After a difficult trading year that has seen losses for CCT and the sp nose-dive to 25p at one point the solution to return to profits may come from the launch of electronic Sudoku games in time for Christmas. Character will launch two Carol Vorderman Sudoku products. For Sudoku fans on the move, there are two handy travel size products: a hand-held LCD game (19.99) with over 750 grids, and a touch screen version (29.99), with over 100,000 permutations of the game. A plug and play version, allowing addicts to play Sudoku on their home TV (29.99) will follow later this year. It won't take many sales to rack up good profits if these are anywhere near as addictive as the puzzle books have proved to be so far.
500,000 sold at guess 5 profit per item would rack up 2.5m, with less than 53m shares that is a healthy EPS of 4p on one item alone and my estimate is probably conservative? They also have licensing rights to Dr Who, Little Britain and Batman amongst others.
Also 70% of these shares are in the hands of Directors, Pension Trusts and Funds and as has been seen in recent weeks, moderate buying has pushed up the share price. It has all the hallmarks of a possible recovery stock as was IDS which I tipped last year at 81p and is now 382p. Not saying this will reach those heights but if Sudoku sells well this Christmas expect CCT to show a good start to their financial year. 2005 figures ending August 31st will not be good but we don't buy shares on the past, there is no gearing and 8m of shareholders funds available.
Take a look. The profits could be more pleasing than solving the puzzles.

I agree totally with you Andysmith.The only thing that worries me is the problem with Preziosi,who owns nearly a quarter of shares in Character.What is a possible scenario now that 3I have bought nearly 40% of G.Preziosi?
Ethel

I don't really know ethel, although if 3i thought the portfolio of Preziosi was a crock of the brown stuff would they have a 40% share. Preziosi has a 20%ish share of CCT. CCT represents <10% of my current portfolio but if there is any weakness I will add, I see the latest development as a possible money-spinner making CCT worth a punt regardless of who owns the shares.

From today, Character Group PLC said it will launch a 'Dr Who' range of licensed toys at the start of September. The toy range, based on the BBC TV Series 'Dr Who', has been developed in partnership with the BBC.
Character said its toy range includes a radio-controlled Dalek, a talking Tardis Money Box, Dr Who's essential tool, the Sonic Screwdriver, an LCD game and 3D Walkie Talkies. Chairman Richard King said the first bulk shipment of the radio-controlled Daleks will hit the stores within the next two weeks.
'... whilst the demand for all our Dr Who products is very encouraging, we would expect that the demand for the radio controlled Dalek, our lead product, will far exceed our manufacturing capacity to Christmas of 150,000 units,' he said.

If this and Sudoku are anywhere near as successful as they could be and profits are only 5 per unit I reckon 1st half profits 05/06 could be 3m, EPS>5.5p.
As stated above, with not many "available" shares this could well be a double your money opportunity from here, new target for me 100-120p by the Spring.

Added some more today. Sudoku is everywhere, books selling faster than any others but with one problem, typically only 100 per book and once you've cocked it up its tough. Electronic games can be re-set and more than one person can have a go and there are more puzzles, it will be a money-spinner.

andy
Put this link in your header.

http://www.thecharacter.com

Encouraging information, potentially a good year for Character Group.
Products available on Amazon, www.boysstuff.co.uk, www.justtoys.com, rivertraders.co.uk to name just a few.

Date: Thursday 6th October 2005

Embargoed: 7.00am

The Character Group plc
Character ranges in listings for Christmas


The Character Group (Character) is pleased to announce that, at Dream Toy 2005, The Toy Retailers Association (TRA) has placed Characters Roboraptor in its Hot Dozen for Christmas 2005 listing.

Also, within the individual category listings announced by the TRA, Characters ranges tipped for success were:

Pre-School - Peppa Pig Playhouse
Boys - Stretch Homer
Big Kidz - Dr Whos Dalek
Games - Electronic Sudoko

See www.toyretailersassociation.co.uk for further details on Dream Toy 2005.

This follows on from Dream Toy 2004 where Robosapien first came to prominence and went on to become 2004 Toy of the Year.

Richard King, Chairman, The Character Group commented:
We are delighted that our ranges have appeared so strongly across the toy listings for Christmas.

We have worked very hard over the last few years to produce a range of products that meet the ever changing needs and wants of young people and today, our Toys, Games and Gift Division has a strong product line up with over 50% of its range having been designed and developed in-house and this includes both the Dalek and the electronic Sudoku devices.

We are delighted to note that our Dr Who toys are already becoming very successful at retail. In Amazon UK's current top selling toy list, we have the radio controlled Dalek, the sonic screwdriver, the Tardis talking money box and the mini radio controlled battle pack all listed in the Top 15 of its 100 best selling toy list, with both the Dalek and the Sonic screwdriver being featured in the Top 5.

This is a great start and we believe that this category will become even more successful next year when the new Dr Who series is scheduled to be broadcast.

Jon Diver, Characters Head of Marketing added:
The signs are promising that Roboraptor may even follow in the footsteps of Robosapien, last years Top Toy of the Year and we are delighted that we have made such a strong showing overall. We are very hopeful that Roboraptor, the Dalek and Sudoku will all be high in the list of best selling toys this Christmas.

Enquiries:
Richard King, Chairman
The Character Group plc
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8949 5898
www.thecharacter.com

(City/Investor Relations)
Fiona Tooley, Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Tel: +44 (0) 121 455 8370

(Trade PR)
Claire Sawkins or Andrea Jack, So-PR
Tel: +44 (0) 1937 588988


Editors Notes:
The Roboraptor is the first second generation remote controlled robot from the same family as last years Toy of the Year, Robosapien, which sold in excess of 1 million units worldwide. Invented by ex-NASA scientist, Dr Mark Tilden, the 32-inch robotic raptor beast has already won Toy of the Year in Australia and Norway and was voted top toy for 8-10 yr olds by the Duracell European Toy Survey.

With the Doctor Who series averaging approx 10 million viewers each week, the Dalek is an equal favourite. Not only does the 12 remote controlled adversary have all the gadgets, gizmos and phrases of its real-life counterpart, sales orders indicate that demand is outstripping any other contender for best selling toy on the market.

Carol Vordermans Sudoku hand-held LCD games. Perfect for Sudoku fanatics on the move, Character, through its trading subsidiary Character Options has partnered with Carol Vorderman to launch two handy, pocket size Sudoku products: a hand-held LCD game with over 750 grids, and a touch screen version with over 100,000 permutations of the game.

Very low volume and the sp up 11.25%? Im keeping an eye on these.

Andy
I'm in.

Nice one, good buying opportunity last week and before this afternoon.
It moves well on little volume and if they have turned it around it could be very good news for the sp.

Financial Results in and looking good.

Sales in the year ended 31 August 2005 29.9% higher than in
the previous year

we expect our sales to increase significantly in the period leading up
to Christmas and for the current financial year as a whole.

The Directors believe that the strategic changes made over the past year and the
improved quality of products will greatly benefit the Group's performance in
both this and the following financial years.

http://moneyam.uk-wire.com/cgi-bin/articles/200511030700295700T.html

WWL has significantly grown its sales and profits during the year. In August, the last month of the financial year, WWL shipped over US$20 million of cameras, a record level of monthly sales for WWL.

http://www.thecharacter.com/wwl.htm

A solid set of numbers from toys, games and gifts retailer Character Group were seemingly snubbed by the market, as its shares ended 4.5p lower at 49.5p. The company, which among other things, sells Little Britain and Doctor Who toys, successfully managed to fight back against the downturn in its markets with a turnaround of the losses unveiled at the first half, to finish the year in profit. After a 57% rise in second half sales, full year sales were up 30% to 98.8 million pounds and the first half operating loss turned around to an operating profit for the year of 864,000 pounds. The group's pre-tax profit for the year to 31st August was 161,000 pounds. Whilst this was well down from the 3.22 million pounds reported a year earlier, it was undoubtedly a triumphant result following the half-way disappointment. Meanwhile, Character confirmed that the new financial year had begun well with both the company's divisions trading above internal forecasts and with a higher level of sales and orders than at the corresponding point last year. A final dividend of 0.9p per share will take the total payout to 2p for the year, putting the stock on a dividend yield of 4%
UK-Analyst

DB66

The market can snub it for me like it did when I tipped IDS a year ago as it was recovering, eventually the sp took off as profits rolled in. If CCT post Q1 and H1 profits to match the 2nd half of this year the sp should return to 1 again. Perhaps the market wants proof that the turnaround is sustainable?

andy
I agree its looking good, added today at the lower sp, I do not think it was much of a city snub but a small retraction from the previous days large rise.

This from another board D/Mail 21 Sept

Geoff Foster, Daily Mail
21 September 2005
'ER indoors will no doubt be able to tell you there are only 95 shopping days left until Christmas. Richard King, chairman of toy-maker Character Group, is rubbing his hands in anticipation.

Last year Robosapien, a robot which can be programmed to do 67 different manoeuvres and even burps, was the hit toy of the festive season. And there is every chance that one of Character's products will top the charts again in this year's list of bestselling toys.

Buying ahead of a rumoured trading statement - which should confirm the group's confidence ahead of the crucial Christmas trading period - lifted the shares to 64p before they closed 6p higher at 61p.

Character last month launched a Dr Who range of licensed toys. According to industry sources, the radio-controlled Daleks have been flying off the shelves - even at 39.99 each.

An electronic version of Sudoku, endorsed by Carol Vorderman, is also tipped to become a big seller, while the company also has high hopes for its series of Little Britain toys based on the hit BBC TV comedy series.

Figurines of Marjorie Dawes, Dafydd - the only gay in the village - Vicky Pollard, Emily Howard, Lou and Andy and Dame Sally Markham should find their way into many Christmas stockings.

Analysts predict that the group will break even, or make a minimal loss, when it reports full-year results in November. Profits should flow in the first half of 2006.

The last paragraph is why I've bought in. If 2006 H1 results match 2005 H2 or are better this will really take off.

Courtesy of elmfield from another board.

From Amazon uk, 4 and 5 Top Selling Toys,
4.
Carol Vorderman's Touch Screen Sudoku


Usually dispatched within 24 hours
Toy - Character Options / October 1, 2005
More information Avg Customer Review:

Our Price: 29.99
New & Used from 29.98

Manufacturer's Description
Sudoku is the fiendishly addictive number puzzle game that has taken the nation by storm. Licensed by the ever popular Carol Voderman, Character's Sudoku game is a sure fire winner. The game is based around a 9 x 9 grid, divided into smaller 3 x 3 sections. Some cells are pre- populated with the...
Read more

5.
Roboraptor


Usually dispatched within 24 hours
Toy - Character Options
More information Avg Customer Review:

Our Price: 78.95
New & Used from 23.97

Manufacturer's Description

Roboraptor A Fusion Of Technology And Personality

Dinosaurs may be extinct, but Roboraptor brings them into the age of technology. At 32 inches long, Roboraptor is a realistic robotic beast who is easily controlled and mastered with a remote control.
Roboraptors life-like animatronic

Top selling 50 Toys FROM Amazon UK:
2 5 7 19 40 47 from Character Group


1. 20Q 9.94

2. Carol Vorderman's Touch Screen Sudoku 29.99

3. Top Trumps - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire 3.99

4. i-dog 29.95

5. Roboraptor 78.95

6. Rush Hour Traffic Jam Puzzle 9.95

7. Doctor Who - Mini Radio Control Dalek Battle Pack 29.99

8. Catchphrase DVD Game 12.99

9. Cranium 19.94

10.Thomas & Friends Aqua Draw 26.99 .

19 Doctor Who - Electronic Sonic Screwdriver

40 Doctor Who - Tardis Talking Money Bank

47 Peppa Pig Playhouse

Every second or third advert on ITV childrens TV over the W/End was from Character Group, nice to see the products getting a viewing.

I emailed Character Group they replied very promptly, I asked if they had distribution problems and why Amazon had run out of Daleks and also my local toyshop, this is their reply.

Dear Mr *****
The Dalek is a very hot toy this christmas..product is being rushed in and we are shipping everyday..Pls check in your local TRU Or Argos as they will be having stock delivered in the next couple of days

Rgds

jon Diver

Driver,
Directors at CCT are very responsive with information and I get my own copy of RNS's delivered to my e-mail within minutes of their release.
Good to see strong sales verified by Amazon. Products available on other web-sites as well. If they post good 1st half to 2006 then the current sp is way to low.
Got some more today below the mid-price!! Andy

andy
I see you are a big player of cct if that was your 60k buy today lets hope it does us both well.

The Character Group plc ('Character' or 'the Group')
Result of EGM and Trading Update


At today's Extraordinary General Meetings the shareholders of the Group approved
all resolutions proposed, including a resolution approving the cancellation of
the listing of the Group's issued Ordinary Shares of 5p each ('Ordinary Shares')
on the Official List of the UK Listing Authority, in light of the Board's
proposals for the admission to AIM of the Group's issued Ordinary Shares. A
final dividend of 0.9 pence per share was also approved by shareholders, which
will be paid on 27 January 2006.

It is expected that the issued Ordinary Shares in the Group will be admitted to
trading on AIM and that dealings will commence at or shortly after 8am on Friday
2 December 2005. The listing of the issued Ordinary Shares on the Official List
will be cancelled, and dealings on the London Stock Exchange's market for listed
securities will cease, at the same time.

Character's Executive Chairman and Joint Managing Director, Richard King
commented to shareholders at the EGM today:

'We believe that AIM, which, over its ten year history, has proved to be a
robust market even in challenging times, will provide a supportive environment
for the Group to better achieve its business and strategic objectives. AIM also
provides, in our opinion, a more flexible and cost-effective environment for a
Company of our size and stage of development.'

'As predicted in the 2005 Interim Report and reinforced in my Chairman's
Statement contained in the Annual Report, the improvement witnessed in the
second half of 2005 has indeed continued into this financial year.'

'I am delighted to be able to report that the new financial year has started
very strongly with reported sales up to yesterday being over 40% ahead of the
same period for last year. We are also expecting to achieve further progress
over last year in the lead up to Christmas and into the New Year. Against this
backdrop we believe that the Group's results for the first half to February 2006
will be far better than the loss of 1.9 million recorded for the half year
ended 28 February 2005.'

