Pearson plc Interim Results: Pearson Makes a Strong Start to 1998
Pearson plc Interim Results: Pearson Makes a Strong Start to 1998
| 1998 | 1997 | 1997 | ||
| All figures in £m | half year | half year | % change | full year |
| Sales | 989.0 | 957.6 | +3% | 2,293.1 |
| - continuing operations | 944.5 | 898.3 | +5% | 2,118.6 |
| Operating profits | 106.1 | 69.1 | +54% | 328.2 |
| - continuing operations | 107.3 | 82.9 | +29% | 320.8 |
| Adjusted earnings per share | 10.8p | 6.0p | +80% | 34.9p |
| Dividends per share | 8.0p | 7.5p | +7% | 19.5p |
- Record first half profits
- Good progress on financial targets
- Completion of Simon & Schuster acquisition on track
Commenting on the results, Marjorie Scardino, Pearson’s chief executive, said:
"We have made a strong start to 1998. These are good operating results which give us confidence that we can meet our financial goals for the year. While our reshaping of Pearson and the building of market-leading businesses has gathered momentum, we have made the task of delivering on our sales, margin and cash targets our priority."
For further information
Pearson plc
Marjorie Scardino, chief executive
John Makinson, finance director
John Fallon, communications director
0171 411 2310