Group Revenue and Growth (Excluding Physical Distribution)
Group revenues were GBP 166.0m, broadly flat year-on-year but up 5% when excluding the exited physical distribution business, driven by new-release performance and strategic partnerships.
Adjusted EBITDA and Margin Expansion
Adjusted EBITDA increased 11% to GBP 48.5m, with adjusted EBITDA margin improving to 29.0% (up 3.1 percentage points year-on-year), reflecting higher gross margins and stable admin costs.
Gross Profit and Margin Improvement
Gross profit rose 10% to GBP 76.3m and gross margin expanded by 4.4 percentage points to 46%, helped by the exit of low-margin physical distribution and favorable sales mix.
Strong Team17 Performance
Team17 delivered a record year with GBP 106m revenue (up 8% YoY), 20 million units sold, six new games contributing to a material uplift in new-release revenue, and a 700% increase in new-release revenues referenced for the division.
Outstanding StoryToys Growth and Engagement
StoryToys revenues rose 25% to GBP 30.4m, delivered 740 app updates (≈3 per workday, +40% YoY), reached 376k active subscribers and peak MAU of 12.9m; major launches included LEGO DUPLO and a Netflix/Apple partnership that drove downloads and new monetisation.
New Release Momentum and Pipeline
The group launched 11 new titles in 2025; new-release revenue increased 80% to GBP 41m (from GBP 23m in FY24). The pipeline is strong with more than 10 (and management citing >15 across the group) new games expected in 2026, including large titles such as Hell Let Loose: Vietnam, Golf With Your Friends 2 and Wardogs, with many releases weighted to H2.
Cash Position, Dividend and Capital Allocation Flexibility
Year-end cash was GBP 51.9m despite active M&A and dividend payments. The Board declared a total dividend of 2.9p per share (GBP 4.2m). Management reiterated focus on disciplined M&A and capital allocation, with buybacks under review.
Investments in First-Party IP and Development
Capitalised development costs increased by GBP 8.2m to GBP 33.3m as the group invests in first-party titles (e.g., Wardogs, Hell Let Loose franchise); FY26 capex (cap dev) guided to c. GBP 45m to support mid-term growth.
Leadership and Strategic Focus
New CEO emphasised stronger tech/AI adoption, cross-division synergies, tighter marketing and reuse of IP; management changes and structural simplification (e.g., exit of physical distribution at astragon) aimed at improving margins and scalability.