across the world. These independent accounts do a great job supporting our customers in parts of the world
where we either have not yet opened one of our stores or where it is not commercially viable for us to have one. Our long term goal is to
have all three channels (retail, trade and online) growing in harmony. We will always have more independent accounts than our own
stores. Our strategy is to grow our business through geographic spread, growing all of the three complementary channels.
The fifth element is being focused on cash. By delivering a good cash return every year we can continue to innovate, surprise and delight
our loyal existing customers and new customers with great product. To be around forever we also need to invest in both long term capital
and short term maintenance projects every year, pay our staff what they have earned for the value they contribute and deliver surplus
cash to our shareholders. Our dedication and focus should ensure we deliver on time and within our agreed cash limits.
We measure our long-term success by seeking a high return on investment. In the short term, we measure our success on our ability to
grow sales whilst maintaining our core business operating profit margin at current levels. The way we go about implementing this strategy
is to recruit the best staff we can by looking for the appropriate attitudes and behaviour each job we do requires and identifying the value
that job brings. It is also important that everyone we employ has a real desire to learn the skills needed to do their job and has a great
attitude to change. We offer all of our staff both personal development and skills training.
We continue to believe there are great opportunities for growth, particularly in North America, Germany and Asia.
Our brands
We have originated and are in control of a number of strong, globally recognised brands with their own identities, associations and logos.
Our key consumer facing brand is ‘Warhammer’.
We design, make and sell products under a number of brands and sub brands, which denote setting, tone and product type, the key ones
being:
Warhammer: Age of Sigmar - our unique fantasy setting.
Warhammer 40,000 - our most popular and recognisable brand is a space fantasy setting.
Horus Heresy - an off shoot of Warhammer 40,000, the Horus Heresy is presented as ‘fictional history’ of that universe.
We believe our IP to be among the best in the world.
The Warhammer settings are incredibly rich and evocative backdrops. They’re populated by more than three decades of fantastical
characters and comprise of thousands of exciting narratives. We are committed to making it easier than ever for people to discover,
engage with and immerse themselves in our IP. 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. Together, we’ll continue to explore animation, live action and more.
We’ll present the very best aspects of our rich IP, delighting audiences while always ensuring we do no harm to our core miniatures
business.
3 Games Workshop Group PLC
STRATEGIC REPORT continued
Business model and structure
We design, manufacture, distribute and sell our fantasy miniatures and related products. These are fantasy miniatures from our own
Warhammer 40,000 and Warhammer: Age of Sigmar universes. Our factory, main warehouse facility and back office support functions are
all based in Nottingham. We are an international business centrally run from our HQ in Nottingham, with 75% of our sales coming from
outside the UK.
Design
Employing 228 people, the design studio in Nottingham creates all the IP and the miniatures, artwork, games and publications that we sell.
In 2018/19 we invested £10.5 million in the studio (including software costs) with a further £3.3 million spent on tooling for new plastic
miniatures. We are committed to investing in these areas at an appropriate level every year.
We design all of our products at our HQ in Nottingham. Annually, specialist staff produce hundreds of new sculpts, illustrations, rules,
stories, etc. that deliver new products every week, keeping customers engaged and excited.
All of our plastic miniatures are branded as Citadel Miniatures, a mark with an unparalleled reputation for quality. It denotes both a style
and level of detail that we apply to both our own worlds (Warhammer 40,000, Warhammer: Age of Sigmar) and those of others, e.g. Lord
of the Rings.
Our resin miniatures, designed for more veteran customers, are branded as Forge World and are less widely available than their plastic
counterparts.
Many customers love personalising their miniatures and our Citadel Colour paint range, brushes and accompanying painting system are
designed to help everyone from the complete beginner to the most experienced painters in the world achieve that. In the pursuit of ever
better results we continually develop new types of paint and ways of using them with the result that our paints are used the world over -
and for more than painting just our miniatures.
When not interacting with our miniatures, many customers enjoy reading stories set in our rich and immersive worlds and under our Black
Library imprint we publish hundreds of titles, from short stories and audio dramas through full length novels, available in physical
bookstores, third party online platforms and our own retail and other specialist stores.
Manufacture
We are proud to manufacture our product in Nottingham. It's where we started and where we intend to stay. During the year we
completed phase 1 of our new site, considerably expanding our production capacity, and phase 2, an expansion of our tooling facility and
additional office space, is ongoing with completion expected in the Autumn of 2019.
Logistics
All of our product is initially distributed from our warehouse facility in Nottingham. This facility supplies our two hubs in Memphis,
Tennessee and Sydney, Australia, and then directly to our independent retailers and retail stores. A project to extend and upgrade the
Memphis facility was started in March 2019.
Sell
We sell via three channels, our own stores ‘Retail’, third party independent retailers ‘Trade’ and our online store ‘Online’. We also ‘sell’, or
rather generate income, via our licensing partners. We support these channels and activities via our marketing team.
Retail - provides the focus for the Warhammer Hobby in their areas. Our stores only stock Games Workshop product. They are where we
recruit the majority of our new customers. To do so, the stores don't offer the full range of our product, only new release product and the
appropriate extended range. At the year end we had 517 Games Workshop stores in 23 countries. Our stores contributed 34% of the year's
sales. We have 410 one man stores: small sites, each one staffed by only one store manager. We also have 107 multi-man stores, which are
constantly reviewed to ensure they remain profitable. If not, they will be closed and probably replaced with one man stores.
Trade - we sell to third party retailers under closely controlled terms and conditions. They help us sell our products around the world and
importantly in areas where we don't have our own stores. Independent retailers are an integral part of our business model: Games
Workshop strives to support those outlets which help to build the Warhammer Hobby community in their local area. The bulk of these
sales are made via our telesales teams based in Memphis and Nottingham. We also have small telesales teams in Sydney, Tokyo, Shanghai,
Singapore, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur. In 2018/19 we had 4,700 independent retailers (2018: 4,100) in 69 countries. We strive to deliver
excellent service, operating in 22 languages covering all time zones. 47% of our sales came from sales to independent retailers in the year
reported. These sales are from their bricks and mortar stores as well as their own online web stores.
Online - sales via our web stores accounted for 19% of total sales in 2018/19. All of our retail stores also have a web store terminal that
allows our customers shopping in our retail stores access to the full range. The web stores are run centrally from Nottingham.
Licensing - we grant licences to a number of carefully chosen partners. This allows us to leverage our IP to broaden the presence and brand
exposure of Warhammer around the world, often entering new markets such as board games, apparel or accessories and media and
entertainment. It also allows us to generate additional income, currently principally from computer games sales in North America, the UK
and Continental Europe.
4 Games Workshop Group PLC
Business model and structure continued
Sell continued
Marketing - keeps us customer focused. This team acts as the bridge between our other business areas, ensuring we have a joined up
approach between product (design to manufacture) and sales. Marketing spends a lot of time listening and developing a two way dialogue
with our customers to make sure we keep their needs at the forefront, championing the Warhammer Hobby around the globe and
injecting our content and communications with a real sense of passion and fun.
Structure
We control the business centrally from Nottingham; it is where the people with experience and knowledge of running our business work. I
have put in place a flat structure: the people with senior responsibility that make all of the big decisions report directly to me. My team is
split into seven parts: design to manufacture, sales, merchandising and logistics, marketing, operations and support, systems and IP
exploitation.
We have a global head of design and manufacturing who is responsible for our factory and design studios (miniatures, book and box
games, specialist systems, hobby product and Black Library).
Our channel sales structure comprises retail, trade and online. This structure is made up of two key retail territory heads of sales in North
America and the Rest of the World. We also have a global head of trade sales and a global head of online along with a head of sales for
Asia. A global head of digital and community marketing and a global head of merchandising and logistics support our sales channels with
appropriate internal and external communication. The global head of merchandising and logistics also manages our three main warehouse
facilities in Nottingham, Memphis and Sydney.
Our operations and support structure includes a finance director for Games Workshop who is responsible for accounts, compliance,
licensing and legal duties. Our global people manager ensures we take our people recruitment and development seriously. Our group head
of IT ensures we invest in our core systems as well as consider how we can leverage technology to help us deliver our long-term goals.
Key performance indicators
The board and management team use a number of key performance indicators to provide a consistent method of analysing performance,
in addition to allowing the board to benchmark performance against our forecast. The key performance indicators utilised by the board can
be split into key financial performance indicators and key non-financial performance indicators.
Our key financial performance indicators are:
Monthly, year to date and Moving Annual Total (‘MAT’) sales growth by channel
Measures the sales growth achieved in each of our channels on a monthly, year to date and rolling 12 month basis: see page 9.
Monthly, year to date and MAT Group gross margin
Measures the gross profit achieved on sales after taking account of the direct costs and depreciation of manufacturing equipment and
shipping our product to customers/stores on a monthly, year to date and rolling 12 month basis: see page 10.
Year to date core business operating profit percentage
The ratio of core business operating profit before royalty income against revenue, as a percentage: see page 10.
Monthly, year to date and MAT core business profit
Measures gross profit less operating expenses on a monthly, year to date and 12 month rolling basis, before royalty income: see page 10.
Number of own stores by territory
Measures the number of our own stores which is an indicator of our global reach: see page 9.
MAT number of ordering stockist accounts by territory
Measures the number of trade outlets that have ordered from us in the last six months. It is an indicator of our global reach and the health
of our trade account base: see ‘Trade’ paragraph on page 4.
Return on capital
The ratio of operating profit before royalty income against capital employed, as a percentage: see page 11.
Our key non-financial performance indicators are:
Product quality
This is an indicator of the effectiveness of our design studio and our continuous improvement in design to manufacture. We measure this
by looking at sell through. If the product is great we sell a lot, if not we sell very few.
Outstanding customer service
This is an indicator of the effectiveness and efficiency of the service experience customers get in our stores and the time it takes us to
resolve a customer query made to our customer service teams. The former is measured by the number of complaints I receive - very few -
and the latter by five micro KPIs. Our approach is to treat all customers fairly and to do our utmost to successfully resolve their issues.
5 Games Workshop Group PLC
STRATEGIC REPORT continued
Key performance indicators continued
Customer engagement
We measure this through our owned content channel warhammer-community.com and reach delivered through our social platforms: see
page 10.
Shareholder value
We believe shareholder value is created, primarily, by not destroying it. We have no intention to acquire other companies, nor to dispose
of any of those we own.
We return our surplus cash to our owners and try to do so in ever increasing amounts.
Graph of shareholder value
Shareholder value for this graph is calculated as the price of our shares at year end plus the dividend per share declared in the year.
Share price
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2019
Review of the year
Core business
Another record performance from the global Games Workshop team. Well done to you all, thank you.
I am pleased to report a third year of record constant currency sales, profit, cash generation and returns to shareholders. We enjoy setting
new records at Games Workshop and beating last year’s record beating year with an even better year highlights the progress we are
making. I’m sure next year will be just as exciting!
Our success has come from remaining true to our long-term strategy. We have once again delivered on our promise to produce and sell the
best fantasy miniatures in the world, engaging and inspiring our fans. In fact, in the year we engaged with more customers than ever
before. We continue to work hard, have some fun and make the Warhammer Hobby ever better.
Breaking records for three years in a row sets the bar higher and higher and so, to be realistic, I will continue to make no promises that we
will continue to grow. That said, I do not see anything significant that will get in the way. We will continue to deliver our operational plan,
facing any challenges head on. Our strong culture, built on teamwork and collaboration, continues to give ourselves the best chance of
success. Games Workshop is the best fantasy miniatures company in the world and the whole team are very proud of that. We are doing
everything we can to ensure we remain the best, forever.
Media and entertainment
We have spent a considerable amount of time and money over the last 30 years developing some of the world’s best stories and characters
set in our Warhammer universes. Over the last few years we have been exploring how we develop this as digital content particularly in
animation and TV. This month, July 2019, we took a major step into this industry and announced that we had signed a development
agreement with a script writer, show runner and production company to bring one (we have many more) of our famous stories and
characters in our Warhammer 40,000 universe to TV. In this case, a story based on one of our most popular Black Library novels, Eisenhorn.
With this agreement, Warhammer on screens both large and small is ever closer to being a reality. To say we are excited would be an
understatement! And while it’s still early days, we think this is a step in the right direction.
6 Games Workshop Group PLC
Media and entertainment continued
In addition to this exciting venture, we have also finished development and begun production on an animated series, Angels of Death. This
puts our fan favourites, the Space Marines, front and centre. It’s set to be a dark, moody tale that showcases the grimdark of our
Warhammer 40,000 IP. We’re still exploring distribution methods, and it might well be that Angels of Death launches on our own
Warhammer TV.
We are eager to learn about the new ‘space’, particularly with regards production and distribution. Whilst our short term goal is to
understand how the entertainment and media industry works (it appears somewhat complex and expensive), longer term we believe we
can closer integrate our media efforts within our business. We are skilled storytellers who understand our IP better than anyone else. To
ensure we make the most of that fact, we’ve formed the Warhammer Story Forge, a group of creatives who are both skilled writers and
Warhammer experts. Together they have been and will continue to develop outlines, scripts and stories for media projects. Their creativity
and passion will ensure we delight fans, deliver amazing Warhammer content to whole new audiences, and protect the integrity of our IP.
We believe this is just the beginning of what will be exciting times for both our Citadel and Forge World miniatures fans, and fans of
Warhammer everywhere.
Update on priorities for 2018/19
In the year, we focused on the following initiatives designed to help us support all of our staff and continually improve their performance:
Staff recruitment, training and development
We have great staff and our ongoing success relies on us developing the talent we have and finding more people to join our global team.
Following the successful launch of our global recruitment website and applicant tracking system in April 2018, we added an onboarding
online service tool in March 2019. We are also making good progress in choosing a new e-learning tool for our retail store managers which
will allow us to complement our quarterly retail training with regular updates. In February 2019 we launched a new monthly Games
Workshop Global Communication Forum at which my senior team and I regularly update staff representatives on each area of our
business. As we grow it is ever more important that our staff know how their hard work not only helps their teams deliver their goals but
also helps me deliver Games Workshop’s strategic goals. Our successes are always built on a global team effort.
In line with our expectations and cost conscious plan, our headcount has risen from 1,654 to 2,110 over the last five years. To ensure we
have the right people in the right jobs at the right time, in February 2019 I appointed a global head of people. The team will deliver a step
change in how we link job specifications, training, core KPIs and staff development to remuneration. All of our staff globally will be offered
the tools they need to improve their performance as well as the wellbeing support they may need at work. I am committed to ensuring
Games Workshop continues to be a place where we can improve ourselves and our performance. Our continued focus on an individual’s
values, behaviour and skills will be integral to these plans.
Initiatives for recruiting new customers and retaining existing customers in the Warhammer Hobby
• We opened 40 of our own stores, mostly in our one man store format in North America.
• We opened 600 more trade accounts in line with our well established terms and conditions, selling independent accounts our best
selling products and, where appropriate, the extended range.
With the long term in mind, we have also been working on some new product initiatives and programmes focused on the long term to help
introduce people to the Warhammer Hobby:
• Warhammer Schools Alliance Programme - The Warhammer Alliance packs are for teachers of students between 12 and 18 years old
and are an opportunity for young hobbyists to share their passion with other like-minded students. The programme was developed in
collaboration with STEM teachers to complement their approach to learning. Currently we have over 2,300 schools in the UK, North
America, Australia and Asia receiving our schools packs, with more schools joining every day.
• UK Scouts partnership - Warhammer is an official partner to the Scouts in the UK. We joined forces in March 2019 to sponsor the
model maker activity badge. Scouts all across the UK will be able to begin their Warhammer journey via a special activity pack.
• Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme - We’re also now very proud to be registered and involved with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
scheme, a UK based youth programme.
To further support each of these great schemes, we’ve set up a bespoke website. Warhammer-alliance.com will act as a content and
resource hub to enable these groups, and others in the future, to get involved and explore the Warhammer Hobby.
•
•
‘Warhammer 40,000 Conquest’ - a weekly part-work magazine, launched in the UK, Spain and Australia with launches in Germany, Italy
and France later this year. To date we have 14,000 subscribers.
‘Space Marine Heroes’ - our push off the frame and push fit miniatures, sold as blind collectibles. Originally launched in Japan in
September 2017, Series 1 was launched globally in November 2018.
7 Games Workshop Group PLC
STRATEGIC REPORT continued
Update on priorities for 2018/19 continued
Range
We focused on the following initiatives to deliver an improvement in our product offer, our customer service and how we promote our
product range:
As Warhammer is a hobby it is always our goal to allow our customers to have as much fun with our Warhammer miniatures, paint and
games as they choose. To achieve this over the last few years our range has become ever more exciting, with new miniatures from our two
core systems released every month. To ensure we have the right product at the right place at the right time, we have been investing in our
merchandising and logistics team throughout the period. This has enabled us to implement a product category approach and extend our
range planning time horizon to support more effective product launches and to minimise waste. In August 2018 we implemented a new
forecasting tool which is supporting improvements in customer service and product availability. This tool will help us to manage our stock
levels better too, a challenge we have been working to address.
At the heart of our range is our core IP and the core product lines that support it. We are committed every year to further extending the
Warhammer worlds through great products: it is what we are great at and one of the key things that drives success.
Core systems and manufacturing and warehousing capacity
We focused on the following initiatives to ensure we keep the lights on and have enough capacity to allow us to deliver our operational
plan:
European ERP
We are in the process of replacing our enterprise resource planning systems (core back office systems) for the UK and European
businesses. Following our move to a more agile methodology some phases of this complex project are now live with the remaining phases
planned to go live in 2020.
Design to manufacture
Design studios
We have significantly increased the number of new releases in the last few years, for our core brands (Warhammer 40,000 and
Warhammer: Age of Sigmar) and our secondary ranges, with the intent of providing customers ever greater breadth and depth in their
hobby. Kill Team provided new ways to collect and play with your Warhammer 40,000 miniatures, exciting both new and existing hobbyists
alike and Soul Wars, the Warhammer: Age of Sigmar launch, kick-started a year of great new miniatures.
Following the successful introduction of Blood Bowl (2017) and Necromunda (2018), this year we launched two additional secondary offers
- Adeptus Titanicus, giant war machines from our Warhammer 40,000 universe, and Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game, covering both the
Hobbit and Lord of the Rings films and books. Both exceeded our expectations.
We remain focused on delivering great value and constantly balance the cost of designing our new releases with the sales they generate.
Studio payroll costs have increased by £1.2 million to £8.1 million; as a percentage of Group revenue they remain at 3.1%.
Manufacturing
Phase 1 of our new factory went live in December 2018. It looks and smells very clean and it has quickly become a great place to work. The
design to manufacturing team is working on a solid plan to optimise production efficiencies and fully utilise the facility. Phase 2, scheduled
to complete in the Autumn of 2019, will deliver an expanded tool room and new R&D capabilities. The total capital cost of this new facility
including the purchase of the land will be approximately £14 million.
This manufacturing investment doubled the number of plastic injection moulding machines we have available and was supported by us
significantly increasing our average production staffing levels from 143 to 198 at our HQ site in Nottingham.
Production payroll costs remain a key area of focus. During the year they increased by £1.6 million to £7.5 million; as a percentage of
Group revenue they have increased by 0.2% to 2.9%. We expect this percentage to stay at similar levels in the year ahead.
Warehousing
In November 2018 we recruited a new group logistics manager who, with the support of their team, is now implementing an operational
plan to upgrade our main warehouse facilities.
North America
We have been at the facility in Memphis, Tennessee for over 16 years and following a thorough review decided to stay at this location. In
January 2019 we agreed with the landlord to extend our lease and they have agreed to extend the footprint of the facility from 100k sq ft
to 150k sq ft. We are investing c. £5 million in new warehousing fixtures and fittings and technology. This project started in May 2019 and
is due for completion in 2020.
8 Games Workshop Group PLC
Update on priorities for 2018/19 continued
Warehousing continued
UK
We have been at our own warehousing facility at Nottingham for the last 14 years which we have now outgrown. We will be moving to a
purpose built rented facility less than 11 miles from our HQ and will be investing c. £5 million in new warehouse fixtures and fittings and
technology. This project will start in the Autumn of 2019. The current warehouse at our HQ will become our component warehouse, saving
on third party costs.
Logistics costs continue to be an area of focus. Total warehousing costs have increased by £2.7 million to £9.5 million, as a percentage of
Group revenue they have increased from 3.1% to 3.7%. We would expect this percentage to rise to c. 5% at similar sales levels following
the investments above.
Digital asset management (DAM)
DAM is a business process for organising, storing and retrieving digital assets, e.g. photos, artwork, videos, and other multimedia content.
This investment will ensure we can sleep at night knowing that we can easily archive, preserve, locate and retrieve any assets based on the
IP that we own. From those generated by our licensing partners in their computer games to our own marketing content and product
designs. The project started in January 2019 and the software and infrastructure are now live.
Sales
Sales by segment
52 weeks to
2 June 2019
Constant
currency
£120.6m
£87.6m
£47.1m
£255.3m
Restated
53 weeks to
3 June 2018
Constant
currency
£94.4m
£82.0m
£44.9m
£221.3m
52 weeks to
2 June 2019
Actual
rates
£121.5m
£87.8m
£47.3m
£256.6m
Restated
53 weeks to
3 June 2018
Actual
rates
£94.4m
£82.0m
£44.9m
£221.3m
Trade
Retail
Online
Total sales
Prior period amounts have been restated following the retrospective adoption of IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’.
2019
% of total
sales
47%
34%
19%
2018
% of total
sales
43%
37%
20%
Reported sales grew by 16% to £256.6 million for the year. On a constant currency basis, sales were up by 15% from £221.3 million to
£255.3 million.
Sales by channel
34% (2018: 37%) of sales were made through our own stores, 47% (2018: 43%) of sales were to independent retailers and 19% (2018: 20%)
were online.
Retail
Store openings and closures during the year:
UK
North America
Continental Europe
Australia
Asia
Number of
stores at
3 June 2018
144
134
148
48
15
489
Opened
1
20
7
4
8
40
Closed
5
1
4
2
-
12
Number of
stores at
2 June 2019
140
153
151
50
23
517
Number of
one man
stores at
2 June 2019
100
140
108
41
21
410
Number of
one man
stores at
3 June 2018
104
119
103
39
14
379
We opened 40 new stores in the year including 8 relocated stores (shown within both the opened and closed store numbers above). These
new stores generated £3.0 million of profitable sales. Our main focus for store openings in the year ahead will be North America and
Germany. We will continue to focus on improving our existing store performance.
Retail sales grew by 7% in the year (7% at constant currency), helped by additional growth from 28 net new stores and our visitor centre
delivering 9% growth. We continue to fine tune our skills-based training for all of our store managers at our retail workshops.
Trade
Sales increased by 29% during the year (28% at constant currency). We delivered growth in every major country we sell our products in
thanks to the hard work of our telesales teams in Memphis, Nottingham and Sydney. Sales to trade accounts which sell primarily online
continue to perform well.
Online
Sales grew by 5% (5% at constant currency). We are committed to continuous investment in our online shopping experience and it is a key
area of operational focus in the year ahead.
9 Games Workshop Group PLC
STRATEGIC REPORT continued
Asia
China
Sales grew by 67% in the year. We continue to be patient, adopting our proven channel strategy in this region. We successfully opened our
first store in the south of China, a multi man store in Shenzhen. This adds to the other successful 5 stores based in Shanghai. The product
range is increasingly available in Mandarin.
To complement our traditional channel strategy, in February 2019 we launched a ‘Warhammer’ online store on one of China’s e-commerce
platforms. We are selling a limited range of items, mainly ‘getting started’ product and some hobby supplies.
Rest of Asia
Sales grew profitably by 23% in the year. This was driven by 22% sales growth in Japan where we now have 8 retail stores and have
doubled the number of independent stores, partially thanks to the visibility and promotion of products like ‘Space Marine Heroes’, and the
help of a few local partners.
Marketing
As ever, when we say marketing at Games Workshop, we mean engaging, informing and inspiring our global community.
We continue to be customer focused and our customers have never been more engaged - reading and interacting with more Warhammer
content, more often than ever before. Warhammer-community.com, the cornerstone of our online marketing, had over 114 million page
views in the period, nearly double that of the previous year. This is from over 6 million users, up 1 million from the same period last year. In
the year, we also expanded our social media toolkit, using targeted content to re-engage our audience. Early indicators show a good return
on spend, giving us a promising way to deliver great content to lapsed and new customers alike.
As well as supporting Warhammer 40,000 and Warhammer: Age of Sigmar with daily content, the team has focused on providing better
support for new customers, developing a series of instructional How To Play videos. These have been a great success, with metrics up over
100% on the previous iterations of such videos. Once again, the team has also made space to innovate and play, experimenting with new,
engaging content types, such as a live action trailer for Warcry, and a series of ‘movie spoofs’ to launch the Citadel Colour Contrast paint
range. As a result, official Warhammer video content was viewed over 50 million times across our channels in the year.
Gross margin
Gross margin declined in the year in line with our expectations (2019: 67.5%; 2018: 71.0%). This was as a direct result of sales mix of new
and existing product - 38% of sales from new releases and 62% of sales from existing product - as well as channel mix changes.
Costs
Costs have increased by £11.1 million in the year as a result of investments for the long term: £4.1 million in our store opening programme
which has partially helped us to deliver organic sales growth by expanding into new geographic locations, and £2.6 million additional spend
on our operations, support and marketing teams. As a direct result of our significant sales and profit growth, we rewarded all of our staff
with a £1,500 discretionary payment in addition to a £1,000 profit share payment each (total cost £5.5 million; 2018: £4.8 million). We also
honoured our commitment to pay 20% of any sales increase to our retail store managers (total cost £1.0 million; 2018: £2.9 million) who
achieved sales growth whilst maintaining costs broadly in-line with last year. Variable costs directly attributable to sales volume growth
increased by £1.6 million in the year.
Operating profit
Operating profit by segment
52 weeks to
2 June 2019
Constant
currency
£44.2m
£10.5m
£29.3m
£18.8m
£10.4m
£(31.4)m
£81.8m
Restated
53 weeks to
3 June 2018
Constant
currency
£32.9m
£7.2m
£27.9m
£23.9m
£8.8m
£(26.4)m
£74.3m
52 weeks to
2 June 2019
Actual
rates
£43.7m
£10.4m
£29.2m
£18.5m
£10.6m
£(31.2)m
£81.2m
Restated
53 weeks to
3 June 2018
Actual
rates
£32.9m
£7.2m
£27.9m
£23.9m
£8.8m
£(26.4)m
£74.3m
Trade
Retail
Online
Product and supply
Royalties (net of costs)
Other costs
Total operating profit
Prior period amounts have been restated following the retrospective adoption of IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’.
Core business operating profit (operating profit before royalty income)
Core business operating profit grew by £5.1 million to £69.8 million (2018: £64.7 million). On a constant currency basis, core business
operating profit increased by £6.0 million to £70.7 million. This was driven by improvements across all of our three main channels.
10 Games Workshop Group PLC
Royalty income
Royalty income increased in the year by £1.7 million to £11.4 million. This was due to the strong performances of Total War: Warhammer II
and Warhammer: Vermintide 2. Reported income is split as follows: 87% PC and console games, 7% mobile and 6% other. Royalty income
recognises guarantee income in full at the inception of the contract, following the retrospective adoption of IFRS 15.
Cash generation
During the year, the Group’s core operating activities generated £69.0 million of cash after tax payments (2018: £66.0 million). The Group
also received cash of £9.1 million in respect of royalties in the year (2018: £8.9 million). After purchases of tangible and intangible assets
and product development costs of £22.5 million (2018: £21.5 million), dividends of £50.3 million (2018: £38.7 million), group profit share
and discretionary payments to employees of £5.5 million (2018: £4.8 million), proceeds from the issue of ordinary share capital relating to
the sharesave scheme of £0.7 million (2018: £1.0 million) and net interest and foreign exchange and gains of £0.4 million (2018: losses of
£0.1 million) there were net funds at the year end of £29.4 million (2018: £28.5 million).
