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CCT The Character Group Plc

278.00
4.00 (1.46%)
22 Nov 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
The Character Group Plc LSE:CCT London Ordinary Share GB0008976119 ORD 5P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  4.00 1.46% 278.00 270.00 286.00 278.00 278.00 278.00 2,149 08:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Toys,hobby Gds & Supply-whsl 122.59M 3.5M 0.1873 14.84 51.19M

Character Group PLC Half-Year Financial Report - six months to 29.2.24

09/05/2024 7:00am

RNS Regulatory News


RNS Number : 7201N
Character Group PLC
09 May 2024
 

A picture containing font, text, white, design Description automatically generated

 

 

LONDON, THURSDAY, 9 MAY 2024

 

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. Upon the publication of this announcement via the Regulatory Information Service, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.

 

 

The Character Group plc

(the "Company" or "Group" or Character")

 

Designers, developers and international distributor of toys, games and giftware

 

HALF-YEAR FINANCIAL REPORT

for the six months ended 29 February 2024

 

 

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

CONTINUING OPERATIONS

Six months

ended

29 February

2024

(unaudited)

Six months

ended

28 February

2023

(unaudited)

12 months  

ended

31 August

2023

(audited)

Revenue

£57.6m

£57.9m

£122.6m


 



Operating profit before highlighted items*

£2.1m

£0.6m

£5.3m

Pre-tax profit before highlighted items*

£2.1m

£0.5m

£5.2m

Underlying basic earnings per share before highlighted items*

8.72p

0.54p

20.15p

Diluted earnings per share before highlighted items*

8.71p

0.54p

20.00p


 



Profit before tax

£2.2m

£0.2m

£4.7m

Basic profit/(loss) per share

9.31p

(0.85p)

18.08p

Diluted profit/(loss) per share

9.30p

(0.85p)

17.95p


 



Dividend per share (declared)

8.0p

8.0p

19.0p

EBITDA

£3.7m

£2.7m

£8.9m

Cash and cash equivalents

£12.9m

£10.7m

£9.6m

Net assets

£38.7m

£37.1m

£39.4m

 

*Excludes

 

 


Mark to market profit/(loss) adjustments on FX derivative positions

£0.2m

£(0.3m)

£(0.5m)

 

 

 

"We have been encouraged by the enthusiasm with which our product portfolio has been received by our customers.  The industry buzz around some of our new releases, such as Terror Fried, and new additions to our established lines, like Goo Jit Zu, is very encouraging too." 

 

"The Group has a strong portfolio of products, underpinned by a strong balance sheet, and has a net cash position with substantial unutilised working capital facilities in place.  On the back of our first half-year's performance and these signs of the Group's robust health, we anticipate profit before tax and highlighted items in respect of the full year to 31 August 2024 will exceed current market expectations.  The Board is comfortable that the Group is on course to meet its targets."  

 

 

FTSE sector: leisure: FTSE AIM All-share: symbol: CCT: Market cap: £52.16m

Copies of this statement can be viewed at www.thecharacter.com. 

Product ranges can also be viewed at www.character-online.co.uk

 

 

ENQUIRIES:

Office:     +44 (0) 208 329 3377

Mobile:   +44 (0) 7831 802219 (JD)

Mobile:   +44 (0) 7956 278522 (KS)

Email: info@charactergroup.plc.uk


 

 

Panmure Gordon

(Nominated Adviser and Joint Broker)

Atholl Tweedie, Investment Banking

Rupert Dearden, Corporate Broking

Tel:  +44 (0) 20 7886 2500


Allenby Capital Limited

(Joint Broker)

Nick Athanas, Corporate Finance

Amrit Nahal / Tony Quirke, Sales & Corporate Broking

Tel:  +44 (0) 20 3328 5656



 

TooleyStreet Communications Limited

(Investor and media relations)

Fiona Tooley

Tel:  +44 (0) 7785 703523

Email: fiona@tooleystreet.com   

 

 

 

The Character Group plc

(the "Company" or "Group" or "Character")

Designers, developers and international distributor of toys, games and giftware

 

 

HALF-YEAR FINANCIAL REPORT

for the six months ended 29 February 2024

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

As indicated in our trading update in January 2024, we are pleased to report that the pre-tax profit (excluding highlighted items) for the six months ended 29 February 2024 has increased to £2.1m compared to the previous half year of £0.5m.  This increase in profit is despite the turnover remaining constant at £57.6m.

