LONDON--Learning Company Pearson PLC (PSON.LN) said Monday sales
for the first nine months of 2012 are up 5% but operating profit is
down 5% reflecting the sale of FTSE in 2011, acquisition
integration costs and continued weakness in U.K. professional
training.
MAIN FACTS:
-Pearson reiterates its full year outlook of growth in sales and
operating profits with margins reflecting acquisition integration
costs and the FTSE sale.
-Good growth at International Education and the FT Group and a
resilient performance in North American Education.
-Pearson expects markets conditions to remain tough but believes
it can sustain solid Q3 trading momentum.
-Expects to report adjusted earnings per share broadly in line
with the consensus of current market expectations of 84.9
pence.
-Net debt at the end of September was 1.1 billion pounds (2011:
GBP1.1 billion).
-Shares closed Friday at 1221 pence valuing the company at
GBP9.98 billion.
-Write to Ian Walker at ian.walker@dowjones.com
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