Dividends
We followed our principle of returning truly surplus cash to shareholders. Dividends of £50.3 million (2018: £40.6 million) were declared
during the year.
Return on capital*
59
46
37
24
42
40
27
120
100
72
%
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
A key long term measure for our performance has been return on capital. During the year our return on capital fell from 120% to 100%.
This was driven by an increase in in average capital employed, offset by an increase in operating profit before royalty income.
Capital employed
Average capital employed increased by £16.1 million to £70.0 million. The book value of tangible and intangible assets increased by £8.5
million, inventories increased by £5.6 million and trade and other receivables increased by £4.3 million whilst current liabilities increased
by £1.4 million.
Investments in assets
This is what we have been spending your money on:
Shop fits for new and existing stores
Production equipment and tooling
Computer equipment and software
Site
Total capital additions
2019
£million
1.7
7.2
3.7
3.6
16.2
2018
£million
1.4
8.8
2.6
3.3
16.1
In 2018/19 we invested £1.7 million in shop fits: 40 new stores and 12 refurbishments and in addition we have rebranded 129 stores to
Warhammer. We also invested £2.1 million in tooling, milling and injection moulding and paint machines and a further £3.8 million on
moulding tools. The investment in computer software relates mainly to the work on the new ERP system. The investment in site includes
£2.5 million building costs to expand our production capacity in Nottingham. Capital investment is expected to be higher than depreciation
and amortisation over the next few years as we increase our logistics capacity and upgrade our core back office systems in Nottingham.
Inventories
Inventories have increased by £4.0 million to meet the increased sales demand. Stock provision remains at 1.9% of sales. We continue to
offer a broad range of price points and we have maintained our policy of aiming to only increase the prices of our new releases to reflect
the necessary investment in our product quality. The annual impact on the average price of product sales is 3%.
Trade and other receivables
Trade and other receivables increased by £4.3 million, which includes an increase of £3.1m in respect of royalty income receivable
following the adoption of IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’.
*We use average capital employed to take account of the significant fluctuation in working capital which occurs as the business builds both
inventories and trade receivables in the pre-Christmas trading period. Return is defined as operating profit before royalty income, and the
average capital employed is adjusted by deducting assets and adding back liabilities in respect of cash, borrowings, exceptional provisions,
taxation, deferred royalty income and dividends.
11 Games Workshop Group PLC
STRATEGIC REPORT continued
Trade and other payables
Trade and other payables reduced by £1.1 million due to a reduction in trade payables at the period end.
Taxation
The effective tax rate for the year was 19.0% (2018: 19.9%). While we continue to expect a rate above that for a business with activities
solely in the UK due to higher overseas rates, this has been offset by increased profit in stock provisions at those same rates.
Treasury
The objective of our treasury operation is the cost effective management of financial risk. The relationship with the Group’s bank is
managed centrally. It operates within a range of board approved policies. No transactions of a speculative nature are permitted.
Funding and liquidity risk
The Group pays for its operations entirely from our cash flow.
Interest rate risk
Net interest receivable for the year (excluding unwinding of discounts on provisions) was £97,000 (2018: net interest payable £49,000).
Foreign exchange
Our big currency exposures are the euro and US dollar:
Year end rate used for the balance sheet
Average rate used for earnings
euro
US dollar
2019
1.13
1.14
2018
1.14
1.13
2019
1.26
1.30
2018
1.33
1.35
The net impact in the year of these exchange rate fluctuations on our operating profit was a decrease of £0.8 million (2018: decrease of
£1.5 million).
Gender diversity, greenhouse gases, social, community and human rights, and employees
We report on these topics in the directors’ report on pages 17 to 19.
Non-financial information statement
As highlighted in the business model section earlier in the annual report, we are a relatively complex business. With this is mind, we aim to
comply with the Non-Financial Reporting requirements contained in sections 414CA and 414CB of the Companies Act 2006 and the below
table and information it refers to is intended to help stakeholders understand our position on key non-financial matters and how we are
addressing our reporting requirements. This is an area of focus for us going forwards.
Key policies and standards which govern
our approach and controls
Employee statement
Attendance and absence policies including
career break, maternity, paternity and
shared parental leave
Disciplinary, grievance and appeals policy
Social media policy
Health and safety policy
Anti-bribery policy
Anti-slavery policy
Insider dealing policy
Confidentiality policy
Whistleblowing policy
Safeguarding policy
Data protection policy
Dignity at work policy
Equal opportunities policy
Environmental statement
Product safety policy
Where this is referenced in this annual
report
Page 18
Page 27
Page 19
Page 17
Pages 4 and 5
Pages 5 and 6
Page 14
Reporting requirement
Employees
Anti-corruption and bribery
Human rights
Environmental matters
Business model
Non-financial KPIs
Description of principal risks
12 Games Workshop Group PLC
Priorities for 2019/20
Core business
As part of our overall strategy, four key initiatives will be prioritised in 2019/20. They are broadly the same as last year. These are designed
to deliver further sales growth whilst maintaining our operating profit margin, and continuing to surprise and delight our customers.
Firstly, staff recruitment and training.
We are continuing with our investment in our people. Our global people manager is in the process of strengthening her team in four key
areas: staff recruitment, training, wellbeing and performance & pay. We are working on delivering a robust workforce plan to ensure we
can meet our global needs today and in the near future.
Secondly, we will continue to be customer focused, better engaging our existing ones and reaching whole new audiences with the
Warhammer Hobby:
• Open more of our own stores, mostly in our one man store format, in North America and in Germany. My goal is to open 25 stores
(net) in 2019/20.
• We will continue to open more independent retailer accounts. This will be based on our well established terms and conditions, selling
independent accounts our best selling products and, where appropriate, the extended range. The goal is to sell all of our products
where our customers want to shop. We will continue the project of updating our online service tools to ensure all of our third party
accounts get outrageous customer service and support.
• Continue to improve our digital marketing and customer engagement.
Thirdly, we will continue to focus on our range.
We will continue to review our core product range to ensure we have the right products in the right place at the right time. We have
significantly increased the number of new releases supporting our core systems in the last few years and this will continue in 2019/20. We
will continue to pilot some new product formats in new markets and look to broaden our brand awareness in Asia.
Finally, in our core business, as discussed above, with a fair wind and a bit of luck we will be celebrating the completion of some of the core
IT systems and our manufacturing and warehouse capacity projects.
Non core
Media and entertainment
This is very early days for this new team. They will be working with lawyers and a small group of advisors with our new media partners on
scripts that will eventually bring the worlds of Warhammer to TV and animation. In addition, we have formed the Warhammer Story Forge,
a team of internal creative and trusted writers who will script and develop a series of animation projects over the coming year.
Licensing
Our licensing team will continue with the good progress they have made over the last few years. We believe our IP to be among the best in
the world and we want to work with big, value-adding partners. Our licensing team will focus on signing some new AAA deals for
Warhammer on mobile platforms.
13 Games Workshop Group PLC
STRATEGIC REPORT continued
Risks and uncertainties
The board has overall responsibility for ensuring risk is appropriately managed across the Group. The top seven risks to the Group are
reviewed at each board meeting. The risks are rated as to their business impact and their likelihood of occurring. In addition, the Group has
a disaster recovery plan to ensure ongoing operations are maintained in all circumstances. The principal risks identified in 2018/19 are
discussed below. These risks are not intended to be an extensive analysis of all risks that may arise but more importantly are the ones
which we believe could cause business interruption in the year ahead.
ERP change - as discussed above we are changing our core ERP system in the UK. This is a complicated project with the risk of
widespread business disruption if it is not implemented well. It is being implemented and managed by a strong internal project team
and specialist ERP software consultants.
Recruitment - to always have a world class team to support our business. The risk is we compromise and recruit only for skills and not
on the personal qualities we need new members of the global team to demonstrate to ensure we deliver our long-term goals. The
Games Workshop recruitment process aims to ensure we recruit for attitude as well as skills, to help mitigate this risk. This end to
end process starts with writing a new job specification highlighting the personal qualities needed in the job as well as the skills,
through to a robust induction process which will help them be successful in their job. Our new recruitment and onboarding systems
also help in ensuring the recruitment process is efficient and effective for both the new recruit and the recruiting manager.
Supply chain - to deliver a seamless supply of products to our customers. The risk is that there are unnecessary delays or expense.
Constant review by the executive directors and the rest of the board of our production and warehousing capacity ensures that issues
are dealt with in an appropriate timescale. This is particularly relevant given the recent growth in sales.
Range management - as discussed above we are reviewing our range to ensure that we are exploring all opportunities. The risk is that
we don’t fully exploit all the opportunities that are available to us or that we have too much stock. Our approach to managing this
risk is discussed on page 8.
Innovation - to surprise and delight our customers with ever better new miniatures and related products. The risk is that we become
complacent. Our design studios are responsible for creating great new miniatures and games. The sales of new products are reviewed
and assessed by the executive team and the design studios to ensure that we continue to deliver on our promise to make the best
miniatures in the world.
IP exploitation - to optimise our Warhammer brands fully, in addition to being innovative in our core business. The risks are that we
do harm to the core business or that we don’t take this opportunity seriously. With the appointment of our new non-executive
director, Kate Marsh, the board will manage the risk going forward under the remit of a separate committee supporting the senior
team on these new opportunities.
Distractions - this is anything else that gets in the way of us delivering our goals.
Games Workshop relies upon the continued availability and integrity of its IT systems. Our business critical systems are monitored and
disaster recovery plans are in place and reviewed to ensure they remain up to date. The security of our systems is reviewed on an ongoing
basis with software updates applied and equipment updated as required.
We do not consider that we have material solvency or liquidity risks.
Following the UK Government invoking Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon, notifying the European Council of its intention to withdraw from
the EU, Games Workshop has reviewed the impact that this may have on the Group. The key risks for Games Workshop relate to the
movement of goods from the UK to the EU across all sales channels as well as the recruitment and retention of EU nationals working in the
UK. These risks have been assessed and plans have been put in place to help mitigate the possible impact of these changes depending on
the nature of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
In my opinion the greatest risk is the same one that we repeat each year, namely, management. So long as we have the right people in the
right jobs we will be fine. In the past, we have had far better success when we recruit from within for our senior roles. Problems will arise if
the board allows egos and private agendas to rule. I will do my utmost to ensure that this does not happen.
Summary
An amazing set of results -the best year in Games Workshop’s history, so far. You can once again see from these results that our business
and the Warhammer Hobby are in good shape.
The board and I continue to believe that the prospects for the business are good.
Kevin Rountree
CEO
29 July 2019
14 Games Workshop Group PLC
DIRECTORS’ REPORT
The directors present their annual report together with the audited consolidated financial statements and independent auditors’ report for
the year ended 2 June 2019.
General information
Games Workshop Group PLC (the ‘Company’) and its subsidiaries (together the ‘Group’ or ‘Games Workshop’) designs and manufactures
miniature figures and games and distributes these through its own network of retail stores, independent retailers and online via the global
web stores. The Group has manufacturing activities in the UK and sells mainly in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific.
The Company is a public listed company, incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom. The address of its registered office is Willow
Road, Lenton, Nottingham, NG7 2WS, United Kingdom. The Company’s ordinary share capital is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Dividends
Dividends of 155 pence per share (2018: 126 pence) were declared during the year (£50.3 million; 2018: £40.6 million).
Directors
The present directors of the Company are listed on page 38. All of the directors were members of the board throughout the year and up to
the date of signing the financial statements with the exception of K E Marsh, who was appointed on 24 July 2019.
As the Company is part of the FTSE 250 index all directors will now be subject to annual re-election. In relation to the non-executive
directors, the chairman has confirmed that, following formal performance evaluation, the performance of E O’Donnell and J R A Brewis
continues to be effective and they continue to demonstrate commitment to their roles as non-executive directors, including commitment
of the necessary time to board and committee meetings and other duties. N J Donaldson is considered by the board to be independent of
the Group, as set out in the corporate governance report. The non-executive directors have formally evaluated the performance of N J
Donaldson as non-executive chairman and consider him to be effective in his role.
Directors' interests
The interests of the directors in the shares of the Company, together with details of share options granted to the directors, are disclosed in
the remuneration report on page 35. None of the directors had a material interest in any contract of significance to which the Company, or
any of its subsidiaries, was a party during the year.
Directors’ indemnities
The Company has made qualifying third party indemnity provisions for the benefit of its directors, as permitted by section 234 of the
Companies Act 2006, which were in force during the year and up to 29 July 2019.
Information on executive directors
K D Rountree (age 49), CEO. Kevin joined Games Workshop in March 1998 as assistant group accountant. He then had various management
roles within Games Workshop, including head of sales for the Other Activities division (including Black Library, licensing and Sabertooth
Games). Kevin was appointed CFO in October 2008. During the year ended 29 May 2011, he took on the responsibility of managing the
Group’s service centres globally. To reflect this, his title was changed to chief operating officer from chief financial officer. He became chief
executive on 1 January 2015. He qualified as a chartered management accountant in August 2001. Prior to joining Games Workshop, Kevin
was the management accountant at J Barbour & Sons Limited and trained at Price Waterhouse.
R F Tongue (age 48), group finance director and company secretary. Rachel joined Games Workshop in September 1996 as group tax
manager. She then had various accounting roles within Games Workshop and was appointed company secretary in October 2008. She has
also managed the legal and compliance functions within Games Workshop since November 2012. She was appointed group finance
director in January 2015. Rachel qualified as a chartered accountant in 1995 and as a chartered tax adviser in 1996 having trained with
Arthur Andersen.
Information on non-executive directors
N J Donaldson (age 65). Nick Donaldson was appointed to the board on 18 April 2002 and became non-executive chairman in September
2017. A barrister by profession, Nick is a partner of London Bridge Capital Partners LLP. Nick was, until 2003, head of corporate finance at
Arbuthnot Securities Limited and previously held senior investment banking positions at Robert W Baird Limited and at Credit Lyonnais
Securities. He is non-executive chairman of DP Poland PLC and a director of The Fulham Shore plc.
C J Myatt (age 75). Chris Myatt is the senior independent director, joining the board on 18 April 1996. He is a chartered management
accountant and was formerly managing director of a division of Tarmac PLC, chairman and non-executive director of a number of
manufacturing companies and treasurer of Keele University.
E O’Donnell (age 48). Elaine O’Donnell was appointed to the board on 28 November 2013. A chartered accountant by profession, Elaine
was previously a corporate finance partner with EY. She is also a non-executive director of Findel plc, On the Beach Group plc and the
Merseyside Special Investment Fund and chairman of Alliance Fund Managers.
15 Games Workshop Group PLC
DIRECTORS’ REPORT continued
Information on non-executive directors continued
J R A Brewis (age 52). John Brewis was appointed to the board on 20 June 2018. John has over 25 years’ experience in high volume
manufacturing businesses and since 2004 has had various roles within Trinity Mirror Printing, including commercial director. John is
currently managing director of Reach Printing Services, a division of Reach plc, formerly Trinity Mirror plc.
K E Marsh (age 57). Kate Marsh was appointed to the board on 24 July 2019. Kate has over 30 years’ experience in digital and media
businesses. She is currently non-executive director of INM PLC and Elstree Film Studios Limited. She is a senior media executive and has
built and managed significant businesses across Europe. Her most recent role was as Executive Vice President for Western Europe
International Networks at Sony Pictures Television. She previously held various roles at Sky, GroupM and the BBC.
Independent auditors
As at 29 July 2019, so far as each director is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the auditors are unaware and each
director has taken all steps that he/she ought to have taken as a director in order to make himself/herself aware of any relevant audit
information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information.
Share capital, share rights and other information
As at 29 July 2019, the Company’s authorised share capital was £2,100,000 divided into 42,000,000 ordinary shares of 5p each nominal
value (‘ordinary shares’). On 29 July 2019 there were 32,502,716 (2018: 32,350,318) ordinary shares in issue. These ordinary shares are
listed on the London Stock Exchange. All ordinary shares rank equally with respect to voting rights and the right to receive dividends.
Shares acquired through the Company’s share schemes rank pari passu with the shares in issue and have no special rights. The holders of
ordinary shares are entitled to receive the Company’s annual report, to attend and speak at general meetings of the Company, to appoint
proxies and to exercise voting rights. There are no restrictions on transfer or limitations on the holding of any class of share and no
requirements for prior approval of any transfers. The directors may refuse to register a transfer of shares if there is a failure to comply with
certain requirements of the Company’s articles of association. None of the shares carry any special rights with regard to control of the
Company.
In accordance with the Company’s articles of associations, each share (other than those held in treasury) entitles the holder to one vote at
general meetings of the Company on votes taken on a poll. On a show of hands at a meeting, every member present in person or by one or
more proxies and entitled to vote has one vote. Unless the directors decide otherwise, if a shareholder is given notice that he has failed to
provide information required in relation to any shares pursuant to a notice under section 793 of the Companies Act 2006, that member will
be unable to vote on those shares both in a general meeting and at a meeting of the shareholders of that class. If such shareholder holds
more than 0.25% of the issued shares of a class (excluding treasury shares) and is in default of a section 793 notice, the directors may also
state in the notice that: (i) the payment of any dividend shall be withheld; and (ii) that there can be no transfer of the shares held by such
shareholder.
Subject to the provision of law, the Company may by ordinary resolution declare a dividend to be paid to the members according to their
respective rights and interest, but no dividend may exceed the amount recommended by the directors. The directors may also declare and
pay interim dividends. Subject to shareholder approval, the directors may pay dividends by issuing shares credited as fully paid up in lieu of
cash dividends. If dividends remain unclaimed for 12 years they are forfeited and revert to the Company.
The rules about the appointment and replacement of directors are contained in the Company’s articles of association. The Company’s
articles of association state that a director may be appointed by an ordinary resolution of the shareholders or by the directors, either to fill
a vacancy or as an addition to the existing board but so that the total number of directors does not exceed the maximum number of
directors allowed pursuant to the Company’s articles of association. The Company’s articles of association do not currently specify a
maximum number of directors. The Company may by ordinary resolution remove a director from the board of directors.
The Company’s articles of association also state that the board of directors is responsible for the management of the business of the
Company and in doing so may exercise all the powers of the Company subject to the provision of relevant legislation and the
Company’s constitutional documentation. The powers of the directors set out in the Company’s articles of association include those in
relation to the issue and buy-back of shares. As at 2 June 2019, the Company had an unexpired authority to repurchase shares up to a
maximum of 3,235,031 shares. During the year no shares were purchased in the market for cancellation.
Changes to the articles of association must be approved by the shareholders in accordance with the legislation in force from time to time.
The Company does not have agreements with any director or employee that would provide compensation for loss of office or employment
resulting from a takeover, except that the provisions of the Company’s sharesave scheme may cause options to be exercised in a takeover.
Constructive use of the AGM
The chairmen of the audit and risk committee, and the remuneration and nomination committees will be available to answer questions at
the AGM. Separate resolutions are proposed for substantially separate issues at the meeting and the chairman of the Company will declare
the number of proxy votes received both for and against each resolution.
Corporate governance
The Company’s statement on corporate governance is included in the corporate governance report on pages 21 to 24.
16 Games Workshop Group PLC
Sustainability
The topics below outline what we have achieved in the area to date. As we adjust to the growth of our business, these will be key areas of
focus for us going forward.
Environment
Renewable energy
Since November 2018, our primary manufacturing, warehousing and head office site in Lenton, Nottingham has been powered using
renewable energy and we are contracted to use renewable energy at this site until October 2020. The solar panels installed in 2017 at our
Lenton site operated at 115% of expected renewable energy generation last year, producing over 410 mwh, which equates to 8% of the
annual electricity required to power the HQ site. Also, as part of the development of our new Leenside factory and offices, we will be
installing four charging points for staff travelling to work using electric vehicles. In addition, we plan to install additional electric vehicle
charging points in our Warhammer World car park in early 2020.
Energy saving
Our energy saving steering group continues to identify, assess, implement and review energy reduction opportunities across the Group. In
the last 12 months we have undergone a full air conditioning system replacement in the main building of our Lenton site, with the
installation to be completed across the rest of the site in the next 12 months. The new system will be significantly more energy efficient
than the old system and will allow a reduction in the use of gas fired radiators. At the same time, we continue to install replacement PIR
and LED lighting systems, to continue to reduce energy consumption across our HQ site. In line with the Energy Savings Opportunity
Scheme (ESOS) Regulations 2014, Games Workshop has appointed an approved ESOS lead assessor to undertake an assessment of our
energy usage and identify opportunities to further reduce our energy consumption, with all such opportunities being reviewed and, where
practicable, implemented.
Greenhouse gases
Under the Greenhouse Gas Emissions (Directors’ Reports) Regulations 2013, enforced under the Companies Act 2006, we have addressed
our Greenhouse Gas (‘GHG’) reporting requirements.
We have used the methodology described in the Environmental Reporting Guidelines from DEFRA to identify our GHG inventory of Scope 1
(direct) and Scope 2 (indirect) global CO2 emissions. We have considered the six main GHGs and report in CO2 equivalent. Our data
includes all manufacturing, warehousing, office and retail sites controlled globally by Games Workshop for the year to 2 June 2019. All
calculations have used the 2019 DEFRA conversion factors.
Scope 1 covers activities owned or controlled by Games Workshop that release emissions straight into the atmosphere - gas boilers,
vehicle operation, air conditioning.
Scope 2 covers activities that are not owned or controlled by Games Workshop but which create emissions as a result of our activities -
electricity consumption.
Scope 1 – tonnes CO2e
Scope 2 – tonnes CO2e
Total tonnes CO2e
Tonnes CO2e per sq metre
Tonnes CO2e per £000 of revenue
2018/19
814
4,426
5,240
0.070
0.020
2017/18
787
4,239
5,026
0.071
0.023
During the next 12 months, we will be completing an audit and calculation of Games Workshop’s carbon footprint. This review is to be
followed by a carbon reduction programme to deliver emissions reductions through business change initiatives across the Group.
Transport and travel
We continue to promote the liftshare, cycle to work, tram2work and Robin Hood Network schemes in respect of staff travelling to, and
from, our HQ site in Nottingham. We now have 317 employees signed up to the liftshare scheme.
We continue to have a high ratio of cyclists (over 10% of employees) at our HQ site, with 207 bikes being purchased through the cycle to
work scheme since Games Workshop became a member of the scheme. We currently have 247 active users of Nottingham’s tram2work
and Robin Hood Network travel schemes.
Product packaging
During the next 12 months, we will be reviewing Games Workshop’s product packaging strategy. This review will be followed by a
programme to deliver packaging reductions and sustainable packaging solutions across our full range of products.
17 Games Workshop Group PLC
DIRECTORS’ REPORT continued
Customers
Product safety
Our product safety and integrity team work closely with our design, manufacturing and sourcing teams to ensure that all products sold by
Games Workshop are developed, produced and purchased with safety in mind, so that they are safe for use by the intended customer.
Since February 2019, we have been reviewing and enhancing our quality management controls within the plastic injection moulding and
packing processes at our manufacturing operations in Lenton. The process and control improvements identified during this review are
being implemented between June and October 2019, to be followed by an ongoing process of review and improvement.
In the past year we have had no product recalls.
Health and safety
Our customers visit our retail stores to learn about the Warhammer Hobby or chat with like-minded people - it is essential that our stores
are a safe place to visit for everyone. Our store managers know that the health and safety of their customers is paramount. Over the past
12 months, significant progress has been made with the implementation of local retail health and safety guides. Our store managers are
required to maintain their stores in accordance with the strict principles set out within the guides, and must submit regular audit reports in
respect of the expected standards. This programme is in the process of being rolled out across all territories.
Employees
Staff onboarding
In March 2019, we implemented a new onboarding experience for all new recruits joining Games Workshop. This allows us to welcome all
new starters from the moment they accept a job offer from Games Workshop through to completion of their first year of employment. We
are now are in a much better place to give new staff everything they need, when they need it. We believe the employee experience is key,
and getting the simple things right makes a great impression.
Staff communications
It is the Group’s policy to consult on and discuss with employees, matters likely to affect employees’ interests. Information on matters of
concern to employees is given through reports which seek to achieve a common awareness on the part of all employees of the financial
and economic factors affecting the Group’s performance. In addition, in February 2019 we launched a new global communications forum
to support clear and open communication between senior management and staff. This forum is intended to represent all departments, in
all territories around the world, with the aim of motivating employees to give their best for Games Workshop, whilst contributing towards
their own sense of personal well-being and achievement. We held elections for forum representatives in the UK in February 2019, and in
North America and Europe in May 2019. We are due to be holding elections for representatives in Australia and Asia later this year, by
which time the global forum will give representation for all Games Workshop staff worldwide.
Staff wellbeing
Our staff are important to us and as we grow and recruit more people into our business, we need to ensure we have a robust wellbeing
programme. To that end we are currently in the process of recruiting our first wellbeing programme manager, who will be responsible for
identifying the wellbeing needs of our staff and implementing wellbeing programmes and initiatives to look after all of our employees
across the Group.
Apprenticeships and training
Games Workshop recruits for fit and trains for skills. With this in mind, we have formed partnerships with trusted apprenticeship schemes
in the UK. These support, complement and enhance our staff recruitment, retention and development, providing us with ‘home-grown’
employees with the right fit, knowledge and skills for our niche business. We currently have apprentices working in and being recruited for
further positions across our manufacturing, engineering and web store teams.
Development
Our employees are constantly looking for ways to improve. We strive to create a culture and environment that encourages everyone to
achieve their potential. Our people development team supports this, using workshops and development sessions to help staff understand
that what they are like influences their behaviour, and how this behaviour impacts other people, their job and the business as a whole.
Over the past 12 months, our people development team has run more than 75 open and team development workshops across the Group
involving over 300 employees.
Living wage
The Group maintains the UK living wage for all UK employees, regardless of age.
Sharesave
The Group operates an employee sharesave scheme as a means of further encouraging the involvement of employees in the Group’s
performance.
18 Games Workshop Group PLC
Employees continued
Diversity
The board believes that business can benefit from a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds. The Company’s aim as regards
composition of the board is that it should have a balance of attitudes and knowledge to enable each director and the board as a whole to
discharge their duties effectively. Consideration is given to diversity and gender across all employees, including the board and senior
management, with a view to appointing the best placed individual for each new job. The Company does not, however, consider that
diversity can be best achieved by establishing specific quotas and targets.
As at the end of the financial year:
The board
Senior management
Total workforce
Female
2
1
434
2019
Male
4
10
1,676
Total
6
11
2,110
Female
2
2
377
2018
Male
3
8
1,530
Total
5
10
1,907
Disability
The Group's policy is to consider, for recruitment, disabled workers for those vacancies that they are able to fill. All reasonable adjustments
will be made for disabled workers, and all necessary assistance with training is provided. Arrangements are made, wherever possible, for
retraining employees who become disabled, to enable them to perform work identified as appropriate to their aptitudes and abilities.
Health and safety
Protecting the health and safety of all our employees is a principle we hold dearly.
Over the past 12 months we have rolled out IOSH accredited safety training for all our front line managers and safety representatives
across manufacturing and warehousing in Lenton, with this resulting in significant improvements in our underlying safety culture and
understanding of risk across the business. To complement this training we have developed our safety audit programme across
manufacturing and warehousing in Lenton, ensuring that senior managers regularly and routinely inspect all operational areas.
A suite of new reporting metrics, launched in June 2019, will allow senior managers across the business greater insight into the risk profile
and safety culture of their areas of responsibility, allowing for smarter allocation of resources, ensuring we focus on the right areas and
processes. The next 12 months will see accredited safety training and safety audit programmes rolled out across our Memphis and Sydney
warehousing sites.
During the year there were 5 injuries reported under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 in
the UK (2017/18: 4) and 4 recordable cases reported to the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (2017/18: nil).
Suppliers
Ethical sourcing
We are committed to implementing effective controls to ensure good ethical sourcing standards throughout our supply chain. This
commitment is driven from the CEO and the board throughout the entire Group and a commitment is expected of all who work for, or who
supply into, Games Workshop.