'This year, we will continue to focus on improving our operational efficiencies
and further developing our product portfolio. It is interesting to note that, by
the end of the 2005 calendar year, over 50% of our products within the Toys,
Games and Gifts division and over 90% of our digital products will have been
developed in-house. Our expertise in developing licensed properties and quickly
bringing them to market is proving to be a major benefit to the Group in
attracting and winning both new licences and distribution deals.'

'There is no substitute for having great products and, although we have been
operating in a difficult trading environment for some considerable time, the
Group's substantial progress in sales is more than satisfying, especially when
we have not been able to fully meet demand for toys like Roboraptor, Radio
Controlled Daleks and our Little Britain talking-gift products, amongst others.'









Enquiries:
Richard King, Chairman Katie Dale
Kiran Shah, Group Finance Director Citigate Dewe Rogerson
The Character Group PLC Telephone: +44 (0) 207 282 8000 (up to 2pm)
Telephone: +44 (0)207 282 8000 (up to 2pm) Thereafter: +44 (0) 121 455 8370
Thereafter: Mobile: +44 (0) 7770 788 624
Mob: +44 (0)7836 250150 (RK)
Mob: +44 (0)7956 278522 (KS)
Group office: +44 (0) 208 949 5898

www.thecharacter.com

doughboy66
Yes good news coming from the EGM today as we expected sales up to yesterday being over 40% ahead of the same period for last year, and the confirmed move to the AIM market.
Looking good.

good this mean we are heading back to share price of 100p+?

Nice bit of buying ahead of going on to the AIM market as of tomorrow.

Driver, AIM transfer delayed to 30/12 - announced a little earlier

Greyhound
Just spotted that thanks

The Character Group plc ('Character' or 'the Company')

Transfer to AIM - Update

Further to the announcement dated 29 November 2005, Character announces that it
expects Admission of the Company's ordinary shares to trading on AIM to take
place on 30 December 2005 rather than 2 December 2005 as previously stated.
Cancellation of the listing of the Company's shares on the Official List is
expected to take place on the same day.

I've been watching this for ages and thinking finally about doing something about it. A bit annoyed that it can't now be in the ISA but at least for a longer term hold you benefit on the business assets classification on big gains... what are you realistically expecting on this Driver? or others? A good Christmas and certainly 1 seems reasonable.

1 seems perfectly reasonable to me, only needs 5m FY profits, they did >3m is 2nd half of 2005 and that was without the good line-up of products on sale for this Christmas which by all accounts are going very well. Double your dosh from here.

Like you Greyhound watched this for a while and took the plunge a few weeks back.
I might be 39 but i`m still a big kid at heart and i know i wouldn`t mind waking up Christmas morning to a few things from the character range.
There was a piece on radio 5 yesterday about the limited supply of some toys this Christmas and remote control daleks got a mention ,they are fetching double the price on ebay .The downside to this demand is that character are going to miss out on a lot of sales,as the shopkeeper they spoke to had 1 remote control dalek and no more stock comming in for 2 weeks.
DB66

If you accept that you'll never get the quantity right, I'd rather all available stock being sold even if some lost opportunity than stock being sold at huge discounts or written off. Its looking good for CCT.

Greyhound
Character Group is recovering very fast the M/Cap is still only 25m, the Daleks are fetching 125 on the black market, like I said on another site if the kids don't get one before xmass they will make sure they get after you can preorder them, as for the sp I can see this going way beyond the 100p

Thanks for your comments guys, need to do a bit of fund switching as little point buying in the ISA now.

Adverts on the tely for the daleks on one of the big stores can't remember
which one. Also an advert by cct for there Othello board game.
This company only been brought to my attention last week but I like what
I see. Will be watching for some time to try and get in on a good price.

Ted1
I would say now is a good price the sp has settled down over the last week, when this stock moves up it tends to shoot up on very little volume. Make sure you get in before the aim move at the end of this month thats when we will see a steady rise IMO.

Countdown to transfer to aim and trading update. If H1 2006 is just as good as H2 2005 it is on a ridiculous PE of <6. I think it will be better.
With no debt and limited stock not aligned to directors & investment trusts the sp of this should rise early next year, I think I might have a few more at this price!!

Brought into these yesterday.
For once very good timing.
Merry xmas

A nice rise in SP this morning glad i picked some more up on Monday at 50.24 looks like my luck is changing.
I do expect them to have had a bumper Xmas just from what other parents have been telling me they have bought their kids .Roboraptor a firm favourite with the boys!
DB66

This thread has gone largely un-noticed since I started it, I don't mind at all, topped up again yesterday, 13% rise today, good timing but I think the fun starts in January. Potential to double from here, transfer to Aim will help, brokers report due in the New Year, nice dividend will cover buying costs and oh yes, CCT may well have had a storming run-up to Christmas this time. Well done to those who have jumped on board, have a happy Christmas and may we all be happy and prosperous in the New Year.

andy
Thanks for putting me on to these I am now back in the blue.

Same here Andy,another nice move up so far today.

Andy
Full of praise indeed. After doing my research I brought in last week.
Good web site and plenty of tv adverts run up to xmas.
My son got loads of Doctor Who stuff, sonic screwdriver, radio controlled dalek etc
My local Big W only had a dozen or so of each left on Boxing day and after asking the staff they had no plans to reduce the stock, expecting to sell the lot at full price even after xmas.
Would be nice to see a trading statement after the new year.
Many thanks once again.

This share is picking up speed a lot more volume than usual.

Last chance to buy before we move to aim!!
Let the games begin!! and plenty have been bought!!

Still looking good.

Paul Rowland, Western Mail

CHRISTMAS sales of Doctor Who merchandise have been "in a different league" to rival TV and film spin-offs this year, toy retailers said yesterday.

The popularity of the toys and figures from the hit BBC series, which is filmed in Wales, has comfortably outstripped that of merchandise from blockbuster films like Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith and Batman Begins.

Chris Davies, at The Entertainer toy chain's Cardiff shop, said radio control Daleks had easily been its most popular items in the run-up to Christmas.

"They've just been flying off the shelves," he said. "Last Thursday we got 50 in, and by the next morning they were only four left.

"Most of the rest of the range has been going nearly as well. It's easily outselling things like Star Wars, which aren't even in the same league as it at the moment.

"We thought that might just be because it was filmed in Cardiff, and so might have been popular here because of that, but then we phoned our other shops around Wales and found it had been going just as well there as well."

The Doctor Who range also includes a battery-powered Sonic Screwdriver, a themed board game and walkie talkies modelled on Christopher Eccleston, who starred as the Time Lord before being replaced by David Tennant, and one of the bloodthirsty Slitheen aliens.

Ben Keywood, of mail order firm Galaxy 4, which specialises in merchandise from the cult series, said manufacturers had been taken by surprise by the popularity of the spin-off products.

"It's been very difficult to meet the demand," he said. "The problem has been that nobody really anticipated that it would be quite so popular, and so the companies who were licensed to produce it didn't make enough.

"It's only been in the last couple of days that we've had enough radio-controlled Daleks on our hands to fulfil all the pre-orders we've had, and so it wasn't until then that we could post them out for Christmas.

Mr Keywood said the visual appeal of the Dalek made it irresistible to fans of the show.

"Obviously it's to do with the fact that the Dalek is so iconic and if you see one in the shops, you will just buy it because it looks so good and it's quite quirky.

"I think you can't resist buying it when you see one, so when they have appeared, people have just snapped them off the shelves.

"But the biggest reason is because the series is so popular and it just brought people back to Doctor Who all over again.

"The merchandise has become this year's must-have present because the series was so well written and so well produced and it just captured everyone's imagination all over again."

Interest in the toys is also likely to have been boosted by the airing of a feature-length episode on Christmas Day.

In October, the new series of the show, the first for 16 years, scooped three prizes at the National Television Awards, including Most Popular Drama.

Tick down, CCT has gone X divi today.

Character Group PLC
09 January 2006


The Character Group plc ('Character' or 'the Company')


Digital Division Approach


Character announces that it has received an approach which may or may not lead
to an offer for a substantial part of its digital products division.
Negotiations are presently ongoing and shareholders will be updated in due
course.

The sale of the Digital Division could be 50p to 100p on the sp IMO

I reckon we could see cash returned to shareholders, wouldn't that be good, sp up and cash returned.

Hello all, very interesting thread.
Driver can you expand on why you believe the SP could rise 50-100p on sale of digital division.
Andysmith, regarding cash to shareholders is this a hunch? or do you know something.
Keep up the good work, I have always liked this share as it yo-yos regularily

Peadar10
It was a consensus opinion from another board that I agree with

If WWL is worth roughly half the business, & the market cap was about 30mil, that values it at about 15mil normally it is three times that on average (the bid that is), so at 3x = 45mil or 86.5p per share. Plus the options half at a similar value (?) = 1.73. Assuming it sells that is?

peadar, I know absolutely nothing at all, just a normal investor with a day job.
I think a possibility as CCT have a good cash position and may wish to return some money to shareholders who have stuck by them in recent times.
Of course could be absolutely wrong and they'll keep it for investment in the business or further licence acquisitions, either way I still think that this is one to watch this year, a new series of Dr Who soon can only help and keep the momentum even though I hate Dr Who!! Nice 150,000 buy today, very encouraging especially as now ex dividend. If there is a good trading update, followed by sale of this digital division and good results, with few shares in the open this will rocket IMO.

Hi All

Excellent update today. Profits up substantially for period and momentum strong for the year ahead. Hopefully interesting trading in this for a while and hopefully a good increase in the SP. Good luck to all holders. I believe this is going to be strong in the next few months. I`m holding. Obe

A good update from CCT sales up 60 pct on a year earlier, these shares are looking very cheap at the moment.

Two consecutive days of good news but the SP doesn`t really reflect this,you could hardly say there is any large volume today for such good news.

The news hasnt really leaked out to the average punter yet and there is a shotage of stock holding the price back. This share should be flying top up if you can.

Some large end of the day buys, its looking good for tomorrow after press reports.

Thanks for the answers to my questions gentlemen. I have followed this stock for years as it is a good one to buy when shares are low, remember a few years back offered to shareholders at 20p - went up to 160p or so withen a year and a half. After yesterday and todays news it looks to me that we are on the way back to at least 100p. I also remember that last year after a profit warning, directors bought at roughly 58p if memory serves me correctly - I think they knew the good times were around the corner. Anyway lets hope for the best. Just in case anyones interested I am a total amateur so don't take a word as gospel.
All the best, hopefully it will be interesting.

Peadar10
We are all amateurs at the end of the day, gamblers, but this one looks a sure bet to me.

Not much time left to get on board sum 62p

A good buying opportunity at these prices IMO while the mms play their games.

True enough driver. More buys to sells and they wack
the price down. Way over done in my opinion.
Trying to shake the weak out should mark it back up
in the morning.

Did the recent announcement re sales increases get any press coverage. Disappointed price has not moved up rapidly. Still hoping that sp rise is only a matter of time.

Peadar10

Looks like there was a piece in the Guardian on the 11th of January.
Can't access full story got to pay a subscription.
Other than that I cannot find anything.

The toy that ate Christmas the Roboraptor

http://www.guardian.co.uk/christmas2005/story/0,,1672400,00.html#article_continue

Still time to top up before it takes of.

19/01/2006 LONDON (AFX) - Character Group PLC said a joint notification has been filed at Germany's Federal Cartel Office by Flextronics Sales and Marketing (A-P) Ltd and Character's subsidiary World Wide Licenses Ltd in accordance with German competition law and merger clearance procedures in respect of the possible acquisition by Flextronics of Character's digital products division.

Negotiations are continuing with Flextronics and shareholders will be updated in due course.

newsdesk@afxnews.com

CCT have sold the Digital business for US$16 million with some more to come a bit lower than some of us would have preferred but not a bad deal, it makes the M/Cap look small now for this company the sp should go up respectively.

Issued on behalf of The Character Group plc
Date: Wednesday, 25 January 2006
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Character Group plc
("Group" or "Company" or "Character")
Proposed sale of Character Group's Digital Division

Following the Group's announcements dated 9 January 2006 and 19 January 2006,
the Board of The Character Group plc announces that contracts have today been
exchanged with Flextronics Sales and Marketing (A-P) Limited ("Flextronics") for
the sale of the Group's Digital business, trading under the name World Wide
Licences Limited ("WWL").

The consideration for the Digital business is US$16 million for the goodwill and
an additional sum for the closing inventory, which will be determined on
completion of the transaction, which is expected to be in February 2006.

WWL, based in Hong Kong, is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Group and is
engaged in the design, development and manufacture of digital products, which
principally consist of digital cameras in addition to managing the Hong Kong and
Chinese logistics for the overall Group. The Group shall continue to have a
presence in Hong Kong which together with its new facilities in Shenzhen, China
will enable the Group to continue the growth of its Toys, Games and Gifts
business.

Commenting on the proposed sale of the Digital business, Richard King, Chairman
of the Group, said:

"The sale of the Digital business will allow the Group to focus entirely upon
the development of its toys, games and gifts business which has, and continues
to have, a number of very exciting opportunities to build on our strong
performance to last Christmas."

"The Directors also consider that a sale is a better option for the Group than a
de-merger, which was previously under consideration."

"The Board is confident that Flextronics is uniquely placed to develop the
digital business to a far higher level than Character could achieve in the same
timescale."

"The proposed sale of the Digital business is believed to be in the best
interests of the Group's shareholders but, as importantly, it gives more
opportunity and future development for the employees within WWL who have played
a significant role in developing the business to date."

"We are delighted that The Character Group plc has accepted our offer to
purchase its digital business" stated Peter Tan, President and Managing Director
of Flextronics Asia.

Mr Tan added: "WWL's talents will provide us with an exciting opportunity to
further enhance our capabilities that further support our penetration into the
consumer products market"

The proposed sale of the Digital business of WWL is subject to shareholder
approval. A Circular, containing full details of the proposed sale of the
Group's Digital business together with details of the EGM, will be posted to
shareholders shortly.

Starting to tick up about time.

Yep I agree some good discussions over on the other board.
Wicked how the mm's hold the price up all day stuff the man
on the street to sell then bang look at all the buying after the bell.
We got a mention in the FT today and the character team are at
the exel toy fair showing all the wonderfull new toys to the trade.
Should be a tick up tomorrow.

