LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Pearson plc (PSO, PSON.L) reported a loss before tax of 36 million pounds for the half-year 2014, compared to a loss of 16 million pounds, previous year. Loss for the period from continuing operations widened to 26 million pounds or 3.2 pence per share, from a loss of 5 million pounds or 0.5 pence per share, a year ago. Including continuing and discontinued operations, the company reported profit per share of 28.0 pence, compared to a loss of 1.0 pence, previous year.
Adjusted earnings per share was 4.7 pence, compared to 9.9 pence, after restructuring charges.
Sales from continuing operations decreased to 2.05 million pounds from 2.19 million pounds.
The board of Pearson has declared an interim dividend of 17 pence per share, a 6% increase on 2013.
The Group reiterated the guidance it gave on 28 February 2014. Based on 28 February 2014 exchange rates, the Group still expects to report adjusted earnings per share of between 62 pence and 67 pence in 2014.
John Fallon, chief executive said: 'Overall, we are sustaining a good competitive performance through a period of change and are powering ahead in digital, services and emerging markets which enable us to reiterate our guidance for 2014. It also positions Pearson as a global learning services company, making better learning outcomes more accessible for far more people around the world. This will drive a leaner, more cash generative, faster growing business from 2015.'
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