In March 2019 Games Workshop became a buyer member of an ethical sourcing audit programme. This programme requires suppliers to
uphold ethical sourcing standards to support the rights and wellbeing of workers. We have requested all suppliers of (i) products for re-sale
by Games Workshop, and (ii) components and materials used within products being sold by Games Workshop, to become supplier
members of the programme by September 2019, and to be fully audited and certified by March 2020. Supplier members will then be
subject to an annual auditing programme to ensure that ethical sourcing standards throughout the Games Workshop supply chain are
maintained.
We have also commenced a review of ethical sourcing standards across our wider supplier base, beyond suppliers of products, components
and materials for re-sale. This review will be completed during the next 12 months.
Anti-slavery
Modern slavery is a crime and a violation of fundamental human rights. Games Workshop has a zero-tolerance approach to modern slavery
and is committed to acting ethically to implement and enforce effective systems and controls to ensure modern slavery is not taking place
within Games Workshop or its supply chains. This commitment is driven from the CEO and the board throughout the entire Group and a
commitment is expected of all who work for, or who supply into, Games Workshop.
Donations
Games Workshop does not make any donations to charities or political parties. Notwithstanding this, our employees continue to carry out
fund raising events for their chosen charities, and we are fully supportive of the work our employees do.
Research and development
The Group does not undertake research activities. Development activities relate to the development of new product lines. The charge to
the income statement for the year in respect of development activities is detailed in note 9 to the financial statements.
19 Games Workshop Group PLC
DIRECTORS’ REPORT continued
Future developments
The future developments for the Group are discussed in the strategic report on pages 3 to 14.
Financial risks
The financial risks facing the Group are set out in note 21 to these financial statements.
Going concern and viability statement
Assessment of prospects
The Group operates a strategic planning process which includes monthly reviews of business and financial performance, regular financial
projections and an annual planning review for the next financial year. Medium term projections (for periods ending two years and three
years hence) are reviewed taking into account known strategy changes in that time frame. The three year plan considers the Group’s
growth potential, cash flows and key financial ratios. This strategic planning process is managed centrally, led by the finance director.
Assessment of viability
The strategic plan reflects the directors’ cautious view of possible outcomes. It is not used to set targets for performance.
The viability assessment has been conducted for a period of three years which is in line with the Group’s strategic planning period as
discussed above. The board believes that this time frame is the most appropriate as it is difficult to make meaningful projections beyond
three years. This assessment of viability has been made with reference to the Group’s current position and future prospects, its strategy
and its principal risks and the mitigation in place to manage them. In making the viability assessment the principal risks facing the business
have been considered and a number of severe but plausible scenarios assessed for the impact of these on the medium term projections.
The scenarios tested include:
A significant interruption in the supply chain impacting the manufacturing operations
A material fluctuation of the sterling exchange rate
These possible scenarios are the same as the prior year with the exception of the exclusion of the scenario that there is a failure in the
existing ERP system before the new ERP system goes live. During the period, significant phases of the new ERP system went live and we
have a robust plan for the implementation of the remaining phases. The board therefore considers that this scenario is no longer a severe
but plausible one and so has removed this from this year’s viability assessment.
Viability statement
Based on the board’s assessment as described above and the Group’s strong balance sheet , the directors confirm that they have a
reasonable expectation that the Group will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over the three year
period ending 29 May 2022.
Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate
resources to continue in operational existence for at least twelve months from the date of approval of the financial statements. For this
reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the Group’s and Company’s financial statements.
By order of the board
R F Tongue
Group finance director and company secretary
29 July 2019
20 Games Workshop Group PLC
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT
An introduction from our non-executive chairman
I have pleasure in introducing the corporate governance report. In this section of our annual report we have set out our approach to
governance and provided further information on how the board and its committees operate. We recognise that applying sound
governance principles is essential to the successful running of the Group.
As you will see below, during the year, in line with best practice, we have made some changes to our board committees. We now have
three principal committees: audit and risk, remuneration and nomination. Their composition and their areas of focus are described below.
Regarding board composition, we are delighted to welcome Kate Marsh to the board as our newest non-executive director, following on
from John Brewis’ appointment as non-executive director in June 2018. Chris Myatt steps down from the board at our 2019 AGM and we
thank him for his contribution. Chris has been our senior independent director and chairman of the audit committee since 1996. Elaine
O’Donnell will succeed Chris in these roles, and John Brewis will succeed Elaine as chairman of the remuneration committee. We will
resume our search for one further non-executive director in 2019/20.
We also set out below details of our board effectiveness review, which for the first time in some years was facilitated by an external third
party. Succession and board and committee effectiveness continue to be important considerations for us.
This annual report covers the period to 2 June 2019 and so we are, therefore, reporting against the 2016 version of the Corporate
Governance Code rather than the 2018 version of the Code (‘New Code’) which applies to financial periods starting on 1 January 2019.
Although the New Code is not yet in force, we have already implemented some of its recommendations, most notably the introduction
earlier this year of our employee communication forum. We believe that this forum has been well received by Games Workshop
employees. The Board has considered the impact of the New Code and will address those areas requiring further attention over the coming
year; we will report on any changes to the Company’s governance framework in next year’s annual report.
At our AGM this year, as usual, all of our continuing directors will be seeking appointment or reappointment (as the case may be). We look
forward to meeting shareholders at the AGM.
Best regards.
Nick Donaldson
Non-executive chairman
The Listing Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority require listed companies to disclose, in relation to the UK Corporate Governance Code
2016 (the ‘Code’), how they have applied its principles and whether they have complied with its provisions throughout the accounting
period. The UK Corporate Governance Code can be found at www.frc.org.uk.
This statement, together with the remuneration report on pages 28 to 36, explains how the Company has applied the principles and
complied with the provisions set out in the Code.
The board operates through monthly meetings which senior executives attend on a regular basis. The board is responsible for leading and
controlling the Group and monitoring executive management. It considers all issues relating to strategy, management and future direction
of the Company. The board is also responsible for assessing and monitoring culture within the Group. This is achieved through regular visits
and meetings by the non-executive directors with a variety of employees across the Group as well as attendance at the Games Workshop
Global Communication Forum meetings. The board has a schedule of matters reserved to it for decision that is regularly updated; these
include decisions on the Group’s strategy, financial plans, major capital expenditure and dividend policy. The board is updated about
operational decisions through the monthly meetings. It meets at least nine times a year. In 2018/19 the board had ten scheduled meetings,
each of which was attended by all members of the board. Terms of reference for the board committees (as set out below) are available on
the Company’s website.
The Company maintains an appropriate level of director and officer liability insurance cover and has agreed to indemnify the directors
against certain liabilities as discussed in the directors’ report on page 15.
A review of the performance of the Group’s main business activities is included in the strategic review. The board presents this review,
together with the directors’ report on pages 15 to 20, to give a fair, balanced and understandable assessment of the Group’s position and
prospects.
21 Games Workshop Group PLC
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT continued
The board
The board comprises the non-executive chairman, the CEO, the group finance director and currently four further non-executive directors. It
is chaired by the chairman, Nick Donaldson.
The senior independent director is Chris Myatt until the 2019 AGM, at which time Chris Myatt will retire from the board and Elaine
O’Donnell will take over these responsibilities. The principal responsibilities of this role include:
to be a sounding board for the chairman;
to be available to shareholders if they have concerns which contact through the normal channels of the chairman, the CEO
or the group finance director has failed to resolve, or for which such contact is not appropriate; and
to ensure that the performance evaluation of the chairman is conducted effectively.
The five non-executive directors have a breadth of successful commercial and professional experience and are considered by the board to
be independent of the Group. The Code states that the board should identify each non-executive director it considers to be independent,
and the Code then lists various circumstances which may appear relevant to its determination. This includes (amongst others) if the non-
executive director has served on the board for more than nine years.
At Games Workshop the board has had to confront one of these circumstances as the non-executive chairman, Nick Donaldson, and one of
the non-executive directors, Chris Myatt have served as non-executive directors for more than nine years.
In making this assessment as to independence, the board has taken into account the personal attributes of each director in relation to the
current and future needs of the board. In the opinion of the board, independence (like judgement and wisdom) is not an attribute which
can be measured by reference to a checklist. It is rather an attribute which the members of the board can observe being demonstrated by
a director in his actions and interactions with other members of the board as it faces the various issues which are placed before it.
Independence is the absence of complacency, lazy thinking and acceptance of the status quo.
Regarding the specific Code circumstance of service of over nine years, the board’s position is as follows:
The ‘nine year rule’ is a helpful guide to the risk of directors becoming ‘stale’. The board considers this risk periodically, but has not yet
found it to be an issue at Games Workshop. If it did, it would react accordingly. At present the board feels that the requirement for
members of the board to have a real understanding of, and empathy with, the Games Workshop Hobby to be a point in favour of retaining
the experience which the board currently has.
Based upon its assessment, which focuses on each director’s attitude towards making his best contribution to the progress of the
Company, the board considers that Nick Donaldson and Chris Myatt are independent.
All directors bring an independent judgement to bear on issues of strategy, performance, resources (including key appointments) and
standards of conduct. The board considers that it has been supplied with sufficient timely and accurate information to enable it to
discharge its duties.
All members of the board have access to the services and advice of the company secretary. There is a procedure for directors to take
independent professional advice at the Company's expense where relevant to the execution of their duties. The executive directors attach
great importance to ensuring that the non-executive directors are provided with accurate, timely and clear information on the Group. In
addition, the non-executive directors are actively encouraged to update continually their knowledge of and familiarity with the Group and
the issues affecting it, so as to enable them to fulfil effectively their roles on both the board and its committees.
In 2018/19 the board undertook an externally facilitated review of its performance with Independent Audit Limited, who do not have any
other connection with the Company, in addition to the board’s already established process for the ongoing assessment of its own
performance and that of its committees. Independent Audit Limited worked with the chairman and company secretary to tailor a
questionnaire covering topics including board composition, dynamics, strategic focus, oversight of risk management, meeting
arrangements, board papers and the committees. This was completed by all board directors. Independent Audit Limited produced a report
with suggestions for improvement, which was circulated to the whole board, and attended a board meeting to discuss the report. The
results of this review were positive in how the board and committees operate and the quality of discussions during the respective
meetings. The review suggested, amongst other things, that the board considers as to whether any specific skills gap exists within the
current board and, if so, whether that could be filled by new non-executive directors both now and over the next few years.
The board has also completed an internal assessment to review the board’s performance against those objectives and this will continue in
2019/20. The results of both reviews will inform the board’s development agenda on a regular basis.
Board committees
The board has three principal committees, all with written terms of reference which are published on the Company’s website and which
are available on application to the company secretary at the Company’s registered office. The company secretary serves as secretary to all
three committees. The chairmen of the audit and risk committee, the remuneration committee and the nomination committee will be
available to answer questions at the Company’s AGM.
22 Games Workshop Group PLC
Audit and risk committee
The audit and risk committee currently comprises the three non-executive directors under the chairmanship of Chris Myatt who is a
chartered management account. Nick Donaldson is not a member of this committee. Chris Myatt will be replaced as chairman by Elaine
O’Donnell on Chris Myatt’s retirement from the board at the 2019 AGM. Elaine O’Donnell is a chartered accountant and has significant
relevant financial and accounting knowledge and experience. The audit and risk committee’s terms of reference include monitoring the
integrity of the financial statements and other announcements relating to the Company’s financial performance including reviewing
significant financial reporting judgements, internal control and risk assessment and keeping under review the scope, results and
effectiveness of the external and internal audits and the independence of the Company’s external auditors.
Audit and risk committee report
A more detailed description of the activities of the audit and risk committee and the internal control and risk management systems that are
in place are discussed in the audit and risk committee report on pages 25 to 27.
Remuneration committee
The remuneration committee comprises the non-executive directors and is chaired by Elaine O’Donnell. After the AGM, the chairman of
this committee will be John Brewis, who has served on the remuneration committee for over one year. Nick Donaldson is not a member of
the committee. The remuneration committee normally meets at least twice a year and is responsible for making recommendations to the
board on remuneration policy for all executive directors and senior management (including determining specific remuneration packages,
terms of employment and performance incentive arrangements). The procedures and guidelines used by the remuneration committee in
determining remuneration are outlined in the separate remuneration report. The remuneration and nomination committee held three
meetings in the year, which were attended by all members of the committee. The committee meets without the executive directors at
least annually to appraise the executive directors’ performance.
Remuneration report
The Company’s policy on executive remuneration and details of the executive directors’ salaries, profit share and pensions, and fees for the
non-executive directors are set out in the board report on remuneration on pages 28 to 36.
Nomination committee
The new nomination committee comprises the non-executive directors and is chaired by Nick Donaldson and is responsible for nominating,
for approval by the board, candidates for appointment to the board. The committee regularly reviews the structure, size and composition
(including the skills, knowledge, experience and diversity) of the board and gives consideration to succession planning for directors and
other senior executives, taking into account the challenges and opportunities facing the Company and the skills and expertise needed on
the board in the future. It also encourages the development of greater diversity within senior and middle management levels of the
Company’s businesses.
Appointments to the board
On 24 July 2019, Kate Marsh was appointed to the board as a non-executive director, effective from that date. Following the Company’s
recruitment procedures, the board determined that Kate Marsh would be a suitable and valuable addition to the board. Open advertising
and an external search company (Nurole) were used in respect of this appointment. Nurole has no other connection with the Company.
Newly appointed directors are given training appropriate to the level of their previous experience. Non-executive directors meet regularly
with members of the executive and other staff within the Group. In addition, site visits ensure that the non-executive directors gain first-
hand experience of developments within the Group.
Any director appointed during the year is required, under the provisions of the Company’s articles of association, to retire and seek
election by the shareholders at the next AGM.
Stakeholder engagement
The Company understands the importance of engaging with our stakeholders. We have addressed this as follows:
Shareholders
We maintain an open dialogue with our shareholders and consider the AGM to be the primary platform of communication between the
Company and its shareholders. On a continuing basis the Company encourages two way communication with its institutional and private
shareholders and responds promptly to queries received verbally, in writing or directly through its investor relations website
investor.games-workshop.com. In addition to the annual report and half yearly report, the CEO and group finance director are available to
meet and do meet with shareholders and potential shareholders to discuss any question they may have. Any issues arising at such
meetings are reported to and considered by the board. We try to ensure our shareholders have a good understanding of our strategy,
business model and culture.
Our people
We rely on the hard work and creativity of employees to make sure we drive the creation of value in the long term. We engage with our
employees through formal and informal meetings, including the Games Workshop Global Communications Forum (GWGCF) as well as local
newsletters and works councils. The matters discussed at the GWGCF in particular are circulated to the board and discussed at board
meetings to ensure we understand the views and concerns of employees. Nick Donaldson is due to attend his first GWGCF meeting in
October 2019 to help increase board engagement with employees.
23 Games Workshop Group PLC
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT continued
Stakeholder engagement continued
Customers
We engage with our customers through our retail stores, our social media sites, through warhammer-community.com and at both Games
Workshop and third party gaming events. This allows two way communication with our customers. Members of the board and senior
management visit retail stores as well as independent retailers to understand their views.
Suppliers
The integrity of our supply chain is an essential part of ensuring we design and make great products. Although as a vertically integrated
company we are in control of large parts of the design and manufacturing process, it is important that our suppliers share the same
standards and ethics as we do. We have strong partnerships with our key suppliers that have been built up over a number of years to
ensure we get the best materials. As discussed earlier in this annual report, these suppliers have recently been asked to join an ethical
sourcing audit programme to ensure our supply chain is ethical and secure.
Conflicts of interests
The Company’s articles of association take account of certain provisions of the Companies Act 2006 relating to directors’ conflicts of
interests. These provisions permit the board to consider, and if thought fit, to authorise situations where a director has an interest that
conflicts, or may possibly conflict, with the interests of the Company. The board has adopted procedures for the approval of such conflicts.
The board’s powers to authorise conflicts are operating effectively and the procedures are being followed.
Substantial shareholdings
The following interests in 3% or more of the issued share capital of the Company as at 2 June 2019 and 29 July 2019 have been disclosed to
the Company:
JP Morgan Asset Management (UK) Limited
Standard Life Aberdeen plc
Schroders plc
BlackRock Inc.
T H F Kirby
Sandford Deland Asset Management
The Vanguard Group Inc.
Working Capital Management Pte Limited
No. of shares
2,819,538
2,355,660
2,286,776
1,632,705
1,553,349
1,125,000
1,077,620
996,270
%
8.7
7.2
7.0
5.0
4.8
3.5
3.3
3.1
The Company has not been notified of any other substantial shareholdings.
Statement of compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code
The Company has complied with all of the provisions set out in the Code.
By order of the board
N J Donaldson
Non-executive chairman
29 July 2019
24 Games Workshop Group PLC
AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE REPORT
The report details the role of the audit and risk committee and the work it has undertaken during the year as well as its meeting in July
2019 when this annual report and financial statements were approved.
Committee membership
The audit and risk committee comprises the three non-executive directors under the chairmanship of Chris Myatt who is a chartered
management account. Nick Donaldson is not a member of this committee. Chris Myatt will be replaced as chairman by Elaine O’Donnell on
Chris Myatt’s retirement from the board at the 2019 AGM. Elaine O’Donnell is a chartered accountant and has significant relevant financial
and accounting knowledge and experience. The board considers that both Chris Myatt and Elaine O’Donnell have recent relevant financial
experience by virtue of their professional qualifications and their previous executive roles. Members of the committee can also
demonstrate a breadth of experience across the manufacturing and retail sector through their current and previous roles.
Significant issues considered by the audit and risk committee
The committee had four meetings during the year which were attended by all members of the committee. It has an agenda linked to the
events in the Group’s financial calendar. The external auditors met with the committee without management being present and the
chairman and members of the committee have direct contact with the audit partner as required. During the year the committee:
•
•
reviewed the half-year and full-year results
received and considered, as part of the review of the annual financial statements, reports from the external auditors in respect of the
auditors’ audit plan for the year and the results of the annual audit. These reports included the scope of the annual audit, the approach
adopted by the auditors to address and conclude upon key estimates and other key audit areas, the basis on which the auditors assess
materiality, the terms of engagement for the auditors and an ongoing assessment of the impact of future accounting developments on
the Group
• considered whether the annual report is fair, balanced and understandable. In doing so, the committee reviewed and discussed with
management the content and appropriateness of the information included within the 2019 annual report. This provided the committee
with the supporting detail to ensure that it was in a position to report to the board that the 2019 annual report taken as a whole was
fair, balanced and understandable. This was on the basis that the business description, business model and strategy agreed with its
own understanding of the Group, and the balance in the reporting of performance reflected both positive and negative issues and
reflected the Group’s activities during the year
• considered the effectiveness and independence of the external auditors and made a recommendation to the board regarding the re-
appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as external auditors
reviewed the Company’s policy on non-audit fees and ensured appropriate safeguards are in place
•
• considered and agreed the internal audit work programme and received regular reports on the key issues arising from its
implementation during the year
approved the recruitment of a dedicated group internal auditor to enhance and improve the internal audit work going forwards
• reviewed reports on the key business risks, including a review of the internal control processes used to identify, monitor and mitigate
the principal risks and uncertainties.
The committee received, reviewed and challenged reports from management and the external auditors setting out the significant issues in
relation to the 2019 annual report and made their own assessment. These issues were discussed and challenged with management during
the year. They were also discussed with the auditors at the time the committee reviewed and agreed the auditors’ Group audit plan and at
the conclusion of the audit of the financial statements. The issues that were discussed were:
Inventory valuation: the committee considered and agreed that the inventory provisions were appropriate given the robust formulaic
process applied and the level of risk.
Capitalisation of product development costs: the committee reviewed the accounting for and disclosure of development costs. The
committee concluded that the accounting and disclosure was appropriate but that management should continue to monitor this
closely in the context of product release cycles and underlying sales trends.
The impact of the adoption of IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ on the financial statements for the 2019/20 financial year.
The committee calls upon the external auditors, the internal auditors and the executive directors to attend formal meetings as required.
These meetings are held at least three times a year. The external and internal auditors are given the opportunity to raise any matters or
concerns they may have in the absence of the executive directors at separate meetings with the audit and risk committee or its chairman.
Auditor independence
The committee reviews the independence of the external auditors by assessing the arrangements for the day to day management of the
audit relationship as well as reviewing the auditors’ report which describes their procedures for identifying and reporting conflicts of
interest. To maintain the auditors’ independence, the committee has also established the policy that the primary role of the external
auditors is to perform services directly related to their audit responsibilities. Any non-audit services are approved by the committee. Non-
audit fees paid to the auditors amounted to £14,000 in the year (6% of the total amount paid to the auditors in the year); this relates to the
verification of retail turnover certificates for certain stores and advice in relation to executive remuneration policy. The Group uses other
advisers for taxation advice and other services. The audit fees are disclosed in note 9.
25 Games Workshop Group PLC
AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE REPORT continued
Auditor independence continued
The audit and risk committee considers the re-appointment of the external auditors each year, as well as remuneration and other terms of
engagement. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP have acted as external auditors of the Group since the 2005 year end. Andrew Lyon is the audit
partner. He was appointed during 2014/15, will rotate after five years and so 2018/19 is his final year. In 2014/15 the external audit was
put out to a competitive tender and the committee agreed that PricewaterhouseCoopers should remain as auditors. There are no
contractual obligations which restrict the choice of external auditors. We can confirm that the Company has complied with The Statutory
Audit Services for Large Companies Market Investigation (Mandatory Use of the Competitive Tender Processes and Audit Committee
Responsibilities) Order 2014 during the financial year.
Internal control
The directors recognise that they have overall responsibility for ensuring that the Group maintains a sound system of internal control to
safeguard shareholders’ investment and the Group’s assets, and for reviewing its effectiveness. The system is designed to manage risks
that may prevent the Group from achieving its business objectives, rather than to eliminate these risks. However, even the most effective
system can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance against material misstatement or loss.
The directors have established an ongoing process for identifying, evaluating and managing the significant risks faced by the Group, which
has been in place from the start of the year until the date of approval of this report. This process is regularly reviewed by the board
throughout the year.
The effectiveness of the Group's system of internal control is continuously reviewed by the board. The review covers all material controls,
including financial, operational and compliance controls and risk management. The monitoring of control procedures is achieved through
regular review by the group finance director, reporting to the board. This review process considers whether significant risks have been
identified, evaluated and controlled and whether any significant weaknesses are promptly remedied and indicate a need for more
extensive monitoring. Regular reporting by senior management ensures that, as far as possible, the controls and safeguards are being
operated appropriately. This process is considered by the audit and risk committee, alongside the external auditors’ and internal auditors’
reports.
The Group has continued its programme of internal audit reviews during the year. The audit and risk committee agrees an annual internal
audit plan, focusing on business specific issues. Actions agreed by management, in response to recommendations made, are followed up.
The board, with advice from the audit and risk committee, has completed its annual review of the system of internal control and is satisfied
that it has acted appropriately and in accordance with that guidance. During the course of its review of the system of internal control, the
board has not identified nor been advised of any failings or weaknesses which it has determined to be significant. Therefore a confirmation
in respect of necessary actions is not considered appropriate.
Internal audit
The committee has formalised a programme with activities conducted by an internal team that is independent of the area under review or
by an external party, decided on a case by case basis. In either case the review is conducted on behalf of the committee and reports back
to them. Reports were discussed with the committee and a remediation plan agreed by management to improve controls where
appropriate.
Following a review of the effectiveness of the internal audit function, the committee can confirm that the quality, experience and expertise
of the function is appropriate. In addition, the recruitment of a dedicated internal auditor was approved by the committee in May 2019 to
ensure that additional focus is given to the internal audit work going forwards.
Risk management
The committee is responsible for assessing the scope and effectiveness of the systems established by management to identify, assess,
manage and monitor financial and non-financial risks.
The Group carried out a formal risk review in May 2019. Following completion of this review in 2019/20, work will be undertaken to
measure the impact of each risk so as to better understand the mitigating actions necessary. The internal audit programme can then be
aligned more closely with these principal risks.
Process for preparing consolidated financial statements
The Group has established internal control and risk management systems in relation to the process for preparing the consolidated financial
statements. The key features of these systems are:
Management regularly monitors and considers developments in accounting standards and best practice in financial reporting and
reflects developments in the financial statements where appropriate. The external auditor also keeps the committee apprised of these
developments.
The committee and the board review the draft financial statements. The committee receives reports from management and the
external auditor on significant judgements, changes in accounting policies, changes in accounting estimates and any other appropriate
changes to the financial statements.
The full year financial statements are subject to external audit and the half year financial statements are reviewed by the external
auditor.
26 Games Workshop Group PLC
Bribery and corruption
Bribery and corrupt practices are never tolerated in the pursuit of Games Workshop’s business objectives or goals, or within business
relationships, or the actions of its employees and associated parties. This commitment is driven from the chief executive and the board
throughout the entire Group and a commitment is expected of all who work with the Group and who act on our behalf or are employed or
engaged in any capacity by us. The Games Workshop anti-bribery policy reflects Games Workshop’s zero tolerance approach to acts of
bribery.
Whistleblowing
The audit and risk committee is responsible for the review of the Company’s procedures for responding to the allegations of
whistleblowers and the arrangements by which staff may, in confidence, raise concerns about possible financial reporting irregularities. If
an employee does not feel comfortable reporting any potential, suspected, attempted or actual breaches of company policy, they can
report such activity to Games Workshop’s chairman of the audit and risk committee. This whistleblowing procedure is communicated to
staff within relevant employee policies. Games Workshop endeavours to protect those who make disclosures of wrongdoing. Any reports
made in good faith will be dealt with in confidence (to the extent possible), and the reporting employee shall not be discriminated against
as a result of their actions.
By order of the board
C J Myatt
Audit and risk committee chairman
29 July 2019
27 Games Workshop Group PLC
REMUNERATION REPORT
Introduction
The remuneration report for the year ended 2 June 2019 has been prepared on behalf of the board by the remuneration committee in
accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and Schedule 8 of the Large and Medium-sized Companies and Groups
(Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, as amended, and meets the relevant requirements of the Listing Rules of the Financial Conduct
Authority and the UK Corporate Governance Code.
This remuneration report is split into two parts:
The directors’ remuneration policy, which sets out the Company’s policy on directors’ remuneration, which took effect from the 2018
annual general meeting (‘AGM’) and the key factors which were taken into account in setting the policy. The directors’ remuneration
policy and a one off bonus payment to the executive directors of 100% of 2017/18 salary were approved by over 90% of shareholders
who submitted a proxy vote at the 2018 AGM. The remuneration policy will be subject to a binding shareholder vote at least every
three years.
The annual report on remuneration, which sets out payments made to executive directors and non-executive directors and details the
relationship between company performance and remuneration for the 2018/19 financial year. The 2018/19 report will be subject to an
advisory vote at the 2019 AGM.
2018/19 – a year in review
It was always going to be challenging to follow the truly outstanding financial performance in 2017/18. However, in 2018/19 the Company
has grown both sales and operating profit once again. Despite the challenging economic environment globally, the business has maintained
momentum and for the first time sales have exceeded £250 million, surpassing a record sales performance in 2017/18 of £220 million. We
are delighted that the operational changes introduced by the executive directors have continued to deliver growth and to strengthen the
business.
Once again, sales have grown in all channels in both underlying sales and new releases. Operating profit has increased by 9% in 2018/19
compared to 2017/18. This financial performance is even more impressive when we consider the significant capital investment projects
undertaken in 2018/19. We will be investing £14 million in total in buying the site, building and equipping a new manufacturing facility, in
premises next door to our current factory in Nottingham. This has had the impact of not only of significantly increasing our capacity but
also of significantly protecting and de-risking our business. We continued to invest significantly in the major ERP implementation project, a
complete overhaul of our IT systems and operations, and we are pleased to have successfully delivered further phases of this project in
2018/19. Given our continued growth, we have also started major capital projects in both North America and in the UK in order to ensure
that we can continue to deliver ever more efficiently to our customers and retail stores globally from a warehousing and logistics
perspective and to future-proof these operations. As a result of these major capital projects return on capital, as anticipated, has fallen
from 120% to 100%. In April 2018 the Company was promoted to FTSE 250 status. This status has been maintained throughout 2018/19.
