AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON March 25, 2011
22, 2013

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 20-F

(Mark One)

¨
(Mark One)
o
REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

or

or
þ
x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010

for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012

or

or
o
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
for the transition period from               to

for the transition period from             to             

or

or
o
¨
SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of event requiring this shell company report

Date of event requiring this shell company report

Commission file number 1-16055

PEARSON PLC

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

England and Wales

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

80 Strand

London, England WC2R 0RL

(Address of principal executive offices)

Stephen Jones

Telephone: +44 20 7010 2000

Fax: +44 20 7010 6060

80 Strand

London, England WC2R 0RL

(Name, Telephone,E-mail and/or Facsimile Number and Address of Company Contact Person)

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Class

 
Title of Class

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered

*Ordinary Shares, 25p par value
New York Stock Exchange
American Depositary Shares, eachNew York Stock Exchange
Representing One Ordinary Share, 25p per Ordinary Share New York Stock Exchange
New York Stock Exchange

* Not for trading, but only in connection with the registration of American Depositary Shares, pursuant to the requirements of the SEC.

*Not for trading, but only in connection with the registration of American Depositary Shares, pursuant to the requirements of the SEC.

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:

None

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock at the close of the period covered by the annual report:

Ordinary Shares, 25p par value

   812,677,377817,042,980  

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  þx    No  o¨

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.    Yes  o¨    No  þx

Note — Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  þx    No  o¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 ofRegulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  o¨    No  o¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated file” and “large accelerated filer”, in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

þ Large accelerated filer
o Accelerated filero Non-accelerated filer

x  Large accelerated filer                         ¨  Accelerated filer                         ¨  Non-accelerated filer

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing

¨  US GAAP

  

oxUS GAAP

þInternational financial Reporting Standards as Issued

by the
International Accounting Standards Board

 o¨  Other

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the Registrant has elected to follow:

Item 17¨    Item 18  ¨

o

Item 18o
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined inRule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act):
Yeso
Noþ
    Yes  ¨    No  x


TABLE OF CONTENTS

      Page
 
Introduction   3
IntroductionForward-Looking Statements   4  
  Forward-Looking StatementsPART I
Item 1.  4
PART I
Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers5
Item 2.Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable5
Item 3.Key Information5
Selected Consolidated Financial Data5
Dividend Information   6  
  Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable6
Key Information6
Selected Consolidated Financial Data6
DividendExchange Rate Information   7  
  Exchange Rate InformationRisk Factors   7  
Item 4.  Risk Factors8
Information on the Company12
Pearson plc12
Overview of Operating Divisions12
Our Strategy12
Operating Divisions   13  
  Operating CyclesPearson plc   1613  
  CompetitionOverview of Operating Divisions   1613  
  Intellectual PropertyOur Strategy   1713  
  Raw MaterialsOperating Divisions   1714  
  Government RegulationOperating Cycles17
Licenses, Patents and Contracts17
Legal Proceedings17
Recent Developments17
Organizational Structure   18  
  Property, Plant and EquipmentCompetition   18  
  Capital ExpendituresIntellectual Property   19  
  Unresolved Staff CommentsRaw Materials   19  
  Operating and Financial Review and ProspectsGovernment Regulation   19  
  General OverviewLicenses, Patents and Contracts   19  
  Results of OperationsLegal Proceedings19
Recent Developments20
Organizational Structure20
Property, Plant and Equipment20
Capital Expenditures   22  
Item 4A.  Unresolved Staff Comments22
Item 5.Operating and Financial Review and Prospects22
General Overview22
Results of Operations26
Liquidity and Capital Resources   3745  
  Accounting Principles40
Directors, Senior Management and Employees40
Directors and Senior Management40
Compensation of Senior Management41
Share Options of Senior Management   48  
Item 6.  Share Ownership ofDirectors, Senior Management and Employees   4948  
  Employee Share Ownership PlansDirectors and Senior Management   4948  
  Board PracticesCompensation of Senior Management50
Employees50
Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions   51  
  Financial InformationShare Options of Senior Management   5258  
  The Offer and ListingShare Ownership of Senior Management   5259  


2


Employee Share Ownership Plans   59
Board Practices   59
Employees60
Item 7.Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions61
Item 8.Financial Information61
Item 9.The Offer and Listing62
Item 10.Additional Information62
Articles of Association62
Material Contracts68
Exchange Controls68

      Page
 
  Additional InformationTax Considerations   5368  
  Articles of AssociationDocuments on Display   5371  
Item 11.  Material Contracts57
Exchange Controls58
Tax Considerations58
Documents on Display60
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk   6072  
  Introduction   6072  
  Interest Rates   6172  
  Currency Exchange Rates   6173  
  Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts   6273  
  Derivatives   6274  
  Quantitative Information about Market Risk   6374  
  Description of Securities Other Than Equity Securities   6374  
  American Depositary Shares   6374  
  Fees paid by ADR holders   6374  
  Fees incurred in past annual period and fees to be paid in the future   6375  
PART II
Item 13.  Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies   6577  
  Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds   6577  
  Controls and Procedures   6577  
  Disclosure Controls and Procedures   6577  
  Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting   6577  
  Change in Internal Control over Financial Reporting   6577  
  Audit Committee Financial Expert   6578  
  Code of Ethics   6678  
  Principal Accountant Fees and Services   6678  
  Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees   6679  
  Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchases   6779  
  ChangesChange in Registrant’s Certifying Auditor   6779  
  Corporate Governance   6779  
PART III
16H.  Financial StatementsMine Safety Disclosure   6779  
PART III
Item 18.17.  Financial Statements   6780  
18.  ExhibitsFinancial Statements   6780  
EX-1.1Item 19.
EX-2.7Exhibits
EX-8.1
EX-12.1
EX-12.280
EX-13.1
EX-13.2
EX-15

3


INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION
In this Annual Report onForm 20-F (the “Annual Report”) references to “Pearson”, the “Company” or the “Group” are references to Pearson plc, its predecessors and its consolidated subsidiaries, except as the context otherwise requires. “Ordinary Shares” refer to the ordinary share capital of Pearson of par value 25p each. “ADSs” refer to American Depositary Shares which are Ordinary Shares deposited pursuant to the Deposit Agreement dated March 21, 1995, amended and restated as of August 8, 2000 among Pearson, The Bank of New York Mellon as depositary (the “Depositary”) and owners and holders of ADSs (the “Deposit Agreement”). ADSs are represented by American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”) delivered by the Depositary under the terms of the Deposit Agreement.

We have prepared the financial information contained in this Annual Report in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) which in respect of the accounting standards applicable to the Group do not differ from IFRS as adopted by the European Union (“EU”). Unless we indicate otherwise, any reference in this Annual Report to our consolidated financial statements is to the consolidated financial statements and the related notes, included elsewhere in this Annual Report.

We publish our consolidated financial statements in sterling. We have included, however, references to other currencies. In this Annual Report:

references to “sterling”, “pounds”, “pence” or “£” are to the lawful currency of the United Kingdom,

references to “euro” or “€” are to the euro, the lawful currency of the participating Member States in the Third Stage of the European Economic and Monetary Union of the Treaty Establishing the European Commission, and

• references to “sterling”, “pounds”, “pence” or “£” are to the lawful currency of the United Kingdom,
• references to “euro” or “€” are to the euro, the lawful currency of the participating Member States in the Third Stage of the European Economic and Monetary Union of the Treaty Establishing the European Commission, and
• references to “US dollars”, “dollars”, “cents” or “$” are to the lawful currency of the United States.

references to “US dollars”, “dollars”, “cents” or “$” are to the lawful currency of the United States.

For convenience and except where we specify otherwise, we have translated some sterling figures into US dollars at the rate of £1.00 = $1.54,$1.63, the noon buying rate in The City of New York for cable transfers and foreign currencies as certified by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for customs purposes on December 31, 2010, the last business day of 2010.2012. We do not make any representation that the amounts of sterling have been, could have been or could be converted into dollars at the rates indicated. On February 28, 20112013 the noon buying rate for sterling was £1.00 = $1.62.

