IN BRIEF: Character expects annual adjusted pretax profit to double
Character Group PLC - Surrey, England-based toys, games and giftware company which manufactures Peppa Pig toys - Expects annual pretax profit before tax and highlighted items to more than double from GBP1.2 million in the financial year ended August 31, 2025. That is despite revenue being expected flat, with Character citing a mix of enhancements within its product portfolio. Sales on a like-for-like basis in the four months leading up to Christmas 2025 were down 11% on-year. Further, sales in the first financial half to February 28 will be lower than a year prior, however second half sales are projected to improve, leading to annual revenue that is in line with a year ago. "Our UK, Scandinavian and international sales teams are looking forward to the upcoming international Toy Fairs in London next week and Nuremberg the following week where we shall be showcasing our broad range of products including launching several new additions and brand extensions," the firm says. It adds that it completed its share buyback programme it had announced in October 2024, under which Panmure Liberum bought back shares on behalf of the company for a total of around GBP3.0 million. Read More