Games Workshop Group PLC on Tuesday lifted its payout after a first-half sales hike.

For the six months to November 27, the Nottingham, England-based miniature wargames maker reported revenue of £226.6 million, up 7.1% from £211.6 million a year prior.

Half-year core revenue - which excludes licensing income - topped £200 million for the first time, while core revenue increased 11% year-on-year to £212.3 million from £191.5 million.

However, pretax profit fell 5.2% to £83.6 million from £88.2 million. Operating expenses increased 6.5% on-year to £67.0 million.

Chief Executive Officer Kevin Rountree said: ‘Another rewarding and successful period for the global team, with core sales for the six months of over £200 million for the first time. We will continue to focus on making the best miniatures in the world, sign new licensing contracts with partners to exploit our IP outside of our core business and support our staff.’

During the half-year, Games Workshop declared a 165 pence dividend, up 65% from 100p a year earlier.

Adding a 130p payout declared on Tuesday, in line with its policy of ‘distributing truly surplus cash’, its year-to-date dividend stands at 295p, up from 165p.

Games Workshop declared a 65p surplus cash payout this time last year.

Looking ahead, Games Workshop said it will ‘continue to focus on making the best miniatures in the world, sign new licensing contracts with partners to exploit our IP outside of our core business and support our staff’.

Shares were down 5.5% at 8,625.00 pence each on Tuesday morning in London.

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