 

During the half-year, we have also managed to reduce the inventory levels by £6.4m to £11.7m (HY 2023: £18.1m).  Cash generated from operations amounted to £10.1m (HY 2023: cash utilisation £2.8m).  The cash balance at 29 February 2024, after paying dividends of £2.1m and financing share buy-backs during the period of £0.7m, totalled £12.9m (2023: £10.7m).

 

The Group continues to have a robust balance sheet with substantial unutilised working capital facilities.

 

GROUP TRADING

Revenue in the period at £57.6m was consistent with the comparable period last year (HY 2023: £57.9m; FY 2023: £122.6m).

 

The Group reported profit before tax and highlighted items of £2.1m (HY 2023: £0.5m; FY 2023: £5.2m), the increase in profit being mainly due to reduced selling and distribution costs.  This primarily related to the logistics costs associated with the Group's Scandinavian business being lower, as inventory was significantly reduced from last year, and increased influencer sales in our UK domestic market producing a lower advertising to sales ratio.

 

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) were £3.7m (HY 2023 £2.7m; FY 2023: £8.9m).

 

Gross profit margin in the period improved slightly to 27.2%, compared to 26.9% in the same six month period in 2023 and 26.7% for the August 2023 financial year. 

 

Underlying basic earnings per share before highlighted items improved to 8.72p (HY 2023: 0.54p; FY 2023: 20.15p).  Diluted earnings per share, on the same basis, were 8.71p (HY 2023: 0.54p; FY 2023: 20.00p).

 

A significant proportion of the Group's purchases are made in US dollars.  The business is therefore exposed to foreign currency fluctuations and manages the associated risk through the purchase of forward exchange contracts and derivative financial instruments.  Under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), at the end of each reporting period the Group is required to make an adjustment in its financial statements to incorporate a 'mark to market' valuation of such financial instruments.  The 'mark to market' adjustment for the financial period under review results in a profit of £0.2m.  This compares to a loss of £0.3m shown in the corresponding period in 2023 and a loss of £0.5m reported in the year ended 31 August 2023.  These 'mark to market' adjustments are non-cash items, calculated by reference to unpredictable and sometimes volatile currency spot rates at the respective balance sheet dates.  To present the results on a 'normal' basis, these 'mark to market' adjustments on FX derivative positions are excluded, although shown separately as 'highlighted items' to demonstrate the 'underlying' position.

 

FINANCIAL POSITION, WORKING CAPITAL & CASH FLOW

The Group's net assets at 29 February 2024 were £38.7m (HY 2023: £37.1m; FY 2023: £39.4m).  During the period, the Group generated cash from operations of £10.1m (HY 2023: £2.8m cash utilisation; FY 2023: £0.1m cash generated).  The Group's inventory stood at £11.7m (HY 2023: 18.1m; FY 2023; £18.0m). 

 

The Group has no long-term debt.  Net interest charges on the use of working capital facilities during the period were negligible (HY 2023: £0.1m; FY 2023: £0.1m).  After dividend payments and financing of share buybacks, the Group had cash and cash equivalents of £12.9m (HY 2023: £10.7m; FY 2023: £9.6m) at the end of the half-year period.  In addition, the Group has unutilised headroom of over £50.0m under its banking and other finance facilities.

 

DIVIDEND

The Board remains committed to maintaining the dividend.  The Directors are, therefore, declaring an interim dividend of 8.0p per share (HY 2023: 8.0p; final dividend 2023: 11.0p). 

The interim dividend will be paid on 26 July 2024 to shareholders on the register as at the close of business on 12 July 2024.  The shares will be marked ex-dividend on 11 July 2024.

SHARE BUYBACK PROGRAMME

Shareholders passed a resolution at the 2024 Annual General Meeting authorising the Company to effect share buybacks (including by way of tender offers) of up to 2,890,000 issued ordinary shares of 5p each in the Company ("Ordinary Shares"). 