$1.52

The Group currently consists of three major worldwide businesses, Pearson Education, Thethe FT Group (“FT”) and the Penguin Group (“Penguin”). See “Item 4. Information on the Company — Overview of operating divisions”.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

You should not rely unduly on forward-looking statements in this Annual Report. This Annual Report, including the sections entitled “Item 3. Key Information — Risk Factors”, “Item 4. Information on the Company” and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”, contains forward-looking statements that relate to future events or our future financial performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “predict”, “potential”, “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Examples of these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the following:

• 

operations and prospects,

• growth strategy,
• funding needs and financing resources,
• expected financial position,
• market risk,
• currency risk,


4


growth strategy,

funding needs and financing resources,

expected financial position,

market risk,

• US federal and state spending patterns,
• debt levels, and
• general market and economic conditions.

currency risk,

US federal and state spending patterns,

debt levels, and

general market and economic conditions.

These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our or our industry’s actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. In evaluating them, you should consider various factors, including the risks outlined under “Item 3. Key Information — Risk Factors”, which may cause actual events or our industry’s results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statement. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.


5


PART I

ITEM 1.IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS

Not applicable.

ITEM 2.OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

Not applicable.

ITEM 3.KEY INFORMATION

Selected consolidated financial data

Following the publication of SEC Release No33-8879 “Acceptance From Foreign Private Issuers of Financial Statements Prepared in Accordance With International Financial Reporting Standards Without Reconciliation to U.S. GAAP”, the Group no longer provides a reconciliation between IFRS and U.S. GAAP.

The table below shows selected consolidated financial data under IFRS as issued by the IASB. The selected consolidated profit and loss account data for the years ended December 31, 2010, 20092012, 2011 and 20082010 and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as at December 31, 20102012 and 20092011 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included in “Item 18. Financial Statements” in this Annual Report.

In October 2012, Pearson and Bertelsmann entered into an agreement to create a new consumer publishing business by combining Penguin and Random House. The transaction is expected to complete in 2013 and, at that point, Pearson will no longer control the Penguin Group of companies but will account for its 47% associate interest on an equity basis. The anticipated loss of control results in the Penguin business being classified as held for sale on the Pearson balance sheet at December 31, 2012 and the results of the Interactive Data business (disposed in July 2010)Penguin have been included in discontinued operations for all the years to 2010. through 2012.

The results of the Interactive Data Management business (disposedCorporation (Interactive Data) in February 2008) have been includedwhich Pearson held a 61% interest and which was disposed in discontinued operations for all years to 2008. The results of Government Solutions (disposed in February 2007) and Les Echos (disposed in December 2007)July 2010, have been included in discontinued operations for all the years to 2007.

through 2010.

The selected consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report. The information provided below is not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected from future operations.

For convenience, we have translated the 20102012 amounts into US dollars at the rate of £1.00 = $1.54,$1.63, the noon buying rate in The City of New York for cable transfers and foreign currencies as certified by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for customs purposes on December 31, 2010.

                         
  Year Ended December 31 
  2010  2010  2009  2008  2007  2006 
  $  £  £  £  £  £ 
  (In millions, except for per share amounts) 
 
Consolidated Income Statement data
                        
Total sales  8,721   5,663   5,140   4,405   3,818   3,658 
Total operating profit  1,144   743   619   564   484   440 
Profit after taxation from continuing operations  807   524   377   344   274   405 
Profit for the financial year  2,002   1,300   462   323   310   469 
Consolidated Earnings data per share
                        
Basic earnings per equity share(1) $2.49   161.9p   53.2p   36.6p   35.6p   55.9p 
Diluted earnings per equity share(2) $2.49   161.5p   53.1p   36.6p   35.6p   55.8p 
Basic earnings from continuing operations per equity share(1) $1.02   66.0p   47.0p   42.9p   34.1p   50.6p 
Diluted earnings from continuing operations per equity share(2) $1.01   65.9p   47.0p   42.9p   34.1p   50.5p 
Dividends per ordinary share $0.60   38.7p   35.5p   33.8p   31.6p   29.3p 
Consolidated Balance Sheet data at period end
                        
Total assets (non-current assets plus current assets)  16,429   10,668   9,412   9,896   7,292   7,213 
Net assets  8,632   5,605   4,636   5,024   3,874   3,644 
Long-term obligations(3)  (4,344)  (2,821)  (3,051)  (2,902)  (1,681)  (1,853)
Capital stock  313   203   203   202   202   202 
Number of equity shares outstanding (millions of ordinary shares)  813   813   810   809   808   806 


6

2012.


   Year Ended December 31 
   2012  2012  2011  2010  2009  2008 
   $  £  £  £  £  £ 
   (In millions, except for per share amounts) 

Consolidated Income Statement data

       

Total sales

   8,246    5,059    4,817    4,610    4,138    3,502  

Total operating profit

   839    515    1,118    638    536    473  

Profit after taxation from continuing operations

   466    286    885    455    319    274  

Profit for the financial year

   536    329    956    1,300    462    323  

Consolidated Earnings data per share

       

Basic earnings per equity share(1)

  $0.66    40.5  119.6  161.9  53.2  36.6

Diluted earnings per equity share(2)

  $0.66    40.5  119.3  161.5  53.1  36.6

Basic earnings from continuing operations per equity share(1)

  $0.57    35.2  110.7  57.4  39.8  34.3

Diluted earnings from continuing operations per equity share(2)

  $0.57    35.1  110.5  57.3  39.7  34.2

Dividends per ordinary share

  $0.73    45.0  42.0  38.7  35.5  33.8

Consolidated Balance Sheet data at period end

       

Total assets (non-current assets plus current assets)

   18,497    11,348    11,244    10,668    9,412    9,896  

Net assets

   9,307    5,710    5,962    5,605    4,636    5,024  

Long-term obligations(3)

   (5,175  (3,175  (3,192  (2,821  (3,051  (2,902

Capital stock

   333    204    204    203    203    202  

Number of equity shares outstanding (millions of ordinary shares)

   817    817    816    813    810    809  

Notes:

Notes:
(1)Basic earnings per equity share is based on profit for the financial period and the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period.
(2)Diluted earnings per equity share is based on diluted earnings for the financial period and the diluted weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period. Diluted earnings comprise earnings adjusted for the tax benefit on the conversion of share options by employees and the weighted average number of ordinary shares adjusted for the dilutive effect of share options.
(3)Long-term obligations comprise any liabilities with a maturity of more than one year, including medium and long-term borrowings, derivative financial instruments, pension obligations and deferred income tax liabilities.

Dividend information

We pay dividends to holders of ordinary shares on dates that are fixed in accordance with the guidelines of the London Stock Exchange. Our board of directors normally declares an interim dividend in July or August of each year to be paid in September or October. Our board of directors normally recommends a final dividend following the end of the fiscal year to which it relates, to be paid in the following May or June, subject to shareholders’ approval at our annual general meeting. At our annual general meeting on April 28, 201126, 2013 our shareholders will be asked to approve a final dividend of 25.7p30.0p per ordinary share for the year ended December 31, 2010.

2012.

The table below sets forth the amounts of interim, final and total dividends paid in respect of each fiscal year indicated, and is translated into cents per ordinary share at the noon buying rate in The City of New York on each of the respective payment dates for interim and final dividends. The final dividend for the 20102012 fiscal year will be paid on May 6, 2011.

                         
Fiscal year
 Interim Final Total Interim Final Total
  (Pence per ordinary share) (Cents per ordinary share)
 
2010
  13.0   25.7   38.7   20.3   39.6*  59.9 
2009  12.2   23.3   35.5   19.8   34.3   54.1 
2008  11.8   22.0   33.8   21.6   33.2   54.8 
2007  11.1   20.5   31.6   22.4   39.9   62.3 
2006  10.5   18.8   29.3   20.0   31.4   51.4 
3, 2013.

Fiscal year

  Interim   Final   Total   Interim   Final  Total 
   (Pence per ordinary share)   (Cents per ordinary share) 

2012

   15.0     30.0     45.0     24.3     48.9  73.2  

2011

   14.0     28.0     42.0     22.1     45.2    67.3  

2010

   13.0     25.7     38.7     20.3     42.2    62.5  

2009

   12.2     23.3     35.5     19.8     34.3    54.1  

2008

   11.8     22.0     33.8     21.6     33.2    54.8  

*As the 20102012 final dividend had not been paid by the filing date, the dividend has been translated into cents using the noon buying rate for sterling at December 31, 2010.2012.