Dividends paid to shareholders in 2018/19 were also at an all-time high of £1.55 per share.
Especially given the inevitable executive distraction and business disruption of these major capital projects and the challengingly high
comparative figures, this outstanding delivery of growth in sales, operating profits, dividends and share price in 2018/19 is deemed by the
committee to be truly exceptional, beyond what was expected.
In the light of this performance, the committee has supported the executive directors’ proposal to make a discretionary payment to all
employees of £1,500 per employee (in addition to the maximum profit share approved at the 2018 AGM of £1,000 per employee). This has
cost the company £5.5 million in total for both payments.
Note: The executive directors were paid the maximum profit share of £1,000, in line with the policy approved at the 2018 AGM.
K D Rountree also approached the committee to support a discretionary bonus of 20% of 2018/19 salary, payable in cash, to all of his direct
report senior managers who have contributed to this outstanding performance. The committee was delighted to support this proposal.
In 2018, in consultation with shareholders, the committee undertook to articulate exceptional performance and to appropriately exercise
its discretion in making an Exceptional Bonus Award in future years.
For the financial and operational performance reasons outlined above, the committee agreed that the threshold for ‘exceptional
performance’ had been reached again in 2018/19. Therefore, the committee deemed it appropriate to exercise the discretion granted at
the 2018 AGM to award the executive directors an Exceptional Bonus Award. In line with K D Rountree’s recommendation for his direct
report team, the committee recommended and approved the payment of an Exceptional Bonus Award of 20% of 2018/19 salary to each of
the executive directors, judging this to be a balanced and fair reward for this strong overall team performance. In accordance with the
approved policy, the executive directors are required to invest 50% of any bonus award (net of tax) into shares in the Company, and to
hold these shares for a minimum of two years.
In addition, the committee approved a 3% pay rise for all employees from 1 June 2019 in order to continue to align all jobs to market rates
and to reward this truly great group-wide performance.
28 Games Workshop Group PLC
2018/19 – a year in review continued
The committee believes that the executive remuneration benchmarking exercise conducted by PwC last year remains current. As a result it
does not propose any base salary rise for the executive directors. Therefore the annual salary of K D Rountree will remain at £525,000 and
the annual salary of R F Tongue will remain at £300,000.
2019/20 – the year ahead
The board takes seriously its responsibilities in applying the principles of UK corporate governance and properly incentivising executive
directors, and senior management generally, forms part of this area of focus.
The committee and the board’s philosophy to pay and reward remains the same, believing that the main focus of the remuneration policy
should be on the fixed elements of pay. The committee has discussed and is very mindful of the risks of incentive plans and complex bonus
schemes driving short-term and/or individual behaviours which are not in the interests of the Company and its shareholders. As such, the
committee has no intention of introducing any form of longer term incentives at this time. However, the committee undertakes to seek to
be always appropriately informed on market dynamics and to listen to the Company’s key stakeholders, in order to ensure that the
executive directors are appropriately rewarded, retained and motivated.
As a board we have high performance expectations and the executive directors are even more demanding of themselves and of their
teams. Consequently, due to the stretching nature of underlying performance targets for the Exceptional Bonus Award that the policy
allows, the committee does not necessarily anticipate that awards will be made under the Exceptional Bonus Award each and every year.
On consulting with shareholders in 2018, the committee promised to exercise its discretion appropriately and to explain the circumstances
where an Exceptional Bonus Award is paid. The committee reaffirms that promise for the year ahead.
Looking to the future, the committee will continue to monitor the consistency of the remuneration policy across the Group with a view to
ensuring that an appropriate reward structure exists to recognise and retain our key executives. As part of this process the committee will
continue to keep under review and discuss regularly the effectiveness of the Company’s approach to remuneration and its component
parts.
E O’Donnell
Chairman
Remuneration committee
Policy report
This part of the report sets out the directors’ remuneration policy, which applies for three years from the date of 2018 AGM when it was
approved by shareholders.
The aim of the Group’s remuneration policy is to reward fairly and to attract, motivate and retain high quality management. The total size
of the remuneration package for executive directors is judged by comparison with the remuneration packages of similar companies, having
regard to:
•
•
•
•
the size of the company, its turnover, profits and number of people employed
the diversity and complexity of the business
the geographical spread of the business
the growth and expansion profile
The Company’s non-executive directors are remunerated with fees in line with market rates. They do not receive any pension or other
benefits, other than the reimbursement of reasonable expenses, and they do not participate in any bonus or share schemes.
29 Games Workshop Group PLC
REMUNERATION REPORT continued
Remuneration policy table
The table below summarises each of the components of the remuneration package for directors of the Company which comprise the
policy. The committee may make minor changes to the policy, which do not have a material advantage to the directors, to aid its operation
or implementation, taking account of the interests of shareholders but without the need to seek shareholder approval.
Component
Salary
Purpose and link to
strategy
Core element of fixed
remuneration, reflecting
the size and scope of the
role.
Purpose is to recruit and
retain directors of the
calibre required for the
business.
Benefits
Ensures the overall
package is competitive.
Purpose is to recruit and
retain directors of the
calibre required for the
business.
Participation in the
sharesave scheme creates
staff alignment with the
Group and promotes a
sense of ownership.
Pension
To provide cost effective
retirement benefits.
Operation
Reviewed annually and
usually fixed for 12 months
from 1 June. There is no
entitlement to an annual
increase.
Takes into consideration the
director’s role and attitudes.
Takes into account
prevailing market conditions
and is aligned with staff pay
reviews.
Externally benchmarked by
independent remuneration
consultants from time to
time against companies of a
similar size and complexity.
The executive directors
each receive life assurance
cover.
The sharesave scheme is a
HMRC approved monthly
savings scheme facilitating
the purchase of shares at a
discount.
Where appropriate other
benefits may be offered
including allowances for
relocation and other
expatriate benefits.
Participation in a group
personal pension scheme.
Profit share
Rewards performance
against annual targets
linked to core business
operating profit
percentage.
Targets are set annually and
any pay out is determined
by the committee, based on
performance against those
targets.
All staff participate equally
in the scheme.
Awards are payable in cash.
30 Games Workshop Group PLC
Maximum potential value
There is no prescribed
maximum annual increase
in salary.
Salaries are reviewed
taking into consideration
salary increases across the
Group.
Increases out of line with
the workforce are carefully
considered but may be
awarded taking all relevant
factors into account, for
example, increases in
scope and responsibility or
salary falling significantly
below market positioning.
Set at a level which the
committee considers
appropriate against the
market and provides a
sufficient level of benefit
based on individual
circumstances.
Sharesave contributions
are as permitted in
accordance with the
relevant tax legislation.
Up to 7.5% of salary up to
a maximum of £10,000 per
annum. Following the
changes in pension
tapering, any excess
between 7.5% of salary
and £10,000 is paid as
additional salary (net of
employers’ national
insurance).
Maximum potential value
is £1,000 per person per
year.
Performance metrics
Not applicable, although
the individual’s
contribution and overall
performance is one of the
considerations in
determining the level of
any salary increase.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
The financial target is
based on core business
operating profit
percentage.
Payments range from nil to
£1,000 dependent on the
level of core business
operating profit
percentage.
Remuneration policy table continued
Component
Exceptional bonus
award
Purpose and link to
strategy
Rewards exceptional
performance.
Maximum potential value
Maximum potential value
is 100% of salary.
Operation
Any pay out is determined
by the committee after the
year end, based on
performance.
Awards are payable in cash
with 50% of the net amount
required to be invested in
the Company’s shares, with
an expectation that these
are held for at least two
years.
Non-executive
directors’ fees
Sole element of non-
executive director
remuneration set at a level
that reflects market
conditions.
Fees are reviewed annually
taking into account time
commitment,
responsibilities and fees
paid by comparable
companies.
Fees are based on the level
of fees paid to non-
executive directors serving
on boards of listed
companies of a similar size
and complexity.
Performance metrics
The payment is at the
discretion of the
committee based on
exceptional financial and
operational performance
being achieved during the
year.
The committee is of the
opinion that disclosing
detailed performance
targets in advance would
not be in shareholder
interests for reasons of
commercial sensitivity.
Not applicable.
Additional fees are paid to
the senior independent
director to reflect additional
responsibilities.
Non-executive directors are
entitled to claim reasonable
out of pocket expenses in
connection with the
performance of their duties.
Changes to the remuneration policy
There are no proposed changes to the salary, benefits, profit share, exceptional bonus or pension elements of remuneration.
Explanation of the performance metrics chosen
The performance measures selected are aligned with the Company’s strategy and business objectives. The profit share is based on core
business operating profit percentage.
Illustration of application of the policy
The charts below show the relative split of remuneration between fixed pay (base salary, benefits and pension) and variable pay (profit
share and exceptional bonus award) for each executive director on the basis of minimum remuneration, remuneration receivable for
performance in line with the Company’s expectations and maximum remuneration.
K D Rountree
R F Tongue
1250
1000
0
0
0
£
750
500
250
0
Fixed
Variable
561
100%
562
100%
1,087
48%
52%
0
0
0
£
1250
1000
750
500
250
0
Fixed
Variable
321
100%
322
100%
622
48%
52%
Fixed pay
In line with
expectations
Maximum
Fixed pay
In line with
expectations
Maximum
31 Games Workshop Group PLC
REMUNERATION REPORT continued
Illustration of application of the policy continued
Fixed pay
Profit share
Exceptional bonus award
Minimum
Fixed elements of salary,
benefits and pension. Salary is at
2 June 2019 and the value of
benefits has been assumed to be
equivalent to that included in
the single figure remuneration
table on page 33
Nil
Nil
In line with expectations
As per minimum
Maximum
As per minimum
Up to £500 per annum
Nil
£1,000 per annum
100% of salary
Differences in policy from the wider employee population
The Company aims to provide a remuneration package that is market competitive, complies with any statutory requirements and is applied
fairly and equitably across the wider employee population. Where remuneration is not determined by statutory regulation, the Group
operates the same core principles for the wider employee population as it does for the executive directors, namely:
to remunerate people in a manner that allows for stability of the business and the opportunity for sustainable long-term growth
to seek to remunerate fairly and consistently for each role with due regard to the market place and internal consistency
to apply the profit share equally to all employees, including the executive directors
to encourage employees to own shares through the operation of the sharesave scheme.
As is common practice, the Company has introduced elements of variable pay through an exceptional bonus award which is focused on the
executive directors to ensure that the overall remuneration policy remains market competitive.
Remuneration policy for new directors
When setting the remuneration package for a new executive director, the committee would seek to apply the same principles and
implement the policy framework as set out above. Base salary will be set at a level appropriate to the role and the experience of the
director being appointed. Benefits, pension, profit share and the exceptional bonus award will be in line with the stated policy. Any buy-out
award, should one be required, would be limited to the amount of salary that would be forgone.
Non-executive director fees will be set at a competitive market level, reflecting the skills, knowledge, experience, responsibilities and time
commitment.
Directors’ service contracts and letters of appointment
Executive
K D Rountree
R F Tongue
Non-executive
N J Donaldson
C J Myatt*
E O’Donnell
J R A Brewis
K E Marsh
*will retire at the 2019 AGM
Date of contract
25 February 2009
25 March 2015
Date of appointment
18 April 2002
18 April 1996
28 November 2013
20 June 2018
24 July 2019
Unexpired term of contract
Rolling contract
Rolling contract
Date of last re-election at an AGM
19 September 2018
19 September 2018
19 September 2018
19 September 2018
-
Notice period
12 months
12 months
Notice period
6 months
6 months
6 months
6 months
6 months
In accordance with best practice and as set out in the Code, notice periods in new service contracts for executive directors are set at one
year. Non-executive director appointments are made through letters of appointment for a one year term, subject to election and re-
election by the Company’s shareholders in accordance with the Company’s articles and the Code. The letters of appointment may be
inspected at the Company’s registered office.
Policy on payment for loss of office
If an executive director’s employment is to be terminated, the committee’s policy in respect of the service agreement (in the absence of a
breach of the service agreement by the director) is to agree a termination payment based on the value of base salary and contractual
pension and other benefits that would have accrued to the director during the contractual notice period. Depending on the particular
circumstances, a director may work the notice period, be placed on garden leave for some or all of the notice period or receive a payment
in lieu of notice in accordance with the service agreement. The committee will consider mitigation to reduce the termination payment to a
leaving director when appropriate to do so, having regard to the specific circumstances.
Non-executive directors’ appointments may be terminated without compensation but with six months’ notice.
32 Games Workshop Group PLC
External appointments
The executive directors may each accept one external appointment with the prior approval of the board, from which any fees may be
retained. At present, neither of the executive directors holds any outside directorship.
Consideration of employment conditions elsewhere in the Group
The Group aims to provide a remuneration package to all employees that is market competitive, complies with any statutory requirements
and is applied fairly and equitably across the employee population, taking into account local employment market conditions.
The committee takes into account the general basic salary increase being offered to employees elsewhere in the Group when annually
reviewing the salary increase and remuneration of the executive directors. Employees are not consulted in respect of board remuneration.
The committee also reviews general workforce remuneration and the alignment of incentives with Games Workshop’s culture to ensure it
remains appropriate.
Engagement with the workforce in relation to explaining how executive remuneration policies align with the wider company pay policy will
take place through attendance by committee members at the Games Workshop Global Communications Forum meetings.
Consideration of shareholder views
The committee takes into account shareholder feedback received on remuneration matters, including comments in relation to the AGM in
addition to any additional comments in correspondence direct with the Company. The committee would seek to engage directly with major
shareholders should any material changes be made to the policy.
Annual report on remuneration (subject to audit)
The tables below set out in a single figure the total remuneration, including each element, for each person who served as a director of the
Company during the financial periods ended 3 June 2018 and 2 June 2019.
Year ended 2 June 2019
K D Rountree
R F Tongue
N J Donaldson
C J Myatt
E O’Donnell
J R A Brewis
Total
Salary/fees
£000
551
311
140
60
52
49
1,163
Profit share
£000
1
1
-
-
-
-
2
Exceptional bonus
award for 17/18
£000
410
250
-
-
-
-
660
Exceptional bonus
award for 18/19
£000
105
60
-
-
-
-
165
Pension related
benefits
£000
10
10
-
-
-
-
20
Total
£000
1,077
632
140
60
52
49
2,010
53 weeks ended 3 June 2018
K D Rountree
R F Tongue
T H F Kirby*
N J Donaldson
C J Myatt
E O’Donnell
Total
* T H F Kirby retired from the board at the 2017 AGM.
Salary/fees
£000
428
259
71
101
60
52
971
Profit share
£000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Pension related
benefits
£000
10
10
-
-
-
-
20
Total
£000
438
269
71
101
60
52
991
The figures in the single figure tables above are derived as follows:
Salary/fees – the amount of salary/fees received in the year including any additional salary due in excess of the pension tapering limits.
Profit share – the amount of profit share earned in the year. A payment of £250 each was paid to K D Rountree and R F Tongue in 2017/18
and £1,000 each was paid In 2018/19.
Exceptional bonus award – 100% of salary was paid in respect of performance in 2017/18, which being subject to approval at the 2018
AGM was not recorded in the prior period. 20% of salary was accrued in relation to performance in 2018/19.
Pension related benefits – the cash value of pension contributions received by the executive directors. This includes the Company’s
contribution into the group personal pension scheme.
No taxable benefits were paid.
Following his retirement from the board, T H F Kirby provided consultancy at a cost of £171,000 in 2017/18. This contract is now
terminated.
During 2018/19 and 2017/18 there were no payments made for loss of office. There were also no payments made to past directors in
either the current or prior year apart from the consultancy fees paid to T H F Kirby described above.
33 Games Workshop Group PLC
REMUNERATION REPORT continued
CEO remuneration
CEO
K D Rountree
K D Rountree
K D Rountree
K D Rountree
K D Rountree
T H F Kirby*
T H F Kirby
T H F Kirby
M N Wells**
M N Wells
M N Wells
M N Wells
% of maximum profit share paid ***
Year
100
2019
100
2018
100
2017
-
2016
-
2015
-
2015
-
2014
54
2013
-
2013
48
2012
-
2011
100
2010
*T H F Kirby stepped down as CEO on 31 December 2014 and K D Rountree was appointed CEO with effect from 1 January 2015.
**M N Wells resigned on 31 January 2013 and so all of his remuneration for 2012/13, including the payment for compensation for loss of
office, is included in this table.
*** Maximum profit share paid was between £1,000 and £250.
Total remuneration
£000
1,077
438
401
402
168
291
511
132
774
319
309
282
Percentage change in CEO’s remuneration
The table below shows how the percentage change in the CEO’s salary in 2018/19 compares with the percentage change in the average
salary and profit share of all employees within the Group. The committee has selected the Group’s entire staff population (excluding the
CEO) as these represent the most appropriate comparator.
Salary
Profit share/discretionary payment*
CEO
+28.7%
+400.0%
Wider workforce
+4.5%
+0.0%
*Profit share payment to the CEO was £250 in 2017/18 and £1,000 in 2018/19 in accordance with the remuneration policy. The wider
workforce was paid profit share of £1,000 and an additional £1,500 discretionary payment per employee in both 2017/18 and 2018/19.
Salary cost and profit share/discretionary bonus for the wider workforce have been calculated using the average exchange rates for the
period ended 3 June 2018 for both years. Performance related elements of salary costs have also been excluded in both years.
Relative importance of spend on pay
The following table sets out the percentage change in dividends, profit attributable to owners and employee remuneration for the year
ended 2 June 2019, compared to the 53 weeks ended 3 June 2018:
Total staff costs
Profit attributable to owners
Dividends declared and paid
2019
£000
78,624
65,821
50,277
Restated
2018
£000
70,223
59,455
40,602
% change
+12.0%
+10.7%
+23.8%
Statement of voting at the last AGM
At the last AGM, significant votes on remuneration and nomination related resolutions were cast as follows:
To re-appoint N J Donaldson
To re-appoint C J Myatt
To approve the remuneration report
To approve the remuneration policy
Votes for
11,530,079
11,606,575
16,158,635
15,900,981
% of vote
67.4%
67.8%
94.4%
92.9%
Votes against
4,995,743
4,805,313
954,688
1,192,916
% of vote
29.2%
28.1%
5.6%
7.0%
Votes withheld
587,785
701,719
285
19,710
% of vote
3.4%
4.1%
0.0%
0.1%
In line with the Investments Association’s guidelines, a public statement was made regarding the significant votes against the resolutions to
re-appoint N J Donaldson and C J Myatt. This stated that, following the 2018 AGM, the board actively engaged with those shareholders
holding over 50,000 shares who had voted against these resolutions. The Company had not received any contact from these shareholders
in advance of the 2018 AGM nor indications that they were intending to vote against any of the resolutions.
Following this request, four shareholders responded and explained that they had voted against the resolutions due to both N J Donaldson
and C J Myatt being considered not to be independent due to their length of service. As discussed earlier in the report, C J Myatt will retire
at the next AGM and K E Marsh has now been appointed as a new non-executive director. In addition there was concern that N J
Donaldson was overboarded in terms of the call on his time. N J Donaldson’s time commitments were then more fully explained to allay
this concern.
The board of Games Workshop remains fully committed to shareholder engagement and welcomes ongoing dialogue with all investors.
34 Games Workshop Group PLC
Implementation statement
A summary of the remuneration arrangements in 2018/19 and how the policy will be applied during 2019/20 is set out below:
Salary and fees
In 2018 the committee undertook a benchmarking exercise performed by external remuneration advisers. This reviewed the salaries of the
executive and non-executive directors in order to assess how they compared with prevailing market levels of remuneration. Changes to
salary were therefore made in 2018/19.
The remuneration policy for the non-executive directors is determined by the board and is reviewed every year. Fees were externally
benchmarked, taking account of the duties and responsibilities placed on the non-executive directors. The non-executive directors do not
participate in the Group’s sharesave scheme or profit share scheme nor do they receive any benefits or pension contributions.
Profit share
The maximum profit share that is payable is £1,000 per person per year. The performance targets are based upon Group core business
operating profit percentage.
Exceptional bonus award
The maximum exceptional bonus award is up to 100% of salary per person per year. The performance targets are at the discretion of the
remuneration committee. The committee is of the opinion that disclosing detailed performance targets in advance would not be in
shareholder interests for reasons of commercial sensitivity. A discussion of performance attributable to any future awards will be included
in the annual report on remuneration for that year, so that shareholders can fully assess the basis for any pay outs.
Sharesave
A further award of options will be made under the new sharesave scheme during the year which is on the same basis as previous years.
Pension
Executive directors will continue to receive up to 7.5% of salary subject to a maximum of £10,000 per annum and the tapering restrictions
set out in the remuneration policy.
Remuneration and nomination committees
The remuneration committee is appointed by the board and comprises E O’Donnell (chairman), C J Myatt, J R A Brewis and K E Marsh.
Following the 2019 AGM, J R A Brewis will be appointed as chairman of the remuneration committee as E O’Donnell will then become
chairman of the audit and risk committee. The remuneration committee is responsible for setting the remuneration packages of the
executive directors as well as approving their service contracts. The nomination committee comprises N J Donaldson, E O’Donnell, C J
Myatt, J R A Brewis and K E Marsh. The nomination committee is responsible for the composition of the board. The terms of reference for
both committees are available on the Company’s investor relations website.
Advisers
In 2018 the committee was assisted in its work by PwC which was appointed by the Company in consultation with the committee. The
committee assessed whether PwC was independent in the provision of its remuneration advice and concluded that it was independent.
The amount paid to PwC during the 2018/19 year for its advice was £8,000 (2018: £15,000).
Directors' interests in shares of the Company
The directors' interests (including their families) in the shares of the Company were as follows:
K D Rountree
R F Tongue
C J Myatt
N J Donaldson
E O’Donnell
J R A Brewis
As at 2 June 2019
Ordinary shares of 5p each
As at 3 June 2018
Ordinary shares of 5p each
Beneficial
14,928
6,384
66,500
10,000
3,300
-
Non-beneficial
-
3,300
-
10,000
1,793
-
Beneficial
29,319
4,700
66,500
10,000
3,300
-
Non-beneficial
-
3,300
-
10,000
1,793
-
35 Games Workshop Group PLC
REMUNERATION REPORT continued
Share options
Share options granted to the directors under the sharesave scheme were as follows:
K D Rountree
R F Tongue
At 3 June 2018
1,376
1,376
Exercised
-
-
Granted
-
-
Number as at
2 June 2019
1,376
1,376
Exercise dates
Commencement Expiry
Nov 20
Nov 20
Exercise
price
Apr 21 1307.74p
Apr 21 1307.74p
The options above were granted under the Games Workshop Group PLC 2015 Sharesave Scheme which grants options at a 20% discount
on the market price at grant. Participants save a fixed amount monthly for three years in order to fund the exercise of the option. At
exercise an individual may choose to exercise their option or have their savings repaid to them. This scheme is open to all eligible
employees and directors who satisfy a service qualification of at least three months. There are no performance targets associated with
these options.
There were no movements in directors’ interests in shares of the Company between 2 June 2019 and the date of this report.
No other directors have been granted share options in the shares of the Company.
Performance graph
The graph below represents the comparative total shareholder return performance of the Company against that of the index of the FTSE
250 companies during the previous nine years. The index of the FTSE 250 companies has been used because the constituents of this index
most appropriately reflect the Company’s size when compared to alternative indices.
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
2010
Games Workshop
FTSE 250
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
On behalf of the board
E O’Donnell
Chairman
Remuneration committee
29 July 2019
36 Games Workshop Group PLC
DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT
The directors are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and
regulation.
Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the directors have prepared the
Group financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union and
Company financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European Union.
Under company law, the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of
the state of affairs of the Group and Company and of the profit or loss of the Group and Company for that period. In preparing the financial
statements, the directors are required to:
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
state whether applicable IFRSs as adopted by the European Union have been followed for the Group financial statements and IFRSs as
adopted by the European Union have been followed for the Company financial statements, subject to any material departures
disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group and Company will
continue in business.
The directors are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Group and Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the
prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Group and Company’s
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Group and Company and enable them to
ensure that the financial statements and the directors’ remuneration report comply with the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the
Group financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.
The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the Company’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the
preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Directors’ confirmations
The directors consider that the annual report and accounts, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the
information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group and Company’s position and performance, business model and strategy.
Each of the directors, whose names and functions are listed in the directors' report confirm that, to the best of their knowledge:
the Company financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union, give a true
and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit of the Company;
the Group financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union, give a true
and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit of the Group; and
the strategic report includes a fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of the Group and
Company, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that it faces.
By order of the board
R F Tongue
Group finance director and company secretary
29 July 2019
37 Games Workshop Group PLC
COMPANY DIRECTORS AND ADVISERS
Directors
N J Donaldson, non-executive chairman
K D Rountree, chief executive officer
R F Tongue, group finance director and company secretary
C J Myatt, senior non-executive director
J R A Brewis, non-executive director
E O’Donnell, non-executive director
K E Marsh, non-executive director
Registered office
Willow Road, Lenton, Nottingham, NG7 2WS
Registered number
2670969
Financial advisers and stockbrokers
Peel Hunt LLP, Moor House, 120 London Wall, London, EC2Y 5ET
Chartered accountants and independent statutory auditors
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Donington Court, Pegasus Business Park, Castle Donington, DE74 2UZ
Registrars
Equiniti Limited, Aspect House, Spencer Road, Lancing, BN99 6DA
Solicitors
Browne Jacobson, Victoria Square House, Victoria Square, Birmingham, B2 4BU
38 Games Workshop Group PLC
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
To the members of Games Workshop Group PLC
Report on the audit of the financial statements
Opinion
In our opinion, Games Workshop Group PLC’s group financial statements and company financial statements (the ‘financial statements’):
give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the Company’s affairs as at 2 June 2019 and of the Group’s profit and
the Group’s and the Company’s cash flows for the year then ended;
have been properly prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the European
Union and, as regards the Company’s financial statements, as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act
2006; and
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the group financial
statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation.
We have audited the financial statements, included within the annual report, which comprise: the balance sheets as at 2 June 2019; the
consolidated income statement and statements of comprehensive income, the consolidated and Company cash flow statements, the
consolidated statement of changes in total equity and Company statement of changes in total equity for the year then ended; and the
notes to the financial statements, which include a description of the significant accounting policies.
Our opinion is consistent with our reporting to the audit committee.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (‘ISAs (UK)’) and applicable law. Our responsibilities
under ISAs (UK) are further described in the auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We
believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Independence
We remained independent of the Group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial
statements in the UK, which includes the FRC’s Ethical Standard, as applicable to listed public interest entities, and we have fulfilled our
other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.
To the best of our knowledge and belief, we declare that non-audit services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not provided to
the Group or the Company.
Other than those disclosed in note 9 to the financial statements, we have provided no non-audit services to the Group or the Company in
the period from 4 June 2018 to 2 June 2019.
Our audit approach
Context
In the current year, the sales volumes of the Group have significantly increased resulting in a large increase in profit before tax year on
year. The Group has seen large growth from all revenue streams as well as increased global sales. These changes to the Group have
impacted the audit as set out below with increased levels of materiality used to audit in the current year. The increased materiality has not
had an impact upon the number of reporting units in scope for the purposes of the Group audit and the coverage on the key income
statement balances has not been significantly impacted.
Overview
Materiality
Audit scope
Areas of focus
Overall Group materiality: £4,000,000 (2018: £3,727,000), based on 5% of consolidated profit before tax.
Overall Company materiality: £377,000 (2018: £384,000), based on 1% of total assets.
Full scope audits, all conducted by the Group engagement team, and were performed on five separate
reporting units.
The reporting units audited included the four largest trading units in the Group.
The audited units accounted for 82% of consolidated revenues and 93% of consolidated profit before tax.
Inventory valuation (Group).
Capitalisation of product development costs (Group).
IFRS 16 (Group).
The scope of our audit
As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and assessed the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements.