Hello all, correct me if I am wrong here, digital division sold for 9m, digital division accounts for 50% plus of turnover. Current market value 30m. Only looking at this would indicate that the company sp is overvalued. Does anyone know how profitable the digital division was compared to the toy/gift division? I am still hopeful that we could be heading for 1 sp in the short term (depending on company announcements re profits at Christmas (not turnover) but am naturally wary. Always like the roller coaster with this one.
Any advice would be appreciated

Peadar10
This post is courtesy of bubloo From another board this is his assessment (good post)

My Assessment
Sale going through in feb that is at the end of the first half. From their own rns sales up 60 % in comaprision to first half of 2004
So First half sales appro 43 x 60%= 25.8 + 43= 69 million for first half gpm at 23% ( I think it should be better )23% x69 = 15.87 million
Assume Selling and admin expenses are same as first half of 2004 i.e., 13mill Therefore pbt 2.87 million Tax at 30% .84 million Pat 2.03 eps 3.98 first half
stock at the end of the year aug 2005 was 9 million but that may now be say 6 million so say 3 million of digital to be paid for by flextronics
if you observe, the selling and admin expenses in the second half is always less than the first half i.e., selling 5.8 and admin 5.9. so in total second half expenses 11.7 but the expenses of wwl should be at least half of that, which would give expenses of about 6 million for toys and games
If the first half trend continues the toys bit should have sales of atleast 33million or more in second half let us take a conservative profit margin of 35% giving us op profit of 11.5 million minus expenses of 6to 7 million therefore pbt of 5 million in the second half
tax at 30 % 1.5 bmillion
gives a second half eps of 7 for a whole year eps of 11 hence the pe ratio is less than 6
cash at the end of the year
9.5 from sale of wwl +
3 miilion of stock +
cash at hand of about 3.75 million +
profit after tax of 5.5 million.

All these add up to 22 million
Market cap of 30 million

So essentially the company is valued at 8 million, with a potential of 60 million of sales yearly with a gpm of 35 to 40 % in toys and games equating to op profit of 21 to 24 million. Even if you consider that the selling and admin expenses for toys to be 60% of last year then expenses willbe around 14 million giving us a pbt of 7 to 10 million.

In summary the company is valued at 8 million and has a potential to make 8 million next year

I hope i am not going mad in my calculation here.

I think my estimates are in fact very conservative

I had discussed their statement below with the FD and he was of the opinion that it meant there will be a substantial boost to their bottom line hence I feel my estimates are conservative company statement during final results

Toys, Games and Gifts
During the financial year, we have accomplished our strategic plans of integrating firstly, Games and then Gifts within this Division, with the former being completed in the first half and the latter in the second half.

Although we have received a limited benefit from these changes in the latter part of the financial year being reported upon, we expect that there will be a more positive impact during the new financial year in terms of both efficiencies and costs.

Through this stronger and improved product offering, we anticipate that we will incur a lower percentage of credits and marketing spend in the current new financial year, with stock write-downs also expected to remain within the levels budgeted.

Interesting post indeed driver, does anybody know when we are likely to get next trading statement/results?

It looks like we got a good deal with pre tax profit of only $0.8m for WWL most of the 60% rise in turn over must be in the toy division, the selling today is the last of the shares being cleared out of ISAs and PEPs if punters hadnt transferred them by today they would have been sold.

I must admit i`m a bit gutted with the drop today as i could of sold this stock a few times at a profit and got back in.
It really is something that i didn`t think would happen ,i thought that given the good trading update ,sale of WWL and dividend this was on a pretty constant move up.
I`m still confident this will be a lot higher once results are announced.

66
You have to sit back and wait for this one its hard to trade because of the spread and it moves so rapidly, top up on the dips treble bagger IMO.

I have been fortunate with this one and have brought and sold twice on the spread of about 50-60p but I'm in now and intend to stay in. Not quite sure on a triple bagger but certainly double driver.
I agree that it would seem the small amount of profit in WWL does lead me to think that most of the 60% will be from the toys.
Can we now start moving northward towards results? Time will tell.......

Over 100k of T trade buys has pushed this over 12% up today.
We may challenge the magic 60p level for the 4th time which
should be broken up to 80p. IMO.........

More T trades and a tick up after the bell.
More of the same tomorrow?

At last! people are starting to realize the true value of this company.

When the market finally wakes up to this undervalued company it won't take long to hit 100p. Hopefully soon the 50p-60p tennis will be gone!!
PE ratio of 5-6 and good dividend, says it all. BUY.

Ted1
I agree we need to get over this 60p then it will head north.

Hi andy, bye andy buy.

Driver, would have added a few more at 50pish had I been around on Monday.
Will we break the 60p resistance this week?

PE of 5-6? can anyone hazard a guess at the EPS with the next set of results?

At finals, 2nd half of 2005 saw >3m profits with EPS 3.41p, I am expecting a better performance than that at 1st half 2006 due to strong Christmas sales and remember thats a half year performance. Full year could exceed 5m profit and with only 52m shares that gives EPS of 10p potentially which doesn't need Carol Vorderman to tell you PE 5-6 at current price. Add to that strong balance sheet and a dividend then fingers crossed we have share in the bargain category.

This from another board (circular sent)

"The board has been delighted with the reaction to the new line up of products for the group's toys, games and gifts div at trade fair in Honk Kong earlier this month and at the London toy fair,which concluded on Sat 28 JAN.
The anticipated growth within the Toys, Games and Gifts div will require additional working capital resources to be drawn upon but, once the board has established the necessary level of capital to support the anticipated growth in the current calender year consideration will be given to the best means of utilising the excess capital generated from the sale of the Digital Business to best promote and enhance Shareholder value. This could potentially be effeted through a programme of buy backs of issued Ordinary Shares by the company in the market"

This share is like a coiled spring.

Agree Driver
Just been saying over on the other bb
that that 135k T trade goes through and up goes the offer
As soon as mr T has finished the sp will be released.
IMHO of course
I would like to see this around a pound by the end of the month.

Ted
It may be sooner than that.

Its nice to see this start to move away from 60p resistance level.
This has been a lot slower moving up than i thought it would be ,maybe now it will start to move to a level it deserves.
DB66

Broken through the 62 next stop 80p

Good news today!
Up she goes

Character Group PLC
15 February 2006

Issued on behalf of The Character Group plc
Date: 15.2.2006



The Character Group plc
("Character" or "Company")



The Board of Character has noted the recent rise in the ordinary share price.
The Board of Character announces that it has received approaches which may or
may not lead to an offer or offers being made for the entire issued share
capital of the Company.

Shareholders should note that discussions are at a very preliminary stage and
the level and form of any eventual consideration is presently unclear.

A further announcement will be made as soon as is practicable.

In accordance with Rule 2.10 of the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers, The
Character Group plc confirms that it has 52,830,909 ordinary shares of 5p each
in issue. (ISIN GB0008976119).

I like the sentence where "The Board of Character announces that it has received approaches"... Sounds like a number of companies are interested and this could make it interesting in the next few days. Anyone have an idea as to what price the offer could come at?

I dont like the sound of a price offer its to early CCT must be worth 150p to 200p IMO.

Character Group
Shares took on 9-1/2 pence to 76-1/2 after the toys and
games group announced it had received approaches which could lead to an offer,
or offers, being made for the company.
Following the takeover approach news, Character Group also issued an upbeat
trading statement this morning.
The firm said it expects to record "solid" growth in like for like sales in
its financial year to August, and also the calendar year of 2006.

We could be in for some good profits on our shares here folks.
I agree with Drivers estimation of potential value but it could be even higher if the trading update eventually produces H1 profits in excess of 3m added to the strong balance sheet. The thing to remember is to set a target price based upon an offer, if it happens you can sell up and then if the offer doesn't materialise you can always buy back later at a lower price because offers usually come in at a higher sp than what profits and sector PE would provide.
Whoever is sniffing around will have noticed a great recovery stock here with a good product range generating good profits in a difficult market.
Well done to anyone who got on board. Interesting times ahead, perhaps even more interesting and exciting than when I first invested and started this thread.

Completion of the Sale of the Group's Digital Business
http://moneyam.uk-wire.com/cgi-bin/articles/200602171031315726Y.html

That's more like it 200k buy
With a company that has confirmed that it had received approaches the sp should be rising faster than this.

I think taking the easy shares at as low a price as possible, remember not that many available on the open market unless one of the holders is prepared to feed some into the market. Interesting article in Shares mag this week about putting value on takeovers suggesting that any company trading on <10 times cashflow is a bargain. For last year, cash flow for CCT was 20m, OK Digital Division now sold but we know that CCT performing much better. Lets be conservative and say cash flow is 10m which with 52m shares gives sp 20x10 = 200p. Therefore anything less than 200p is considered a bargain for a takeover. I personally would be very disappointed if a take-over happened for anything less than 150p.
With those big buys, sooner rather than later announcements will have to made which will fuel the acquisition fire and send the sp higher.
Either way, interim results or takeover this share is heading for >100p

andy
I agree with your value of CCT for a take over the problem is the sp has a long way to go to get there, if the company is snapped up quickly we could see it go sub 100p and the small investor will be stuffed again.

Hopefully not, there are alot of shares to purchase yet. A large quantity are owned by current directors, I doubt they'll let them go cheaply when they are at the point of turning the company around?

Sat's F.T:
QUOTE:
Character Group, which makes and distributes toys such as Robosapiens(above), dolls based on well known Characters such as those from Little Britain and electronic Sudoku, jumped 12.7% TO 75.5P on Wed after confirming that it had received more than one take over approach. The company said that the approaches were at a 'preliminary' stage and that the value of any possible offer was still 'unclear'. The group has done particularly well over the past year out of its series of talking dolls, key chains and mugs based on the Little Britain series"

Minimum 1.00, would be upset if less than 2.00. A sure winner

Agreed peadar10, might be worth adding a few more, still plenty of shares to be snapped up by anyone trying a take-over. Size of some trades certainly suggests its on the cards. This will really take-off when a bidder becomes clear, RNS statements needed for every 520k shares under LSE rules. Might get one this week?

andy
Heres hoping the sp is struggling on non punters awareness.

Driver, until a formal bid is announced I think the sp won't rise too far on speculation until solid results can also be confirmed. I have two sp targets, one based on results due in April and one based upon bids for the company. We have to be patient as its only this time last year that CCT nose-dived and there may be wary investors wanting proof of the pudding, thats why I like these stocks, get in and take a risk before it becomes noticed on more radars and you make more dosh.
Take a look at LDC, appear to on my own but 20% up in <1 month.

Andy
If you like China its now time to get on board PCM they hope to be into profit by the end of 2006 they are seeking finance to launch Sit Up TV or as we know it Bid Up TV the shares are .0012 most of us on it are share millionaires, could be a multi bagger.
Are you still on ASM?

Not currently in ASM, took my money out and put it into MMG which should rise rapidly over next month just like this time last year. It is high beta, originally bought at 60-70p and sold out at 185p and 270p as over-valued and it fell back along way. Bought MMG again at 122p after funds raised at 135p and now 175p.
Will probably take profits again and will re-invest in ASM.

The new all walking Dalek from CCT.

5 Million shares exchanged between Mittel and Valtidone at 78.5,

http://www.moneyam.com/InvestorsRoom/posts.php?tid=9625#lastread

This seems to have disappeared off the board recently for some reason? Results due soon and should be good also maybe news will come out soon about possible takeover.Plenty of cash in the coffers due to sale of digital camera division ,so possible share buyback or increase in dividend ,anyway plenty of good news options currently in pipeline for the near future.

Agreed DB66, should be a very interesting 4-6 weeks!!

Results due next Thursday, maybe there will also be an update on bid approaches??
If results as I expect then sp is justfied and in fact well undervalued even without a takeover bid which would need approval of Directors as they own a large percentage of the company.

Hi andy I'm still hanging in here.

An excellent set of results.

Dividend 1.65 pence, up from 1.1 pence (an increase of 50%)
Cash in Bank 10.3 million, up from 3.9 million (an increase of 164%)

Pre-tax profit of 2.96m in the first half from a 1.93m loss a year earlier.

'The Board is delighted with the progress made by the remaining core business and, providing we see no further erosion in economic confidence generally and,in particular, in the retail sector, we see no reason why the Group's excellent recent progress will not be maintained.'

Yes, very good results. Full year EPS potential of 10p puts on forward PE of 6.5.
This is way too low. Suggest early drop was due to takeover talks being terminated but this share is worth over a quid on fundamentals alone and must surely rate as a BUY now that continued excellent results have been confirmed.

Amazed !!
The market will wake up to these in the comming months i`m sure.
This company has really turned the corner and from their statement they seem very confident about future growth.
I really hope they do agree to a possible 25% share buy back and then we surely will be laughing all the bank!

I think its worth a read at least.


Interim Results

RNS Number:0739C
Character Group PLC
27 April 2006


Issued by Citigate Dewe Rogerson Ltd, Birmingham
Date: Thursday, 27 April 2006
Embargoed: 7.00am
The Character Group plc
Interim Results for the six months ended 28 February 2006

Highlights

Continuing business (Toys, Games and Gifts)
6 months to 6 months to
28 February 2006 28 February 2005
#m #m

Turnover 40.7 27.2 +50%
Operating profit 3.7 (1.0)
Earnings per share 5.69p (2.45p)

Dividend
1.65 pence, up from 1.1 pence (an increase of 50%)

Group results (including discontinued operation)

6 months to 6 months to
28 February 2006 28 February 2005
#m #m

Turnover 66.6 43.4 +53%
Operating profit 1.1 (1.5)
Profit before tax 3.0 (1.9)
Earnings per share 5.04p (3.8p)

Cash at bank
#10.3 million, up from #3.9 million (an increase of 164%)

Approaches regarding possible offers terminated

"During the first six months of the current financial year the Group underwent a
major reorganisation with the disposal of its Digital Business in February 2006.

"The structure of the Group is now designed to maximise the strength of, and
focus on, the core business of Toys, Games and Gifts.

"The Board is delighted with the progress made by the remaining core business
and, providing we see no further erosion in economic confidence generally and,
in particular, in the retail sector, we see no reason why the Group's excellent
recent progress will not be maintained."
Richard King, Chairman

Apparently a BUY recommendation in the Independent.

andy
Cheers ;-)

Buy recommendation from the Independent on 28/4/06

Character Group

Our view: Buy

Share price: 66.5p (-4p)

January's decision to ditch the digital photography arm of the business looks to have been a shrewd move by Character Group, allowing the company to concentrate on its core games and toys licensing division.