 

On 6 February 2024, the Company announced a £1.0 million share buyback programme as part of its strategy to reduce the Company's share capital.  Given the success in buying back 365,770 Ordinary Shares in just six weeks, the Board resolved to extend the buyback by up to a further £1.0 million on 3 April 2024. The Company has successfully bought back a total of 500,888 Ordinary Shares at a total cost (excluding dealing costs) of £1.34 million, leaving an unutilised capacity under the authority granted at the 2024 AGM of 2,389,112 Ordinary Shares.  The weighted average price paid per share is £2.67.

 

The Company will continue to make regulatory announcements in respect of its repurchases of Ordinary Shares, as required by UK MAR and the AIM Rules.

 

TOTAL VOTING RIGHTS (TVR)

As at today's date, the Company's issued share capital consists of 20,965,041 Ordinary Shares.  The Company holds 2,100,159 Ordinary Shares in treasury which do not carry voting rights and, accordingly, the total number of voting rights in Character is 18,864,882.  The figure of 18,864,882 may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine, under the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, if they are required to notify their interest, or change to their interest in the Company.

 

OUR PEOPLE

We can never say enough about the unwavering commitment and dedication from our personnel around the globe.  Through both good and challenging times, they have maintained their enthusiasm, focus and 'can do' attitude in tackling all obstacles encountered in recent years.  Their single-minded determination is shared from the warehouse floor through to the boardroom, with each taking inspiration from the selfless example of others in the quest to restore the business to profitable growth.  We thank each and every one of them for their support and belief in the Group's strategy and their diligence in implementing it.

OUTLOOK

Following the launch of the Group's spring/summer catalogue, we have been encouraged by the enthusiasm with which our product portfolio has been received by our customers.  The industry buzz around some of our new releases, such as Terror Fried, and new additions to our established lines, like Goo Jit Zu, is very encouraging too.  We anticipate that the strength of our offering will allow us to at least maintain our market share in our domestic territories and increase international sales, particularly in the US.

 

The Group has a strong portfolio of products, underpinned by a strong balance sheet, and has a net cash position with substantial unutilised working capital facilities in place.  On the back of our first half-year's performance and these signs of the Group's robust health, we anticipate profit before tax and highlighted items in respect of the full year to 31 August 2024 will exceed current market expectations.  The Board is comfortable that the Group is on course to meet its targets.  

The Company looks forward to updating shareholders on its progress in due course.

 

9 May 2024


 

 

The Character Group plc

Consolidated Income Statement

six months ended 29 February 2024

 

 


six months ended

 29 February 2024

Result before   *highlighted items

(unaudited)

£'000

six months ended

 29 February 2024

*highlighted items

 

(unaudited)

£'000

six months ended

29 February 2024

Result

 

 

(unaudited)

£'000


six months ended

 28 February 2023

Result before   *highlighted items

(unaudited)

£'000

 six months ended

 28 February 2023

*highlighted items

 

(unaudited)

£'000

six months ended

28 February 2023

Result

 

 

(unaudited)

£'000

 

12 months ended

 31 August 2023

Result before *highlighted items

(audited)

£'000

12 months ended

31 August 2023

*highlighted items

 

(audited)

£'000

12 months ended

31 August 2023

Statutory

Result

 

(audited)

£'000

Revenue

57,615

-

57,615


57,887

-

57,887

 

122,591

-

122,591

Cost of sales

(41,926)

-

(41,926)


(42,335)

-

(42,335)

 

(89,805)

-

(89,805)

Gross profit

15,689

-

15,689


15,552

-

15,552

 

32,786

-

32,786

Other income

121

-

121


334

-

334

 

473

-

473

Selling and distribution expenses

(3,821)

-

(3,821)


(5,825)

-

(5,825)

 

(8,534)

-

(8,534)

Administrative expenses

(9,913)

-

(9,913)


(9,429)

-

(9,429)

 

(19,425)

-

(19,425)

Operating profit

2,076

-

2,076


632

-

632

 

5,300

-

5,300

Finance income

58

-

58


75

-

75

 

173

-

173

Finance costs

(60)

-

(60)


(164)

-

(164)

 

(269)

-

(269)

Changes in fair value of financial instruments

-

154

154


-

(342)

(342)

 

-

(510)

(510)

Profit/(loss) before tax

2,074

154

2,228


543

(342)

201

 

5,204

(510)

4,694

Income tax

(387)

(39)

(426)


(438)

73

(365)

 

(1,305)

110

(1,195)

Profit/(loss) for the period

1,687

115

1,802


105

(269)

(164)

 

3,899

(400)

3,499

 

 *highlighted items comprise material items that are disclosed separately by virtue of their size or incidence and because they are considered relevant to an understanding of the overall performance of the Company.