39 Games Workshop Group PLC
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT continued
Capability of the audit in detecting irregularities
Based on our understanding of the Group and industry, we identified that the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations
related to breaches of environmental regulations and unethical and prohibited business practices, and we considered the extent to which
non-compliance might have a material effect on the financial statements. We also considered those laws and regulations that have a direct
impact on the preparation of the financial statements such as the Companies Act 2006, the Listing Rules and UK tax legislation.
We evaluated management’s incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements (including the risk of
override of controls), and determined that the principal risks were related to fraudulent transactions to increase the share price that would
result in overstating profits, therefore raising shareholder expectations.
The Group engagement team shared this risk assessment with the component auditors so that they could include appropriate audit
procedures in response to such risks in their work. Audit procedures performed by the Group engagement team and/or component
auditors included:
Identifying and testing journal entries, in particular any journal entries posted with unusual account combinations; and
Challenging assumptions and judgements made by management in their significant accounting estimates.
There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above and the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations
is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of it. Also, the risk of not
detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve
deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion.
Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in the auditors’ professional judgement, were of most significance in the audit of the financial
statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud)
identified by the auditors, including those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the
audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters, and any comments we make on the results of our procedures
thereon, were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do
not provide a separate opinion on these matters. This is not a complete list of all risks identified by our audit.
How our audit addressed the key audit matter
We tested that the Group provisioning policy is in accordance with IFRSs as
adopted by the EU and has been consistently applied with the exception of
the increase in provisioning for products expected to be sold between 2 to 3
years from 50% provided to 100% provided. The impact of this change in
management’s methodology was an increase to the provision of £180,000.
We understood and assessed manual overrides to the provision calculation to
determine whether these adjustments were appropriate. No inappropriate
adjustments were identified.
We obtained an understanding of management’s process for preparing
future stock sales forecasts, including how these were challenged and stress-
tested by the directors. We tested the integrity of the underlying calculations
and assessed the assumptions over future sales forecasts by testing via
recalculation the accuracy of management’s historic sales forecasts
compared to actual out-turn. We did not identify any material differences
between historical forecasts and actual out-turn and were therefore satisfied
that the directors’ forecasting process was reasonable.
We obtained further evidence over the valuation of the provision by
comparing a sample of product lines to post year-end sales and assessing
whether, post year-end sales performance suggested that additional
provisions may be required. This also provided us with evidence over the
accuracy of the directors’ sales forecasts used in calculating the provision. No
material errors were noted.
Key audit matter
Inventory valuation
Group
Refer to page 11 (audit committee report) and page 63
(notes).
The Group held inventory of £24.2 million as at 2 June
2019. The directors determine the provision for inventory
by making assumptions about future sales by product and
applying those to the current inventory holding.
Inventory has increased year on year due to the
performance of the business requiring higher levels of
stock to be held for the operation of the business.
The Group operates in a retail market where new product
releases are regular. There is a risk that inventories held
will not be sold and there is inherent judgement in the
levels of sales the directors forecast when assessing
realisable value. Over the last four years the Group has on
average written off £2.2 million of inventory per annum.
In order to assess the level of provision required against
inventory, the directors assess forecast sales levels by
product and in certain situations this calculation is subject
to manual override to reflect the specific circumstances of
certain inventory lines.
We focused on this area because of the subjectivity
around forecasting future sales performance of newly
launched products, and because of the judgement that
exists around the manual adjustments to the calculation.
40 Games Workshop Group PLC
Key audit matter
Capitalisation of product development costs
Group
Refer to page 10 (audit committee report), page 52
(Critical accounting estimates and judgements) and page
60 (notes).
The Group incurred £7.0 million of capitalised product
development costs during the year to 2 June 2019,
relating to products the Group develops to sell through its
various channels. The net book value of such capitalised
costs as at 2 June 2019 was £9.7 million.
We focused on this area due to the inherent level of
judgement around whether costs capitalised meet the
recognition criteria of IAS 38 ‘Intangible assets’ (‘IAS 38’),
a determination that involves management estimation in
particular as regards to whether they are specific to
projects which are expected to generate future cash
inflows.
Further, there is a risk that capitalised costs will not be
supported by the future cash inflows generated from
product sales.
IFRS 16
Group
Refer to pages 12 and 13 (audit committee report) and
page 52 (notes).
The Group is applying IFRS 16 from 3 June 2019 so the
expected impact on the financial statements is required to
be disclosed this year in line with IAS 8.
The Group has used a spreadsheet model to calculate
these numbers.
In addition judgements have been taken by the Group,
including the discount rate to be applied.
How our audit addressed the key audit matter
We assessed whether the costs capitalised relating to product development
met the criteria set within IAS 38 ‘Intangible assets’ noting no exceptions. We
agreed a sample of capitalised product development costs to source
documentation, including invoices and timesheets, and determined that they
had been allocated to the correct project.
We obtained and inspected the latest forecasts in respect of projects to
assess recoverability of the capitalised costs. In order to assess the accuracy
of the future sales forecasts, we compared actual FY19 sales to forecasts
made in previous years and evaluated the historical accuracy of the directors’
estimates. We also compared performance against forecasts of sales made
following the year-end. Based on this assessment, we found the directors’
forecasts to be consistent with the actual historical outturn of sales and the
levels of sales made post-year end.
We applied sensitivity analysis to the forecasts to understand the shortfall in
revenues that would be required to cause a material impairment in the
carrying value of capitalised costs. We considered the shortfall required to
cause a material impairment unlikely given the historical accuracy of the
directors’ forecasting.
We have obtained and inspected a sample of inputs into management’s
model and agreed back to the underlying lease agreements. We have
recalculated the accounting entries for a sample of leases and confirmed
management’s model is performing this calculation accurately. We have
tested the completeness of management’s model from the lease
commitments note in the financial statements.
We have assessed the methodology applied to calculate the discount rate
using an incremental borrowing rate specific to the Group in line with IFRS
16. We have considered the other assumptions to be appropriate including
ensuring all the leases meet the definition of a lease under IFRS 16 and that
the lease term is accurate.
We have reviewed the workings for calculating the dilapidations provision
and agree with the methodology applied.
We have reviewed the disclosures in the financial statements and are
satisfied that they are compliant with IAS 8.
We determined that there were no key audit matters applicable to the Company to communicate in our report.
How we tailored the audit scope
We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough work to be able to give an opinion on the financial statements as a
whole, taking into account the structure of the Group and the Company, the accounting processes and controls, and the industry in which
they operate.
The Group is a vertically integrated business, as shown in note 4 to the financial statements. The group financial statements are a
consolidation of a number of reporting units, comprising the Group’s sales, manufacturing and distribution businesses and centralised
functions, and a number of non-trading group entities.
Accordingly, of the group’s reporting units, we identified five (being Head Office and four trading entities) that, in our view, required an
audit of their complete financial information, either due to their size or their risk characteristics. These entities accounted for 82% of
consolidated revenues and 93% of consolidated profit before tax. The audit of these five reporting units was performed by the Group
engagement team. This, together with additional procedures performed, including analytical procedures and certain tests of details over
specific balances and transactions, gave us the evidence we needed for our opinion on the group financial statements as a whole.
The Company is comprised of one reporting unit which was subject to a full scope audit for the purposes of the Group and Company
financial statements.
Materiality
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. We set certain quantitative thresholds for materiality. These,
together with qualitative considerations, helped us to determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of our audit
procedures on the individual financial statement line items and disclosures and in evaluating the effect of misstatements, both individually
and in aggregate on the financial statements as a whole.
41 Games Workshop Group PLC
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT continued
Materiality continued
Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows:
Overall materiality
How we determined it
Rationale for benchmark
applied
Group financial statements
£4,000,000 (2018: £3,727,000).
5% of consolidated profit before tax.
Based on the benchmarks used in the annual report,
profit before tax is the primary measure used by the
shareholders in assessing the performance of the
Group, and is a generally accepted auditing benchmark.
Company financial statements
£377,000 (2018: £384,000).
1% of total assets.
Due to the nature of the entity, being that of a
holding company which has large investments,
total assets is deemed the most appropriate
benchmark.
For each component in the scope of our group audit, we allocated a materiality that is less than our overall group materiality. The range of
materiality allocated across components was between £2,000,000 and £3,600,000.
We agreed with the audit committee that we would report to them misstatements identified during our audit above £150,000 (Group
audit) (2018: £150,000) and £19,000 (Company audit) (2018: £19,000) as well as misstatements below those amounts that, in our view,
warranted reporting for qualitative reasons.
Going concern
In accordance with ISAs (UK) we report as follows:
Reporting obligation
We are required to report if we have anything material to add or draw
attention to in respect of the directors’ statement in the financial
statements about whether the directors considered it appropriate to adopt
the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements
and the directors’ identification of any material uncertainties to the
Group’s and the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern over a
period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of the financial
statements.
We are required to report if the directors’ statement relating to going
concern in accordance with Listing Rule 9.8.6R(3) is materially inconsistent
with our knowledge obtained in the audit.
Outcome
We have nothing material to add or to draw attention to.
However, because not all future events or conditions can be
predicted, this statement is not a guarantee as to the
Group’s and Company’s ability to continue as a going
concern. For example, the terms on which the United
Kingdom may withdraw from the European Union are not
clear, and it is difficult to evaluate all of the potential
implications on the Group’s trade, customers, suppliers and
the wider economy.
We have nothing to report.
Reporting on other information
The other information comprises all of the information in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditors’ report
thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other
information and, accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion or, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in this report, any
form of assurance thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider
whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or
otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify an apparent material inconsistency or material misstatement, we are required
to perform procedures to conclude whether there is a material misstatement of the financial statements or a material misstatement of
the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other
information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report based on these responsibilities.
With respect to the strategic report, directors’ report and corporate governance report, we also considered whether the disclosures
required by the UK Companies Act 2006 have been included.
Based on the responsibilities described above and our work undertaken in the course of the audit, the Companies Act 2006 (CA06), ISAs
(UK) and the Listing Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) require us also to report certain opinions and matters as described
below (required by ISAs (UK) unless otherwise stated).
Strategic report and directors’ report
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit, the information given in the strategic report and directors’
report for the year ended 2 June 2019 is consistent with the financial statements and has been prepared in accordance with applicable
legal requirements. (CA06)
In light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and Company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, we
did not identify any material misstatements in the strategic report and directors’ report. (CA06)period of at least twelve months from the
date of approval of the financial statements.
42 Games Workshop Group PLC
Corporate governance report
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit, the information given in the corporate governance report (on
pages 21 to 24) and the audit and risk committee report (on pages 25 to 27) about internal controls and risk management systems in
relation to financial reporting processes in compliance with rules 7.2.5 and 7.2.6 of the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules
sourcebook of the FCA (‘DTR’) is consistent with the financial statements and has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal
requirements. (CA06)
In light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and Company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, we
did not identify any material misstatements in this information. (CA06)
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit, the information given in the corporate governance report (on
pages 21 to 24) and the audit and risk committee report (on pages 25 to 27) with respect to the Company’s corporate governance code
and practices and about its administrative, management and supervisory bodies and their committees complies with rules 7.2.2, 7.2.3
and 7.2.7 of the DTR. (CA06)
We have nothing to report arising from our responsibility to report if a corporate governance statement has not been prepared by the
Company. (CA06)
The directors’ assessment of the prospects of the Group and of the principal risks that would threaten the solvency or liquidity of the
Group
We have nothing material to add or draw attention to regarding:
The directors’ confirmation on page 14 of the annual report that they have carried out a robust assessment of the principal
risks facing the Group, including those that would threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or liquidity.
The disclosures in the annual report that describe those risks and explain how they are being managed or mitigated.
The directors’ explanation on page 20 of the annual report as to how they have assessed the prospects of the Group, over
what period they have done so and why they consider that period to be appropriate, and their statement as to whether they
have a reasonable expectation that the Group will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due
over the period of their assessment, including any related disclosures drawing attention to any necessary qualifications or
assumptions.
We have nothing to report having performed a review of the directors’ statement that they have carried out a robust assessment of the
principal risks facing the Group and statement in relation to the longer-term viability of the Group. Our review was substantially less in
scope than an audit and only consisted of making enquiries and considering the directors’ process supporting their statements;
checking that the statements are in alignment with the relevant provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code (the ‘Code’); and
considering whether the statements are consistent with the knowledge and understanding of the Group and Company and their
environment obtained in the course of the audit. (Listing Rules)
Other Code Provisions
We have nothing to report in respect of our responsibility to report when:
The statement given by the directors, on page 25, that they consider the annual report taken as a whole to be fair, balanced
and understandable, and provides the information necessary for the members to assess the Group’s and Company’s position
and performance, business model and strategy is materially inconsistent with our knowledge of the Group and Company
obtained in the course of performing our audit.
The section of the annual report on page 25 describing the work of the audit committee does not appropriately address
matters communicated by us to the audit committee.
The directors’ statement relating to the Company’s compliance with the Code does not properly disclose a departure from a
relevant provision of the Code specified, under the Listing Rules, for review by the auditors.
Directors’ remuneration
In our opinion, the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the
Companies Act 2006. (CA06)
Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit
Responsibilities of the directors for the financial statements
As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement, the directors are responsible for the preparation of the financial
statements in accordance with the applicable framework and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. The directors are also
responsible for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the Group’s and the Company’s ability to continue as a
going concern, disclosing as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the
directors either intend to liquidate the Group or the Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
43 Games Workshop Group PLC
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT continued
Responsibilities for the financial statements and the audit continued
Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement,
whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors’ report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance,
but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists.
Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be
expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the FRC’s website at:
www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditors’ report.
Use of this report
This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for the Company’s members as a body in accordance with Chapter 3 of
Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving these opinions, accept or assume responsibility for any
other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our
prior consent in writing.
Other required reporting
Companies Act 2006 exception reporting
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received
from branches not visited by us; or
certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
the Company financial statements and the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited are not in agreement with the
accounting records and returns.
We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.
Appointment
Following the recommendation of the audit committee, we were appointed by the directors on 17 January 2005 to audit the financial
statements for the year ended 29 May 2005 and subsequent financial periods. The period of total uninterrupted engagement is 15 years,
covering the years ended 29 May 2005 to 2 June 2019.
Andrew Lyon (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors
East Midlands
29 July 2019
44 Games Workshop Group PLC
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Operating expenses
Other operating income – royalties receivable
Operating profit
Finance income
Finance costs
Profit before taxation
Income tax expense
Profit attributable to owners of the parent
Notes
4
4,5
4
7
8
9
10
27
Earnings per share for profit attributable to the owners of the parent during the period (expressed in pence per share):
Basic earnings per ordinary share
Diluted earnings per ordinary share
Notes
11
11
STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
52 weeks ended
2 June 2019
£000
256,574
(83,306)
173,268
(103,434)
11,365
81,199
102
(5)
81,296
(15,475)
65,821
Restated
53 weeks ended
3 June 2018
£000
221,304
(64,219)
157,085
(92,383)
9,617
74,319
90
(139)
74,270
(14,815)
59,455
52 weeks ended
2 June 2019
202.9p
200.8p
Restated
53 weeks ended
3 June 2018
184.3p
181.6p
Profit attributable to owners of the parent
Other comprehensive income/(expense)
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations
Other comprehensive income /(expense) for the period
Total comprehensive income attributable to owners of the parent
Notes
26
Group
Company
52 weeks ended
2 June 2019
£000
65,821
Restated
53 weeks ended
3 June 2018
£000
59,455
52 weeks ended
2 June 2019
£000
48,273
53 weeks ended
3 June 2018
£000
38,494
708
708
66,529
(353)
(353)
59,102
-
-
48,273
-
-
38,494
As permitted by section 408 of the Companies Act 2006, the Company’s income statement has not been included in these financial statements.
Prior period amounts have been restated following the retrospective adoption of IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’. See note 3 for further
details.
The notes on pages 49 to 71 are an integral part of these financial statements.
45 Games Workshop Group PLC
BALANCE SHEETS
Non-current assets
Goodwill
Other intangible assets
Property, plant and equipment
Investments in subsidiaries
Deferred tax assets
Trade and other receivables
Current assets
Inventories
Trade and other receivables
Current tax assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Total assets
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables
Current tax liabilities
Provisions for other liabilities and charges
Net current assets
Non-current liabilities
Other non-current liabilities
Provisions for other liabilities and charges
Net assets
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital
Share premium account
Other reserves
Retained earnings
Total equity
Group
Company
Notes
2 June 2019
£000
Restated
3 June 2018
£000
2 June 2019
£000
3 June 2018
£000
13
14
15
16
17
19
18
19
20
22
24
23
24
25
25
26
27
1,433
16,004
35,303
-
8,582
3,085
64,407
24,192
18,796
814
29,371
73,173
137,580
(19,199)
(9,135)
(919)
(29,253)
43,920
(1,010)
(844)
(1,854)
106,473
1,625
12,281
4,685
87,882
106,473
1,433
14,195
30,072
-
5,704
2,076
53,480
20,159
15,502
457
28,545
64,663
118,143
(20,298)
(7,828)
(691)
(28,817)
35,846
(667)
(537)
(1,204)
88,122
1,617
11,571
3,977
70,957
88,122
-
-
-
30,584
1
3,958
34,543
-
2,628
-
521
3,149
37,692
(449)
-
(49)
(498)
2,651
(1)
(1)
(2)
37,192
1,625
12,281
101
23,185
37,192
-
-
-
30,584
1
3,954
34,539
-
1,506
-
2,289
3,795
38,334
(195)
-
-
(195)
3,600
-
-
-
38,139
1,617
11,571
101
24,850
38,139
The Company’s profit after taxation for the year ended 2 June 2019 is £48,273,000 (2018: £38,494,000).
Prior period amounts have been restated following the retrospective adoption of IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’. See note 3 for further
details.
The notes on pages 49 to 71 are an integral part of these financial statements.
The financial statements on pages 45 to 71 were approved by the board of directors on 29 July 2019 and were signed on its behalf by:
K D Rountree, Director
R F Tongue, Director
Registered number 2670969
46 Games Workshop Group PLC
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN TOTAL EQUITY
At 28 May 2017 and 29 May 2017 (as restated)
Profit for the 53 weeks to 3 June 2018 (as restated)
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations
Total comprehensive (expense)/income for the period (as restated)
Transactions with owners:
Share-based payments
Shares issued under employee sharesave scheme (note 25)
Deferred tax credit relating to share options
Current tax credit relating to exercised share options
Dividends declared to Company shareholders
Total transactions with owners
Called up
share capital
£000
1,607
Share
premium
account
£000
10,599
Other reserves
(note 26)
£000
4,330
-
-
-
-
10
-
-
-
10
-
-
-
-
972
-
-
-
972
-
(353)
(353)
-
-
-
-
-
-
Retained
earnings
(note 27)
£000
50,164
59,455
-
59,455
204
-
1,050
686
(40,602)
(38,662)
Total
equity
£000
66,700
59,455
(353)
59,102
204
982
1,050
686
(40,602)
(37,680)
At 3 June 2018 and 4 June 2018 (as restated)
1,617
11,571
3,977
70,957
88,122
Profit for the 52 weeks to 2 June 2019
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations
Total comprehensive income for the period
Transactions with owners:
Share-based payments
Shares issued under employee sharesave scheme (note 25)
Deferred tax credit relating to share options
Current tax credit relating to exercised share options
Dividends declared to Company shareholders
Total transactions with owners
At 2 June 2019
-
-
-
-
8
-
-
-
8
1,625
-
-
-
-
710
-
-
-
710
12,281
-
708
708
-
-
-
-
-
-
4,685
65,821
-
65,821
339
-
224
818
(50,277)
(48,896)
87,882
65,821
708
66,529
339
718
224
818
(50,277)
(48,178)
106,473
Prior period amounts have been restated following the retrospective adoption of IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’. See note 3 for further
details.
COMPANY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN TOTAL EQUITY
At 28 May 2017 and 29 May 2017
Profit for the 53 weeks to 3 June 2018
Total comprehensive income for the period
Transactions with owners:
Share-based payments
Shares issued under employee sharesave scheme (note 25)
Dividends declared to Company shareholders
Total transactions with owners
Called up
share capital
£000
1,607
Share
premium
account
£000
10,599
Other reserves
(note 26)
£000
101
-
-
-
10
-
10
-
-
-
972
-
972
-
-
-
-
-
-
Retained
earnings
(note 27)
£000
26,754
38,494
38,494
204
-
(40,602)
(40,398)
Total
equity
£000
39,061
38,494
38,494
204
982
(40,602)
(39,416)
At 3 June 2018 and 4 June 2018
1,617
11,571
101
24,850
38,139
Profit for the 52 weeks to 2 June 2019
Total comprehensive income for the period
Transactions with owners:
Share-based payments
Shares issued under employee sharesave scheme (note 25)
Dividends declared to Company shareholders
Total transactions with owners
At 2 June 2019
-
-
-
8
-
8
1,625
-
-
-
710
-
710
12,281
-
-
-
-
-
-
101
48,273
48,273
339
-
(50,277)
(49,938)
23,185
48,273
48,273
339
718
(50,277)
(49,220)
37,192
The notes on pages 49 to 71 are an integral part of these financial statements.
47 Games Workshop Group PLC
CONSOLIDATED AND COMPANY CASH FLOW STATEMENTS
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
UK corporation tax paid
Overseas tax paid
Net cash generated from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Purchases of other intangible assets
Expenditure on product development
Interest received
Net cash (used in)/generated from investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issue of ordinary share capital
Interest paid
Dividends paid to Company shareholders
Net cash used in financing activities
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Opening cash and cash equivalents
Effects of foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
Closing cash and cash equivalents
Group
52 weeks ended
2 June 2019
£000
53 weeks ended
3 June 2018
£000
Company
52 weeks ended
2 June 2019
£000
53 weeks ended
3 June 2018
£000
88,776
(14,217)
(2,079)
72,480
(13,651)
10
(1,875)
(6,962)
102
(22,376)
718
(5)
(50,277)
(49,564)
540
28,545
286
29,371
82,332
(10,852)
(1,375)
70,105
(14,697)
-
(1,496)
(5,387)
99
(21,481)
982
(138)
(38,701)
(37,857)
10,767
17,910
(132)
28,545
47,737
-
-
47,737
-
-
-
-
54
54
718
-
(50,277)
(49,559)
(1,768)
2,289
-
521
39,262
-
-
39,262
-
-
-
-
-
-
982
-
(38,701)
(37,719)
1,543
746
-
2,289
Notes
28
14
25
12
20
The notes on pages 49 to 71 are an integral part of these financial statements.
48 Games Workshop Group PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. General information
Games Workshop Group PLC (the ‘Company’) and its subsidiaries (together the ‘Group’) designs and manufactures miniature figures and games and
distributes these through its own network of retail stores, independent retailers and online via the global web stores. The Group has manufacturing activities
in the UK and sells mainly in the UK, Continental Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand and Asia.
The Company is a public listed company, incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom. The address of its registered office is Willow Road, Lenton,
Nottingham, NG7 2WS, United Kingdom.
The Company’s ordinary share capital is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
2. Summary of significant accounting policies
The principal accounting policies applied in these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the periods
presented, unless otherwise stated.
Basis of preparation
These financial statements are prepared under the going concern basis and in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) and IFRS
Interpretations Committee (IC) interpretations as adopted by the European Union and with those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to those
companies reporting under IFRSs. The Group and the Company applied for the first time IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’ and IFRS 9
‘Financial instruments’. Details of the impact on transition to these standards can be found in note 3.
The consolidated and Company financial statements are prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention.
Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the Company and its subsidiary undertakings drawn up for the 52 weeks ended 2 June 2019 and the 53 weeks
ended 3 June 2018. Subsidiaries are entities over which the Group has the power to govern the financial and operating policies and are fully consolidated
from the date on which control is transferred to the Group.
Inter-company transactions, balances and unrealised gains and losses on transactions between group companies are eliminated on consolidation.
Accounting policies of subsidiaries are consistent with the policies adopted by the Group. The management accounts of all subsidiaries prepared to 2 June
2019 and 3 June 2018 have been used for consolidation purposes.
Goodwill
Goodwill arising on acquisition of subsidiaries represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s share of the net
identifiable assets of the acquired subsidiary at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment, or when an indicator of impairment
arises, and is carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Provision is made for any impairment by comparing the value in use to the net carrying
value. Goodwill is allocated to cash generating units for the purpose of impairment testing.
Goodwill arising on acquisitions prior to 31 May 1998 was written off to reserves in accordance with the accounting standard then in force. As permitted by
the current accounting standard, the goodwill previously written off to reserves has not been reinstated in the balance sheet.
Other intangible assets
Development costs
Costs incurred in respect of product design and development activities are recognised as intangible assets when they meet the criteria of IAS 38 ‘Intangible
Assets’ and are wholly attributable to specific projects. Product development costs recognised as intangible assets are amortised on a reducing balance basis
with rates ranging from 50% to 80% to match the expenditure incurred to the expected revenue generated from the subsequent product release. However,
there are some design costs which do not meet the recognition criteria and are therefore not capitalised, and are shown in note 9.
Computer software
Acquired computer software licences and related development expenditure are capitalised on the basis of the costs incurred to acquire and bring into use
the specific software. Computer software licences are held at cost and amortised on a straight line basis over the expected useful lives of the assets. Costs
associated with maintaining computer software programmes are recognised as an expense as incurred. Development costs that are directly attributable to
the design and testing of identifiable and unique software products controlled by the Group are recognised as intangible assets when they meet the criteria
of IAS 38 ‘Intangible Assets’.
Other development expenditure that does not meet these criteria is recognised as an expense as incurred.
Development costs previously recognised as an expense are not recognised as an asset in a subsequent period. The principal annual amortisation rates are:
Core business systems computer software
Web store computer software
Other computer software
% of cost
15-33
20
33-50
49 Games Workshop Group PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
2. Summary of significant accounting policies continued
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and any provision for impairment. The cost of property, plant and
equipment is their purchase cost, together with any incidental costs of acquisition.
Depreciation is calculated over the expected useful economic lives of the assets concerned to write down to the asset’s residual value and commences from
the date the asset is available for use. The principal annual depreciation rates are:
Freehold buildings
Plant and equipment and vehicles
Fixtures and fittings
Moulding tools – product specific
Moulding tools – non-product specific
Straight line
% of cost
2-4
15-33
20-25
-
25
Reducing balance
% of net book
value
-
-
-
65
-
Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the useful economic life of the asset or the period of the lease. These assets are included
within fixtures and fittings. Freehold land is not depreciated.
Impairment of non-financial assets
Assets are tested for impairment in accordance with IAS 36 ‘Impairment of Assets’. For the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped together at
the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable cash flows. Discount rates reflecting the asset specific risks and the time value of money are
used for the value in use calculation.
Trade receivables
Trade receivables are recognised initially at fair value, which is typically the original invoice amount, and carried at amortised cost using the effective interest
method less loss allowance. The Group applies the IFRS 9 simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses, using a lifetime expected loss allowance
for trade receivables based on historical credit losses by the Group.
Contract assets
A contract asset is the right to consideration in exchange for goods or services transferred to the customer. If the Group performs by transferring goods or
services to a customer before the customer pays consideration or before payment is due, a contract asset is recognised for the earned consideration that is
conditional.
Leases
Operating leases
Leases in which a significant proportion of the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases. The Group’s
commitment in respect of its retail stores is included within this category. Payments in respect of operating leases and any benefits received as an incentive
to sign a lease, are charged or credited to the income statement on a straight line basis over the period of the entire lease term.
Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is determined using a standard costing method taking into account variances. In
respect of finished goods, cost includes raw materials, direct labour, other direct costs and related production overheads based on a normal level of
production. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less applicable variable selling expenses. Where necessary
provisions are made for obsolete, slow moving and defective inventories.
Foreign currency translation
The consolidated financial statements are presented in sterling, which is the Company’s functional and presentation currency. Items included in the financial
statements of each of the group entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (the functional
currency). Monetary assets and liabilities expressed in currencies that are not the functional currency are translated into the functional currency at rates of
exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. The financial statements of overseas subsidiary companies prepared in functional currencies other than sterling
are translated into sterling as follows:
- Assets and liabilities are translated at the closing rate at the date of the balance sheet;
- Income and expenses are translated at the average rate for the period;
- All resulting exchange differences are recognised as a separate component of equity.