Although the proceeds, 10.3m, were disappointing, the sale helped the group return to operating profitability to the tune of 3.7m.
It registered a loss of 1m in the corresponding period of 2004. Turnover rose by nearly 50 per cent to 40.7m, stripping out revenues from the digital arm, thanks to a year which saw the group gain the No 1 and No 2 products in the UK toy market. They are the Dalek from Dr Who and Roboraptor, an electronic dinosaur model.

Looking ahead to the second half of 2006, the company has licensing agreements in place for games linked to two potentially blockbuster films: Superman Returns and Pirates of the Caribbean 2.

The group is also poised to launch Roboreptile, a successor to the Roboraptor, along with more Sudoku games endorsed by Carol Vorderman and exclusive products featuring Peppa Pig, a very popular children's pre-school character.

Character shares trade on an undemanding earnings multiple with the potential for a substantial re-rating should Superman and Pirates do well in cinemas. A 50 per cent rise in the first-half dividend should be followed by the same in the second half, giving the shares a prospective 4.5 per cent yield, impressive for a small company.

Given the ongoing consolidation in the children's entertainment industry, there is always a chance that a suitor will swallow the newly refocused Character Group. But even without a bid its shares are worth buying.

Charles Stanley have a recommendation to accumulate.
All coming out of the woodwork, hopefully more to come and the market may eventually recognise that the recovery is well and truly in place.
Full year forecast EPS >10p, good dividend, cash in the bank ans still potential for a takeover but it would have to be at a good price much higher than todays as this sp is too low.

Growth, Good Dividend Yield, Undervalued, Bid Potentials.

Any of the above are things that encourage investors, CCT has them all.
They just need good analysts and coverage now and this should really drive the sp forward.

Character Director Aldo Horvat acquires 360,000 shares.
That is a good endorsement of current progress of value >216-225k.
He acquired these from Giochi Preziosi S.p.A.

Major Shareholders after todays news

Directors Shareholding and Interests
Richard King 5,345,428
Kiran Shah 5,645,000
Joe Kissane 1,462,300
Jon Diver 1,690,640
Aldo Horvat 360,000
Ian Fenn 9,000
Lord Birdwood 8,750
Tops Pension Scheme 1,725,000
Employees Share Ownership Trust 285,000

Other
Giochi Preziosi S.p.A 11,525,898
Valtidone S.p.A. 5,000,000
Sweet Briar Investments Limtied 1,675,000

andy
Cheers andy could have missed that with such a late announcement, should get a tick up tomorrow.

Just in.

Thank you for your enquiry regarding the possible buy back of the Group's shares.
The board is monitoring the position with regards to this on a continual basis.
As soon as a definitive decision has been reached or action taken,we shall of course keep the shareholders informed.
Richard King,
Chairman

Nice one driver,this has got to be the sort of share to hold in these market conditions.Holding up well and a decent divi waiting just around the corner.

Hopefully the sp holding reasonably well in the last week of claret is a good sign.
In fact I have a few small caps that are making profits and paying a divi that have held up, maybe a better place to be than the speculative oilers and miners right now? I have one speculative in my portfolio that I will hold as they have patents on potential money-spinning application and will start a thread shortly.

Just in after my last email I sent them.

With regards to the sale of the digital division,our net cash position will have improved by around 4m once the sum withheld by the purchaser is paid next February.

As you would expect,whilst the remaining business is going through a period of substantial growth,our first consideration is to ensure that we are financed properly to maximise this growth.

Once we are satisfied that our working capital is sufficient to allow for the expected growth,as we have stated in our interim accounts,we shall consider a share buy back if it felt that it is in the interests of the company and or the shareholders.

At this time,we are not considering any acquisitions or other major capital expense.

We are well aware that the current share price is disappointing, but we are confident that it will follow the performanc of the business in due course.

As you are aware,we moved brokers recently,and we expect them to issue a detailed note within a month,at which time we shall commence to market the Group in its new and exciting format.

I trust that I have explained our current position and thinking.

Kind regards,

Richard King

It looks like we are not going to see an immediate buy back of shares they haven't ruled it out, and that they are aware of the disappointing share price is encouraging. Going through a period of substantial growth also sounds good to me.

Driver, Looking forward to a brokers note that might just provide some impetus to share price. Good EPS, Dividend Yield, Growth and take-over potential.
This share is currently under-valued IMO.

Amazing volume today nearly 10m buys in half an hour 5+m looks like a share buy back or a take over is on the cards.

Transaction in Own Shares

RNS Number:1803F
Character Group PLC
26 June 2006


The Character Group plc

26 June 2006


The Character Group plc (the 'Company')


Share Buyback and Holding in Company


The Company advises that is has today purchased through Charles Stanley
Securities 5,015,000 ordinary shares in the Company at a price of 58 pence per
share. Of the total shares repurchased, 4,015,000 ordinary shares are for
cancellation and 1,000,000 ordinary shares are to be held as treasury shares.

Following the cancellation of these shares, the Company has 47,839,909 ordinary
shares in issue (excluding shares held as treasury shares).

The Company has received notification from Valtidone S.p.A. that following a
disposal of shares in the Company, it no longer has a notifiable interest in the
Company's issued share capital.

Richard King, Chairman, stated that the Board was very happy to have been able
to take the opportunity to buy back just under 10% of the Group's outstanding
shares. The Directors believe that this is in the interests of all the
shareholders. It was achieved out of the Group's resources and, furthermore,
demonstrates the Directors confidence in the trading position of the Group.


Enquiries:

The Character Group Plc Charles Stanley Securities Citigate Dewe Rogerson Ltd
Richard King / Kiran Shah Rick Thompson / Philip Davies Fiona Tooley / Katie Dale

Tel: 020 8949 5898 Tel: 020 7739 8200 Tel: 0121 455 8370
Mob: 07836250150/

07956278522

More Transactions in Own Shares

Character Group PLC
05 July 2006

The Character Group plc

5 July 2006

The Character Group plc (the 'Group' or 'Company')

Transaction in Own Shares

As part of the Group's stated objective to enhance shareholder value through the
repurchase of its own shares, the Company advises that is has today purchased in
the market for cancellation through Charles Stanley Securities 25,000 ordinary
shares in the Company, representing approximately 0.05% of the issued share
capital of the Company (excluding shares held in treasury), at a price of 58
pence per share.

Following the cancellation of these shares, the Company has 47,849,909 ordinary
shares in issue (excluding 1,000,000 ordinary shares in the Company held in
treasury).

The Directors will continue to monitor the position and will, if appropriate,
make further purchases of the Company's own shares.

Looking good more of the same and more to come.

Character Group PLC
06 July 2006


The Character Group plc

6 July 2006


The Character Group plc (the 'Group' or 'Company')

Transaction in Own Shares

The Company advises that is has today purchased in the market for cancellation through Charles Stanley Securities a
further 25,000 ordinary shares in the Company, representing approximately 0.05% of the issued share capital of the
Company (excluding shares held in treasury), at a price of 60 pence per share.

This follows on from the buy-back of 5,015,000 ordinary shares on 26 June 2006 and yesterday's purchase of 25,000
ordinary shares for cancellation. Following these transactions the Company has 47,824,909 ordinary shares in issue
(excluding 1,000,000 ordinary shares in the Company held in treasury).

As part of the Group's stated objective to enhance shareholder value through the repurchase of its own shares, the
Directors will continue to monitor the position and will, if appropriate, make further purchases of the Company's own
shares.

They'll have to pay over a quid for mine Driver!!

And up we go.

Min 1 for mine 2 would be nice

Hi No 10 it looks like we could get there.

Good news 1 here we come.

The Board of the Character Group announces that the Company has today received
notice that 3i plc ('3i') has acquired 11,525,898 ordinary shares, representing
approximately 24.1% of the current issued share capital in the Company
(excluding the 1,000,000 ordinary shares in the Company held in treasury).
http://moneyam.uk-wire.com/cgi-bin/articles/200607181005123457G.html

Finally, people are waking up to CCT. An investment like this is an excellent sign for the future. Wish I could afford it!!!

More buying of there own.

1620hs
Character Group PLC
01 August 2006

The Character Group plc

1 August 2006

The Character Group plc (the 'Group' or 'Company')

Transaction in Own Shares

The Company advises that is has today purchased in the market through Charles
Stanley Securities a further 125,000 ordinary shares in the Company,
representing approximately 0.26% of the issued share capital of the Company
(excluding shares held in treasury), at a price of 68 pence per share. The
shares repurchased will be held in treasury.

Following these transactions the Company has 47,736,659 ordinary shares in issue
(excluding 1,125,000 ordinary shares in the Company held in treasury).

As part of the Group's stated objective to enhance shareholder value through the
repurchase of its own shares, the Directors will continue to monitor the
position and will, if appropriate, make further purchases of the Company's own
shares.

Character Group, which designs, develops and distributes toys, games and gifts, said this morning it expects to exceed market forecasts for the full year after a particularly strong August performance.

In a trading update, executive chairman Richard King said the board now expects a very satisfactory finish to the financial year ending August 31st 2006. 'Trading for the key month of August has been particularly strong and is likely to result in the group exceeding market expectations.'

King also announced today that, whilst maintaining his position as executive chairman, he is relinquishing his role as joint managing director in order to comply both with 'Best Practice' and to take a positive step towards succession planning as well as the general development of the group.

The board has appointed Jon Diver as joint managing director to join Kiran Shah.


The strong performance continues, look forward to the results and the next dividend plus hopefully accompanying sp rise.

I am just a bit surprised that this one has not gone over the 1 mark considering all the good news of late. Mind you this one has had a long history of boom and bust, I remember when the shares where 3+ and-20p

Broker upgrade to Strong Buy and buy tip in Telegraph. I think you've hit the nail on the head Paedar, CCT have to prove history wrong and IMO their renewed focus and in-house development is delivering good profits and growth. The investment by 3i was a good indicator, continued share buy-backs and the next results should drive this further. August trading being strong is a good sign as it is the start of Christmas orders which bodes well considering most people probably have less disposable income than last year with all the bills going up.

Agreed, any idea as to when final results come out?

Last year was 3rd November, as well as results we should also get a view of trading in the all important run up to Christmas. If both are good we may then see this share continue to 1 and beyond.

oops

New upgraded Web Site.

http://www.character-online.com/

Excellent update from CCT.

Trading Update and Board Changes
Statement by Richard King, Executive Chairman
I am delighted to announce that the Board now expects a very satisfactory finish
to the financial year ending 31 August 2006. Trading for the key month of August
has been particularly strong and is likely to result in the Group exceeding
market expectations.

http://moneyam.uk-wire.com/cgi-bin/articles/200608220700349317H.html

Great news. Well done to all at CCT. 1 before xmas?

From todays Independent:

Character Group

Our view: Buy

Share price: 75p (+2.5p)

Six months ago we tipped Character Group shares at 65.5p. Anyone tucking a few away is now sitting on a decent 15 per cent gain, but they are worth hanging on to and should continue to outperform the market.
Character Group owns licences on a number of popular children's characters and games, with most of the manufacturing outsourced to production facilities in south-east Asia. Yesterday's trading statement confirmed a very strong year-end, and with an exciting product pipeline, next year looks like it could be even better.

The fourth quarter of the calendar year is traditionally the strongest for toy groups, and Character is no exception. Given the current popularity of its Dr Who, Scooby Doo and Peppa Pig ranges, it ought to be a very merry Christmas. The last quarter normally counts for about 50 per cent of annual sales. A new toy, the Robosapien V2, part of the company's robotics range, was recently voted the No 1 toy for children in a survey conducted by battery manufacturer, Duracell.

The house broker, Charles Stanley, increased its full-year, pre-tax profits forecast to 5m, giving per-share earnings of 6.74p for 2006. If those numbers are hit, which now looks very likely, the shares still trade on an undemanding multiple of just 11 times, falling to just 8.3 times forecast 2007 earnings. With a healthy dividend yield of 4 per cent, that is too cheap, and the shares deserve a further re-rating.

Winners of Best Licensed Toys or Games Category and The Innovation Award

Character not only won the category of Best Licensed Toys or Games Range but it
was also presented with 'The Innovation Award', which was given in recognition of the
high standards of technical achievement attained in its Doctor Who Radio
Controlled Dalek. The award was presented by comedian and TV impressionist
Alistair McGowan.

http://moneyam.uk-wire.com/cgi-bin/articles/200609200700241831J.html

Two share buy backs today'


Character Group PLC
27 September 2006


The Character Group plc

27 September 2006


The Character Group plc (the 'Group' or 'Company')

Transaction in Own Shares

The Company advises that it has purchased in the market through Charles Stanley
Securities 404,322 ordinary shares in the Company, representing approximately
0.84% of the issued share capital of the Company (excluding shares held in
treasury), at a price of 75 pence per share. The shares repurchased will be held
in treasury.

Following these transactions the Company has 47,641,837 ordinary shares in issue
(excluding 1,529,322 ordinary shares in the Company held in treasury).

The Company enters a close period tomorrow, pending the announcement of its
results for the year ended 31 August 2006 (which it is anticipated will be made
on 28 November 2006), and is not permitted to make further purchases of its
shares during this time. However, as part of the Group's stated objective to
enhance shareholder value through the repurchase of its own shares, the
Directors will continue to monitor the position and will, if appropriate
following the preliminary announcement of its results, make further purchases of
the Company's own shares.

Character Group PLC
27 September 2006


The Character Group plc

27 September 2006


The Character Group plc (the 'Group' or 'Company')

Transaction in Own Shares


The Company advises that it has today purchased in the market through Charles
Stanley Securities an additional 225,000 ordinary shares in the Company,
representing approximately 0.47% of the issued share capital of the Company
(excluding shares held in treasury), at a price of 75 pence per share. The
shares repurchased will be held in treasury.

This follows on from the buy-back of 404,322 ordinary shares disclosed earlier
today and brings the total number of shares purchased by the Company in the last
24 hours to 629,322, representing approximately 1.3% of the current issued share
capital (excluding shares held in treasury). Since June 2006, the Company has
bought back in total 5,819,322 shares representing approximately 12.27% of the
current issued share capital (excluding shares held in treasury).

Following these transactions the Company has 47,416,837 ordinary shares in issue
(excluding 1,754,322 ordinary shares in the Company held in treasury).

