Pearson has reported a 21% slump in its overall operating profit for 2013, as its core US education business continues to be hit by the “worst trading conditions” seen in decades. However, profits at the company’s FT Group, home of the Financial Times, were up 17% to £55m.
FT Group, which includes the Financial Times and Pearson’s 50% stake in the Economist Group, reported sales of £449m, down 1% year-on-year, but operating profits were up 17% on 2012.
Pearson chief finance officer Robin Freestone said that the FT is a profitable entity in its own right.
Digital subscribers to FT.com grew 31% year-on-year to 415,000 and now represent almost two-thirds of the FT’s total paying audience, powered by a 60% upsurge in corporate users.
Read the full story at FT Group profits rise 17% | Media | theguardian.com.