Cash and cash equivalents
For the purposes of the cash flow statement, cash and cash equivalents comprise deposits with banks and bank and cash balances, net of overdrafts where
there is a legally enforceable right of offset.
Trade payables
Trade payables are recognised initially at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Contract liabilities
A contract liability is the obligation to transfer goods or services to a customer for which the Group has received consideration (or an amount of
consideration is due) from the customer. If a customer pays consideration before the Group transfers goods or services to the customer, a contract liability is
recognised when the payment is made or the payment is due (whichever is earlier). Contract liabilities are recognised as revenue when the Group performs
under the contract.
50 Games Workshop Group PLC
2. Summary of significant accounting policies continued
Other employment benefits
Pension costs
The Group operates defined contribution schemes and a group personal pension plan. Pension contributions are charged to the income statement as they
accrue. There are no further obligations to the Group once payment has been made.
Long service benefits
The Group operates a long service incentive scheme under which employees receive a one off additional holiday entitlement of two weeks when they reach
10 years of employment (Veterans scheme). During the year the Group has extended the scheme to provide a further two weeks holiday entitlement to
employees reaching 20 years of employment, and again at 30 years’ service. This extension to the scheme will be honoured retrospectively for existing
employees with 20 and 30 years’ service. The costs of these benefits are accrued over the period of employment based on expected staff retention rates and
the anticipated future employment costs discounted to present value.
Share-based payment
The Group operates a number of equity-settled employee sharesave schemes. The fair value of the employee services received under such schemes is
recognised as an expense in the income statement with a corresponding increase in equity over the vesting period.
Investments
Shares and loans in subsidiary undertakings are stated at cost less provision for impairment.
Revenue
Revenue, which excludes value added tax and sales between group companies, represents the invoiced value of goods supplied (net of trade discounts for
sales to independent retailers). Revenue is recognised on dispatch of goods to the customer for sales via the global web store and for sales to independent
retailers. This represents fulfilment of the performance obligation of the contract with the customer. For revenue earned through the Group’s retail stores
and for digital products, revenue is recognised at the point of sale. Revenue for magazine subscriptions is recognised on a straight line basis over the
subscription period.
Revenue on goods sold to customers on a sale or return basis (which includes book sales) is recognised after making full provision for the level of expected
returns, based on past experience. The level of returns is reviewed on a regular basis and the provision is amended accordingly. Revenue on a sale or return
basis represents no more than 3% of consolidated revenue (2018: no more than 3%).
Royalty income
Minimum royalty guarantee income is recognised in full at inception of the contract. This represents the point at which the performance obligation of the
contract is met, in granting use of the Group’s intellectual property. Additional royalty income is recognised in the income statement when it can be reliably
measured by reference to the underlying licensee performance, after allowing for expected returns and price protection claims, as notified to the Group by
the licensee and following validation of the amounts receivable by the Group.
Segment reporting
Operating segments are reported in a manner consistent with the internal reporting provided to the chief operating decision-maker. The chief operating
decision-maker, who is responsible for allocating resources and assessing performance of the operating segments, has been identified as the executive
directors.
Taxation
The charge for current tax is based on the results for the period as adjusted for items which are non-assessable or disallowed. It is calculated using rates that
have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.
Deferred taxation is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method in respect of temporary differences arising from differences between the carrying
amount of assets and liabilities in the financial statements and the corresponding tax basis used in the computation of taxable profit. In principle, deferred
tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits
will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference
arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than in a business combination) of other assets and liabilities in a transaction which affects neither
the tax profit nor the accounting profit.
Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries except where the Group is able to control the
reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.
Deferred tax is calculated at the rates that are expected to apply when the asset or liability is settled. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the income
statement, except where it relates to items credited or charged directly to equity, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in equity.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Group intends to settle its
current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.
Dividends
Dividend distributions are recognised in the financial statements in the period in which they are declared.
Provision for liabilities and charges
Provisions are recognised in accordance with IAS 37 ‘Provisions, Contingent Assets and Contingent Liabilities’.
Provisions are made for committed costs outstanding under onerous or vacant property leases and the estimated liability is discounted to its present value.
Provisions are made for property dilapidations where a legal obligation exists and when the decision has been made to exit a property, or where the end of
the lease commitment is imminent and a reliable estimate of the exit liability can be made. The estimated employee benefit liability arising from the
Veterans incentive scheme is classified within provisions. Amounts relating to employees who reach 10, 20 or 30 years’ service in more than one year are
classified as non-current. Provisions are made for redundancy costs once the employees affected have a valid expectation that their roles will become
redundant.
51 Games Workshop Group PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
2. Summary of significant accounting policies continued
Share capital
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are shown in equity as a deduction, net
of tax, from the proceeds.
Financial instruments
All financial assets are classified as 'loans and receivables' and financial liabilities as 'other financial liabilities' (measured at amortised cost) in accordance
with IFRS 9. Management determines the classification of its financial assets and liabilities at initial recognition.
Critical accounting estimates and judgements
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingencies at the balance sheet date. If in future such estimates and assumptions, which are
based on management’s best judgement at the date of the consolidated financial statements, deviate from actual circumstances, the original estimates and
assumptions will be modified, as appropriate, in the period in which the circumstances change.
Management do not consider there to be any critical accounting estimates that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying
amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year.
Management consider the capitalisation of development costs and internally developed software costs to be a critical accounting judgement. Costs directly
associated with the asset creation are capitalised.
New accounting standards
New standards, amendments to standards and interpretations which have been published but are not yet effective which are relevant to the Group are:
- IFRS 16 ‘Leases’ applies to financial periods commencing on or after 1 January 2019. This new standard sets out the principles for the recognition,
measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases and requires lessees to account for all leases under a single on-balance sheet model similar to the
accounting for finance leases under IAS 17. The standard includes two recognition exemptions for lessees: leases of ‘low value’ assets; and, short-term
leases (i.e. leases with a term less than 12 months). At the lease commencement date, a liability will be recognised in respect of the future lease
payments and a corresponding asset representing the right to use the underlying asset during the lease term. The interest expense incurred on the lease
liability and the depreciation charged on the right to use asset will be recognised separately in the income statement.
Certain events will result in the lease liability being re-measured (e.g., a change in the lease term, a change in future lease payments resulting from a
change in an index or rate used to determine those payments). The re-measurement will be first adjusted against the right of use asset and any excess
charged to profit or loss.
Transition to IFRS 16
The Group will adopt the modified retrospective approach from 3 June 2019, meaning that the Group will not be restating each prior reporting period
presented. The application of this new standard will have a material impact on the financial statements of the Group, because of the large number of
leases on retail properties it holds. In adopting this approach, the Group intends to use the following practical expedients as offered by the standard:
- Application of a single discount rate to a portfolio of leases with reasonably similar characteristics;
- The use of hindsight in determining the lease term if the contract contains options to extend or terminate the lease;
- Exclusion of initial direct costs from the measurement of the right of use asset at the date of initial application;
- No recognition of leases whose term ends within twelve months of the date of initial application.
The Group will elect to apply the standard to contracts that were previously identified as leases applying IAS 17 and IFRIC 4. The Group will not apply the
standard to contracts that were not previously identified as containing a lease. The Group will elect to apply the transition exemption for leases where the
underlying asset is of low value, i.e. when the underlying asset has a value of £5,000 or less when new.
The Group will calculate and apply the incremental borrowing rate (‘IBR’) to its future cash flows to determine the lease liability. The incremental
borrowing rate has been defined by the standard as ‘the rate of interest that a lessee would have to pay to borrow over a similar term, and with similar
security, the funds necessary to obtain an asset of a similar value to the right-of-use asset in a similar environment’. The Group has no external borrowing,
therefore a credit risk spread approach has been used to calculate the IBR, which combines the risk-free security rate and a corporate security rate in
each economic environment in which the Group has a lease.
The Group has performed a detailed impact statement of IFRS 16, which excludes the impact of taxation. In summary the impact of adopting IFRS 16 as at
2 June 2019 is estimated to be: an increase to the carrying value of fixed assets through the recognition of an opening right-of-use asset of c.£34.9 million,
and an increase in lease liabilities of c.£34.0 million.
The Group does not consider that any other standards, amendments or interpretations issued by the IASB, but not yet applicable, will have a significant
effect on the financial statements.
52 Games Workshop Group PLC
3. Change in accounting policy
The Group has applied IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’ and IFRS 9 ‘Financial instruments’ for the first time. The nature and effect of the
changes as a result of adoption of these new standards are described below.
IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’ supersedes IAS 11 ‘Construction contracts’, IAS 18 ‘Revenue’ and related interpretations and it applies to
all revenue from contracts with customers, unless those contacts are in the scope of other standards. Under IFRS 15, revenue is recognised at an amount
that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring goods or services to a customer.
The Group has adopted IFRS 15 using the fully retrospective transition method. The key considerations along with the impact of adopting IFRS 15 are
described below:
-
-
Advances from customers
Under IFRS 15, minimum royalty guarantee income is recognised in full at inception of the contract. This represents the point at which the
performance obligation of the contract is met, in granting use of the Group’s intellectual property. Previously, this income was deferred and
recognised on the balance sheet within accruals and deferred income and released in line with licensee sales.
Delivery charges
Under the new standard, amounts receivable from customers in respect of delivery charges are recognised as revenue. Previously, this income was
offset against delivery charges within cost of sales. The impact of reclassifying delivery charges is an increase in revenue and cost of sales. There is no
impact on net assets.
The impact of the change on the results was as follows:
Revenue
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Other operating income – royalties receivable
Operating profit
Income tax expense
Profit attributable to owners of the parent
Retained earnings at 29 May 2017
Trade and other receivables – non-current
Trade and other receivables – current
Trade and other payables
Deferred tax assets
Net assets
Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share
3 June 2018
As reported
£000
219,868
(62,783)
157,085
9,893
74,595
(14,867)
59,679
46,296
1,409
13,400
(22,028)
6,559
84,478
Impact of change
in accounting
standard
£000
1,436
(1,436)
-
(276)
(276)
52
(224)
3,868
667
2,102
1,730
(855)
3,644
3 June 2018
Restated
£000
221,304
(64,219)
157,085
9,617
74,319
(14,815)
59,455
50,164
2,076
15,502
(20,298)
5,704
88,122
185.0p
182.3p
(0.7)p
(0.7)p
184.3p
181.6p
-
Other adjustments
In addition to the adjustments described above, upon adoption of IFRS 15, other items of the primary financial statements such as deferred taxes,
segmental information, income taxes, earnings per share, financial risk factors and the cash flow statement were adjusted as necessary. The impact
of these adjustments was not material to the financial statements.
IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ replaces IAS 39 ‘Financial instruments: recognition and measurement’. Under this new standard, provisions for the
impairment of trade receivables are recognised at an amount based on expected credit losses and are calculated from the initial recognition of the asset.
Previously, provisions for the impairment of trade receivables were not recognised until there was an indication of impairment. The impact of adopting the
new standard is not material to the financial statements.
4. Segment information
As Games Workshop is a vertically integrated business, management assesses the performance of sales channels and manufacturing and distribution
channels separately. At 2 June 2019, the Group is organised as follows:
-
-
-
-
-
Sales channels: these channels sell product to external customers, through the Group’s network of retail stores, independent retailers and online via
the global web stores. The sales channels have been aggregated into segments where they sell products of a similar nature, have similar production
processes, similar customers, similar distribution methods, and if they are affected by similar economic factors. The segments are as follows:
-
-
-
Trade: this sales channel sells globally to independent retailers, agents and distributors. It also includes the Group’s magazine newsstand
business and the distributor sales from the Group’s publishing business (Black Library).
Retail: this includes sales through the Group’s retail stores, the Group’s visitor centre in Nottingham and global exhibitions.
Online: this includes sales through the Group’s global web stores and digital sales through external affiliates.
Product and supply: this includes the design and manufacture of the products and incorporates the production facility in the UK and the Group
logistics and merchandising costs. This also includes adjustments for the profit in stock arising from inter-segment sales and charges for inventory
provisions.
Central costs: these include the Company overheads, head office site costs and marketing costs.
Service centre costs: provides support services (IT, accounting, payroll, personnel, procurement, legal, health and safety, customer services and credit
control) to activities across the Group and undertakes strategic projects.
Royalties: this is royalty income earned from third party licensees after deducting associated licensing costs.
53 Games Workshop Group PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
4. Segment information continued
The chief operating decision-maker assesses the performance of each segment based on operating profit, excluding share option charges recognised under
IFRS 2, ‘Share-based payment’, charges in respect of the Group’s profit share scheme and the discretionary payment to employees for the current year. This
has been reconciled to the Group’s total profit before taxation below.
The segment information reported to the executive directors for the periods included in this financial information is as follows:
Trade
Retail
Online
Total external revenue
52 weeks ended
2 June 2019
£000
121,445
87,803
47,326
256,574
Restated
53 weeks ended
3 June 2018
£000
94,381
81,971
44,952
221,304
Segment revenue and segment profit include transactions between business segments; these transactions are eliminated on consolidation. Sales between
segments are carried out at arm’s length. The revenue from external parties reported to the executive directors is measured in a manner consistent with
that in the income statement. For information, we analyse external revenue further below:
52 weeks ended
2 June 2019
£000
Restated
53 weeks ended
3 June 2018
£000
51,324
53,509
5,061
5,332
3,796
2,423
121,445
27,831
21,380
27,428
8,316
2,848
87,803
47,326
256,574
39,068
41,818
4,340
3,857
2,935
2,363
94,381
27,250
21,303
22,243
8,977
2,198
81,971
44,952
221,304
52 weeks ended
2 June 2019
£000
13,475
49,524
5,668
3,789
9,653
14,700
775
97,584
339
2,226
3,285
103,434
Restated
53 weeks ended
3 June 2018
£000
11,413
45,992
5,672
3,350
7,598
12,664
686
87,375
204
1,969
2,835
92,383
Trade
UK and Continental Europe
North America
Australia and New Zealand
Asia
Rest of world
Black Library
Total Trade
Retail
UK
Continental Europe
North America
Australia and New Zealand
Asia
Total Retail
Online
Total external revenue
Operating expenses by segment are regularly reviewed by the executive directors and are provided below:
Trade
Retail
Online
Product and supply
Central costs
Service centre costs
Royalties
Total segment operating expenses
Share-based payment charge
Profit share scheme charge
Discretionary payment to employees
Total group operating expenses
54 Games Workshop Group PLC
4. Segment information continued
Total segment operating profit is as follows and is reconciled to profit before taxation below:
Trade
Retail
Online
Product and supply
Central costs
Service centre costs
Royalties
Total segment operating profit
Share-based payment charge
Profit share scheme charge
Discretionary payment to employees
Total group operating profit
Finance income
Finance costs
Profit before taxation
Operating profit as reported above includes impairment, depreciation and amortisation charges as follows:
Trade
Retail
Online
Product and supply
Central costs
Service centre costs
Royalties
Total group charges for impairment, depreciation and amortisation
Other non-cash charges and significant costs included in operating profit are as follows:
52 weeks ended
2 June 2019
£000
43,688
10,386
29,247
18,517
(10,684)
(14,695)
10,590
87,049
(339)
(2,226)
(3,285)
81,199
102
(5)
81,296
Restated
53 weeks ended
3 June 2018
£000
32,888
7,185
27,880
23,887
(8,698)
(12,664)
8,849
79,327
(204)
(1,969)
(2,835)
74,319
90
(139)
74,270
52 weeks ended
2 June 2019
£000
8
1,716
980
11,927
449
816
2
15,898
53 weeks ended
3 June 2018
£000
7
1,586
1,106
7,746
324
524
2
11,295
Trade
Retail
Online
Product and supply
Central costs
Total group charge
Net charge to inventory provisions
53 weeks ended
3 June 2018
£000
-
-
-
(3,960)
-
(3,960)
52 weeks ended
2 June 2019
£000
-
-
-
(5,770)
-
(5,770)
Redundancy costs and compensation
for loss of office
53 weeks ended
3 June 2018
£000
(44)
(102)
(12)
(32)
(48)
(238)
52 weeks ended
2 June 2019
£000
(16)
(538)
-
(127)
(253)
(934)
Asset and liability information is not reported to the chief operating decision-maker on a segment basis and therefore has not been disclosed.
External revenue analysed by customer geographical location is as follows:
52 weeks ended
2 June 2019
£000
64,598
64,918
98,588
16,172
8,860
3,438
256,574
Restated
52 weeks ended
3 June 2018
£000
52,901
58,082
84,136
16,456
6,778
2,951
221,304
UK
Continental Europe
North America
Australia and New Zealand
Asia
Rest of world
External revenue
The Group is not reliant on any one individual customer.
55 Games Workshop Group PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
4. Segment information continued
Non-current assets (excluding deferred tax assets) are located in the following countries:
UK
All other countries
Total non-current assets (excluding deferred tax assets)
52 weeks ended
2 June 2019
£000
50,769
5,056
55,825
Restated
53 weeks ended
3 June 2018
£000
43,350
4,426
47,776
Tangible and intangible asset additions included within the UK were £21,087,000 (2018: £18,837,000) and all other countries were £2,045,000 (2018:
£1,787,000).
5. Operating expenses
Selling costs
Administrative expenses
6. Directors and employees
Total directors’ and employees’ costs:
Wages and salaries
Social security
Other pension costs
Share-based payment
52 weeks ended
2 June 2019
£000
61,074
42,360
103,434
53 weeks ended
3 June 2018
£000
55,639
36,744
92,383
Group
Company
52 weeks ended
2 June 2019
£000
53 weeks ended
3 June 2018
£000
52 weeks ended
2 June 2019
£000
53 weeks ended
3 June 2018
£000
68,789
6,840
2,656
339
78,624
61,370
6,306
2,343
204
70,223
1,982
262
26
-
2,270
1,218
159
24
3
1,404
Details of capitalised salary costs, included in the above, are provided in note 14. Redundancy costs and compensation for loss of office, not included in the
above, are provided in note 9.
Total directors’ and employees’ costs above include the impact of foreign currency movements in the period. Total directors’ and employees’ costs for the
Group for the 52 weeks ended 2 June 2019 calculated using the average exchange rates for the 53 weeks ended 3 June 2018 are £78,432,000. This includes
performance related elements of salary costs, payments under the Group’s profit share scheme and the discretionary payment to employees of £8,043,000
(2018: £7,662,000).
Highest paid director
The above includes salary costs of £551,000 (2018: £428,000) and pension costs of £10,000 (2018: £10,000) in respect of the highest paid director. Total
remuneration of the highest paid director is detailed in the remuneration report.
Key management compensation
The remuneration of the directors and other key management personnel of the Group are set out below in aggregate for each of the categories specified in
IAS 24 ‘Related Party Disclosures’.
Short-term employee benefits
Post-employment benefits
Share-based payment
52 weeks ended
2 June 2019
£000
1,990
20
5
2,015
53 weeks ended
3 June 2018
£000
1,278
30
3
1,311
Further information relating to directors’ emoluments, shareholdings and share options is disclosed in the remuneration report on pages 28 to 36.
In the prior period the subset of people is different to that referred to as ‘senior management’ on page 19. In the prior period key management were the
directors of the Company and the head of design and manufacturing.
56 Games Workshop Group PLC
6. Directors and employees continued
Employee numbers
Group
Monthly average number of employees (including executive directors) by activity:
Design and development
Production and warehousing
Selling:
- Full time
- Part time
Administration
The monthly average number of employees for the Company was 8 (2018: 8).
7. Finance income
Interest income:
- On cash and cash equivalents
- Other
8. Finance costs
Interest expense:
- Other interest payable
9. Profit before taxation
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Profit before taxation is stated after charging/(crediting):
Depreciation:
- Owned property, plant and equipment
Impairment/(reversal of impairment) of property, plant and equipment
Amortisation:
- Owned computer software
- Development costs
Non-capitalised development costs
Staff costs (excluding capitalised salary costs shown in note 14 and non-capitalised development staff costs)
Operating leases:
- Retail stores
- Other property
- Plant and equipment
- Other
Cost of inventories included in cost of sales
Net inventory provision creation (note 18)
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Loss on disposal of intangible assets
Redundancy costs and compensation for loss of office
Net (credit)/charge to property provisions including closed or loss making retail stores (note 24)
Auditors’ remuneration and services provided
Services provided by the Group’s auditors and network firms are analysed as follows:
-
Audit services
Audit of the Group and Company’s financial statements
Other services
The audit of the Company’s subsidiaries pursuant to legislation
All other services
Total services provided
57 Games Workshop Group PLC
52 weeks ended
2 June 2019
Number
53 weeks ended
3 June 2018
Number
252
477
830
112
439
2,110
238
381
804
102
382
1,907
52 weeks ended
2 June 2019
£000
53 weeks ended
3 June 2018
£000
102
-
102
85
5
90
52 weeks ended
2 June 2019
£000
53 weeks ended
3 June 2018
£000
5
139
52 weeks ended
2 June 2019
£000
53 weeks ended
3 June 2018
£000
8,941
8
1,608
5,341
6,367
69,276
9,965
567
191
134
39,507
5,770
144
188
934
(150)
6,614
(20)
1,419
4,130
5,645
62,157
9,080
512
186
169
28,733
3,960
40
12
238
73
52 weeks ended
2 June 2019
£000
53 weeks ended
3 June 2018
£000
81
136
14
231
64
124
50
238
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
10. Income tax expenses
-
-
Current UK taxation:
UK corporation tax on profits for the period
Over provision in respect of prior periods
Current overseas taxation:
Overseas corporation tax on profits for the period
Under/(over) provision in respect of prior periods
Total current taxation
Deferred taxation:
Origination and reversal of timing differences
Under provision in respect of prior periods
Tax expense recognised in the income statement
Current tax credit relating to sharesave scheme
Deferred tax credit relating to sharesave scheme
Credit taken directly to equity
52 weeks ended
2 June 2019
£000
Restated
53 weeks ended
3 June 2018
£000
16,614
(171)
16,443
1,561
89
18,093
(2,756)
138
15,475
(818)
(224)
(1,042)
13,635
(160)
13,475
1,638
(79)
15,034
(399)
180
14,815
(686)
(1,050)
(1,736)
The tax on the Group’s profit before taxation differs in both periods presented from the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK as follows:
Profit before taxation
Profit before taxation multiplied by the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 19% (2018: 19%)
Effects of:
Items not assessable for tax purposes
Movement in deferred tax not recognised
Higher tax rates on overseas earnings
Tax rate changes
Adjustments to tax charge in respect of prior periods
Total tax charge for the period
52 weeks ended
2 June 2019
£000
81,296
15,446
Restated
53 weeks ended
3 June 2018
£000
74,270
14,111
(105)
-
39
39
56
15,475
(475)
(26)
198
1,066
(59)
14,815
A reduction in the UK corporation tax rate was included in the Finance Act 2016 to reduce the rate to 17% from 1 April 2020. This change had been
substantively enacted at the balance sheet date and its impact has therefore been included in these financial statements.
Items not assessable for tax purposes include the release of provisions no longer considered a risk to the Group as well as tax relief for other taxes paid.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was enacted in to US law on 22 December 2017 within which there was a substantial reduction in the US corporate federal tax
rate of 35% to 21%, with effect from 1 January 2018. The Group has applied a blended federal tax rate of 29.19% to US taxable profit and 21% to deferred
tax assets within the US. The impact of the tax rate change in the prior period was a charge to the income statement of £984,000 which is included within
the £1,066,000 tax rate changes difference above.
At the time of writing, the terms of the UK's departure from the EU (Brexit) remains uncertain. There is significant uncertainty about the withdrawal process,
its timeframe and the outcome of the negotiations. As a result, there is significant uncertainty as to the period for which the existing EU laws for member
states will continue to apply to the UK and which laws will apply to the UK after an exit. At this stage the level of uncertainty is such that it is impossible to
determine if, how and when the UK’s tax status will change. Our preparations for varying outcomes of the Brexit negotiations, including ‘no deal’, are well
advanced due to the potential departure dates earlier in 2019. Particular consideration has been given to the customs declarations and VAT incurred at the
border to ensure these are resolved by Games Workshop and are not a concern for customers. The VAT is to become a recoverable flow through UK and
European VAT returns. One of the biggest risks is the customs handling of the volume of goods at the ports which would impact the speed of fulfilment of
sales orders. The business will closely monitor this. Overall the directors have assessed the impact and have not identified any significant matters impacting
the financial statements.
58 Games Workshop Group PLC
11. Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to owners of the parent by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue
during the period.
Profit attributable to owners of the parent (£000)
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue (thousands)
Basic earnings per share (pence per share)
52 weeks ended
2 June 2019
£000
65,821
32,438
202.9
Restated
53 weeks ended
3 June 2018
£000
59,455
32,258
184.3
Diluted earnings per share
The calculation of diluted earnings per share has been based on the profit attributable to owners of the parent and the weighted average number of shares
in issue throughout the period, adjusted for the dilutive effect of share options outstanding at the period end.
Profit attributable to owners of the parent (£000)
Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue (thousands)
Adjustment for share options (thousands)
Weighted average number of ordinary shares for diluted earnings per share (thousands)
Diluted earnings per share (pence per share)
12. Dividends per share
52 weeks ended
2 June 2019
£000
65,821
32,438
347
32,785
200.8
Restated
53 weeks ended
3 June 2018
£000
59,455
32,258
474
32,732
181.6
Dividends of £9,705,000 (30 pence per share), £11,323,000 (35 pence per share), £9,749,000 (30 pence per share), £8,124,000 (25 pence per share) and
£11,376,000 (35 pence per share) were declared and paid during the current period.
Dividends of £6,428,000 (20 pence per share), £11,249,000 (35 pence per share), £9,703,000 (30 pence per share) and £11,321,000 (35 pence per share)
were declared and paid during the prior period. In addition a further £1,901,000 (6 pence per share) was distributed in the prior period by way of a
rectification dividend. The rectification dividend was satisfied by the release of Company shareholders from the liability to repay the amount received in the
prior period in the form of an unlawful dividend.
For the purpose of demonstrating that there were sufficient distributable reserves for interim dividend payments, interim financial statements for the
Company were prepared and filed at Companies House in January 2019 and May 2019.
13. Goodwill
Group
Cost
At the beginning of the period
Exchange differences
At the end of the period
Accumulated amortisation
At beginning of period
Exchange differences
At the end of the period
Net book value at beginning of period and end of period
The Company had no goodwill at either period end.
2019
£000
2,412
1
2,413
(979)
(1)
(980)
1,433
2018
£000
2,412
-
2,412
(979)
-
(979)
1,433
Impairment tests for goodwill
The goodwill arose on the acquisition of TJA Tooling Limited, the acquisition of Triple K Plastic Injection Moulding Limited and the purchase by EURL Games
Workshop of the lease associated to Heroic Diffusion SARL, which under IFRS amounted to the purchase of a business.
In accordance with the requirements of IAS 36 ‘Impairment of Assets’ the Group completed a review of the carrying value of goodwill as at each period end.
The impairment review was performed to ensure that the carrying value of the Group’s assets are stated at no more than their recoverable amount, being
the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. The key assumptions for the recoverable amount of the goodwill are the long term growth rate and
the discount rate. The long term growth rate used is purely for the impairment testing of goodwill under IAS 36 ‘Impairment of Assets’ and does not reflect
the long term planning assumptions used by the Group for any other assessments. In determining the value in use, the calculations use cash flow projections
for a period no greater than three years based on plans approved by management and, for the Group’s cash-generating unit concerned, assumes a long term
growth rate no higher than 2% (2018: 2%). The estimated future cash flows expected to arise from the continuing use of the assets are calculated using a
pre-tax discount rate of 1.41% (2018: 1.65%).
Management reviewed the planned sales growth and gross margin on the investment in future product releases and initiatives currently being undertaken,
to deliver the expected future performance. Goodwill is allocated to the Group’s cash-generating units (CGUs) for impairment testing. All of the current
goodwill arises in the product and supply segment. Sensitivity analysis has not been disclosed in these financial statements since management consider that
there is no reasonably possible change in the key assumptions that would cause the carrying value of goodwill to fall below its recoverable amount.
