Pearson plc (LON:PSON) the former FT owner turned education specialist will report annual earnings at the top end of forecasts though revenues were again weak.
The FTSE 100 group has been battling online rivals and the decline in demand for printed text books in the US, but said restructuring and retrenchment efforts were now starting to have an effect.
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Operating profits in 2017 will be between £600-605mln, at the top end of previous company guidance, while earnings will also beat expectations due to a tax break.
Revenues though fell 2% on an underlying basis, with North America 4% lower and courseware sales declining by 3% as education buyers remained cautious.
Online was one bright spot as US digital courseware sales improved by 9%.
Pearson does not expect much improvement in the current year, with sales in US education forecast to be flat or lower by a single digit percentage.
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Adjusted operating profits are forecast at £520mln to £560mln compared with 2017’s £570-575mln.
Over the past twelve months, the group sold its stake in publisher Penguin Random House, Wall Street English and Utel, its Mexican online partnership.
John Fallon, chief executive, said the restructuring programme, which aims to save £300mln of annual costs was on track.