 

 


The Character Group plc

Consolidated Income Statement

six months ended 29 February 2024

 

 

 


Notes

 six months ended

29 February 2024

(unaudited)

£'000

 six months ended

 28 February 2023

(unaudited)

£'000

12 months ended

31 August 2023

(audited)

£'000

Attributable to:


 



Owners of the parent


 



Profit/(loss) for the period


1,802

(164)

3,499

Earnings per share before highlighted items (pence)

4

 



Basic earnings per share 


8.72p

0.54p

20.15p

Diluted earnings per share


8.71p

0.54p

20.00p

Earnings per share after highlighted items (pence)

4

 



Basic earnings/(loss) per share 


9.31p

(0.85p)

18.08p

Diluted Earnings/(loss) per share


9.30p

(0.85p)

17.95p



 



Dividend per share (pence)

3

11.00p

10.00p

18.0p



 



EBITDA

(earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation)


3,748

2,694

8,888

 

 

 

The Character Group plc

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

six months ended 29 February 2024

 

 

 



six months ended

29 February 2024

(unaudited)

£'000

 six months ended

 28 February 2023

(unaudited)

£'000

12 months ended

 31 August 2023

(audited)

£'000

Profit/(loss) for the period after tax


1,802

(164)

3,499

Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit and loss

Net exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

 

 

323

98

120

Total comprehensive Income/(loss) for the period


2,125

(66)

3,619



 



Total comprehensive income for the period attributable to:

 


 

Equity holders of the parent

2,125

(66)

3,619

 

 




The Character Group plc

Consolidated Balance Sheet

at 29 February 2024

 

 

 

 


29 February 2024

(unaudited)

£'000

28 February

2023

(unaudited)

£'000

31 August

 2023

(audited)

£'000

Non-current assets

 



 

Intangible assets

 

1,947

1,955

2,338

Investment property

 

1,355

1,420

1,388

Property, plant and equipment


9,943

9,915

10,009

Right of use assets


440

1,098

747

Deferred tax assets


405

450

525

 


14,090

14,838

15,007

Current assets


 



Inventories


11,735

18,133

17,955

Trade and other receivables


13,445

12,141

26,696

Current income tax receivable


1,395

498

717

Derivative financial instruments


157

77

57

Cash and cash equivalents


13,424

10,779

10,894



40,156

41,628

56,319

Current liabilities


 



Short term borrowings


(482)

(121)

(1,284)

Trade and other payables


(13,820)

(15,886)

(26,945)

Lease liabilities


(351)

(658)

(486)

Income tax payable


-

(1,367)

(2,117)

Derivative financial instruments


(443)

(350)

(498)

 


(15,096)

(18,382)

(31,330)

Net current assets


25,060

23,246

24,989

Non - current liabilities


 



Deferred tax


(345)

(492)

(367)

Lease liabilities


(82)

(456)

(264)



(427)

(948)

(631)

Net assets


38,723

37,136

39,365

Equity


 



Called up share capital


1,061

1,074

1,074

Shares held in treasury


(1,762)

(1,762)

(1,762)

Capital redemption reserve


1,896

1,883

1,883

Share based payment reserve


4,216

4,060

4,161

Share premium account


17,751

17,751

17,751

Merger reserve


651

651

651

Translation reserve


1,046

1,433

971

Profit and loss account


13,864

12,046

14,636

Total equity attributable to equity holders of the parent


38,723

37,136

39,365

 




The Character Group plc

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

six months ended 29 February 2024

 

 

 


six months ended

29 February

2024

(unaudited)

£'000

six months

ended

 28 February

2023

(unaudited)

£'000

12 months

ended

 31 August

2023

(audited)