Future dividends will be dependent on our future earnings, financial condition and cash flow, as well as other factors affecting the Group.

Exchange rate information

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, information concerning the noon buying rate for sterling, expressed in dollars per pound sterling. The average rate is calculated by using the average of the noon buying rates in The City of New York on each day during a monthly period and on the last day of each month during an annual period. On December 31, 20102012 the noon buying rate for cable transfers and foreign currencies as certified by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for customs purposes for sterling was £1.00 = $1.54.$1.63. On February 28, 20112013 the noon buying rate for sterling was £1.00 = $1.62.

         
Month
 High Low
 
February 2011 $1.62  $1.60 
January 2011 $1.60  $1.55 
December 2010 $1.59  $1.54 
November 2010 $1.63  $1.56 
October 2010 $1.60  $1.57 
September 2010 $1.59  $1.53 


7

$1.52.


Month

  High   Low 

February 2013

  $1.58    $1.51  

January 2013

  $1.63    $1.57  

December 2012

  $1.63    $1.60  

November 2012

  $1.61    $1.58  

October 2012

  $1.62    $1.59  

September 2012

  $1.63    $1.59  

Year Ended December 31

  Average rate 

2012

  $1.59  

2011

  $1.61  

2010

  $1.54  

2009

  $1.57  

2008

  $1.84  

     
Year Ended December 31
 Average rate
 
2010 $1.54 
2009 $1.57 
2008 $1.84 
2007 $2.01 
2006 $1.84 
Risk factors

You should carefully consider the risk factors described below, as well as the other information included in this Annual Report. Our business, financial condition or results from operations could be materially adversely affected by any or all of these risks, or by other risks that we presently cannot identify.

Global economic conditions may adversely impact our financial performance.

With the continued pressure on the worldwide economies during 2012, there is a continuing risk of a further weakening in trading conditions in 2013 which could adversely impact our financial performance. The effect of continued deterioration or lack of recovery in the global economy will vary across our different businesses and will depend on the depth, length and severity of any economic downturn. Specific economic risks by business are described more fully in the other risk factors below.

A significant deterioration in Group profitability and/or cash flow caused by prolonged economic instability could reduce our liquidity and/or impair our financial ratios, and trigger a need to raise additional funds from the capital markets and/or renegotiate our banking covenants.

To the extent the economic difficulties continue, or worldwide economic conditions materially deteriorate, the Group’s revenues, profitability and cash flows could be significantly reduced as customers would be unable to purchase products and services in the expected quantities and/or pay for them within normal agreed terms. A liquidity shortfall may delay certain development initiatives or may expose the Group to a need to negotiate further funding. While we anticipate that our existing cash and cash equivalents, together with availability under our existing credit facility, cash balances and cash from operations, will be sufficient to fund our operations for at least the next 12 months, we may need to raise additional capital to fund operations in the future or to finance acquisitions. If we seek to raise additional capital in order to meet various objectives, including developing future technologies and services, increasing working capital, acquiring businesses and responding to competitive pressures, capital may not be available on favorable terms or may not be available at all.

If the global economy weakens further and/or the global financial markets collapse, whether in general or as a result of specific factors, such as the current European sovereign debt crisis, we may not have access to or could lose our bank deposits. Lack of sufficient capital resources could significantly limit our ability to take advantage of business and strategic opportunities. Any additional capital raised through the sale of equity or debt securities with an equity component would dilute our stock ownership. If adequate additional funds are not available, we may be required to delay, reduce the scope of, or eliminate material parts of our business strategy, including potential additional acquisitions or development of new technologies.

Our education, business information and book publishing businesses will be impacted by the rate of and state of technological change, including the digital evolutionrevolution and other disruptive technologies.

A common trend facing all our businesses is the digitization of content and proliferation of distribution channels, either over the internet, or via other electronic means, replacing traditional print formats. The digital migration brings the need for change in product distribution, consumers’ perception of value and the publisher’s position between retailers and authors, which affects managing stock levels.authors. The trend toe-books ebooks has created contraction in the consumer books retail market which increases the risk of bankruptcy of a major retail customer; thiscustomer. This could disrupt short-term product supply to the market as well as could result in a large debt write off.

We face competitive threats both from large media players and from smaller businesses, online and mobile portals and news redistributors operating in the digital arena and providing alternative sources of news and information. New distribution channels, e.g. digital format, the internet, online retailers, growing delivery platforms (e.g., e-readers), combined with the concentration of retailer power pose both threats and opportunities to our traditional consumer publishing models, potentially impacting both sales volumes and pricing.

If we do not adapt rapidly to these changes we may lose business to ‘faster’ more ‘agile’ competitors, who increasingly are non-traditional competitors, i.e. technology companies, making their identification all the more difficult. We may be required to invest significant resources to further adapt to the changing competitive environment.

Investment returns outside our traditional core US and UK markets may be lower than anticipated.

To take advantage of international growth opportunities and to reduce our reliance on our core US and UK markets we are increasing our investments in a number of emerging markets, some of which are inherently more risky than our traditional markets. Political, regulatory, economic and legal systems in emerging markets may be less predictable than in countries with more developed institutional structures. Political, regulatory, economic, currency, reputational and corporate governance risks (including fraud) as well as unmanaged expansion are all factors which could limit our returns on investments made in these markets.
Our US educational solutions and assessment businesses and our UK training businesses may be adversely affected by changes in state and local educationalgovernment funding resulting from either general economic conditions, changes in government educational funding, programs, policy decisions, legislation at both at the federal and state level and/or changes in the state procurement processes.

The results and growth of our US educational solutions and assessment businesses are dependent on the level of federal and state educational funding, which in turn is dependent on the robustness of state finances and the level of funding allocated to educational programs. State, local and municipal finances have been adversely affected by the US recession and the unknown timing of economic recovery. Funding pressures remain, with competition from low price and disruptive new business models and promotion of open source to keep costs down. The current challenging environment could impact our ability to collect on education-related debt.

Federaland/or state legislative

Government changes can also affect the funding available for educational expenditure, which include the impact of education reform, such as the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the introduction of the Common Core and Race to the Top funding.reform. Similarly, changes in the state

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government procurement process for textbooks, learning material and student tests, particularly in the adoptions marketand vocational training programs can also affect our markets. For example, changesChanges in curricula, delays in the timing of the adoptions and changes in the student testing process can all affect these programs and therefore the size of our market in any given year.
Changes in the UK government’s funding policy for apprenticeships affected the business model for the Pearson in Practice adult training business. As a result, in January 2013 we announced that we will exit this particular business. We will continue to provide training and support for young adults who wish to develop skills and enter the UK workforce through our qualifications and curriculum businesses.

There are multiple competing demands for educational funds and there is no guarantee that states will fund new textbooks or testing or training programs will be funded, or that we will win this business.

If we do not adequately protect our intellectual property and proprietary rights our competitive position and results may be adversely affected and limit our ability to grow.

Our products and services largely comprise intellectual property delivered through a variety of media, including newspapers, books, the internet and other growing delivery platforms. We rely on trademark, copyright and other intellectual property laws to establish and protect our proprietary rights in these products and services.

Our intellectual property rights in countries such as the US and the UK, jurisdictions covering the largest proportion of our operations, are well established. However, we also conduct business in other countries where the extent of effective legal protection for intellectual property rights is uncertain, and this uncertainty could affect our future growth. We cannot guarantee that our intellectual property rights will provide competitive advantages to us; our intellectual property rights will be enforced in jurisdictions where competition may be intense or where legal protection may be weak; any of the intellectual property rights that we may employ in our business will not lapse or be invalidated, circumvented, challenged, or abandoned; or that we will not lose the ability to assert our intellectual property rights against others. Moreover, despite trademark and copyright protection, third parties may copy, infringe or otherwise profit from our proprietary rights without our authorization. The loss or diminution in value of these proprietary rights or our intellectual property could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial performance.

A control breakdown or service failure in our school assessment businesses could result in financial loss and reputational damage.