The Company enters a close period tomorrow, pending the announcement of its
results for the year ended 31 August 2006 (which it is anticipated will be made
on 28 November 2006), and is not permitted to make further purchases of its
shares during this time. However, as part of the Group's stated objective to
enhance shareholder value through the repurchase of its own shares, the
Directors will continue to monitor the position and will, if appropriate
following the preliminary announcement of its results, make further purchases of
the Company's own shares.

Good post on another board.

http://boards.fool.co.uk/Message.asp?mid=10249199

About time CCT has finally woke up 9% up.

An example of whats being said on advfn at the moment:



fido - 3 Nov'06 - 20:51 - 775 of 779 edit


When this was Toy Options it went on to 4.80.
They had a script issue to bring on the Italian investors which doubled the amount of shares in issue, so effectivley the top SP was 2.40.
However, if you compare the Character Group of today with the Toy Options of yesterday then I think you will agree that we have a much stronger company than then. Therefore, unless we get taken out by a bid I see no reason why in time we cannot surpase those previous levels.

friars2 - 3 Nov'06 - 20:55 - 776 of 779


In Smyth toy shops the robots are flying out the doors, they can't keep the shelves full.

Cr4zyness - 3 Nov'06 - 21:03 - 777 of 779


CCT boats come in, LOL

http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-23372625-details/World's%20biggest%20ship,%20SS%20Santa,%20on%20way%20to%20Britain%20with%20Christmas%20presents/article.do


http://www.guardian.co.uk/china/story/0,,1934774,00.html

Christmas is coming - and it's coming from China


John Vidal
Monday October 30, 2006
The Guardian


The biggest ship afloat is due to arrive in Felixstowe, Suffolk, this week on its maiden voyage from China with nearly 45,000 tonnes of Christmas presents and fare for the holiday season.
The Emma Maersk, which is 400 metres long (1,300 ft), 56 metres wide and 60 metres tall, and dubbed the SS Santa, will unload more than 3,000 containers for supermarkets and stores before heading to mainland Europe.

But the ship and its cargo of crackers, DVD players, toys, puzzles and clothes was the subject of an intense row yesterday over the increasing number of imports from China.

Caroline Lucas, Green MEP for south-east England, said it was a "microcosm of globalisation gone mad".
"All these goods could have been made in Europe. Whole sectors of global trade are now being dominated by China," she said. "The real cost of the goods that the Emma Maersk is bringing in should include the environment, the markets destroyed in developing countries and the millions of jobs lost."

Britain exported more than 2.8bn of goods to China last year but imported nearly 16bn, a 30-fold increase on 1980. The UK is Europe's third biggest trading partner with China but in global terms represents less than 2% of China's trade.

The ship's owners, Maersk, are building another seven giant container ships like the Emma Maersk. A spokesman for the company said yesterday that "there are an awful lot of containers full of toys and games aboard. This is the busy season for importing goods for the high street shops for Christmas and the content of the containers reflect this. From MPS players to socks, to Christmas gift boxes, decorations and crackers, all our gifts are arriving from China and some of our Christmas fare too".



fido - 3 Nov'06 - 21:57 - 778 of 779 edit


Caroline Lucas as an MEP should have the sence to realise that it is those very Chinese imports that have kept inflation low in this country for so many years. How many of us paid 40 for a drill that we can now buy for 9.75.
Of more relevance to CCT is the fact that CCT would be worth bidding for just for its distribution network alone. CCT have won praise from retailers for their ability to get their goods to market. The result has been a higher profile in stores like Toys R Us. That distribution expertise would be worth a tidy sum to a bidder wanting a distribution network for its goods. Also keep in mind that CCT continue to build up their distribution network in Europe.
One further point is that these robots are far from cheap, and if they are indeed flying off the shelves then I think all expectations of turnover and profits are going to be beaten.
Anyone who remembers Hornby of old will remember that it was the outsourcing of its goods to China that was the making of it.
In CCT we have what is increasingly being seen by the market as being a master in sourcing and distributing the goods that people want to buy. As I said before that will be rewarded intime by the market with a PE similar to hornby and any company that can see that now is going to want to take them out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pygMqfBj26o&mode=related&search=

Strong start to this financial year. CCT has 4 items in top ten toy products on Amazon and 8 in top 50 items. 2005/2006 results due in December will be above expectations with a good dividend and I expect trading update for start of 2006/7 to be very good. This share should get a serious re-rating and could again becone a take-over target in the New Year on the back of its performance. Good licences (Dr Who has been a blinder), costs under control, good marketing, well done CCT, great recovery in a difficult retail climate.

Character Group sees FY profit for ongoing business above market expectations
AFX

LONDON (AFX) - Character Group PLC said strong sales in the last days of the financial year mean that it expects profits for its ongoing business of toys, games and gifts to be significantly above market expectations.

The company added that it incurred some additional exceptional costs during the second half of the year related to the sale of its digital business but said they will have no material effect on the continuing business results.

It added that its products continue to perform well at retail and will give a further update when in announced results on November 28.

newsdesk@afxnews.com

tc

Looking good, doubled my money on this now, more to come me thinks.

hoorah- 1 at last. 1.50 is a very real prospect if earnings are as good as expected a strong PE ration should be on the cards, especially considering the money already sitting in the bank

elmfield - 26 Nov'06 - 15:29 - 1277 of 1281


A BLUE WEEK AHEAD:
Read this,
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2087-2471991.html


The Sunday Times - Britain





The Sunday Times November 26, 2006


A Cyberman isnt just for Christmas...
Maurice Chittenden



NOT even a race of evil robotic Santas can stop it being a Doctor Who Christmas. A toy linked to the time lord tops most boys gift lists and a seasonal special in which the Doctor teams up with a new companion is expected to win the television ratings war.
The toy, a Cyberman mask that changes the voice of the wearer into alienspeak, is in such demand that many toyshops have long sold out and it is being bartered for almost double its retail price on websites such as eBay.



Some enterprising parents who recognised it would be a hit bought dozens of the toy and now expect to pay for their own Christmas from the profits of selling it for a mark-up of almost 100% on eBay.

The BBC will tomorrow announce the peak-time viewing slot chosen for its Doctor Who Christmas special.

Comedian Catherine Tate plays Donna, a bride who is late for her wedding, and the Tardis has to turn into a taxi to get her to the ceremony. But she is being chased by a mysterious empress and it emerges that she is the key to an alien plan to destroy Earth involving the robotic Santas.

The programme shows little signs of losing its magic touch, despite the loss of Billie Piper, who played the Doctors companion Rose.

Last month it scooped three prizes at the National Television Awards. David Tennant, the latest time lord, and Piper won the best actor and actress awards. The show was also voted most popular drama.

Next months one-off special will be a precursor to a new series that will begin in the new year and in which Freema Agyeman, who plays medical student Martha Jones, becomes the Doctors new assistant.

Russell T Davies, the shows writer and executive producer, said: We were delighted and honoured by the second series success and we can promise new thrills, new laughs and some terrifying new aliens.

The Doctor and Martha are destined to meet William Shakespeare, a bloodsucking alien named Plasmavores, an army of galactic stormtroopers called the Judoon and a sinister intelligence at work in 1930s New York.

The BBC confirmed that plans are in place for a fourth series. Even the spin-off series Torchwood has been a huge success, attracting 2.4m viewers to BBC3 when it was launched.

Three Doctor Who toys are in the Christmas Top 20 compiled from the bestselling toys in Woolworths, Toys R Us and Argos. The Cyberman Voice Changer, a radio-controlled Dalek and a K-9 dog are all in high demand with only the Bratz Forever Diamondz range of dolls proving more popular than the Cyberman mask for top spot in the 1 billion festive toy-buying spree.

Shares have jumped more than 12p in Character Group, which makes the toys, after it said annual profits would be significantly above market forecasts.

Waterstones, the bookseller, predicts that the 2007 Doctor Who annual will knock The Beano off its traditional perch as the bestselling childrens annual. Amazon, the internet retailer, is selling the time lords annual for 4.54, a reduction of 2.45 on the retail price. A Sunday Times survey has shown that consumers can save up to 40% by buying their Christmas presents on the internet rather than shopping in the high street.

The Doctor Who toys buck this trend. Glitches in China, the worlds leading manufacturer, is causing trouble in toyland. Factories in southern China have been hit by rolling electricity blackouts and labour shortages caused by workers deserting to better-paid jobs in high-tech factories. Officials in Guangdong province have demanded that manufacturers suspend operations for two or three days a week to avoid overtaxing electricity suppliers.

At the same time many of the store chains have underestimated the demand, perhaps thinking that the departure of the shows two original stars from its present run, Piper and Christopher Eccleston, would lessen interest in the travels of the Tardis.
It means those who spotted the demand for Doctor Who early can make a killing. Last week the Cyberman mask, which can retail as low as 29.99 in Argos, was selling for 55 on eBay.



One eBay seller who uses the trading name of littlemonstersmum turned out to be mother-of-two Sophie Pearson from Rugby, Warwickshire. She has sold the mask for as much as 42. Her husband Chris, 35, who runs his own website selling home and garden gifts, bought 15 of them for just over 30 each a month ago.

I paid almost the retail price but when my supplier said Dont mention the cybermask I knew it would be popular, he said. Whatever they push on television will be a sell-out. Its like a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Another eBay trader, Andini Dunn from Shropshire, said: I was asked to get one for a present and told they were hard to get hold of, so I bought a few. They are surplus to my requirements.

CockneyRebel - 26 Nov'06 - 18:29 - 1281 of 1282


Go through the previous high and these are off to the races imo.

Don't know whether that's Monday or Tuesday but I'm sure it's not far off.

CR

23wizard - 26 Nov'06 - 19:16 - 1282 of 1282


Nice article in mail on sat. basically saying toys in short supply, tescos etc online still advertising stock at rrp although they have no more stock !
Amazon usually sell below rrp if they have stock but they have little left, they then direct customers to Amazon marketplace where third parties sell new items without price control. Cyberman helmet rrp 29.99 for sale 59.99, Dalek
39.99 for sale 64.95. Supply and demand eh! If cct can get more to the market place in time(which I'm sure they'll be working on) I think they will be able to sell the lot increasing their profits again. Happy days!

Results on Tuesday.Significantly ahead.CCT pays dividends.

Excellent results! In the Telegraph today CCT mentioned as a possible takeover target.

The Daily Telegraph

The Business Comment Column:
*Will Wal-Mart's new Indian romance stand the heat?
*As MG Rover probe goes on, Phoenix Four make money.
*Piling on nuclear waste in search for energy security.

The Questor Column:
*First Choice - Not cheap, but worth buying.
*Buy - Homeserve (LSE: HSV.L - news) .
*Buy - Mitie Group .

Further news:
*Phoenix Four to reap tax millions.
*CBI chief attacks free trade hypocrisy.
*Underwriters face a storm of protest over hurricane premiums.
*Speculation that Pearson (LSE: PSON.L - news) 's Les Echos could have attracted attention of private equity players.
*Investors suggest Character Group (LSE: CCT.L - news) ( .L) could be a takeover target

I agree an excellent set of results as expected today, onwards and upwards for CCT in 2007

Excellent results, backed by good divi and strong cash position. CCT doing very well in difficult retail sector, 2007 could see these shares up 50% again if not more although I also suspect there will be further approaches that push the sp higher.

Andy

Well done mate, once again you have locked onto a winner. always pleasing to see someome making a few quid :)

pth

given the share buyback plan - 3% announced today and potential up to 25% during the coming year, this will push the p/e down to a 6-7 level...there is no reason why a sp of 150-160 cannot be reached without any approach - 2+ with one ??

Following the buyback and cancellation of the shares, I make it that 3i now have a 25.2% holding in Character.

More buy backs.

So make 3i's holding now to be 25.77%, they'll have to bid soon if Character keep buying back at this rate.

"the Directors have been monitoring the Company's
share price following the preliminary announcement of the Group's results
announced on Tuesday morning. The Board considered that the conditions were
right at this time to conduct a significant buy-back of the Company's shares"

in other words - they think the sp is still very low considering the results, prospects and possible current pre-Christmas trading!

Investors Chronicle article tommorrow

1 December 2006

CHARACTER (CCT)




"The sale of our digital business was the best thing that could have happened to us," says Character chairman Richard King. The disposal was completed in February, and the company is now reaping the benefits of a three-year strategy to take more development in-house and focus on distinctive toy brands. In-house design now provides around two-thirds of products, from less than 10 per cent three years ago, and nine key brands (including Scooby Doo and Dr Who) now account for 95 per cent of sales.

The new financial year has started well, too, with record performances in September, October and November, suggesting that Character is taking market share in a tough retail market. The company also bought back just under 11 per cent of its shares last year, and is looking to buy back a further 25 per cent.

House broker Charles Stanley forecasts adjusted EPS of 10.6p from 8p in 2006.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ord price: 102p Market value: 48m
Touch: 100-103p 12-month High: 109p Low: 46p
Dividend yield: 3.3% PE ratio: 12
Net asset value: 25p Net cash: 7.4m




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year to Turnover Pre-tax Earnings per Dividend per
31 Aug (m) profit (m) share (p) share (p)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2005* 50.0 -0.16 -1.69 2.0
2006 69.5 5.20 8.49 3.3
% change +39 - - +65

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*Continuing operations only
Last IC view: Good value, 76p, 15 Sep 2006 Ex-div: 3 Jan Payment: 26 Jan



A focus on the core business has reaped rewards for Character so, trading on less than 10 times forward earnings estimates, the shares rate good value.

Character Group PLC
06 December 2006

6 December 2006

The Character Group plc (the 'Group' or 'Company')
Transaction in Own Shares

The Company advises that it has yesterday purchased 100,000 ordinary shares in
the Company for cancellation in the market through Charles Stanley Securities,
representing approximately 0.22% of the issued share capital of the Company
(excluding shares held in treasury), at a price of 103 pence per share.

Following these transactions the Company has 44,675,087 ordinary shares in issue
(excluding the 1,754,322 ordinary shares in the Company held in treasury).


Enquiries:

CCT is about to breakout I.M.O

When I receaved this email a few months back after haserling CCT over a cash for share holders, an acquisition or a buy back I didn't know they would go this far, thier doing OK by me.