59 Games Workshop Group PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
14. Other intangible assets
Group
Cost
At 28 May 2017 and 29 May 2017
Additions
Exchange differences
Disposals
At 3 June 2018 and 4 June 2018
Additions
Exchange differences
Reclassifications
Disposals
At 2 June 2019
Accumulated amortisation
At 28 May 2017 and 29 May 2017
Amortisation charge
Exchange differences
Disposals
At 3 June 2018 and 4 June 2018
Amortisation charge
Exchange differences
Disposals
At 2 June 2019
Net book amount
3 June 2018
2 June 2019
Computer
software
£000
Development
costs
£000
15,361
1,453
(85)
(3)
16,726
1,932
88
49
(178)
18,617
(9,430)
(1,419)
84
3
(10,762)
(1,608)
(85)
178
(12,277)
34,639
5,387
-
(5,220)
34,806
6,962
-
-
(965)
40,803
(27,653)
(4,130)
-
5,208
(26,575)
(5,341)
-
777
(31,139)
Total
£000
50,000
6,840
(85)
(5,223)
51,532
8,894
88
49
(1,143)
59,420
(37,083)
(5,549)
84
5,211
(37,337)
(6,949)
(85)
955
(43,416)
5,964
6,340
8,231
9,664
14,195
16,004
Amortisation of £5,598,000 (2018: £4,341,000) has been charged in cost of sales and £1,351,000 (2018: £1,208,000) in operating expenses.
The net book amount of internally generated intangible assets is £14,117,000 (2018: £12,147,000) and acquired intangible assets is £1,887,000 (2018:
£2,048,000). The net book amount of internally generated development costs is £7,789,000 (2018: £7,520,000). £6,989,000 (2018: £7,202,000) is capitalised
salary costs.
Salary costs of £5,161,000 (2018: £4,308,000) were capitalised as part of development costs and £400,000 (2018: £298,000) were capitalised as part of
computer software during the period.
Assets in the course of development, and not amortised, amount to £311,000 (2018: £3,972,000) with current and prior period amounts both being included
within computer software. The prior period total included the ERP system under development on which amortisation has now commenced.
Assets with cost and net book value of £49,000 have been reclassified from tangible computer equipment to computer software during the year.
The company had no other intangible assets at either period end.
60 Games Workshop Group PLC
15. Property, plant and equipment
Group
Cost
At 28 May 2017 and 29 May 2017
Additions
Exchange differences
Disposals
At 3 June 2018 and 4 June 2018
Additions
Exchange differences
Reclassifications
Disposals
At 2 June 2019
Accumulated depreciation
At 28 May 2017 and 29 May 2017
Charge for the period
Exchange differences
Reversal of impairment
Disposals
At 3 June 2018 and 4 June 2018
Charge for the period
Exchange differences
Impairment charge
Disposals
At 2 June 2019
Net book amount
3 June 2018
2 June 2019
Freehold
land and
buildings
£000
Plant and
equipment
and vehicles
£000
16,620
2,592
-
-
19,212
2,450
-
(86)
(16)
21,560
(5,797)
(378)
-
-
-
(6,175)
(868)
-
-
7
(7,036)
19,276
6,781
(120)
(126)
25,811
5,247
175
(35)
(459)
30,739
(15,660)
(1,812)
116
1
116
(17,239)
(2,881)
(150)
-
450
(19,820)
Fixtures
and
fittings
£000
21,374
2,146
(242)
(355)
22,923
2,708
442
72
(630)
25,515
(17,866)
(1,563)
188
19
325
(18,897)
(1,691)
(322)
(8)
494
(20,424)
Moulding
tools
£000
27,895
3,113
-
-
31,008
3,833
1
-
-
34,842
(23,710)
(2,861)
-
-
-
(26,571)
(3,501)
(1)
-
-
(30,073)
Total
£000
85,165
14,632
(362)
(481)
98,954
14,238
618
(49)
(1,105)
112,656
(63,033)
(6,614)
304
20
441
(68,882)
(8,941)
(473)
(8)
951
(77,353)
13,037
14,524
8,572
10,919
4,026
5,091
4,437
4,769
30,072
35,303
Depreciation expense of £6,394,000 (2018: £4,254,000) has been charged in cost of sales, £1,418,000 (2018: £1,386,000) in selling costs and £1,129,000
(2018: £974,000) in administrative expenses.
Freehold land amounting to £5,569,000 (2018: £5,569,000) has not been depreciated.
Assets in the course of construction, and not depreciated, amount to £5,490,000 (2018: £3,961,000). £1,242,000 (2018: £785,000) of these are included in
moulding tools, £1,458,000 (2018: £1,859,000) is included in plant and equipment and vehicles, £2,502,000 (2018: £874,000) is included in freehold land and
buildings, and £288,000 (2018: £443,000) is included in fixtures and fittings above.
An impairment of £8,000 (2018: reversal of impairment of £20,000) relates to fixtures and fittings within loss making retail stores being written down to
estimated value in use. This has been charged (2018: credited) to selling costs.
Included within the reclassifications are assets with cost and net book value of £49,000 which have been reclassified from tangible computer equipment to
computer software during the year.
The Company held no property, plant and equipment at either period end.
61 Games Workshop Group PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
16. Investments in subsidiaries
Company
Shares in group undertakings – cost
Beginning of period and end of period
Investments in group undertakings are stated at cost less any provision for impairment.
A list of subsidiary undertakings is given below.
Interests in group undertakings
2019
£000
2018
£000
30,584
30,584
Name of undertaking
Games Workshop Limited
Games Workshop Retail Inc.
Games Workshop (Queen
Street) Limited
EURL Games Workshop
Games Workshop SL
Games Workshop Oz Pty
Limited
Games Workshop Deutschland
GmbH
Games Workshop Limited
Games Workshop Italia SRL
Games Workshop
International Limited
Games Workshop US Limited
Games Workshop US
(Holdings) Limited
Games Workshop Good Hobby
(Shanghai) Commercial Co. Ltd
Games Workshop Trustee
Limited
Games Workshop Stockholm
AB
Games Workshop Hong Kong
Limited
Games Workshop Hobby Pte.
Limited
Games Workshop Malaysia
Sdn. Bhd.
Games Workshop Interactive
Limited
Warhammer Online Limited
Citadel Miniatures Limited
Registered address of undertaking
Willow Road, Lenton, Nottingham,
NG7 2WS, UK
6211 East Holmes Road, Memphis,
Tennessee, 38141, USA
3251 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario,
Proportion of nominal
value of issued shares
held by:
Description of
shares held
£1 ordinary
Company
100%
Subsidiary
company
$1 common
stock
Can $1
100%
100%
Principal business activity
Manufacturer, distributor and
retailer of games and miniatures
Distributor and retailer of games
and miniatures
Retailer of games and miniatures
M4N 2L5, Canada
10, Rue Joseph Serlin, Lyon, 69001, France
Aragón 208-210, planta4 puerta 1 08011
Barcelona, España
23 Liverpool Street, Ingleburn,
New South Wales 2565, Australia
Am Wehrhahn 32, 40211 Düsseldorf,
Deutschland
80 Queen Street, Auckland, 1010,
New Zealand
Viale Castro Pretorio 122, 00185 Roma,
Italia
Willow Road, Lenton, Nottingham,
NG7 2WS, UK
Willow Road, Lenton, Nottingham,
NG7 2WS, UK
Willow Road, Lenton, Nottingham,
NG7 2WS, UK
153-155 Xujiahui Road, Huangpu Area,
Shanghai, 200021, China
Willow Road, Lenton, Nottingham,
NG7 2WS, UK
Master Samulesgatan 67, Stockholm 11121,
Sweden
3806 Central Plaza, 18 Harbour Road,
Wanchai, Hong Kong
55 Tiong Bahru Road, #01-47, Tiong Bahru
Estate, 160055, Singapore
Level 10 Menara LGB, 1 Jalan Wan Kadir,
Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia
Willow Road, Lenton, Nottingham,
NG7 2WS, UK
Willow Road, Lenton, Nottingham,
NG7 2WS, UK
Willow Road, Lenton, Nottingham,
NG7 2WS, UK
euro 1
euro 1
Aus $1
euro 1
NZ $1
euro 1
100%
100%
Retailer of games and miniatures
Retailer of games and miniatures
100%
100%
Distributor and retailer of games
and miniatures
Retailer of games and miniatures
100%
Retailer of games and miniatures
100%
Retailer of games and miniatures
£1 ordinary
100%
£1 ordinary
£1 ordinary
Owners capital
£1 ordinary
100%
Holding company for overseas
subsidiary companies
100% Holding company for US subsidiary
companies
Intermediary holding company for
US subsidiary companies
Distributor and retailer of games
and miniatures
Trustee
100%
100%
SEK 100
100%
Retailer of games and miniatures
HK $1 ordinary
SG $1 ordinary
MYR 1 ordinary
100%
100%
100%
Distributor and retailer of games
and miniatures
Distributor and retailer of games
and miniatures
Distributor and retailer of games
and miniatures
£1 ordinary
100%
£1 ordinary
100%
£1 ordinary
100%
Dormant
Dormant
Dormant
All of the above entities are included in the consolidated financial statements for the Group and 100% of the voting rights of all entities is held.
All of the above companies operate principally in their country of incorporation or registration.
The directors consider the value of the investments is supported by the underlying assets of the relevant subsidiary.
62 Games Workshop Group PLC
17. Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when the
deferred taxes relate to the same fiscal authority. The amounts are as follows:
Deferred tax assets:
- deferred tax asset to be recovered after more than 12 months
- deferred tax asset to be recovered within 12 months
The gross movement on the deferred tax account is as follows:
Beginning of period
Credited/(charged) to the income statement
Charged to opening retained earnings
Credited directly to equity
Exchange differences
End of period
Analysis of the movement in deferred tax assets and liabilities is as follows:
Group
Company
2019
£000
6,442
2,140
8,582
Restated
2018
£000
1,961
3,743
5,704
2019
£000
1
-
1
Group
Company
2019
£000
5,704
2,618
-
224
36
8,582
Restated
2018
£000
5,399
219
(907)
1,050
(57)
5,704
2019
£000
1
-
-
-
-
1
2018
£000
1
-
1
2018
£000
29
(28)
-
-
-
1
Group
At 28 May 2017 and 29 May 2017
Credited/(charged) to the income statement
Charged to opening retained earnings
Credited directly to equity
Exchange differences
At 3 June 2018 and 4 June 2018
(Charged)/credited to the income statement
Credited directly to equity
Exchange differences
At 2 June 2019
Accelerated
depreciation
£000
Profit
in stock
£000
Losses available
for offset
£000
Restated
Other
£000
Restated
Total
£000
1,697
162
-
-
(5)
1,854
(340)
-
(5)
1,509
1,475
587
-
-
-
2,062
1,896
-
-
3,958
934
(561)
-
-
(45)
328
27
-
(15)
340
1,293
31
(907)
1,050
(7)
1,460
1,035
224
56
2,775
5,399
219
(907)
1,050
(57)
5,704
2,618
224
36
8,582
Other deferred tax assets include deferred tax on adjustments for inventory provisions of £497,000 (2018: £330,000), tax relief on exercise of share options
of £1,656,000 (2018: £1,374,000) and tax relief on intangible assets of £153,000 (2018: £173,000), being net of a deferred tax liability arising on the
restatement for IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from contracts with customers’ of £nil (2018: £855,000).
Deferred tax assets are recognised in respect of tax losses and temporary differences to the extent that the realisation of the related tax benefit through
future taxable profits is probable. This is based on a review of the track record of profitability in the country concerned. There was no unrecognised
deferred tax at 2 June 2019 or 3 June 2018 in either the Group or the Company.
The Group did not obtain a current tax benefit from previously unrecognised tax losses in either of the periods presented.
Company
At 28 May 2017 and 29 May 2017
Charged to the income statement
At 3 June 2018
Charged to the income statement
At 2 June 2019
18. Inventories
Group
Raw materials
Work in progress
Finished goods and goods for resale
Accelerated
depreciation
£000
1
-
1
-
1
Other
£000
28
(28)
-
-
-
2019
£000
807
949
22,436
24,192
Total
£000
29
(28)
1
-
1
2018
£000
425
873
18,861
20,159
The Group holds no inventories at fair value less costs to sell.
During the period, the Group utilised an inventory provision of £5,257,000 (2018: £1,606,000) and £5,770,000 (2018: £3,960,000) has been charged to the
income statement.
The Company holds no inventories at either period end.
63 Games Workshop Group PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
19. Trade and other receivables
Trade receivables
Less allowance for expected credit losses
Trade receivables – net
Prepayments and accrued income
Other receivables
Receivables from group companies
Loans to group companies
Total trade and other receivables
Non-current receivables:
Prepayments and accrued income
Other receivables
Loans to group companies
Non-current portion
Current portion
Group
Company
2019
£000
6,650
(204)
6,446
8,428
7,007
-
-
21,881
50
3,035
-
3,085
18,796
Restated
2018
£000
5,702
(98)
5,604
9,224
2,750
-
-
17,578
732
1,344
-
2,076
15,502
2019
£000
-
-
-
65
-
2,563
3,958
6,586
-
-
3,958
3,958
2,628
2018
£000
-
-
-
35
-
1,471
3,954
5,460
-
-
3,954
3,954
1,506
Included within prepayments and accrued income are contract assets relating to uninvoiced royalty income amounting to £822,000 (2018: £2,855,000). The
effective interest rate on non-current loans to related parties is charged at LIBOR plus 1% in both periods. All non-current receivables are due within five
years of the balance sheet date.
Trade receivables are recorded at amortised cost, less allowance for expected credit losses. The fair value of trade and other receivables does not differ
materially from the book value. There is no significant concentration of credit risk with respect to trade receivables as the Group has a large number of
customers which are internationally dispersed. The maximum exposure to credit risk at the balance sheet date is the carrying value of each class of asset
above. The Group does not hold any collateral over these balances.
Loss allowances are established using the IFRS 9 simplified approach to expected credit losses. A lifetime loss allowance is calculated based on historical
credit losses and is applied to trade receivables held across the Group. The ageing analysis of the Group’s past due trade receivables is as follows:
Group
Up to 3 months past due
3 to 12 months past due
Over 12 months past due
Gross value
£000
1,196
162
30
1,388
2019
Loss allowance
£000
(8)
(157)
(30)
(195)
Net
£000
1,188
5
-
1,193
Gross value
£000
695
85
15
795
2018
Loss allowance
£000
(2)
(81)
(15)
(98)
In addition to the above there is a loss allowance of £9,000 against current debt (2018: £nil).
Loss allowance against trade receivables
Movements on the loss allowance against trade receivables are as follows:
Group
At 28 May 2017 and 29 May 2017 (as restated)
Charge for the period
Exchange differences
Receivables written off during the period as uncollectible
At 3 June 2018 and 4 June 2018 (as restated)
Charge for the period
Exchange differences
Receivables written off during the period as uncollectible
At 2 June 2019
Net
£000
693
4
-
697
£000
179
123
(3)
(201)
98
227
14
(135)
204
Prior period amounts have been restated to remove credit note provisions from loss allowances above. The impact at 28 May 2017 is a reduction in the loss
allowance of £166,000, and at 3 June 2018 a reduction in the loss allowance of £287,000.
The carrying amounts of the Group’s trade and other receivables are denominated in the following currencies:
Sterling
Euro
US dollar
Other currencies
Total trade and other receivables
64 Games Workshop Group PLC
2019
£000
9,211
4,160
5,479
3,031
21,881
Restated
2018
£000
7,047
2,589
5,710
2,232
17,578
20. Cash and cash equivalents
Cash at bank and in hand
Short term bank deposits
Cash and cash equivalents
The Group’s cash and cash equivalents are repayable on demand.
There were no utilised borrowing facilities at 2 June 2019 or 3 June 2018.
Group
Company
2019
£000
29,371
-
29,371
2018
£000
28,335
210
28,545
2019
£000
521
-
521
2018
£000
2,289
-
2,289
21. Financial risk factors
The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: market risk (including foreign currency risk and interest rate risk), liquidity risk, capital risk and
credit risk. The Group’s financial risk management objective is to understand the nature and impact of the financial risks and exposures facing the business.
Foreign currency risk
The majority of the Group’s business is transacted in sterling, euros and US dollars. The principal currency of the Group is sterling.
The Group is exposed to foreign exchange risk principally via:
-
-
-
transactional exposure arising from the future sales and purchases that are denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the
transacting company.
translation exposure arising on investments in foreign operations, where the net assets are denominated in a currency other than sterling.
loans to non-UK subsidiaries.
The Group does not use foreign currency borrowings or forward foreign currency contracts to hedge foreign currency risk. The level of the Group’s exposure
to foreign currency risk is regularly reviewed by the Group’s finance director and the Group’s treasury policies, including hedging policies, are reviewed to
ensure they remain appropriate.
Foreign exchange sensitivity
The impact on the Group’s financial assets and liabilities from foreign currency volatility is shown in the sensitivity analysis below.
The sensitivity analysis has been prepared based on all material financial assets and liabilities held at the balance sheet date and does not reflect all the
changes in revenue or expenses that may result from changing exchange rates. The analysis is prepared for the euro and US dollar given that these represent
the major foreign currencies in which financial assets and liabilities are denominated. The sensitivities shown act as a reasonable benchmark considering the
movements in currencies over the last two financial periods.
The following assumptions were made in calculating the sensitivity analysis:
-
financial assets and liabilities (including financial instruments) are only considered sensitive to movements in foreign currency exchange rates where
they are not in the functional currency of the entity that holds them.
translation of results of overseas subsidiaries is excluded.
-
Using the above assumptions, the following table shows the sensitivity of the Group’s income statement to movements in foreign exchange rates on US
dollar and euro financial assets and liabilities:
15% appreciation of the US dollar (2018: 15%)
15% appreciation of the euro (2018: 15%)
A depreciation of the stated currencies would have an equal and opposite effect.
There is no impact on equity gains or losses.
2019
Income gain
£000
1,914
769
Restated
2018
Income gain
£000
1,166
31
Interest rate risk
The Group no longer has a significant exposure to interest rate risk and hence no interest rate sensitivity has been shown.
Credit risk
Credit risk arises from cash and cash equivalents and deposits with banks and financial institutions as well as credit exposures to independent retailers.
The Group controls credit risk from a treasury perspective by only entering into transactions involving financial instruments with authorised counter-parties
with a credit rating of at least ‘A’, and by ensuring that such positions are monitored regularly. Credit risk on cash and short term deposits is limited because
the counter-parties are banks with high credit ratings assigned by international credit rating agencies.
There is no significant concentration of credit risk with respect to trade receivables, as the Group has a large number of customers that are internationally
dispersed. Policies are also in place to ensure the wholesale sales of products are made to customers with an appropriate credit history and credit limits are
periodically reviewed. Amounts recoverable from customers are reviewed on an ongoing basis and appropriate provision made for bad and doubtful debts
(note 19). Provision requirements are determined with reference to ageing of invoices, credit history and other available information.
Sales made through our own retail stores or our global web stores are made in cash or with major credit cards.
65 Games Workshop Group PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
21. Financial risk factors continued
Capital risk
The capital structure of the Group consists of net funds (see note 29) and owners’ equity (see notes 25 to 27). The Group manages its capital to safeguard
the ability to operate as a going concern and to optimise returns to shareholders. The Group’s objective is not to use long term debt to finance the business.
Overdraft facilities will be used to finance the working capital cycle if required.
The Group manages its capital structure and makes adjustments to it in light of changes to economic conditions and its strategic objectives. To maintain or
adjust the capital structure, the Group may adjust the dividend payment to shareholders, buy back shares and cancel them or issue new shares. The Group
uses return on capital employed to assess capital asset performance.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity is managed by maintaining sufficient cash balances to meet working capital needs.
Cash flow requirements are monitored by short and long term rolling forecasts both within the local operating units and for the overall group. In addition,
the Group’s liquidity management policy involves projecting cash flows in the major currencies and considers the level of liquid assets necessary to meet
these, monitoring working capital levels and liquidity ratios.
The undiscounted contractual cash flows of the Group’s financial liabilities, including interest charges where applicable, are shown below. All trade payables
are contractually due within 12 months and therefore the fair values do not differ from their carrying values.
Group
Trade and other payables
Provisions for property
Company
Trade and other payables
Financial instruments by category
Financial assets as per balance sheet
Trade receivables
Accrued income
Other receivables
Receivables from group companies
Loans to group companies
Cash and cash equivalents
Total
2019
Between
1 and 2
years
£000
-
38
38
Between
2 and 5
years
£000
-
41
41
Within
1 year
£000
13,127
230
13,357
More
than
5 years
£000
-
-
-
2018
Between
1 and 2
years
£000
-
20
20
Within
1 year
£000
17,744
430
18,174
Group
Loans and receivables
Restated
2018
£000
2019
£000
6,446
822
7,007
-
-
29,371
43,646
5,604
2,855
2,750
-
-
28,545
39,754
Group
Financial liabilities as per balance sheet
Trade payables
Other payables
Accruals
Payables to group companies
Total
amortised cost
2019
£000
7,098
2,718
3,312
-
13,128
2018
£000
9,129
5,095
3,520
-
17,744
Financial liabilities at
Between
2 and 5
years
£000
-
10
10
Within
1 year
2019
£000
353
More
than
5 years
£000
-
-
-
Within
1 year
2018
£000
167
Company
Loans and receivables
2019
£000
-
-
-
2,563
3,958
521
7,042
2018
£000
-
-
-
1,471
3,954
2,289
7,714
Company
Financial liabilities at
amortised cost
2019
£000
1
2
143
207
353
2018
£000
9
2
126
30
167
Deferred income balances and other taxes and social security payables have been excluded from the above as they are not financial liabilities.
66 Games Workshop Group PLC
22. Trade and other payables
Current
Trade payables
Other taxes and social security
Other payables
Accruals
Deferred income
Payables to group companies
The fair value of trade and other payables does not materially differ from the book value.
23. Other non-current liabilities
Accruals
Group
Company
2019
£000
7,098
1,159
5,802
4,184
956
-
19,199
Restated
2018
£000
9,129
1,003
5,095
4,352
719
-
20,298
2019
£000
1
96
2
143
-
207
449
Group
Company
2019
£000
1,010
2018
£000
667
2019
£000
1
2018
£000
9
28
2
126
-
30
195
2018
£000
-
The fair value of other non-current liabilities does not materially differ from the book value.
The carrying amounts of the Group’s trade and other payables and other non-current liabilities are denominated in the following currencies:
Sterling
Euro
US dollar
Other currencies
Total trade and other payables and other non-current liabilities
24. Provisions for liabilities and charges
Analysis of total provisions:
Current
Non-current
Group
At 4 June 2018
Charged/(credited) to the income statement:
-
Additional provisions
- Unused amounts reversed
Exchange differences
Utilised
At 2 June 2019
2019
£000
11,163
2,216
5,021
1,809
20,209
Restated
2018
£000
11,258
2,499
5,517
1,691
20,965
Company
2019
£000
49
1
50
Property
£000
460
308
(185)
2
(276)
309
2018
£000
-
-
-
Total
£000
1,228
1,372
(522)
5
(320)
1,763
Group
2018
£000
691
537
1,228
2019
£000
919
844
1,763
Employee
benefits
£000
768
1,064
(337)
3
(44)
1,454
The Company had an employee benefit provision of £50,000 at the year end, arising from the extension during the year of the long service incentive scheme
to 20 and 30 years of employment (2018: £nil). The fair value of provisions does not differ from the book value.
Employee benefits
The Group operates a long service incentive scheme under which employees receive a one off additional holiday entitlement of two weeks when they reach
10, 20 and 30 years of employment (Veterans scheme). The cost of this benefit is accrued over the period of employment based on expected staff retention
rates and the anticipated employment costs and are utilised once an employee reaches 10, 20 or 30 years of employment.
Property provisions
Property provisions relate to property dilapidations and to committed costs outstanding under onerous or vacant lease commitments and will diminish over
the lives of the underlying leases. The above provision is expected to be utilised by 2021. The estimated liability is discounted to its present value using a
discount rate of 0.52% (2018: 0.72%).
67 Games Workshop Group PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
25. Share capital
At 29 May 2017
Shares issued under employee sharesave scheme
At 3 June 2018
Shares issued under employee sharesave scheme
At 2 June 2019
Number of
shares
(thousands)
32,135
214
32,349
153
32,502
Called up
share
capital
£000
1,607
10
1,617
8
1,625
Retained
earnings
(note 27)
£000
10,599
972
11,571
710
12,281
During the period 153,160 ordinary shares were issued (2018: 213,996). The total authorised number of shares is 42,000,000 shares (2018: 42,000,000
shares) with a par value of 5p per share (2018: 5p per share). All issued shares are fully paid.
26. Other reserves
Group
Beginning of period
Exchange differences on
translation of foreign operations
End of period
2019
Capital
redemption
reserve
£000
101
Translation
reserve
£000
4,926
Other
reserve
£000
(1,050)
-
101
708
5,634
-
(1,050)
Capital
redemption
reserve
£000
101
2018
Translation
reserve
£000
5,279
-
101
(353)
4,926
Total
£000
3,977
708
4,685
Other
reserve
£000
(1,050)
-
(1,050)
The other reserve was created on flotation following a payment to the previous holders of the Company’s ordinary shares.
Total
equity
£000
12,206
982
13,188
718
13,906
Total
£000
4,330
(353)
3,977
As at 2 June 2019, the Company’s capital redemption reserve was £101,000 (2018: £101,000). The Company had no other reserves in addition to the capital
redemption reserve at either period end.
Restated
Group
£000
50,164
59,455
686
1,050
204
(40,602)
70,957
65,821
818
224
339
(50,277)
87,882
Company
£000
26,754
38,494
-
-
204
(40,602)
24,850
48,273
-
-
339
(50,277)
23,185
27. Retained earnings
At 28 May 2017 and 29 May 2017
Profit attributable to owners of the parent
Current tax on share options
Deferred tax on share options
Share-based payments
Dividends to Company shareholders
At 3 June 2018 and 4 June 2018
Profit attributable to owners of the parent
Current tax on share options
Deferred tax on share options
Share-based payments
Dividends to Company shareholders
At 2 June 2019
68 Games Workshop Group PLC
28. Reconciliation of profit/(loss) to net cash from operating activities
Group
Company
Operating profit/(loss)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment
Net reversal of impairment of property, plant and equipment
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment (see below)
Loss on disposal of intangible assets (see below)
Amortisation of capitalised development costs
Amortisation of other intangibles
Share-based payments
Dividend income from investments in subsidiary undertakings
Changes in working capital:
- Increase in inventories
- (Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables
- (Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables
- - Increase in provisions
Net cash from operating activities
2019
£000
81,199
8,941
8
144
188
5,341
1,608
339
-
(3,357)
(4,021)
(2,149)
535
88,776
Restated
2018
£000
74,319
6,614
(20)
40
12
4,130
1,419
204
-
(7,948)
(3,417)
6,924
55
82,332
In the cash flow statement, proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment comprise:
Net book amount
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
The Company sold no property, plant and equipment during either period.
2019
£000
(2,798)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
50,500
-
(334)
319
50
47,737
2019
£000
154
(144)
10
2018
£000
(1,844)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
40,000
-
1,504
(398)
-
39,262
2018
£000
40
(40)
-
The Group disposed of intangible assets with net book amount of £188,000 (2018: £12,000). There were no proceeds on disposal in either period and hence
a loss on disposal equivalent to the net book value was recorded.
The Company sold no other intangibles during either period.
29. Analysis of net funds
Group
Cash at bank and in hand
Net funds
Company
Cash at bank and in hand
Net funds
30. Commitments
2018
£000
28,545
28,545
2018
£000
2,289
2,289
Cash flow
£000
540
540
Cash flow
£000
(1,768)
(1,768)
Exchange
movement
£000
286
286
Exchange
movement
£000
-
-
2019
£000
29,371
29,371
2019
£000
521
521
Capital commitments
Capital expenditure contracted for at the balance sheet date but not yet incurred is as follows:
Group
Property, plant and equipment
The Company had no capital commitments at either period end.