There are inherent risks associated with our school assessment businesses, both in the US and the UK. A service failure caused by a breakdown in our testing and assessment processes could lead to a mis-grading of student testsand/or late delivery of test results to students and their schools. In either event we may be subject to legal claims, penalty charges under our contracts, non-renewal of contractsand/or the suspension or withdrawal of our accreditation to conduct tests. It is also possible that such events would result in adverse publicity, which may affect our ability to retain existing contractsand/or obtain new customers.

Our education technology and assessment businesses involve complex contractual relationships with both government agencies and commercial customers for the provision of various testing services. Our financial results, growth prospects and/or reputation may be adversely affected if these contracts and relationships are poorly managed.

Our education technology and assessment businesses are characterized by multi-million pound sterling contracts spread over several years. As in any contracting business, there are inherent risks associated with the bidding process, start-up, operational performance and contract compliance (including penalty clauses) which could adversely affect our financial performance and/or reputation. Failure to retain these contracts at the end of the contract term could adversely impact our future revenue growth. At Edexcel, our UK Examination board and testing business, any change in UK Government policy to examination marking could have a significant impact on our present business model.

Our investment into inherently riskier emerging markets is growing and the returns may be lower than anticipated.

To take advantage of international growth opportunities and to reduce our reliance on our core US and UK markets we are increasing our investments in a number of emerging markets, some of which are inherently more risky than our traditional markets. Political, regulatory, economic and legal systems in emerging markets may be less predictable than in countries with more developed institutional structures. Political, regulatory, economic, currency, reputational and corporate governance risks (including fraud) as well as unmanaged expansion are all factors which could limit our returns on investments made in these markets.

Failure to generate anticipated revenue growth, synergies and/or cost savings from acquisitions and joint ventures could lead to goodwill and intangible asset impairments.

We continually acquire and dispose of businesses to achieve our strategic objectives. In 2012 we acquired Certiport, GlobalEnglish, Author Solutions Inc, Wall Street Indonesia, Wall Street Brazil, Inframation Group, EmbanetCompass and several other small acquisitions. Acquired goodwill and intangible assets could be impaired if we are unable to generate the anticipated revenue growth, synergies and/or cost savings associated with these or other acquisitions.

In October 2012, we entered into an agreement with Bertelsmann to combine our respective consumer publishing businesses in a newly-created combination named Penguin Random House in which we will hold a 47% equity interest. The combination is subject to customary regulatory and other approvals and is expected to complete in the second half of 2013.

We operate in markets which are dependent on Information Technology (IT) systems and technological change.

All our businesses, to a greater or lesser extent, are dependent on information technology. We either provide software and/or internet services to our customers or we use complex IT systems and products to support our business activities, particularly in business information publishing, back-office processing and infrastructure. We face several technological risks associated with software product development and service delivery in our educational businesses, information technology security (including virus and hacker attacks), e-commerce, enterprise resource planning system implementations and upgrades. Although plans and procedures are in place to reduce such risks, from time to time we have experienced verifiable attacks on our systems by unauthorized parties. To date such attacks have not resulted in any material damage to us, but our businesses could be adversely affected if our systems and infrastructure experience a significant failure or interruption.

Failure to comply with data privacy regulations and standards or weakness in internet security could result in a major data privacy breach causing reputational damage to our brands and financial loss.

Across our businesses we hold large volumes of personal data including that of employees, customers and, in our assessment and information technology businesses, students and citizens. Despite our implementation of security measures, individuals may try to gain unauthorized access to our data in order to misappropriate such information for potentially fraudulent purposes. Any perceived or actual unauthorized disclosure of personally-identifiable information, whether through breach of our network by an unauthorized party, employee theft, misuse or error or otherwise, could harm our reputation, impair our ability to attract and retain our customers, or subject us to claims or litigation arising from damages suffered by individuals, and thereby harm our business and operating results. Failure to adequately protect personal data could lead to penalties, significant remediation costs, reputational damage, potential cancellation of some existing contracts and inability to compete for future business. In addition, we could incur significant costs in complying with the multitude of state, federal and foreign laws regarding the unauthorized disclosure of personal information.

Our reported earnings and cash flows may be adversely affected by changes in our pension costs and funding requirements.

We operate a number of pension plans throughout the world, the principal ones being in the UK and the US. The major plans are self-administered with the plans’ assets held independently of the Group. Regular valuations,

conducted by independent qualified actuaries, are used to determine pension costs and funding requirements. As these assets are invested in the capital markets, which are often volatile, the plans may require additional funding from us, which could have an adverse impact on our results.

It is our policy to ensure that each pension plan is adequately funded, over time, to meet its ongoing and future liabilities. Our earnings and cash flows may be adversely affected by the need to provide additional funding to eliminate pension fund deficits in our defined benefit plans. Our greatest exposure relates to our UK defined benefit pension plan, which is valued once every three years. Pension fund deficits may arise because of inadequate investment returns, increased member life expectancy, changes in actuarial assumptions and changes in pension regulations, including accounting rules and minimum funding requirements.

Our intellectual property and proprietary rights may not be adequately protected under current laws in some jurisdictions and that may adversely affect our results and our ability to grow.

Our products and services largely comprise intellectual property delivered through a variety of media, including newspapers, books, the internet and other growing delivery platforms. We rely on trademark, copyright and other intellectual property laws to establish and protect our proprietary rights in these products and services.
We cannot be sure that our proprietary rights will not be challenged, invalidated or circumvented. Our intellectual property rights in countries such as the US and the UK, jurisdictions covering the largest proportion of our operations, are well established. However, we also conduct business in other countries where the extent of effective legal protection for intellectual property rights is uncertain, and this uncertainty could affect our future growth. Moreover, despite trademark and copyright protection, third parties may copy, infringe or otherwise profit from our proprietary rights without our authorization.
These unauthorized activities may be more easily facilitated by the internet. The lack of internet-specific legislation relating to trademark and copyright protection creates an additional challenge for us in protecting our proprietary rights relating to our online business processes and other digital technology rights. The loss or diminution in value of these proprietary rights or our intellectual property could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial performance.
In that regard, Google reached a tentative settlement in 2008 with the Author’s Guild and the Association of American Publishers over Google’s plans to copy the full text of all books ever published without permission of the copyright owners, including Pearson. The agreement was revised in 2009 to narrow the definition of books covered under the settlement agreement to those registered with the US Copyright Office by January 2009 or published in Australia, UK, Canada or US. Subject to final court approvals, the settlement would allow copyright owners of


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books covered by it to control the online display of those books by Google, with a sharing of revenues derived from that display. The amended settlement agreement has yet to be approved.
A major data privacy breach may cause reputational damage to our brands and financial loss.
Across our businesses we hold large volumes of personal data including that of employees, customers and, in our assessment businesses, students and citizens. Individuals may try to gain unauthorized access to our data in order to misappropriate such information for potentially fraudulent purposes. As the techniques used to gain unauthorized access change frequently, we may be unable to anticipate or protect against the threat of breaches. Failure to adequately protect personal data could lead to penalties, significant remediation costs, reputational damage, potential cancellation of some existing contracts and inability to compete for future business.
Operational disruption to our business caused by our third party providers, a major disaster and/or external threats could restrict our ability to supply products and services to our customers.

Across all our businesses, we manage complex operational and logistical arrangements including distribution centers, data centers and large office facilities as well as relationships with third party print sites. We have also outsourced some support functions, including information technology and warehousing, to third party providers. The failure of third parties to whom we have outsourced business functions could adversely affect our reputation and financial condition. Failure to recover from a major disaster, (e.g. fire, flood etc) at a key facility or the disruption of supply from a key third party vendor or partner (e.g. due to bankruptcy) could restrict our ability to service our customers. Similarly external threats, such as a flu pandemic, terrorist attacks, strikes, weather etc, could all affect our business and employees, disrupting our daily business activities.

Changes in students’ buying and distribution behaviour put downward pressure on price.

Students are seeking cheaper sources of content, e.g. online discounters, file sharing, use of pirated copies, and rentals, along with open source. This change in behaviour along with the move from professor-centric decision-making, puts downward pressure on textbook prices in our major markets.