£'000

Cash flow from operating activities

 

 

 

Profit before taxation for the period

2,228

201

4,694

Adjustments for:

 



Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

402

341

791

Depreciation of investment property

33

33

65

Depreciation of right of use assets

261

321

609

Amortisation of intangible assets

982

1,383

2,175

(Profit) on disposal of property, plant and equipment

(3)

(16)

(52)

(Profit) on derecognition of right of use assets

(3)

-

-

Interest expense

2

89

96

Financial instruments fair value adjustments

(154)

342

510

Share based payments

55

103

204

Decrease in inventories

6,220

8,040

8,218

Decrease/(increase) in trade and other receivables

13,251

12,587

(1,968)

(Decrease) in trade and other creditors

(13,125)

(26,265)

(15,206)

Cash generated/(utilised) from operations

10,149

(2,841)

136

Interest paid

(2)

(89)

(96)

Income tax paid

(3,118)

(2,206)

(3,014)

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities

7,029

(5,136)

(2,974)

Cash flows from investing activities

 



Payments for intangible assets

(592)

(1,376)

(2,550)

Payments for property, plant and equipment

(336)

(953)

(1,611)

Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment

3

16

164

Net cash outflow from investing activities

(925)

(2,313)

(3,997)

Cash flows from financing activities

 



Payment of leasing liabilities

(268)

(332)

(671)

Proceeds from issue of share capital

-

236

236

Purchase of own shares for cancellation

(692)

-

-

Dividends paid

(2,130)

(1,937)

(3,486)

Net cash used in financing activities

(3,090)

(2,033)

(3,921)

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

3,014

(9,482)

(10,892)

Cash, cash equivalents and borrowings at the beginning of the period

9,610

20,019

20,019

Effects of exchange rate movements

318

121

483

Cash, cash equivalents and borrowings at the end of the period

12,942

10,658

9,610

 

 

Cash, cash equivalents and borrowings consist of:

 

 

 

Cash, cash equivalents

13,424

10,779

10,894

Short term borrowings

(482)

(121)

(1,284)

Cash, cash equivalents and borrowings at the end of the period

12,942

10,658

9,610


The Character Group plc

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

six months ended 29 February 2024

 

 

 

 

Called up share capital

£'000

Shares held in treasury

£'000

Capital redemption reserve

 £'000

Share premium account

£'000

 

Merger reserve

£'000

Share based payment

£'000

 

Translation reserve

£'000

Profit

and loss

account

£'000

 

 

Total

£'000

Balance as at

31 August 2022

(audited)

1,074

(1,813)

1,883

17,566

651

3,957

1,950

13,630

38,898

(Loss) for the period

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(164)

(164)

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

-

-

-

-

-

-

(517)

615

98

Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the period

-

-

-

-

-

-

(517)

451

(66)

Transactions with owners










Share based payment

-

-

-

-

-

103

-

-

103

Deferred tax relating to share options

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(98)

(98)

Dividend paid

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(1,937)

(1,937)

Shares issued

-

51

-

185

-

-

-

-

236

Six months ended

28 February 2023

1,074

(1,762)

1,883

17,751

651

4,060

1,433

12,046

37,136

Balance as at

1 September 2022

(audited)

1,074

(1,813)

1,883

17,566

651

3,957

1,950

13,630

38,898

Profit for the year after tax

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

3,499

3,499

Net exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

-

-

-

-

-

-

(979)

1,099

120

Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the year

-

-

-

-

-

-

(979)

4,598

3,619

Transactions with owners









 

Share based payment

-

-

-

-

-

204

-

-

204

Deferred tax relating to share options

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(106)

(106)

Dividends

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(3,486)

(3,486)

Shares issued

-

51

-

185

-

-

-

-

236

At 31 August 2023

(unaudited)

1,074

(1,762)

1,883

17,751

651

4,161

971

14,636

39,365

Profit for the period

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

1,802

1,802

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

-

-

-

-

-

-

75

248

323

Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the period

-

-

-

-

-

-

75

2,050

2,125

Transactions with owners










Share based payment

-

-

-

-

-

55

-

-

55

Dividend paid

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(2,130)

(2,130)

Shares cancelled

(13)

-

13

-

-

-

-

(692)

(692)

Six months ended

29 February 2024

1,061

(1,762)

1,896

17,751

651

4,216

1,046

13,864

38,723


The Character Group plc

Notes to the Financial Statements

 

 

1.