2019
£000
2,864
2018
£000
2,665
69 Games Workshop Group PLC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continued
30. Commitments continued
Operating lease commitments
The future aggregate minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are payable as follows:
2019
2018
Group
Within 1 year
Between 1 and 5 years inclusive
In over 5 years
Retail stores
£000
8,540
13,455
622
22,617
Other
property
£000
569
1,451
-
2,020
Other
£000
63
28
-
91
Retail stores
£000
8,226
13,823
284
22,333
The Company has no operating lease commitments at either period end.
Inventory purchase commitments
Group
Finished goods
Components
Raw materials
Other
property
£000
513
1,709
-
2,222
2019
£000
2,632
1,237
562
Other
£000
73
41
-
114
2018
£000
2,587
2,625
304
The Company had no inventory purchase commitments at either period end.
Pension arrangements
The Group and Company operate defined contribution schemes. Commitments in respect of pensions are included within prepayments and accruals.
31. Contingencies
The Company provides indemnities to third parties in respect of contracts regarding their use of the Group’s intellectual property, under commercial
terms in the normal course of business.
The Company has also guaranteed the bank overdrafts of certain Group undertakings. There were no amounts outstanding under these arrangements at
either period end.
For the period ended 2 June 2019, the subsidiary companies listed below are exempt from the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to the audit
of individual financial statements by virtue of section 479A. As a result, the Company guarantees all outstanding liabilities to which the subsidiary companies
are subject.
Name of undertaking
Games Workshop Limited
Games Workshop International Limited
Games Workshop US Limited
Games Workshop US (Holdings) Limited
Country of incorporation
or registration
England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales
England and Wales
Company registration number
1467092
2924330
7462905
4428814
The Group has provided a guarantee of £79,492 to the Canada Revenue Agency in relation to the non-resident sales tax returns of Games Workshop Limited.
32. Related party transactions
During the period the Company provided management and similar services to Games Workshop Limited, a subsidiary undertaking.
Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties, have been eliminated on consolidation for the Group.
Transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries are shown below:
Subsidiary
Games Workshop Limited
Games Workshop International Limited
Nature of transaction
Recharges
Dividend receivable
Dividend receivable
2019
£000
120
48,000
2,500
2018
£000
122
35,000
5,000
70 Games Workshop Group PLC
32. Related party transactions continued
Receivables/(payables) outstanding between the Company and its subsidiaries are shown below:
Subsidiary
Games Workshop Limited
Games Workshop Retail Inc.
EURL Games Workshop
Games Workshop Hong Kong Limited
Games Workshop Oz Pty Limited
Games Workshop Deutschland GmbH
Games Workshop Italia SRL
Games Workshop (Queen Street) Limited
Games Workshop Stockholm AB
Amount owed by subsidiaries
2018
£000
1,499
-
1
-
-
2
-
-
-
1,502
2019
£000
2,549
4
2
-
-
6
2
-
-
2,563
Non-current loans outstanding between the Company and its subsidiaries are shown below:
Subsidiary
Games Workshop Interactive Limited
Less provision for impairment
Games Workshop Limited
Games Workshop Hong Kong Limited
Games Workshop Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
Amount owed to subsidiaries
2018
£000
-
(7)
-
-
(3)
-
-
(8)
(12)
(30)
2019
£000
-
-
-
(121)
(29)
-
-
(10)
(47)
(207)
Amount owed by subsidiaries
2018
£000
6,779
(6,779)
3,900
52
2
3,954
2019
£000
6,779
(6,779)
3,900
56
2
3,958
71 Games Workshop Group PLC
FIVE YEAR SUMMARY
Revenue
Operating profit – pre-exceptional items and royalties receivable
Exceptional items
Royalties receivable
Operating profit
Finance income
Finance costs
Profit before taxation
Income tax expense
Profit attributable to owners of the parent
Basic earnings per ordinary share
Pre-exceptional earnings per ordinary share
2019
£000
256,574
69,834
-
11,365
81,199
102
(5)
81,296
(15,475)
65,821
202.9p
202.9p
Restated
2018
£000
221,304
64,702
-
9,617
74,319
90
(139)
74,270
(14,815)
59,455
184.3p
184.3p
2017
£000
158,114
30,832
-
7,491
38,323
87
(7)
38,403
(7,856)
30,547
95.1p
95.1p
2016
£000
118,069
10,921
-
5,939
16,860
93
(5)
16,948
(3,452)
13,496
42.1p
42.1p
2015
£000
119,132
14,937
42
1,498
16,477
109
(1)
16,585
(4,328)
12,257
38.3p
38.2p
FINANCIAL CALENDAR
Annual general meeting
Announcement of half year results
Financial year end
Announcement of final results
18 September 2019
January 2020
31 May 2020
July 2020
72 Games Workshop Group PLC
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Notice is hereby given that the annual general meeting of Games Workshop Group PLC (the ‘Company’) will be held at the
Company's registered office, Willow Road, Lenton, Nottingham, NG7 2WS at 10am on 18 September 2019 for the following
purposes:
Ordinary business
As ordinary business to consider and, if thought fit, to pass the following resolutions 1 to 13 as ordinary resolutions:
Resolution 1
To receive the Company's annual financial statements for the year ended 2 June 2019 together with the directors' report, the
remuneration report and the independent auditors’ report on those financial statements, the auditable part of the remuneration
report and the directors’ report.
Resolution 2
To re-elect K D Rountree as a director.
Resolution 3
To re-elect R F Tongue as a director.
Resolution 4
To re-elect N J Donaldson as a director.
Resolution 5
To re-elect E O’Donnell as a director.
Resolution 6
To re-elect J R A Brewis as a director.
Resolution 7
To elect K E Marsh as a director.
Resolution 8
To re-appoint PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as independent auditors to hold office until the conclusion of the next general meeting
at which financial statements are laid by the Company.
Resolution 9
To authorise the directors to fix the auditors’ remuneration.
Resolution 10
To approve the remuneration report (excluding the directors’ remuneration policy set out on pages 29 to 33 for the year ended 2 June
2019).
Special business
To consider and, if thought fit, pass the following resolutions, of which resolution 11 will be proposed as an ordinary resolution and
resolutions 12 and 13 will be proposed as special resolutions.
Resolution 11
That the directors of the Company be generally and unconditionally authorised in accordance with section 551 of the Companies Act
2006 (the ‘Act’) to exercise all the powers of the Company to allot Relevant Securities (as defined below) up to an aggregate nominal
amount of £536,294 provided that this authority shall, unless renewed, varied or revoked by the Company, expire on 17 December
2020 or, if earlier, the date of the next annual general meeting of the Company save that the Company may, before such expiry,
make offers or agreements which would or might require Relevant Securities to be allotted and the directors may allot Relevant
Securities in pursuance of such offer or agreement notwithstanding that the authority conferred by this resolution has expired. This
resolution revokes and replaces all unexercised authorities previously granted to the directors to allot Relevant Securities but without
prejudice to any allotment of shares or grant of rights already made, offered or agreed to be made pursuant to such authorities.
Relevant Securities means: (i) shares in the Company other than shares allotted pursuant to an employee share scheme (as defined
by section 1166 of the Act), a right to subscribe for shares in the Company where the grant of the right itself constituted a Relevant
Security or a right to convert securities into shares in the Company where the grant of the right itself constituted a Relevant Security;
(ii) any right to subscribe for or to convert any security into shares in the Company other than rights to subscribe for or convert any
security into shares allotted pursuant to an employee share scheme (as defined by section 1166 of the Act). References to the
allotment of Relevant Securities in this resolution include the grant of such rights.
73 Games Workshop Group PLC
Resolution 12
That subject to the passing of resolution 11 above, the directors of the Company be given the general power pursuant to sections 570
to 573 of the Companies Act 2006 (the ‘Act’) to allot or make offers or agreements to allot equity securities for cash, either pursuant
to the authority conferred by resolution 11 above or by way of a sale of treasury shares, as if section 561(1) of the Act did not apply
to any such allotment, provided that this power shall be limited to:
(a)
(b)
the allotment of equity securities in connection with a rights issue so that for this purpose ‘rights issue’ means an offer of
equity securities open for acceptance for a period fixed by the directors to holders of equity securities on the register on a
fixed record date in proportion (as nearly as may be) to their respective holdings of such securities or in accordance with
rights attached thereto but subject to such exclusions or other arrangements as the directors consider necessary or expedient
in relation to treasury shares, fractional entitlements or any legal or practical problems under the laws of, or the
requirements of any recognised regulatory body or any stock exchange in any territory; and
the allotment of equity securities up to an aggregate nominal amount of £81,256.
The power granted by this resolution will expire on 17 December 2020 or, if earlier, the conclusion of the Company's next annual
general meeting (unless renewed, varied or revoked by the Company prior to or on such date) save that the Company may, before
such expiry make offers or agreements which would or might require equity securities to be allotted after such expiry and the
directors may allot equity securities in pursuance of any such offer or agreement notwithstanding that the power conferred by this
resolution has expired. This resolution revokes and replaces all unexercised powers previously granted to the directors to allot equity
securities as if either section 89(1) of the Companies Act 1985 or section 561(1) of the Act did not apply but without prejudice to any
allotment of equity securities already made or agreed to be made pursuant to such authorities. For the purposes of this resolution
the expression ‘equity securities’ and references to ‘allotment of equity securities’ respectively have the meanings given to them in
section 560 of the Act.
Resolution 13
That the Company be and is hereby granted general and unconditional authority for the purposes of section 701 of the Companies Act
2006 (the ‘Act’) to make market purchases (within the meaning of section 693(4) of the Act) of ordinary shares of 5p each in the capital
of the Company (‘ordinary shares’) on such terms and in such manner as the directors may from time to time determine provided that:
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
the authority hereby conferred shall expire at the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of the Company or on 17
December 2020 whichever is the earlier;
the maximum aggregate number of ordinary shares that may be purchased is 3,250,271;
the minimum price (excluding expenses) which may be paid for an ordinary share is 5p;
the maximum price (excluding expenses) which may be paid for an ordinary share is the higher of: (i) an amount equal to 105
per cent of the average market value of an ordinary share in the Company for the five business days prior to the day on which
the purchase is made; and (ii) the value of an ordinary share calculated on the basis of the higher of the price quoted for: (a)
the last independent trade of; and (b) the highest current independent bid for, any number of the Company’s ordinary shares
on the trading venue where the purchase is carried out; and
the Company may make a contract to purchase ordinary shares under the authority hereby conferred prior to the expiry of
such authority which will or may be executed wholly or partly after the expiry of such authority, and may make a purchase of
ordinary shares in pursuance of any such contract.
By order of the board
R F Tongue
Company secretary
29 July 2019
Registered office:
Willow Road, Lenton
Nottingham
NG7 2WS
Registered in England and Wales under number 2670969
74 Games Workshop Group PLC
Notes
1. Only those members registered on the Company's register of members at 6.30 pm on 16 September 2019 or, if this meeting is adjourned, at
2.
6.30pm on the day two days prior to the adjourned meeting, shall be entitled to attend and vote at the meeting.
If you are a member of the Company at the time set out in note 1 above, you are entitled to appoint a proxy to exercise all or any of your rights to
attend, speak and vote at the meeting and you should have received a proxy form with this document. You can only appoint a proxy using the
procedures set out in these notes and the notes to the proxy form.
3. A proxy does not need to be a member of the Company but must attend the meeting to represent you. Details of how to appoint the chairman of
the meeting or another person as your proxy using the proxy form are set out in the notes to the proxy form. If you wish your proxy to speak on
your behalf at the meeting you will need to appoint your own choice of proxy (not the chairman) and give your instructions directly to them.
4. You may appoint more than one proxy provided each proxy is appointed to exercise rights attached to different shares. You may not appoint more
than one proxy to exercise rights attached to any one share. Details of how to appoint more than one proxy are set out in the notes to the proxy
form.
5. The notes to the proxy form explain how to direct your proxy how to vote on each resolution or withhold their vote. A vote withheld is not a vote in
law, which means that the vote will not be counted in the calculation of votes for or against the resolution. If no voting indication is given, your
proxy will vote or abstain from voting at his or her discretion. Your proxy will vote (or abstain from voting) as he or she thinks fit in relation to any
other matter which is put before the meeting.
6. To appoint a proxy using the proxy form, the form must be completed and signed and sent or delivered to the Company's registrars, Equiniti
Limited, at Aspect House, Spencer Road, Lancing, BN99 6DA so as to be received no later than 48 hours before the time fixed for holding the
meeting. Any power of attorney or any other authority under which the proxy form is signed (or a duly certified copy of such power or authority)
must be included with the proxy form. In the case of a member which is a company, the proxy form must be executed under its common seal or
signed on its behalf by an officer of the Company or an attorney for the Company.
In the case of joint holders, where more than one of the joint holders purports to appoint a proxy, only the appointment submitted by the most
senior holder will be accepted. Seniority is determined by the order in which the names of the joint holders appear in the Company's register of
members in respect of the joint holding (the first-named being the most senior).
7.
9.
8. To change your proxy instructions simply submit a new proxy appointment using the methods set out above. The cut-off time for receipt of proxy
appointments (see above) also applies in relation to amended instructions; any amended proxy appointment received after the relevant cut-off
time will be disregarded. If you submit more than one valid proxy appointment, the appointment received last before the latest time for the receipt
of proxies will take precedence.
In order to revoke a proxy instruction you will need to inform the Company by sending a signed hard copy notice clearly stating your intention to
revoke your proxy appointment to the Company's registrars, Equiniti Limited, at Aspect House, Spencer Road, Lancing, BN99 6DA. In the case of a
member which is a company, the revocation notice must be executed under its common seal or signed on its behalf by an officer of the Company or
an attorney for the Company. Any power of attorney or any other authority under which the revocation notice is signed (or a duly certified copy of
such power or authority) must be included with the revocation notice. The revocation notice must be received by the Company's registrars, Equiniti
Limited, at Aspect House, Spencer Road, Lancing, BN99 6DA no later than the time fixed for holding the meeting. If you attempt to revoke your
proxy appointment but the revocation is received after the time specified then, subject to the paragraph directly below, your proxy appointment
will remain valid.
10. Appointment of a proxy does not preclude you from attending the meeting and voting in person.
11. A corporation which is a member can appoint one or more corporate representatives who may exercise, on its behalf, all its powers as a member
provided that no more than one corporate representative exercises powers over the same share.
12. As at 29 July 2019 (being the last practical date prior to the publication of this notice), the Company's issued share capital comprised 32,502,716
ordinary shares of 5 pence each. Each ordinary share carries the right to one vote at a general meeting of the Company and, therefore, the total
number of voting rights in the Company as at 29 July 2019 is 32,502,716. The website referred to in note 21 will include information on the number
of shares and voting rights.
13. If you are a person who has been nominated under section 146 of the Companies Act 2006 to enjoy information rights (a 'Nominated Person') you
may have a right under an agreement between you and the member of the Company who has nominated you (a 'Relevant Member') to have
information rights to be appointed or to have someone else appointed as a proxy for the meeting. If you either do not have such a right or if you
have such a right but do not wish to exercise it, you may have a right under an agreement between you and the Relevant Member to give
instructions to the Relevant Member as to the exercise of voting rights. Your main point of contact in terms of your investment in the Company
remains the Relevant Member (or, perhaps, your custodian or broker) and you should continue to contact them (and not the Company) regarding
any changes or queries relating to your personal details and your interest in the Company (including any administrative matters). The only
exception to this is where the Company expressly requests a response from you.
14. You may not use any electronic address provided either in this notice of annual general meeting or any related documents (including the proxy
form), to communicate with the Company for any purposes other than those expressly stated.
15. Under section 338 of the Companies Act 2006, a member or members meeting the qualification criteria set out at note 18 below, may, subject to
conditions, require the Company to give to members notice of a resolution which may properly be moved and is intended to be moved at that
meeting. The conditions are that: (a) the resolution must not, if passed, be ineffective (whether by reason of inconsistency with any enactment or
the Company’s constitution or otherwise); (b) the resolution must not be defamatory of any person, frivolous or vexatious; (c) the request may be
in hard copy form or in electronic form (see note 19 below), must identify the resolution of which notice is to be given by either setting out the
resolution in full or, if supporting a resolution sent by another member, clearly identifying the resolution which is being supported, must be
authenticated by the person or persons making it (see note 19 below); and must be received by the Company not later than 6 weeks before the
meeting to which the request relates.
16. Under section 338A of the Companies Act 2006, a member or members meeting the qualification criteria set out at note 18 below, may, subject to
conditions, require the Company to include in the business to be dealt with at the meeting a matter (other than a proposed resolution) which may
properly be included in the business (a matter of business). The conditions are that: (a) the matter of business must not be defamatory of any
person, frivolous or vexatious, (b) the request may be in hard copy form or in electronic form (see note 19 below), must identify the matter of
business by setting it out in full or, if supporting a statement sent by another member, clearly identify the matter of business which is being
supported, must be accompanied by a statement setting out the grounds for the request, must be authenticated by the persons or person making it
(see note 19 below) and must be received by the Company not later than 6 weeks before the meeting to which the request relates.
75 Games Workshop Group PLC
Notes continued
17. Pursuant to Chapter 5 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 (sections 527 to 531), where requested by a member or members meeting the
qualification criteria set out at note 18 below, the Company must publish on its website, a statement setting out any matter that such members
propose to raise at the meeting relating to the audit of the Company’s financial statements (including the auditors’ report and the conduct of the
audit) that are to be laid before the meeting. Where the Company is required to publish such a statement on its website, it may not require the
members making the request to pay any expenses incurred by the Company in complying with the request, it must forward the statement to the
Company’s auditors no later than the time the statement is made available on the Company’s website, and the statement may be dealt with as part
of the business of the meeting. The request may be in hard copy form or in electronic form (see note 19 below), either set out the statement in full,
or if supporting a statement sent by another member, clearly identify the statement which is being supported, must be authenticated by the person
or persons making it (see note 19 below), and be received by the Company at least one week before the meeting.
18. In order to be able to exercise the members’ right to require circulation of a resolution to be proposed at the meeting (see note 15); a matter of
business to be dealt with at the meeting (see note 16) or the Company to publish audit concerns (see note 17), the relevant request must be made
by a member or members having a right to vote at the meeting and holding at least 5% of total voting rights of the Company, or at least 100
members having a right to vote at the meeting and holding, on average, at least £100 of paid up share capital. For information on voting rights,
including the total number of voting rights, see note 12 above and the website referred to in note 21.
19. Where a member or members wishes to request the Company to circulate a resolution to be proposed at the meeting (see note 15), include a
matter of business to be dealt with at the meeting (see note 16) or publish audit concerns (see note 17) such request must be made in accordance
with one of the following ways: (a) a hard copy request which is signed by you, which states your full name and address and is sent to Rachel
Tongue, Games Workshop Group PLC, Willow Road, Lenton, Nottingham NG7 2WS; or (b) a request which states your full name and address, and is
sent to rachel.tongue@gwplc.com. Please state ‘AGM’ in the subject line of the e-mail.
20. Under section 319A of the Companies Act 2006 the Company must answer any question you ask relating to the business being dealt with at the
meeting unless answering the question would interfere unduly with the preparation for the meeting or involve the disclosure of confidential
information, the answer has already been given on a website in the form of an answer to a question or it is undesirable in the interests of the
Company or the good order of the meeting that the question be answered.
21. Information regarding the meeting, including the information required by section 311A of the Companies Act 2006, is available from
http://investor.games-workshop.com.
22. The following documents will be available for inspection for at least 15 minutes prior to the meeting and during the meeting: (a) copies of the
service contracts of executive directors of the Company and (b) copies of the service agreements of the independent directors of the Company.
23. CREST members who wish to appoint a proxy or proxies by utilising the CREST electronic proxy appointment service may do so by utilising the
procedures described in the CREST Manual on the Euroclear website (www.euroclear.com). CREST personal members or other CREST sponsored
members, and those CREST members who have appointed a voting service provider(s), should refer to their CREST sponsor or voting service
provider(s), who will be able to take the appropriate action on their behalf. In order for a proxy appointment made by means of CREST to be valid,
the appropriate CREST message (a ‘CREST Proxy Instruction’) must be properly authenticated in accordance with Euroclear UK & Ireland Limited's
(‘EUI’) specifications and must contain the information required for such instructions, as described in the CREST Manual. The message, regardless of
whether it constitutes the appointment of a proxy or an amendment to the instruction given to a previously appointed proxy, must (in order to be
valid) be transmitted so as to be received by the issuer's agent (ID RA19) by the latest time(s) for receipt of proxy appointments specified in the
notice of meeting. For this purpose, the time of receipt will be taken to be the time (as determined by the timestamp applied to the message by the
CREST Applications Host) from which the issuer's agent is able to retrieve the message by enquiry to CREST in the manner prescribed by CREST. The
Company may treat as invalid a CREST Proxy Instruction in the circumstances set out in Regulation 35(5)(a) of the Uncertificated Securities
Regulations 2001. CREST members and, where applicable, their CREST sponsors or voting service providers should note that EUI does not make
available special procedures in CREST for any particular messages. Normal system timings and limitations will therefore apply in relation to the
input of CREST Proxy Instructions. It is the responsibility of the CREST member concerned to take (or, if the CREST member is a CREST personal
member or sponsored member or has appointed a voting service provider(s), to procure that his CREST sponsor or voting service provider(s)
take(s)) such action as shall be necessary to ensure that a message is transmitted by means of the CREST system by any particular time. In this
connection, CREST members and, where applicable, their CREST sponsors or voting service providers are referred, in particular, to those sections of
the CREST Manual concerning practical limitations of the CREST system and timings.
24. As an alternative to completing a hard copy proxy form, a shareholder can appoint a proxy or proxies electronically by visiting
www.sharevote.co.uk. Shareholders will need their voting ID, task ID and shareholder reference number (this is the series of numbers printed under
their name on the proxy form). Alternatively, if a shareholder has already registered with Equiniti Limited’s online portfolio service, Shareview, they
can submit a proxy form at www.shareview.co.uk. Full instructions are given on both websites. To be valid, your proxy appointment(s) and
instructions should reach Equiniti Limited no later than 48 hours before the time fixed to hold the meeting. Any electronic communication sent by a
shareholder to the Company or the registrar that is found to contain a computer virus will not be accepted.
Explanatory notes to the notice of annual general meeting
Resolution 1 – Financial statements
This is a standard resolution common to all annual general meetings.
Resolutions 2 to 7 – Election and re-election of directors
The following directors will stand for election/re-election in accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code and the Company’s articles of association:
K D Rountree
R F Tongue
N J Donaldson
E O’Donnell
J R A Brewis
K E Marsh
Each of the above directors has indicated their willingness to offer themselves for election/re-election. The board, having considered the mix of skills,
knowledge and experience of the directors confirms that each director continues to perform their duties effectively, showing integrity and high ethical
standards whilst maintaining sound, independent judgement in respect of all decisions taken at board level.
Biographical details for each of the directors can be found on pages 15 and 16 of the 2019 annual report.
76 Games Workshop Group PLC
Resolutions 8 and 9 – Re-appointment of auditors and auditors’ remuneration
The Company is required to appoint an auditor at each meeting at which financial statements are presented and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP have
indicated their willingness to continue in office. Accordingly, resolutions 8 and 9, subject to the approval of the shareholders of the Company, re-appoints
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as auditors of the Company and authorises the directors to determine the remuneration of the auditors.
Resolution 10 – Directors’ remuneration
Shareholders will be requested to approve the directors’ remuneration report (excluding the directors’ remuneration policy) for the financial year ended 2
June 2019.
Resolution 11 – Directors’ power to allot relevant securities
Generally, the directors may only allot shares in the Company (or grant rights to subscribe for, or to convert any security into, shares in the Company) if they
have been authorised to do so by shareholders.
In line with guidance issued by the Investment Association, if passed, resolution 10 will authorise the directors to allot ordinary shares in the Company (and
to grant rights to subscribe for, or to convert any security into, ordinary shares in the Company) in connection with a rights issue only up to an aggregate
nominal amount of £536,294 (as reduced by the aggregate nominal amount of any shares allotted or rights granted under resolution 12). This amount
(before any reduction) represents approximately 33% of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company as at 29 July 2019, being the last practicable date
before the publication of this document. The directors intend to follow emerging best practice as regards the use of this authority, including as to the
requirement for directors to stand for re-election.
If given, this authority will expire at the conclusion of the Company’s next annual general meeting or 15 months from the passing of the resolution
(whichever is earlier). It is the directors’ intention to renew the allotment authority each year.
The directors have no current intention to exercise either of the authorities sought under resolution 11. However, the directors consider that it is in the best
interests of the Company to have the authorities available so that they have the maximum flexibility permitted by institutional shareholder guidelines to
allot shares or grant rights without the need for a general meeting should they determine that it is appropriate to do so to respond to market developments
or to take advantage of business opportunities as they arise.
Resolution 12 – Disapplication of pre-emption rights on equity issues for cash
Resolution 12, if passed, would enable the directors to allot shares for cash on a non pre-emptive basis in limited circumstances. It is proposed to authorise
the directors to issue shares for cash up to an aggregate nominal amount of £81,256 (which represents approximately 5% of the Company’s issued share
capital as at 29 July 2019), without having to first offer them to shareholders in proportion to their existing holdings. In addition, in accordance with normal
practice, the resolution would enable the board to deal with overseas shareholders and fractional entitlements as it thinks fit in the context of any rights
issue or open offer.
If given, this authority will expire at the conclusion of the Company’s next annual general meeting or 15 months from the passing of the resolution
(whichever is earlier). It is the directors’ intention to renew this authority each year.
There are no present plans to exercise this authority.
Resolution 13 - Market purchase of own shares
A company may only purchase its own shares by either an off-market purchase, in pursuance of a contract approved in advance in accordance with section
694 of the Act or by a market purchase, authorised in accordance with section 701 of the Act. A ‘market purchase’ is one made through a ‘recognised
investment exchange’. Although the Act only requires an ordinary resolution, LR 12.4.7 of the Listing Rules requires the resolution to be passed as a special
resolution (the ABI also recommend that the resolution should be passed as a special resolution). This resolution 15 authorises market purchases of the
Company’s own shares to be made but only within the limitations specified. In accordance with Investment Association guidelines the maximum number of
shares purchased under this authority must not exceed 3,205,271 ordinary shares. The resolution also states the maximum price which may be paid being 5p
per ordinary shares and the maximum price being the higher of: (i) an amount equal to 105 per cent of the average market value of an ordinary share in the
Company for the five business days prior to the day on which the purchase is made; and (ii) the value of an ordinary share calculated on the basis of the
higher of the price quoted for: (a) the last independent trade of; and (b) the highest current independent bid for, any number of the Company’s ordinary
shares on the trading venue where the purchase is carried out.
As recommended by the Investment Association the Company renews this authority on an annual basis at each annual general meeting.
The directors have no current intention of exercising this authority to purchase the Company’s ordinary shares. The Company will only exercise this authority
to make such a purchase in the market if the directors consider it is in the best interests of the shareholders generally to do so.
The Company is permitted to hold shares it has purchased in treasury, as an alternative to cancelling them. Shares held in treasury may subsequently be
cancelled, sold for cash or used to satisfy options exercised under any of the Company’s share schemes. Whilst held in treasury, the shares are not entitled
to receive any dividend or dividend equivalent (apart from any issue of bonus shares) and have no voting rights. The directors believe it is appropriate for
the Company to have the option to hold its own shares in treasury if, at a future date, the directors exercise this authority. The directors will have regard to
investor group guidelines which may be in force at the time of any such purchase, holding or re-sale of shares held in treasury.
If given, this authority will expire at the conclusion of the Company’s next annual general meeting or 15 months after the passing of the resolution
(whichever is earlier). It is the directors’ intention to renew this authority each year.
77 Games Workshop Group PLC