Our professional servicesmarkets, and school assessment businesses involve complex contractual relationships with both government agencies and commercial customers for the provision of various testing services. Our financial results, growth prospects and/or reputation may be adversely affected if these contracts and relationships are poorly managed.
These businesses are characterized by multi-million pound sterling contracts spread over several years. As in any contracting business, there are inherent risks associated with the bidding process,start-up, operational performance and contract compliance (including penalty clauses) which could adversely affect our financial performanceand/or reputation. Failure to retain these contracts at the end of the contract termthis could adversely impact our future revenue growth. At Edexcel, our UK Examination boardresults.

The pace and testing business, any change in UK Government policy to examination marking (e.g. price capping) could have a significant impact on our present business model.

We operate in markets which are dependent on Information Technology (IT) systems and technological change.
All our businesses, to a greater or lesser extent, are dependent on information technology. We either provide softwareand/or internet services to our customers or we use complex IT systems and products to supportscope of our business activities, particularly in business information publishing, back-office processing and infrastructure. We face several technological risks associated with software product development and service delivery in our educational businesses, information technology security (including virus and hacker attacks),e-commerce, enterprise resource planning system implementations and upgrades. Although plans and procedures are in place to reduce such risks, our businesses could be adversely affected if our systems and infrastructure experience a significant failure or interruption.


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Failure to generate anticipated revenue growth, synergies and/or cost savings from acquisitions could lead to goodwill and intangible asset impairments.
We continually acquire and dispose of businesses to achieve our strategic objectives. In 2010 we acquired Melorio plc, Medley Global Advisors LLC, Sistema Educacional Brasileiro, Wall Street Institute Education Sarl, America’s Choice Inc and several other small acquisitions, and we sold our interest in Interactive Data. Acquired goodwill and intangible assets could be impaired if we are unable to generatetransformation initiatives increase the anticipated revenue growth, synergiesand/or cost savings associated with these or other acquisitions.
Expectedexecution risk that benefits from our finance transformation programme initiatives may not be realised.fully realized or that our business as usual activities do not perform in line with expectations.
We have entered into

In parallel with the business transformation as we respond to the digital revolution and shift from a substantial finance transformation programme based around sharedproduct to a services business, we will continue to look at opportunities to develop new business models and common processesenhance organization structures. The increased pace and services, includingscope of change increases the outsourcingrisk that not all of financial transaction processing, which isthese changes will deliver the expected tobenefits within anticipated timeframes. In addition, as a result in significant cost savings in future years. The programme may take longer than planned, cost more than planned, and may cause disruption to our business. There is no assurance that the full extent of the anticipated benefits will be realisedincreased pressure of transformational change, our business as usual activities may not perform in the timeline envisaged.

line with plans or our levels of customer service may not meet expectations.

Changes in our tax position can significantly affect our reported earnings and cash flows.

Changes in corporate tax ratesand/or other relevant tax laws in the UKand/or the US could have a material impact on our future reported tax rateand/or our future tax payments.

We have been subject to audit by tax authorities. Although we believe our tax provision is reasonable, the final determination of our tax liability could be materially different from our historical income tax provisions, which could have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

We generate a substantial proportion of our revenue in foreign currencies, particularly the US dollar, and foreign exchange rate fluctuations could adversely affect our earnings and the strength of our balance sheet.

As with any international business our earnings can be materially affected by exchange rate movements. We are particularly exposed to movements in the US dollar to sterling exchange rate as approximately 60% of our total revenue is generated in US dollars. In addition, we are increasingly exposed to a range of international currencies, most of which weakened against sterling in 2012. Sales for 2010,2012, translated at 20092011 average rates, would have been £128m£29m or 2% lower.

This is primarily a currency translation risk that only arises on consolidation and is the result of translating entities into sterling for reporting purposes (i.e. non-cash flow item), and not a trading risk (i.e. cash flow item) as our foreign currency trading cash flows in individual operating companies are relatively limited. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — General Overview, Exchange rate fluctuations”.
Each 5¢ change in the average £:$ exchange rate for the full year (which in 2010 was £1:$1.54) has a translation impact of approximately 1.3p on reported earnings per share and affect shareholders’ funds by approximately £115m.
1% higher.

The inherent volatility of advertising could adversely affect the profitability of our newspaper business.

Advertising revenue is susceptible to fluctuations in economic cycles. Certain of our products, such as theFinancial Timesnewspaper, are more advertising-driven than our other products. Consequently, these products are more affected by decreases in advertising revenue. As the internet continues to grow as a global medium for information, communication and commerce, advertisers are increasingly shifting advertising dollars from print to online media. Any downturn in corporate and financial advertising spend due to the economic slowdown will negatively impact the results.

A significant deterioration in Group profitability and/or cash flow caused by a severe economic depression could reduceIf we fail to attract and retain appropriately skilled employees, our liquidity and/or impairbusiness may be harmed.

Our success depends on the skill, experience and dedication of our financial ratios, and trigger a need to raise additional funds from the capital markets and/or renegotiate our banking covenants.

A prolonged and severe economic depression could significantly reduce the Group’s revenues, profitability and cash flows as customers would beemployees. If we are unable to purchase productsretain and servicesattract sufficiently experienced and capable personnel, especially in technology, product development, sales and management, our business and financial results may suffer. When talented employees leave, we may have difficulty replacing them, and our business may suffer. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully retain and attract the expected quantitiesand/or pay for them within normal agreed terms. A liquidity shortfall may delay certain development initiatives or may expose the Group to a need to negotiate further funding. If there was a steep decline in operating profit the Group might breach its banking covenants, creating (or exacerbating) a need for further funding (or a renegotiation of the terms of the bank credit agreement) to maintain operations. The current fragile state of the credit markets could expose the Group to a riskpersonnel that it could neither re-negotiate its existing banking facilities, nor raise enough new


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we need.


funding, at a cost level that was sustainable for the business. Were this to occur, the inability to raise funding would likely lead to a curtailment in investment and growth plans, potential asset disposals (if possible), reduction or elimination in the dividend and in an extreme case a need to restructure the Group’s debt, business model and terms of trade. In such event, the value of the Group’s equity could not be assured.
Social, environmental and ethical risk.risks may also adversely impact our business.

We consider social, environmental and ethical (SEE) risks no differently to the way we manage any other business risk. Our 2009 risk assessment did not identify any significant under-managed SEE risks, nor have any of our most important SEE risks, many concerned with reputational risks, changed year on year. These are:include journalistic/author integrity, ethical business behaviour, intellectual copyright protection, compliance with UN Global Compact standards, environmental impact, people and data privacy.

Our business depends on a strong brand, and any failure to maintain, protect and enhance our brand would hurt our ability to retain or expand our business.

We have developed a strong brand that we believe has contributed significantly to the success of our business. Maintaining, protecting and enhancing the Pearson brand is critical to expanding our business and will depend largely on our ability to maintain our customers’ trust in our solutions and in the quality and integrity of our products and services. If we do not successfully maintain a strong brand, our business could be harmed.

The settlement of legal actions against Penguin over agency arrangements for selling eBooks might impact Penguin’s business.

Penguin has settled a civil lawsuit brought in April 2012 by the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) with respect to agency arrangements for selling eBooks by agreeing, along with other publishers, to a consent order that requires that the agency selling arrangements be discontinued. In addition, Penguin is in discussions with the Canadian Competition Bureau and the European Competition Commission to settle similar investigations by those entities. Penguin’s discontinuation of agency selling arrangements for eBooks could have an adverse impact on its future sales. Penguin is also subject to civil proceedings related to eBooks agency selling arrangements brought by state attorneys general in the United States as well as private plaintiffs in the United States and Canada. Settlement discussions are ongoing, but at this juncture there is no assurance that Penguin can reach a settlement of these cases to avoid trial. Moreover, if Penguin is able to conclude a settlement, it will involve Penguin’s payment of monetary damages.

The effects of a recent decision by the US Supreme Court interpreting US copyright law may have an adverse impact on our sales.

In a recent case, the US Supreme Court, reversing decisions by the District Court and Court of Appeals, held that the “first sale” doctrine of United States Copyright Law applied to copies of US copyrighted material printed outside of the United States. The decision would allow third parties to import into the United States for resale international editions of our US textbooks that the United States publisher or its affiliate or other authorized publisher published abroad. These international editions are often available in the countries of publication at prices significantly below those of the US editions. While the international editions may not substitute for the US editions, any widespread importation and resale in the United States of the lower cost international editions of our textbooks could adversely impact overall revenues.

