IDC Interactive Data Corp.

Pearson PLC (PSON.LN) Monday upgraded its outlook for 2010 as the publisher reported better-than-expected first-half results, underpinned by the strong performance of its education and publishing operations.

While market conditions remain uncertain and growth is expected to slow in the second-half due to tough comparables, Pearson, which generates about 60% of its total earnings and sales from its vast education operations, forecast adjusted earnings of approximately 70 pence a share for the year, up 7% from 65.4 pence a year earlier. The guidance takes into account the earnings impact from the sale of its 61% stake in Interactive Data Corp.

"The 2010 finish line isn't yet in sight, but this is as good a start to our year as I've seen. That boosts our confidence in the full year, enabling us to brighten our outlook and raise our guidance," Chief Executive Marjorie Scardino said.

"We've invested consistently in global and digital education and information and that's helping every part of Pearson grow strongly, even in uncertain markets. We're also able to accelerate that change as we part company with Interactive Data and put the proceeds to work in the world's leading learning company," she added.

Adjusted operating profit from continuing operations--which excludes amortization of acquired intangibles such as publishing lists, and any acquisition or disposal costs, and is one of the figures tracked by U.K. analysts--jumped sharply to GBP178 million for the six months ended June 30, beating market expectations of GBP97 million, underpinned by strong growth across all its businesses as well as the strength of the dollar against the sterling. That compares with GBP84 million a year earlier.

Adjusted operating profit doubled in the education division, the FT Group and Penguin books in the first half of 2010. Its U.S. Schools publishing business and FT advertising returned to growth, while Mergermarket benefited from an improvement in renewal rates.

Pearson, which generated approximately 60% of its sales and profits in dollars in the first half, reported more than a threefold jump in net profit to GBP92 million from GBP28 million a year ago on the back of an 8.8% rise in sales to GBP2.34 billion from GBP2.15 billion. The profit rise was also helped by lower operating and finance expenses, while finance income was up slightly.

Pearson, which also publishes the Financial Times newspaper and Penguin books, has been clear about its strategy to expand its education business in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Since the sale of its 61% stake in IDC for around $2 billion before tax in May, which is expected to be wrapped up in the next few weeks, the group has bought two businesses, Melorio PLC (MLO.LN) for GBP99.3 million and Sistema Educacional Brasileiro's learning systems business for GBP326 million. Scardino reiterated Monday that the company will also reinvest some of the IDC sale proceeds in existing operations.

Royal Bank of Scotland analyst Paul Gooden said Pearson's 2010 adjusted earnings per share consensus should settle at around 71 pence to 72 pence which "should be achievable" if management are comfortable with guiding 70 pence a share at this stage of the year.

Gooden, who has a hold rating on Pearson and 865 pence target price, expects the shares to rise over the coming week, but notes the bears will remain concerned about Pearson's counter-cyclical business, expansion costs and the stock trading at a "material premium" to its peers.

At 0808 GMT, Pearson shares were up 29 pence, or 3%, at 1002 pence, valuing the U.K.-based company at GBP8.02 billion, in a slightly higher London market. It is the third highest riser on the FTSE 100 index behind Tullow Oil PLC (TLW.LN) and ARM Holdings PLC (ARM.LN).

Pearson declared an interim dividend of 13 pence a share, up 7% from 12.2 pence a year earlier.

-By Lilly Vitorovich, Dow Jones Newswires; 44-0-207 842 9290; lilly.vitorovich@dowjones.com

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