Today 11:31 Character Group PLC (CCT) Transaction in Own Shares
30/11/06 10:30 Character Group PLC (CCT) Transaction in Own Shares
29/11/06 10:47 Character Group PLC (CCT) Transaction in Own Shares
29/11/06 10:47 Character Group PLC (CCT) Transaction in Own Shares

27/09/06 16:19 Character Group PLC (CCT) Transaction in Own Shares
27/09/06 09:55 Character Group PLC (CCT) Transaction in Own Shares
01/08/06 16:20 Character Group PLC (CCT) Transaction in Own Shares
6/07/06 17:00 Character Group PLC (CCT) Transaction in Own Shares
05/07/06 13:51 Character Group PLC (CCT) Transaction in Own Shares


Email dated 16 June 2006 14:09

With regards to the sale of the digital division,our net cash position will have improved by around 4m once the sum withheld by the purchaser is paid next February.

As you would expect,whilst the remaining business is going through a period of substantial growth,our first consideration is to ensure that we are financed properly to maximise this growth.

Once we are satisfied that our working capital is sufficient to allow for the expected growth,as we have stated in our interim accounts,we shall consider a share buy back if it felt that it is in the interests of the company and or the shareholders.

At this time,we are not considering any acquisitions or other major capital expense.

We are well aware that the current share price is disappointing, but we are confident that it will follow the performanc of the business in due course.

As you are aware,we moved brokers recently,and we expect them to issue a detailed note within a month,at which time we shall commence to market the Group in its new and exciting format.

I trust that I have explained our current position and thinking.

Kind regards,

Richard King

I agree. If we can finish today above 1.04 then the next few days could see the price fly.

Ticking up.

silly question i am sure, but why do you feel 104 is so significant? ...... I had a look at the chart and can see no great resistance/support at that price

Holding above 1 is good news as I guess that was a target for some. Onwards and upwards from here, CCT is a solid investment.

Chartist view:

http://www.advfn.com/cmn/fbb/thread.php3?id=10812463
fingers xxd - 6 Dec'06 - 22:05 - 1677 of 1679

britishbulls.hitters.com have BUY CONFIRMED.

http://www.britishbulls.com/StockPage.asp?CompanyTicker=CCT&MarketTicker=Consumer%20Services&TYP=S
06.12.06 101.50 Buy 1,049
BUY
CONFIRMED

107.00
+5.5000 +5.42%

Cynic,
The recent rise saw the sp close at 1.03-50 falling back to 98p if I am correct. This was the range for a little while since they rocketed from the mid 70s. My view was that if the sp held above 1.03/1.04 we should se a further rise. This has happened this morning, assisted by the company buying shares again.

Nice bit of volume today and a 6% rise. Still my holding from 53.4p

CCT tip for 2007 by scsw New year NAP.Company have 3 out of the top 10 selling 2006 toys including Dr Who Cyberman mask the No1 top seller.Trading Statement due in January and current buyers qualify for 1.65p divi payable next month.

2007 New Year NAPS

http://www.scsw.co.uk/searchresults.php?textfield=cct+character

I started the thread by tipping CCT in 2005 and so far 150% up and I have no doubt that the next year will see further progress and rise in sp.
Ultimately I think CCT may well be taken out by private equity as a highly profitable, cash generative company in the difficult retail sector.
The managemant of CCT deserve high praise for the turnaround since 2004.

andysmith, well done.Think 3i who acquired 24% (increasing % on share buy backs) and have separate toy interests will have grander plans for CCT.Worth mentioning again that 3i have director on CCT board.Say no more.Copy and paste from advfn.Yes possible CCT may get taken out but hopefully not before see true rises in sp.regards.lex ;o)


lex1000 - 12 Dec'06 - 10:52 - 1860 of 1863 edit


Usual profit taking @ 120p resistance, as will inevitably be @ 125p.Firmly of view holders selling themselves short this side of 150p.However would never knock anyone banking profits.Still cheap.S=115p R=120p.On target 125p-150p aimvho.[hd] ;o)

Sheik Yerbouti - 12 Dec'06 - 11:09 - 1861 of 1863


That comment in SCSW about Bluebird Toys brought back some memories - from 20p to 600p, driven by sales of small plastic dolls and several hostile takeover approaches!

From SCSW Nap 2007

Sheik Yerbouti - 12 Dec'06 - 11:24 - 1863 of 1863


They mention that there were three profit upgrades last year and this year could be similar. Sales are less choppy because two thirds of sales are now from owned toys. New series of Dr.Who on BBC for 2007 and 2008. They say they will write more next month.

They also added them to their portfolio at 100p, having previously recommended them at 75p.

Do not think peeps have cottoned on to potential here.Five year chart to me clearly shows where sp is heading i.e 2003 highs & more some.Historically CCT has traded in 400p's.Woul;dn't go as far as to suggest that,however,200p's is possible I feel.aimvho.

agree that this is a terrific looking chart with great break out ..... however, rsi is now around 80 so technically pretty seriously overbought at this moment

Someone asked a while ago about the licences for toys at 3i. For those that did not know, 3i owns chorion which owns major licences like Noddy and the Mr Men etc. The major plus as far as Character is concerned is that these licences churn out good profits year after year and if Character partnered 3i in the global branding of chorion licences then it would have a major impact on Characters re rating. For their part 3i would get all the wealth of experience that exists within Character. Character have proved that they have a nose for a winning toy year after year and are top rated when it comes to promoting those brands and getting them to the shops at the right time. You can see why the combination of 3i and Character would make a powerful combination on the global stage. Anyone interested in the Chorion licences should have a look at the following link:

http://www.chorion.co.uk/chorion/brand/

fido,thx for background info on 3i licences.Interesting.Provides more meat to bones Provides explanation with additional reasons for 3i investing so heavily in CCT & having a (3i) director on CCT board.Can see 3i adding shareholder value.

Lex,
Ask anyone that has anything to do with the toy industry and they will tell you that the hardest thing of all is spotting the next winner. Even as Toy Options Character had the knack of doing just that. Whether it was the Spice girl dolls or Buzz Lightyear or Teletubbies or a host of others, Character have always been amongst the must have toys. That sort of knack and experience can and does mean the difference between making millions and a flop. As I said if you combine this with the strengh and the contacts of 3i then you have a powerful combination.

http://www.chorion.co.uk/chorion/brand/
With reference to the above web page, I recommend that people have a good reed of all the licences. It is a tressure trove of marketing possibilities waiting to be explored. Who better to exploit this than the expertese of Character. To prove a point I was making about consistant profits year after year, if you read the section for Mr Men you will see they have been going for 30 years and there is a wealth of other possibilities just waiting to be exploited.

If you believe that this company is better and stronger than Toy Options then 2.40 and more is very possible in time. Toy Options went as high as 4.80. Character had a script issue that the PI`s were not invited to. It doubled the number of shares in issue with the extra shares going to the Italians. That makes 2.40 the new peak. However, there are other things to consider that would mean a price higher than 2.40 namely:

The large scale buybacks/future buybacks that are now taking a substantial number of shares out ot the equation.
The fact that Character are very much stronger than Toy Options.
The fact that we have 3i as an investor with a director on the Character board.
The huge potential of the 3i contacts and licenses.
The possible takeover of Character by 3i.
All these things mean that in time a price much higher than 2.40 is achievable.

fido,yes it was me who asked you question about 3i licences on advfn.Thanks for your informative posts.You make important points which fully illustrate the huge potential here.

holgerl - 13 Dec'06 - 07:05 - 1885 of 1892




Molly Watson, Western Mail


WE'VE had Tellytubbies, Tracy Island and Buzz Lightyear.

They are the must-have toys which parents scour the shops for in the run-up to Christmas, knowing if stocks run out, a stocking featuring anything less just will not do.

This year, anything related to the hit show Doctor Who is flying off the shelves, but the Cyberman voice-changing helmet is already threatening to become this year's must-find gift.

But not just any Cyber helmet, mind you, the limited edition featuring a glimpse of the brain inside is the real catch.

It is all part of the astonishing marketing drive that has seen Doctor Who prop up the toy market this year.



The BBC Wales hit show was yesterday revealed as one of 2007's top calendar pin-ups, pitting the show against popstars.


Figures released yesterday show the sci-fi drama came second in a chart of best-selling calendars, just one of a long list of charts which merchandise from the show is topping in the run-up to Christmas.


Earlier this month WH Smith and Waterstone's predicted The Official Doctor Who Annual would outsell The Beano, which has traditionally held the number one best seller spot each Christmas.


And the Toy Retailers Association's lists of top Christmas toys features a number of Doctor Who products, including the Doctor Who scale radio-controlled K-9 and the Doctor Who Tardis Electronic Playset.


Based on sales so far for Danilo, Europe's biggest official calendar company, Doctor Who lost out only to Robbie Williams, beating Kylie Minogue, Cliff Richard and the Simpsons in the popularity stakes.


With less than a month to go until Christmas, retailers yesterday said Doctor Who toys, which are manufactured by Character Options, are flying off the shelves, with Doctor Who Cyberman Voice Changer Helmet being one of the most sought-after products.


Ronnie Dungan, editor of trade magazine Toy News said merchandise related to the show is propping up the toy market this year.


He said, "We've spoken to a number of retailers and they're expecting the Cyberman mask to be one of their best selling toys. Of all those we spoke to, 32% said they thought Doctor Who toys would be their best selling product this Christmas."

To give you some idea of the huge potential of a 3i/Character link up, take a look at the following article and remember that this is just one licence in 3i`s treasure trove of licences:

'Famous Five' deal for Disney
By Matthew Garrahanin Los Angeles

Published: December 4 2006 02:00 | Last updated: December 4 2006 02:00

Walt Disney has struck a deal to develop an animated television series based on Enid Blyton's Famous Five stories, as part of the media group's new strategy for international growth.

The company will work with Chorion, a British company that owns the rights to several literary properties,to develop the series. It will be produced in the UK and broadcast on the UK Disney Channel.

If you take another look at my last post, you will see in relation to Chorion, the following sentence:
"part of the media group's new strategy for international growth".

We also have Character stating that they are also building up their international growth. It it very easy to see how they could be very useful to each others ambitions.

Have another look at the Chorion website. You will find that there are a number of licences that have yet to be exploited. Put yourself in 3i`s shoes. You have a treasure trove of licences that you want to exploit through branding on a global scale...What do you do?
In 3i`s case they take a large stake in Character Group and put a director on its board... Think about it!

This afternoon looked in at a few stores.Waterstones down to the last several Dr Who products,no Cyberman and heading for sell out.Argos sold out of Cyberman,checked other Dr Who, from last 1 up to 23 available.Small kid looking to side my shoulder to save himself the bother as flipped over pages to find Dr Who.He confirmed that him and his mates into Dr Who.Pages with Star wars which assume still come under Character? M & S selling a Dr Who pack and small metal Dalecks,same packaging as Character but marked m&s.com and not character online.com.Can someone confirm that Character supplying M & S stores?

lex1000
Doesn't look like it this is all they seem to have.

http://www.marksandspencer.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Product_Id=2143832&portal=locayta

http://www.marksandspencer.com/Search/MNSSearchESP.process?query=Dr+Who+&SearchAction=Basic&var=stemming&stemming=true&var=num_rows&num_rows=50&var=query.message&error_query=Go+back+and+enter+some+words+to+search+for.&RowsPerPage=50&prod_attrib=1&RestartFlow=t&x=27&y=11

Suddenly this board has sprung to life but there is much more to come.
How many retailers are having a good Christmas? CCT is loving it, everywhere you go you can see their products selling well. Dr Who licences was a master-stroke even though I can't stand the programme myself and thank God CCT got rid of digital business and concentrated on what they are good at and Fido's posts are bang on with the possibilities for CCT. The stake that 3i took initially (higher now after buy-backs) was significant as was putting one of their directors on the board and this would not have been done without seeing not only the potential but also the deliverance of this excellent company.

andysmith,
Take a step back and look at what 31 do. They take a stake in a company and through their wealth of connections they add value to it. That would be good for Character because 3i would have been looking to add a substantial profit from their investment. However the fact that they decided to put a director on Characters board means that their is more to this than that. 3i have through Chorion a wealth of untapped character licences that they intend to exploit throughout the world. They can do this because they actually own the licences. Character are renowned in their ability to exploit a marketing opportunity and the fact that 3i have teamed up with Character is of HUGE significance. Their success with Dr Who is testiment to that. Talking of Dr Who, the BBC have made a fortune out of the hugely successful series. It will not have been lost in the halls of power at the BBC what a money spinner Dr Who has been for them and you can bet your bottom dollar that they will be looking at other projects to repeat the success using Character.
The point is that if this goes the way I think its going then Character could become a highly successful and profitable company which is exactly the reason that I think that 3i are going to take them out, they would want to keep their hugely successful merchandiser and distributer in house.

When 3i took their stake in Character a long time ago and the SP was a fraction of what it is now, I said that the camera division would be sold off and that 3i would make a bid foe Character at 2.20. So far I have been right about the cameras but I am starting to think that a take out price of 2.20 is looking a bit mean. A lot depends on how far Character are ALLOWED to develope. We have already had bid interest that was shown the door because they undervalued Character. Now that Character is seen to have such a fantastic future, any bid is going to have to reflect that and be much higher than it is today. Thinking of other possibles, how is this one. 3i link up with the BBC to exploit Chorions licences and Character reap the benefits of the merchandising. It doen`t take a lot to see how this could go very much higher does it.

I agree 3i are one of the best in the business as far as maximising an opportunity. As I said though, 3i have a large number of investments and some very powerful connections so the fact that they have chosen to take a large stake and put a director on the board can only mean that they have very definate plans for Character.
On your second point, I said ALLOWED to develope because if Character are allowed to develope licences with 3i and the BBC and put them on a global stage then the resulting revenue would be huge. An example of this would be the Mr Men characters. They have been going for 30 years and are recognised throughout the world. With such obvious potential I cannot believe that a company with the pedigree of 3i are going to let that opportunity slip. The good news for shareholders is that the Character directors know the value in Character and if 3i want to take them out then they are going to have to keep the likes of Mr King happy if they want the benefit of his experience and that means a full take out price.

Breaking out above 120p. Peeps yet to catch on with CCT.

advfn bbs unobtainable therefore cannot copy and paste some number crunch.Conservative 2007 estimate sp 132p plus 16p for cash assuming 7m.This does not include 4m CCT should receive in February.At least 3 profit upgrades expected 2007.Stanley Charles maintain strong buy with initial short term 130p with update next month.CCT record sales double digit growth across all major brands.