ITEM 4.INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

Pearson plc

Pearson plc, (Pearson) is an international media and education company with its principal operations in the education, business information and consumer publishing markets. We create and manage intellectual property, which we promote and sell to our customers under well-known brand names, to inform, educate and entertain. We deliver our content in a variety of forms and through a variety of channels, including books, newspapers and online services. We increasingly offer services as well as content, from test creation, administration and processing to teacher development and school software. Though we operate in more than 70 countries around the world, today our largest markets are the US (59%(55% of sales) and Europe (21%(22% of sales) on a continuing basis.

Pearson was incorporated and registered in 1897 under the laws of England and Wales as a limited company and re-registered under the UK Companies Act as a public limited company in 1981. We conduct our operations primarily through our subsidiaries and other affiliates. Our principal executive offices are located at 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, United Kingdom (telephone: +44 (0) 20 7010 2000).

Overview of operating divisions

Pearson currently consists of three major worldwide businesses:

Pearson Educationis a leading provider of educational materials and learning technologies. It provides test development, processing and scoring services to governments, educational institutions, corporations and professional bodies around the world. It publishes across the curriculum and provides a range of education services including teacher development, educational software and system-wide solutions.solutions, and also owns and operates schools. In 2010,2012, Pearson Education operated through three worldwide segments, which we refer to as “North American Education”, “International Education” and “Professional”:

.

The FT Groupprovides business and financial news, data, comment and analysis, in print and online, to the international business community. The FT Group includes theFinancial Timesnewspaper and FT.com website, a range of specialist financial magazines and online services, and Mergermarket, which provides proprietary forward-looking insights and intelligence to businesses and financial institutions. During the year Pearson sold its 61% interest in Interactive Data, previously part of the FT Group.

The FT Group also has a 50% ownership stake in both The Economist Group. During 2010 Interactive Data, in which Pearson held a 61% interest and which was part of the FT Group andwas sold. In addition, during 2011 the FT Group sold its 50% ownership stake in FTSE International.

The Penguin Groupis one of the world’s leading consumer publishing businesses and an iconic global brand. We publish the works of many authors in an extensive portfolio of fiction, non-fiction and reference titles under imprints including Penguin, Hamish Hamilton, Putnam, Berkley, and Dorling Kindersley.

In October 2012, Pearson and Bertelsmann entered into an agreement to create a new consumer publishing business by combining Penguin and Random House. The transaction is expected to complete in 2013 and, at that point, Pearson will no longer control the Penguin Group of companies but will hold a 47% equity interest in the combined Penguin Random House.

Our strategy
Our

Pearson’s goal is to be the world’s leading ‘learning’ company, and to help people make progress in their lives through learning, whereverlearning. Over the past 15 years, through a major programme of organic investment and whenever they are learning — young or old; at home, school or at work;acquisitions, Pearson has become the leading education company in the world, with unique geographic reach, product breadth and through whatever mediumprofessional depth.

More recently, we have achieved particularly rapid growth in digital products and stylein education services businesses, which together now account for half our sales, and in emerging economies, which now make up 16% of sales on a continuing basis. At the same time, structural trends have placed some pressure on parts of our business including book publishing and financial advertising.

Looking ahead, we see considerable growth opportunities in education, driven by trends including rapid growth of the global middle class, adoption of learning technologies, the connection between education and career prospects and increasing consumer spend on education, especially in emerging economies.

We are therefore planning to significantly accelerate our push into digital learning, education services and emerging markets. For some time we have been focusing our acquisition and organic investment in these areas; we now intend a further significant reallocation of resources to these activities.

We are making a restructuring investment across three areas: the creation of Penguin Random House; the separation of Penguin from Pearson and the transformation of our education company. We are focusing our resources and capital on being an education services company that is most effective.

global in its ambition and intensely local in its focus on its largest market opportunities.

We aimare therefore developing a new strategic framework to produce consistent growth on three key financial measures — earnings per share, cash floworganise Pearson, to analyse opportunities, to allocate investment capital, to develop world-class products and return on invested capital — which we believe are, together, good indicators thatservices and to drive performance.

First, we are building long-term valuefocusing on four global businesses: school, higher education, English and business education. We are taking an increasingly global view of Pearson.educational needs, consumer trends and product development for these businesses;


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Second, we are applying a rigorous framework to prioritise geographic markets and to evaluate where we offer global products and services; where we customise for local needs; and where we require a fully local approach. This will involve focusing investment on a small group of markets where we see our biggest growth opportunities; and reducing local infrastructure and investment in a ‘long tail’ of smaller markets.

Third, we are channeling our investment into four business models: direct to consumer; ‘Pearson Inside’ (our comprehensive institutional services); assessment and certification; and learning services.

Running throughout this strategy is a process to ensure that our products and services deliver demonstrable learning outcomes to the student or the institution. We have therefore developed the Pearson efficacy framework: a unique, rigorous and scalable quality assurance system that checks that the necessary conditions are in place for an education programme to deliver intended learning outcomes. We now require that all Pearson acquisitions and all product investments over $3m go through the Pearson efficacy framework and set out a plan to implement its recommendations before approval.


Through this process, we are accelerating the work that is already under way to transform Pearson from the world’s most international education publishing company to the world’s leading global learning services business. We believe it will provide Pearson with a larger market opportunity, sharper focus on the fastest-growing markets, stronger financial returns and a greater impact on educational outcomes.

To achieve this goal, our strategy has four parts, common to all our businesses:
• Long-term organic investment in content: We invest steadily in content such as new education programmes, new and established authors for Penguin and the FT Group’s journalism. We believe that this constant investment is critical to the quality and effectiveness of our products and services.
• Digital products and services businesses: Our strategy centers on adding services to our content, usually enabled by technology, to make the content more useful, personal and valuable. These digital and services businesses give us access to new sources of revenues to sustain growth. We now receive close to one-third of our annual sales from digital products and services which is more than double the total five years ago.
• International expansion: Pearson has market leading positions in major developed economies, particularly the US, UK and Western Europe. We are already present in more than 70 countries and we are investing to become a much larger global company, with particular emphasis on emerging markets, such as China, India, Africa and Latin America. Over the past 5 years our ‘international’ (meaning ‘outside North America’) education business has grown sales at an average annual rate of 18% through strong organic growth and acquisitions.
• Efficiency: The businesses of Pearson have a lot in common, in costs, assets, and activities. Pooling those makes the company stronger and more efficient. It also allows our businesses to learn from each other and to collaborate to save money. On that basis we have invested for efficiency through savings in our individual businesses and through a strong centralized operations structure. We are integrated in many areas where our businesses share the same needs — purchasing, warehousing, distribution, facilities and real estate, project management, people resources, finance and accounting, and transactions. Over the past five years, we have increased our adjusted operating profit margins from 12.7% to 15.1% and reduced average working capital as a percentage of sales from 26.3% to 20.1%. Adjusted operating profit is a key financial measure used by management to evaluate performance and allocate resources to our business segments. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”.
Operating divisions

Pearson Education

Pearson Education is one of the largest publishersleading providers of textbooks and online teachingeducational materials and providerlearning technologies. We provide test development, processing and scoring services to governments, educational institutions, corporations and professional bodies around the world. We publish across the curriculum and provide a range of assessment services. It serves the growing demands of teachers, students, parentseducation services including teacher development, educational software and professionals throughout the world for stimulating and effective education programs in print and online.

system-wide solutions.

We report Pearson Education’s performance in the three segments: North American Education, International Education, and Professional. In 2010,2012, Pearson Education had sales of £4,207m£4,616m or 74% (74%91% (91% in 2009)2011) of Pearson’s total continuing sales. Pearson Education generated 78%92% of Pearson’s continuing operating profit.

North American Education

Our North American Education business serves educators and students in the USA and Canada from early education through elementary, middle and high schools and into higher education with a wide range of products and services: curriculum textbooks and other learning materials; student assessments and testing services; and education technologies. Pearson has a leading position in each of these areas and a distinctive strategy of connecting those parts to support institutions and personalize learning. We have now integrated our North American School and Higher Education companies, which we believe will bring significant opportunities to develop growth businesses, to share investments and technologies and to gain further efficiencies.