Basis of Preparation

The financial information set out in this Half-Year Financial Report for the six months ended 29 February 2024 has been prepared under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union and in accordance with the accounting policies which will be adopted in presenting the Group's Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ending 31 August 2024.  These are consistent with the accounting policies used in the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2023 as described in those annual financial statements.

As permitted, this Half-Year Financial Report has been prepared in accordance with the AIM rules and not in accordance with IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting'.

The consolidated financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial instruments and share based payments at fair value.

These Half-Year Financial Statements and the financial information do not constitute full statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434 of the Companies Act 2006 and are unaudited.  These unaudited Half-Year Financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 8 May 2024.

The information for the year ended 31 August 2023 is based on the consolidated financial statements for that year on which the Group's auditor's report was unqualified and did not contain a statement under section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

 

 

2.

Going concern

The Directors acknowledge the Financial Reporting Council's 'Guidance on the going concern basis of accounting and reporting on solvency and liquidity risks' issued in April 2016.

 

In assessing the Group and Company's ability to continue as a going concern, the Board reviews and approves the annual budget and updated forecasts, including forecasts of cash flows, borrowing requirements and headroom.  The Board reviews the Group's sources of available funds and the level of headroom available against its committed borrowing facilities.  The Group's financial forecasts, taking into account possible sensitivities in trading performance indicate that the Group will be able to operate within the level of its committed borrowing facilities for the foreseeable future.  The banks remain supportive of the Group.  The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group and Company have adequate resources to continue their operational existence for the foreseeable future.  Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the Interim report.

 

 

3.

Dividends


six months

ended

29 February 2024

(unaudited)

£'000

six months

ended

28 February 2023

(unaudited)

£'000

12 months

ended

31 August 2023

(audited)

£'000

On equity shares:




Final dividend paid for the year ended 31 August 2023




-       11.00p (2022: 10.00p) per share

2,130

1,937

1,937

Interim dividend for the year ended 31 August 2023

 



-       8.00p per share

-

-

1,549


2,130

1,937

3,486

 

 

4.

Earnings per share

Basic earnings/(loss) per share is calculated by dividing the earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares during the period.

 

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue on the assumption of conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares.  The Group has one (2023: 1) category of dilutive potential ordinary shares, being share options granted where the exercise price is less than average price of the Company's ordinary shares during this period.

 

An adjusted earnings per share has also been calculated as, in the opinion of the Directors, this will allow shareholders to gain a clearer understanding of the trading performance of the Group.

 

The calculations are based on the following:

 


six months

ended

29 February 2024

(unaudited)

£'000

six months

ended

28 February 2023

(unaudited)

£'000

12 months

ended

31 August 2023

(audited)

£'000

Profit/(loss) attributable to equity shareholders of the parent

1,802

(164)

3,499

Financial instruments fair value adjustments net of tax

(115)

269

400

Profit for adjusted earnings per share

1,687

105

3,899

Weighted average number of shares

In issue during the year - basic

19,349,512

19,331,081

19,348,548

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for basic and diluted loss per share *1

-

19,331,081

-

Dilutive potential ordinary shares

25,359

221,744

148,497

Weighted average number of ordinary for diluted earnings per share

 

19,374,871

 

19,552,825

 

19,497,045

 

*1 The potential ordinary shares on exercise of share options are excluded from the number of weighted average shares due to their anti-dilutive effect.

 

Earnings/(loss) per share

 



Basic earnings/(loss) per share (pence)

9.31

(0.85)

18.08

Diluted earnings/(loss) per share (pence)

9.30

(0.85)

17.95

 

Adjusted earnings per share

 



Basic earnings per share (pence)

8.72

0.54

20.15

Diluted earnings per share (pence)

8.71

0.54

20.00

 

 

5.

Electronic Communications

The Half-Year Financial Report for the six months ended 29 February 2024 will shortly be available for viewing and download on the Group's website: www.thecharacter.com.

 

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