Worth scroll back and read Fido's posts on potential here combined with 3i literally on board.

Can see where 150p becomes realistic 2007 target & potentially higher.Note shares attract 1.65p divi qualify and payment dates in january.

CCT excites me and lights my fire! lol.

On Amazon website, Character has 10 items in top 100. What a bumper Christmas, the trading update in the New Year should make good reading.

Glasshalfull - 28 Dec'06 - 00:47 - 2127 of 2127


Scotland's top selling tabloid - Daily Record - produced the following article on 27/12/06 (nice headline!)
Hopefully the same was replicated throughout the UK.



WHO'S THE TOP TOY?

TV Doctor is kids' favourite

By Kevan Christie

DR WHO proved the biggest hit with the kids this Christmas as merchandise from the show continued to fly off the shelves.

The popularity of the BBC1 show saw supplies of Daleks, Cyberman Voice Changers and Sonic Screwdrivers outstrip demand, according to the UK's biggest toy store chain.

Toys R Us said stores were forced to source Doctor Who merchandise from across the world to keep up with demand.

And in-store displays were being replenished up to five times a day in November and December.

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/tm_headline=who-s-the-top-toy-&method=full&objectid=18332771&siteid=66633-name_page.html




Regards,
GHF

anyone know the date of the trading update or if anyone has any other tongue twisters please post

Based around previous January trading updates, the Trading update is likely to be due Tues 9th Jan.

What the toy industry has found is that branded toys produce not only higher sales but command longer loyalty and can also be extended like we are now seeing with the NEW RANGE of Dr Who toys. This is opposed to one off toys like the Spice Girl dolls.
The incredible success of the Dr Who range is testiment to the ablity of Character to create a brand and then market it.
As I keep saying 3i have a wealth of licences that they wish to exploit. Some of the licences have never been marketed at all. 3i have stated that they now wish to exploit these licences through branding on a global scale and their near 30% stake in Character together with a 3i director on Characters board can only mean one thing in my opinion.Likwise as I said before, the BBC have seen huge revenue from Dr Who. They also have seen the benifit of branding and are seeking to replicate the success on other projects which must surely include Character. Other companies will also be watching with interest. It does not take much to see that this could become are very much larger and profitable company. The move north in the SP is never going to be a straight line and there will be days when the SP will fall back, but the forces that are propelling the potential of Character have never been stronger and I have never felt more certain about the direction of a share. If my thoughts about propects are proven then this share will not only match Hornby`s PE but it will beat it.

Bought back in today in anticipation of barnstorming trading update, and also coverage in this weekends SCSW.

has a date for trading update been announced?

haracter Group says four-month sales to end-Dec up 35 pct on last year
AFX


LONDON (AFX) - Character Group PLC, which designs, develops and distributes toys, games and gifts, said sales from continuing operations for the first four months to Dec 31 were up 35 pct on last year.

In a trading update, the company said it has received a 'strong' response to its 2007 Christmas product range, which would lead to further growth throughout the year.

Given its Christmas 2006 sales and the positive reaction to its current product portfolio, chairman Richard King said the company remains on target to maintain its growth throughout 2007.


http://moneyam.uk-wire.com/cgi-bin/articles/200701170700256252P.html

the good news is now out, so have taken a sweet little profit, which was always my aim ...... dare say a good term hold, as momentum currently behind it and golden cross possibly just formed

cynic
A bit slow but looking at 200p+

not saying you are wrong ..... no a sector i really follow and took this position solely as a trade over the Christmas period ..... nowt wrong in taking profit!

will have another look at CSR when I get a mo ..... in SF at the moment, but will try to within next hour

Character Group
Share price: 126p +0.5p
Questor says Buy

The return of Dr Who to our television screens in 2005 did not just resurrect the career of Billie Piper - it also helped toymaker Character Group return to a healthy profit. The company makes toys and games under licence, to tie in with television programmes such as Dr Who, Scooby Doo and Little Britain. It is also the company behind the popular Robosapien robot.

In the first half of 2005 the company was making a loss but thanks to a strong product line-up - due at least in part to the popularity of Dr Who and Little Britain - it returned to profit at the end of that year and it has remained in the black ever since.

Character has also sold its digital division, which produces Polaroid cameras - no longer a must-have item due to the advent of digital cameras. It is now focused on toys and games and has been developing more of its own products alongside those it produces under licence. It is also expected to unveil a new line of girls' dolls - described as somewhere between Bratz and Barbie - at the next week's Toy Show in London.

Character Group said yesterday that sales from its continuing operations rose 35pc in the four months to December 31 and analysts believe the future pipeline of products is strong. The company also plans to continue its share buyback which will improve earnings per share.

The Aim-listed company's share price has more than doubled over the past year and Questor tipped the stock at 71p last August. It now trades at 10.5 times forecast 2008 earnings - a considerable discount to closest quoted rival Hornby - with a prospective yield of 3.2pc.

Even if you're not a fan of the revived Doctor Who, it will be a while before this lucrative revenue line is exterminated and, even then, Character Group has a good portfolio of toys and games which should help growth to continue.

james.quinn@telegraph.co.uk

Great news today. 150p should be reached in the near future.

lex1000 - 31 Jan 2007 23:36 - 11 of 11
31/01/07 - 14:59 Sale of Treasury Shares RNS
31/01/07 - 09:20 Character Group sees current year exceed market AFX
31/01/07 - 07:00 Trading Update RNS

The news gets better & better.Good year of growth,increasing dividends,profit upgrades and chart breakouts continue.

Bullish chart confirmed chart breakout should take sp to 150p.Charles Stanley upgraded from 145p to 160p.Strong buy methinks now another Institution on Board @ bargain price.Hence explanable reason sp held back.aimvho,dyor

Don't forget the share buys backs, increasing the EPS regardless of increasing profits!

Big write up in SCSW today - "...even these (updated) forecasts are likely to emerge as too low. Buy"

chart on post 183 shows the strong upward momentum (trend!!) with 25 dma rising sharply (currently about 135) which should lend solid support should sp fall back.

as a general comment, please take note that all indices are currently looking pretty toppy, other than DOW ..... however, even DOW is starting to look a little tired and in need of a rest - i.e. temporary retrenchment, perhaps back to 12460

Sold 35% of mine to bank some nice profit for another investment.
My remaining shares for me are effectively free now and will sit there collecting my dividends and waiting for the onward push in sp after the interims in April.
If there is the continued growth then I fully expect than CCT could be taken private but not for anything less than 2. Amazing turn-around in two years.

Wave goodbye to 2 as we pass!

http://boards.fool.co.uk/Message.asp?mid=10402960

Sharewatch - SWSC Repeated Buy Recommendation in saturday 10th newsletter. Charatcter included in Nap 2007 growth share.Watch CCT monday onwards.......


CockneyRebel - 10 Feb'07 - 16:15 - 2955 of 2976


It's excellent, as suggested here last week, one of their two main buy tips. Now that's it, no more, just wet yourself on Monday :-)

PaulyPilot has done an intersting write up on CCT today too on TMF that you might find interesting:

studhaves - 10 Feb'07 - 16:25 - 2957 of 2976


Nice write up on TMF boards too, cheers CR. I must say my own feeling is that these should be over 2-00 in a relatively short time. My own target was 2-29 from some calcs some time ago, looks like it needs revising.

http://boards.fool.co.uk/Message.asp?mid=10402960



studhaves - 10 Feb'07 - 21:12 - 2966 of 2976


I don't usually follow tipsheets, & anything I see touted around I always do my own research on, but the way I view it is kind of as an insurance policy -
if I only use it as kind of sentiment indicator for CCT to see what the herds likely to be up to it's well worth the money, & if I pick up one half decent tip from it it'll more than pay for itself a few times over :)

studhaves - 10 Feb'07 - 21:13 - 2967 of 2976


PS Elm,
I think the SP will tick up a good few points on Monday :)


I'd expected as much which is why I upped my spreadbet by another 125 last week :)

CockneyRebel - 11 Feb'07 - 11:54 - 2968 of 2976


I think north of 14p eps will be achieved this year. On the basics they did 5.69p epd in H1 last year. Add 20% to the eps for the reduced shares (it should actually be a bit more) and you have 6.83p. Sales are up 35% and margins at the same levels (I think they will increase a tad myself) and H1 eps would be 9.22p. If H2 was just the same as last year they would do 3.4p with the reduced shares. So the 12.7p eps forecast factors in no growth in H2 and the whole of the estimates factor in no margin increase.

Add in 35% sales growth in H2 maintained and you have 13.8p eps this year.

If they have increased margins it could be 15p eps+ for this year.

So the earnings growth looks like 60%+ and the PE for the current year is just 10 maximum. Growth may actually be a fair bit stronger and the PE lower if best estimates are met.

fwd PE for the year ahead will get focussed upon from the interims which is likely to be 8 or less imo. H1 ends Feb 28 so there could be an H1 trading statement in the next few weeks or then on.

17p eps next year looks well likely and a fwd PE of 12 looks modest for this gowth. Come the interims in May I bet these could easily be 170p+ with 200p a possibility imo.

CR


studhaves - 11 Feb'07 - 12:46 - 2969 of 2976


Thanks CR,
Its nice to see such low PE's still even after the recent increases - lots more room for further increases :)

fido - 11 Feb'07 - 13:17 - 2970 of 2976


It is worth noting that all these impressive earnings upgrades are coming from what is just the start of Characters potential. Dr Who was the starting point of the turnaround. This has now been followed by the Sarah Jane adventures. People talk of the risks that the BBC will not continue making Dr Who. I would argue the very opposite. Through Dr Who, the BBC has discoved a moneymaking opportunity. There is no way that having discovered this income stream that the BBC are not going to capitalise on it, so far from discontinuing Dr Who the BBC will be looking at ways of making it even more profitable. This will mean more spin offs like the Sara Jane adventures and more licences for Character.
Likewise I fully expect to see Character partnering 3i in its exploitation of its Chlorion licences.
People speak of risks. Character are underpinned by strong growth. What is not factured in is the future potential of more licences and more partnerships.
The risk is in my opinion not so much in being in, its being out at a time when growth prospects look superb.

Looking very strong pre-open.Heading 170p-200p by year end if not before.

What more do you want? Quality growth share for rest of 2007 and 2008.Pays a dividend twice yearly too.

Over 500k traded,high volumes for CCT.Holding rise thus far.Resistance at 150p,however,if get follow through momemtum buying over this week who knows.Charater highlighted as growth share 2007 and therefore on more & more peeps radar.News a few few weeks onwards,profit ipgrades should see CCT ,moving higher over coming weeks and months.Strong hold.

RNS Number:1553R
Character Group PLC
13 February 2007


Issued on behalf of The Character Group plc by Citigate Dewe Rogerson

Date: Tuesday 13 February 2007
Immediate Release

The Character Group plc

Pan-European Master Toy Contract signed
by Character Group and BKN for
DORK HUNTERS FROM OUTER SPACE

The Character Group ("Character" or "the Company or Group") announces that it
has signed a pan-European master toy contract with BKN New Media Ltd, a wholly
owned subsidiary of BKN International AG ("BKN") relating to the animated action
comedy series, DORK HUNTERS FROM OUTER SPACE.

At this stage, the license will cover all standard "master toy" products, such
as basic plush; feature plush; action figures; toy vehicles and accessories;
play-sets; activity, arts & crafts; interactive toys; board-games; toy writing
and school instruments; toy accessories including lipstick and make-up.

Commenting on the deal, Jon Diver, Joint Managing Director at The Character
Group said:

"DORK HUNTERS FROM OUTER SPACE is poised to capture European viewers and we look
forward to rolling out our pan-European toy product line that reflects the fun
and creative characters within the show. We envisage a full European roll-out in
late summer 2008 and we see DORK HUNTERS FROM OUTER SPACE as a strategic
cornerstone for our extensive branding initiatives."

The master toy license is part of two new major TV broadcast deals with GMTV in
the United Kingdom and RTL II in Germany announced earlier today (13 February
2007) by BKN International AG ("BKN") relating to its wholly owned UK subsidiary
BKN New Media Ltd. GMTV has acquired two seasons, totaling 36 all-new episodes
of DORK HUNTERS FROM OUTER SPACE and is set to premiere the animated action
comedy series on free -TV GMTV1 from 2008 whilst RTL II has confirmed that DORK
HUNTERS FROM OUTER SPACE is set to launch on free-TV RTL II in late 2007.

Nicola Andrews, Sales Director, BKN New Media added: "The broadcast of DORK
HUNTERS FROM OUTER SPACE in the UK and Germany reflect a key component of our
European marketing strategy. GMTV and RTL II provide exceptional broadcast
platforms for the series while Character Group is the obvious choice as our
licensing partner in Europe."

Enquiries:

Richard King, Chairman Fiona Tooley, Director
Kiran Shah, Group Finance Director & Joint MD Katie Dale, Senior Account Manager Claire Sawkins
The Character Group plc Citigate Dewe Rogerson SO PR
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8949 5898 Tel: +44 (0) 121 455 8370 Tel: +44 (0) 1423 359100
Mobile: +44 (0) 7836 250150 (RK) Mobile: +44 (0) 7785 703523 (FMT) Mobile: +44 (0) 7831 452012
Mobile: +44 (0) 7956 278522 (KS)

www.thecharacter.com


Notes to Editors:

The Character Group plc designs, develops and distributes toys, games and
giftware, principally to the UK although it has an ever increasing exposure to
international markets.

Revenues are generated from a mix of product ranges with over 70% designed and
developed in-house either under the Group's own brand or under licence with the
balance being derived from third party distribution. Notable product lines are
Doctor Who, Scooby Doo, Biker Mice from Mars, Peppa Pig, GR8 Gear, Robosapien,
Roboraptor and Robopet. For a more comprehensive view of the product portfolio,
please refer to www.characteronline.com.

www.thecharacter.com

CCT.L: Sector: Media, AIM

BKN International AG is a global animation company engaged in the distribution
and marketing of animated children's television programmes and the marketing of
related consumer products (licensing and merchandising) in all forms. BKN has
worked on numerous successful animation projects.

The Company is currently listed on the Deutsche Bourse and AIM and it operates
all over the world. BKN has successfully negotiated distribution deals in over
95 countries and territories in the children's programming market.