Our North American School business contains a unique mix of publishing, testing and technology products for the elementary and secondary school markets, which are increasingly integrated. The major customers of this business are state education boards and local school districts. The business publishes high quality curriculum programmes for school students, at both elementary and secondary level, under a number of imprints including Pearson Scott Foresman and Pearson Prentice Hall. We also provide digital instructional solutions under Pearson Digital Learning, such as enVisionMATH and Miller-Levine Biology. The business also provides student information, assessment, reporting and business solutions (Pearson School Systems), which enables elementary and secondary schools and school districts to record and manage information about student attendance and performance.


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performance, and instructional improvement systems (Schoolnet) that allow for data-driven personalized instruction and teacher support.


Our school testing business is the leading provider of test development, processing and scoring services to US states and the federal government. Its capabilities have been further enhanced through the integration of the Harcourt Assessment business.
Our North American Higher Education business is the largest publisher of textbooks and related course materials for colleges and universities in the US. We publish across all of the main fields of study with imprints such as Pearson Prentice Hall, Pearson Addison Wesley, Pearson Allyn & Bacon, Pearson Benjamin Cummings and Pearson Longman. Typically, professors or other instructors select or ‘adopt’ the textbooks and online resources they recommend for their students, which students then purchase either in a bookstore or online. Today the majority of our textbooks are accompanied by online services which include homework and assessment tools, study guides and course management systems that enable professors to create online courses. We have also introduced new formats such as downloadable audio study guides and electronic textbooks which are sold on subscription. In addition, we have a fast-growing custom publishing business which works with professors to produce textbooks and online resources specifically adapted for their particular course.

Our North American Assessment and Information business provides educational assessment services and solutions in the US, developing, scoring and processing a large volume of student tests each year, for US states and the federal government. We also develop clinical assessments for the professional practice areas of psychology, speech, language, hearing, occupational and physical therapy; global talent assessment and learning assessment.

See “Item 55. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Results of Operations — Year ended December 31, 20102012 compared to year ended December 31, 20092011 — Sales and operating profit by division — North American Education” for a discussion of developments during 20102012 with respect to this division.

International Education

Our International Education business covers all educational publishing and related services outside North America.

Our portfolio includes innovative text books, digital learning solutions, online testing and assessments and a suite of integrated services.

Our International schools business publishes educational materials in local languages in a number of countries.countries, and is taking an active role in teaching. We are one of the world’s leading providers of English Language Teaching (ELT) materials for children and adults, published under the well-known Longman imprint. In 2009 we strengthenedWe are also teaching the English language in our position further in international markets through the acquisition of Wall Street English a chaingroup of premium English language schools in China, and investment in vocational training and online learning in India, and in 2010 through the acquisition of Wall Street Institute, providing premium spoken English training for adults in 25 territories across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America, and Sistema Educacional Brasileiro’s schools learning systems business.

27 countries.

Our International higher education business adapts our textbooks and technology services for individual markets, and we have a growing local publishing program, with our key markets including the UK, Benelux, Mexico, Germany, Hong Kong, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan and Malaysia.

We are also a leading provider of testing, assessment and qualification services in a number of key markets including the UK, under the brand name Edexcel, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Hong Kong and the Middle East.

In 2011 we acquired Global Education, a leading provider of test preparation services for English language and other professional qualifications in China.

See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Results of Operations — Year ended December 31, 20102012 compared to year ended December 31, 20092011 — Sales and operating profit by division — International Education” for a discussion of developments during 20102012 with respect to this division.

Professional

Our Professional education business is focused on publishing, training, testing and certification for professionals. Over the past five years we have significantly re-orientated our professional publishing business towards long-term growth markets and built professional testing into a profitable industry leader.

Our Professional education business publishes under the following imprints: Addison Wesley Professional, Prentice Hall and Cisco Press (for IT professionals); Peachpit Press and New Riders (for graphics and design professionals); Que and Sams (consumer and professional imprint); and Financial Times-Prentice Hall (for the business education market).

Our professional testing business, Pearson VUE, manages major long-term contracts to provide qualification and assessment services through its network of test centers around the world. Key customers include major technology companies, the Graduate Management Admissions Council, NCLEX, the Financial Industry Regulatory AuthorityNational Council of State Boards of Nursing, and the UK’s Driving Standards Agency.


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Our professional training business provides technical education and training services with particular expertise in skills related to defense, engineering, oil and gas and construction sectors. Our UK adult training business, Pearson in Practice, has developed overexperienced a dramatic fall in demand as a result of changes to the year with the acquisition of Melorio plc, a vocational training group.
UK government funding policy for apprenticeships, and we have announced that we are to exit this business.

See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Results of Operations — Year ended December 31, 20102012 compared to year ended December 31, 20092011 — Sales and operating profit by division — Professional” for a discussion of developments during 20102012 with respect to this division.

The FT Group

The FT Group provides a broad range of data, analysis and services through a growing number of print, digital and mobile channels, to an audience of internationally-minded business people and financial institutions. In 2010,2012, the FT Group had sales of £403m,£443m, or 7%9% of Pearson’s total continuing sales (7%(9% in 2009)2011), and contributed 8% of Pearson’s operating profit from continuing operations.

FT Group comprises theFinancial Times, FT.com website, and a portfolio of financial magazines and online financial information companies. During the year2010 Interactive Data, our 61%-owned financial information company was sold and has been reclassified as a discontinued operation.

operation for all periods to the date of disposal.

The FT Group has significantly shifted its business towards digital, subscription and content revenues and has continued to invest in talent and in services in faster growing emerging markets.

TheFinancial Timesis one of the world’s leading international daily business newspapers, with five editions in the UK, Continental Europe, Middle East and Africa, the US, Asia-Pacific and Asia.

the Middle East. Its main sources of revenue are from sales of the newspaper, (both in print and online), advertising and conferences. TheFinancial Timesis complemented by FT.com which sells content and advertising online, and which charges subscribers for detailed industry news, comment and analysis, while providing general news and market data to a wider audience.

FT Business publishes specialist information on the retail, personal and institutional finance industries through titles includingInvestors Chronicle,Money Management,Financial AdviserandThe Banker.

Mergermarket, our online financial data and intelligence provider, provides early stage proprietary intelligence to financial institutions and corporates. Its key products includeMergermarket,Debtwire,dealReporter,Wealthmonitor,andPharmawireBioPharm Insight..

See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Results of Operations — Year ended December 31, 20102012 compared to year ended December 31, 20092011 — Sales and operating profit by division — FT Group” for a discussion of developments during 20102012 with respect to this division.

Joint Ventures and Associates

The FT Group also has a number of associates and joint ventures, including:

50% interest in The Economist Group, publisher of one of the world’s leading weekly business and current affairs magazines.

 50% interest in The Economist Group, publisher of one of the world’s leading weekly business and current affairs magazines.
 • 50% interest in FTSE International, a joint venture with the London Stock Exchange, which publishes a wide range of global indices, including the FTSE index.
• 

50% interest inBusiness DayandFinancial Mail, publishers of one of South Africa’s leading financial newspapers and magazines.

 

33% interest inVedomosti,a leading Russian business newspaper.

On March 27, 2008, Financial Times International Publishing LtdDecember 16, 2011, the FT Group sold its 50% partnership interest in Financial Times Deutschland GmbH & Co KGFTSE International to Gruner & Jahr AG & Co KG.

the London Stock Exchange, the owner of the remaining 50%.

The Penguin Group

Penguin is one of the most famous brands in book publishing. It publishes over 4,000 fiction and non-fiction books each year, on paper, screens and in audio formats for readers of all ages, and has an extensive range of backlist and frontlist titles including top literary prize winners, classics, reference volumes and children’s titles.

Penguin operates around the world through a series of connected national publishing houses. It publishes under a number of well known imprints including Putnam, Viking, Allen Lane, Hamish Hamilton, Berkley, Dorling Kindersley, Puffin and Ladybird. Penguin combines a longstanding commitment to local publishing with a


15


determination to benefit from its worldwide scale, a globally recognized brand and growing demand for books in emerging markets. Its largest businesses are in the US, the UK, Australia, Canada, Ireland, India, New Zealand and South Africa and New Zealand.
In 2010, Penguin had sales of £1,053m, representing 19% of Pearson’s total continuing sales (19% in 2009) and contributed 14% of Pearson’s operating profit from continuing operations. Its largest market is the US, which generated around 59% of Penguin’s sales in 2010. Penguin earns around 93% of its revenues from the sale of hard cover and paperback books. The balance comes from audio books ande-books.
Africa.