The Company's Film Library includes:

- Legend of the Dragon - Robin Hood
- Kong - The Animated Series - Zorro: Generation Z
- Kong - King of Atlantis - Roswell Conspiracies
- Kong - Return to the Jungle - Dork Hunters from Outer Space
- A Christmas Carol - Jungle Book

DORK HUNTERS FROM OUTER SPACE (36 x 22') is BKN's latest animated action comedy.
The series follows the adventures of school-mates Mac, Nikki, Romeo, and their
earthbound friends Eddie and Angie, as they take on the nastiest, interplanetary
villains ever to hide out on Planet Earth - The Dorks. Who knew that a wrong
turn at Saturn would result in one of the funniest animated action shows
destined to grace the television screens of this, or any other planet?

That's right...you know them...you've seen them...you've smelled their breath!
Dorks are among us and they are everywhere! Sound like enough for a group of
teens to handle? Then consider that our heroes must save the galaxy while
struggling to cope with life as average teenagers in beautiful Paramus, New
Jersey. And, oh yes, they take their orders from a ...goldfish! Starting to get
the picture? This is Rick Ungar's funniest creation for kids to date.

www.dorkhunters.com


This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

Fantastic growth story here.Share price wont last long below 150p.Target prices 170p-225p.

Peeps very slow to cotton on to huge growth & potential of CCT.Consider get in sub 150p whilst can.Waiting breakout above 150p next target 175p.

fido - 13 Feb'07 - 10:27 - 3017 of 3017


Morning all,
Fantastic news indeed. I said that the last RNS was so true to my vision of where Character were heading that it felt like I had written it and now we have this which is even better.
This RNS tells us that we have:
More licences,
More international growth,
More focus on BRANDING.
More in house developement,
More growth,
More profits,
More certainty and less risk,
More dividends from higher profits.
The only thing that we have less of is ofcourse shares.
Todays RNS confirms what I have been saying for a long time now. The directors have a forward looking vision for Character and that vision is like my own. Its like a hand being inserted into a glove, everything is slowly coming together. Characters international growth is the perfect springboard for 3i to maximise the potential of its treasure trove of Chlorion licences and although no deals have been signed as yet, this must surely be on the cards as indeed are yet more deals in the UK and now internationaly. This is all being powered by Characters expertese in the field of toys, branding,marketing and distribution.
As I have said to those who talk of risks, just stand back and see what is happening here. This is a major growth story in the making, if you stand back you can see all the pieces slotting together and is as close to a one way street as you will get.
The sad thing is that we will not be alone in seeing the potential in Character.Every petal that unfolds in Characters bud makes it more and more certain that it will be bid for the prime rose that it is.

don't knock being a potential t/o target!

Right now that I have had more time to digest this latest news I have a couple of more points that I would like to add.
The first point is about BRANDING. I know that I keep going on about it but I feel that its important and needs to be underlined because I feel that it is the difference between making an ad hoc profit and a long term moneyspinner.
The BRANDING route to profits is one that Character have clearly identified as maximising profit potential. I said that Dr Who would not be the last branding exercise and judgeing by the following quote from Character there are clearly more to come.
"we see DORK HUNTERS FROM OUTER SPACE as a strategic
cornerstone for our extensive branding initiatives.'

Another point comes from Nicola Andrews of BKN News Media who says that Character Group were the "OBVIOUS CHOICE IN EUROPE". That means that the expertese that is recognised in this country is now recognised on an international basis and if Character are the obvious choice for BKN then they will be the obvious choice for others too. As I said, success breeds success.

The last point is that BKN are a GLOBAL company and have done deals in 95 countries. In many ways they are like Character themselves only much larger.
Two points need to be born in mind because of this.
The first is that the partnership between Character and BKN is likely to be HUGELY BENIFICIAL to Character in every sence, and there is a very strong possibilty of more deals to come.
The last point is about the possibility of a contested bid. As I said BKN are in the same business as Character and if 3i bid then you can bet your bottom dollar that BKN will be bidding too.
As I said before, where are the risks. Being IN or being OUT.

Have a read about BKN. The potential is not unlike that of 3i`s Chlorion:

http://www.bknhomeentertainment.com/about/about.html

To give you some idea of potential have a look at the following sentence:

The Company owns the sixth largest global
library of animation consisting of 76 different titles and 1,909 episodes or films licensed in more than
95 countries and dubbed in approximately 30 languages and dialects.

Now, put together Character, 3i,HIT,BKN,BBC and all the others who will now want to partner Character.

ARE YOU STARTING TO GET THE PICTURE!

elmfield - 13 Feb'07 - 22:14 - 3046 of 3050


I got it a while back, it had been said that cct should not be on the same p/e as hornby for example because cct did not have enough strings on their bow, I say that they will have many strings and if the odd one breaks no matter, The team at cct are one to back and I have been saying this for some time and despite the recent rise I still reckon these are a BUY.
We should be on a p/e of around 15 which will have a nice dividend to add support, All just my own view and should not be taken as a recomendation to buy CCT.

scburbs - 13 Feb'07 - 22:31 - 3047 of 3050


Elmfield, yes I agree as CCT adds more strings it derisks the stock and removes some risk restrictions from the P/E. I was previously thinking 12-15 as reasonable, but I think recent developments implies the top end of that range as you have suggested.

Applying 15 P/E to:

V.Low broker forecast of 12.66p - target 190p
My mid range eps forecast 15p - target 225p
Paulypilot continued 35% growth forecast 18p - target 270p

Based on the above I think 225p is a reasonable target for this year (or c.50% upside from the current price) potentially more if 35% growth continues for the full year.

fido - 13 Feb'07 - 22:51 - 3048 of 3050


elmfield,
I am happy that you can see where this is heading. I think that maybe a few more will be awake to the potential here.
What we have here, is the coming together of all multimedia forms with the aim to maximise profit potential through branding on a global stage. This is exactly the sort of thing that 3i are thinking of for their Chlorion licences and is why I believe the partnering of the two must surely be a done deal.
I do however believe that the market is being slow to recognise the change in Character and its potential. I think that the market still sees Character as JUST a toy company and this is one of the reasons that the SP is being held back. The good news is that all those that matter like Character themselves. 3i, the BBC and now BKN, see this as very much more than that.
As I have said many times before, this is a fantastic growth story. Last week the only topic was of the Sharewatch article and now we have BKN. Newsflow like this is going to continue into the medium term and is going to culminate in a company with a much much higher value. The reducing number of shares is going to send the PE zooming up and increasing the yield at a very satisfying pace and you don`t need me to tell you what all of this is going to do to the SP in the medium term.

sikhthetech - 13 Feb'07 - 23:00 - 3049 of 3050


Fido, the best gems are the ones where the 'market is being slow to recognise the potential'.....remember sheep....
Good Luck

fido - 13 Feb'07 - 23:21 - 3050 of 3050


sikhthetech,
The market and indeed investors are often slow at recognising potential. I take it that you have read what I said about PGS. PGS is another example of how a real moneyspinner can go unoticed for ages before it is accepted as a high growth stock and receives a re rating.
The reason I try not to put a value on Character is because so much of its upside comes from its potential. Historical earnings figures are hopelessly out of date when compared to the pace of forthcoming deals. The steadily reducing number of shares also throw the calculations out and we have yet to see the effect of the institutional herd mentality buying into a high growth stock paying an excelent and increasing yield and with bid possibilities. All you can say is that this should be on at least a PE of 15 right now with an SP somewhere north of 2. The medium term will see us in the 3-4 bracket or ealier if there is a bidding contest.

Not got time to do the maths regarding the share buybacks, but looks like 3i have been increasing their stake.

I could be wrong but I am checking out now for the time being. I like buying this share when its below 50p

good luck to you all

Nowt wrong with taking a profit, took some myself last week but will be holding the rest for quite a while as there seems to be much more potential yet. CCT management have an excellent job of turning this company around in a difficult retail environment. I liked the comment that they seemed the obvious choice in Europe to partner with. How times have changed in 2 years!!

Looks like a profit-taking week? Seems to be on decreasing volume throughout the week so I'm not worried - it may be an attempt to fill the gap up on 12 Feb.

Steve

The Character Group plc
Interim Results for the six months ended 28 February 2007

Highlights

Continuing Business (Toys, Games and Gifts)
6 months to 6 months to
28 February 2007 28 February 2006
m m
Turnover 56.0 40.7
Operating profit 6.6 3.7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings per share - basic 10.05p 5.69p
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dividend
Interim dividend of 2.0 pence per share, an increase of 21.2% over last year
(2006 1.65 pence). This dividend is covered approximately 5 times by earnings

Cash at Bank on 28 February 2007 was 11.86 million (2006: 10.3 million).
This is after taking account of share buy-backs undertaken during
the period totalling 3.4 million

New Licences Secured include:
The Master Licence for the Sarah Jane Adventures TV Series (as a spin-off from
the Doctor Who series)
Pan European Master Toy Contract for Dork Hunters from Outer Space

New Products include:
Doctor Who Dalek Sec Hybrid Voice Changer Helmet
Spidersapien, a fusion of Spiderman 3 and our 2005 award winning Robosapien,
which is expected to be our lead line for our range of Spiderman 3 toys

New Ranges include:
Bindeez
Movin' & Groovin' Flowers
This Is Me (a new range of soft body dolls)
Dragonfly
Roboquad (our new Robotic introductions)

Toy of the Year accolade for Doctor Who Cyberman Helmet

'Taking into account the on-going strong demand for our continuing lines and our
new introductions, we are very excited about our prospects and expect to see
further exciting growth as we continue to build our existing brands and develop
new ones.'
Richard King, Chairman

Interim profits exceed expectations, EPS 9.3p for 6 months, very strong performance. This has exceeded my own expectations since starting the thread.
Took some profits on the way but still have original first buys.
Onwards and upwards.

Figures look good to me. FY EPS should be at least 13p, and that's if you take figures for FY ending August 2006, where sales are obviously way behind current levels.

I assume that newly-issued SP targets of 250p are therefore well within the bounds of reason.

The mkt cap is 91 mil, but the co had almost 11 mil of cash, which they are using to buy back stock (e.g. they bought back and will cancel 190,000 yesterday). The buyback underpins further SP growth, IMO.

Just got in at 201.5p, even on a T+25, so trading is currently well within spread of 200/202.

good easy to read chart on post 183 .... sp has just about hit 25 dma (+/-200 and rising) and this looks quite a good time to buy with 50 dma at about 190 and rising providing further support below.

Good comment re the 25 DMA, Cynic. A candlestick chart of today's progress ought to reveal a potential turning point for the SP too.

Both the TA and the fundamentals look good, so here's hoping that this one continues to soar.

(As usual, WDIK, PDYOR, etc.).

It's done what I hoped it would do, i.e. bouncing just below 200p.
Currently: CCT Bid: 200p Offer: 203p Change: 2.5 219K traded.

The shape of the chart over recent months gives me confidence that this ought to go a good bit higher on the back of the decent interims - I certainly hope that will be the case :o)

PDYOR, etc.

and up some more :o)

CCT Bid: 201p Offer: 205p Change: 4

Glad I came in to CTT yesterday! Thanks for your encouragement ST!

ST, are you in VIY? I ask because a similar bounce situation at 9.5p could be on the cards today. If you have time I'd be interested in what do you think (I bought in at 9.29 earlier when the sells seemed to be drying up, in anticipation/hope of this scenario).

Cheers Madison

hi Madison. Good to hear from you - but it's probably best to thank me for the encouragement on CCT when you've bagged a tidy profit ;o)

Thanks for the heads-up on VIY. I'm not in, and on reading the RNS headlines would be a little bit hesitant about short-term trading it as they have no profits at the moment. Will think about it as a buy-and-hold.

Hi ST,

I agree VIY is highly speculative. Don't worry, I'm not selling my TESCO shares to fund them! Cheers, Madison.

the chart now looks truly horrid though for the life of me i cannot see why this sudden tumble from grace ..... no significant volume, no rns and rsi is in well o'sold territory ...... were it not for the crashing price, i might be tempted to buy, but there is rarely no reason for this sort of pull back (almost a collapse)

Cynic, FWIW, I have C&P'd my thoughts from Skreen's CCT thread, which I am sure you have seen, below.

I wonder if somebody started dumping stock and has managed to trigger a clutch of stop-losses which has snowballed. Interestingly, it's only down 3.5p at the close (CCT Bid: 165p Offer: 167p Change: -3.5), so it's off the day's low.

Worth watching?
***

Skreen, I'd like to believe, you, but today the SP has actually fallen out of the Bolli Band. I'm not an expert chartist, but surely that's a negative sign rather than a positive. Maybe if the SP started to climb and looked like it was getting back into the band.

Do you know why the SP has dropped almost 20% in a week? (Other than the obvious fact that somebody decided to dump a large holding). I can't see any RNS that would explain the issue.

FYI: a chart showing what's going on!




FWIW chart support seems to be at 130p, or a stronger resistance level may be found at 120p.

You're right about the PE of 10 - Charles Stanley forecasts EPS of 16.35p for FY to end Feb 2008, although the forecast for 2008/2009 of 17.92p, i.e. EPS growth of only 10%, suggests limited earnings visibility ahead (not surprising, given that we're talking about toys here!).

I thought CCT was worth more when it was priced at 200p. Personally I'd want to see the SP begin to recover before getting involved.

All IMO, PDYOR.

Recovery came with a bang yesterday (up 11), and it's up again today!

CCT Bid: 183p Offer: 186p Change: 7.5

Whoever dumped some stock (presumably with good profit) with subsequent sp fall also contributed to triggered stops and some panic sells to lock in profit. Good to see the bounce back. CCT is exactly the kind of stock to be in at the moment, delivering good profits and continued growth. PE ratio is low compared with peers in sector. Good buying opportunity this week IMO. Price target 250p so well done to those grabbing stock <180p.

I assume the fall is in part related to the poor results from Hornby.

However I believe this is a totally different business, and the share buybacks just keep adding to the value here, plus the new BBC deal, its all good news.

i too am puzzled by CCT's recent grim performance .... however, i see no good reason to invest there either at the moment, for it is far from impossible that 200 dma will be tested at about 150

Read an article last week re:Dr Who range, going very well which bodes well for FY results as well as next year.

Nice write up for CCT on TMF

http://boards.fool.co.uk/Message.asp?mid=10669997


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