Penguin sells directly to bookshops and through wholesalers. Retail bookshops normally maintain relationships with both publishers and wholesalers and use the channel that best serves the specific requirements of an order. It also sells through online retailers such as Amazon.com, as well as Penguin’s own website.websites. Penguin also sells direct to the customer via digital sales agents.

In October 2012, Pearson and Bertelsmann entered into an agreement to create a new consumer publishing business by combining Penguin and Random House. The transaction is expected to complete in 2013 and, at that point, Pearson will no longer control the Penguin Group of companies but will hold a 47% equity interest in the combined Penguin Random House. Pearson will account for this 47% equity interest under the equity method.

The impending loss of control results in the Penguin business being classified as held for sale on the Pearson balance sheet at December 31, 2012 and the results for all years through 2012 have been included in discontinued operations.

In 2012, Penguin had sales of £1,053m, representing 17% of Pearson’s total continuing and discontinued sales (18% in 2011) and had operating profits of £62m.

See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Results of Operations — Year ended December 31, 20102012 compared to year ended December 31, 20092011 — Sales and operating profit by division  — The Penguin Group” for a discussion of developments during 20102012 with respect to this division.

Operating cycles

Pearson determines a normal operating cycle separately for each entity/cash generating unit within the Group with distinct economic characteristics. The “normal operating cycle” for each of the Group’s education businesses is primarily based on the expected period over which the educational programs and titles will generate cash flows, and also takes account of the time it takes to produce the educational programs.

Particularly for the North American Education businesses, there are well established cycles operating in the market:

The School market is primarily driven by an adoption cycle in which major state education boards ‘adopt’ programs and provide funding to schools for the purchase of these programs. There is an established and published adoption cycle with new adoptions taking place on average every 5 years for a particular subject. Once adopted, a program will typically sell over the course of the subsequent 5 years. The Company renews its pre-publication assets to meet the market adoption cycles. Therefore the operating cycle naturally follows the market cycle.

The Higher Education market has a similar pattern, with colleges and professors typically refreshing their courses and selecting revised programs on a regular basis, often in line with the release of new editions or new technology offerings. The Company renews its pre-publication assets to meet the typical demand for new editions of, or revisions to, educational programs. Analysis of historical data shows that the average life cycle of Higher Education content is up to 5 years. Again the operating cycle mirrors the market cycle.

• The School market is primarily driven by an adoption cycle in which major state education boards ‘adopt’ programs and provide funding to schools for the purchase of these programs. There is an established and published adoption cycle with new adoptions taking place on average every 5 years for a particular subject. Once adopted, a program will typically sell over the course of the subsequent 5 years. The Company renews its pre-publication assets to meet the market adoption cycles. Therefore the operating cycle naturally follows the market cycle.
• The Higher Education market has a similar pattern, with colleges and professors typically refreshing their courses and selecting revised programs on a regular basis, often in line with the release of new editions or new technology offerings. The Company renews its pre-publication assets to meet the typical demand for new editions of, or revisions to, educational programs. Analysis of historical data shows that the average life cycle of Higher Education content is up to 5 years. Again the operating cycle mirrors the market cycle.

A development phase of typically 12 to 18 months for Higher Education and up to 24 months for School precedes the period during which the Company receives and delivers against orders for the products it has developed for the program.

The International Education markets operate in a similar way although often with less formal ‘adoption’ processes.

The operating cycles in respect of Professional and the Penguin segment are more specialized in nature as they relate to educational or heavy reference products released into smaller markets (e.g. the financial training, IT and travel sectors). Nevertheless, in these markets, there is still a regular cycle of product renewal, in line with demand which management monitor. Typically the life cycle is 5 years for Professional content and up to 4 years for Penguin content. Elsewhere in the Group operating cycles are typically less than one year.

Competition

All of Pearson’s businesses operate in highly competitive environments.

Pearson Education competes with other publishers and creators of educational materials and services. These companies include large international companies, such as McGraw-Hill and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, alongside smaller niche players that specialize in a particular academic discipline or focus on a learning technology.


16


Competition is based on the ability to deliver quality products and services that address the specified curriculum needs and appeal to the school boards, educators and government officials making purchasing decisions.

The FT Group competes with newspapers and other information sources, such as The Wall Street Journal, by offering timely and expert journalism and market intelligence. It competes for advertisers with other forms of media based on the ability to offer an effective means for advertisers to reach their target audience.

The Penguin Group competes with other publishers of fiction and non-fiction books. Principal competitors include Random House, HarperCollins, and Hachette Group. Publishers compete by developing a portfolio of books by established authors and by seeking out and promoting talented new writers.

Intellectual property

Our principal intellectual property assets consist of our trademarks and other rights in our brand names, particularly theFinancial Timesand the various imprints of Penguin and Pearson Education, as well as all copyrights for our content and our patents held in the testing business in the name of Pearson NCS. We believe we have taken all appropriate available legal steps to protect our intellectual property in all relevant jurisdictions.

Raw materials

Paper is the principal raw material used by each of Pearson Education, the FT Group and the Penguin Group. We purchase most of our paper through our Global Sourcing department located in the United States. We have not experienced and do not anticipate difficulty in obtaining adequate supplies of paper for our operations, with sourcing available from numerous suppliers. While local prices fluctuate depending upon local market conditions, we have not experienced extensive volatility in fulfilling paper requirements. In the event of a sharp increase in paper prices, we have a number of alternatives to minimize the impact on our operating margins, including modifying the grades of paper used in production.

Government regulation

The manufacture of certain of our products in various markets is subject to governmental regulation relating to the discharge of materials into the environment. Our operations are also subject to the risks and uncertainties attendant to doing business in numerous countries. Some of the countries in which we conduct these operations maintain controls on the repatriation of earnings and capital and restrict the means available to us for hedging potential currency fluctuation risks. The operations that are affected by these controls, however, are not material to us. Accordingly, these controls have not significantly affected our international operations. Regulatory authorities may have enforcement powers that could have an impact on us. We believe, however, that in light of the nature of our business the risk of these sanctions does not represent a material threat to us.

The US Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 requires US-listed companies to disclose information relating to certain transactions with Iran, even when such transactions were in accordance with applicable laws. In 2012, certain non-US Group companies in compliance with applicable law provided a subscription to the Financial Times to an Iranian individual, accepted advertising in an FT Group publication from several Iranian banks, and sold English language Penguin Group imprint books to Iranian wholesalers and retailers. The gross revenues to the Group from these activities were approximately £75,500, and we estimate the net profit was approximately £8,000. In addition, a non-US Group company in compliance with applicable law issued credits in the amount of £53,000 in respect of returns of educational materials from prior years. The Group may undertake similar activities in future periods in accordance with applicable law.

Licenses, patents and contracts

We are not dependent upon any particular licenses, patents or new manufacturing processes that are material to our business or profitability. Likewise, we are not materially dependent upon any contracts with suppliers or customers, including contracts of an industrial, commercial or financial nature.

Legal Proceedings

We and our subsidiaries are from time to time the subject of legal proceedings incidental to the nature of our and their operations. These may include private litigation or arbitrations, governmental proceedings and investigations by regulatory bodies. We do not currently expect that the outcome of pending proceedings or

investigations, either individually or in aggregate, will have a significant effect on our financial position or profitability nor have any such proceedings had such effect in the recent past. To our knowledge, there are no material proceedings in which any member of senior management or any of our affiliates is a party adverse to us or any of our subsidiaries or in respect of which any of those persons has a material interest adverse to us or any of our subsidiaries.

In April 2012, the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) and the attorneys general of several U.S. states (the “State AGs”) commenced civil proceedings against Penguin, other major publishers and Apple Inc. with respect to agency arrangements for selling eBooks. The lawsuits alleged that the parties had conspired to end retailers’ control of eBooks pricing and to raise eBooks prices. Penguin has settled the DOJ lawsuit by agreeing, along with the other publishers, to a consent order that did not require any payments, but requires that the agency selling arrangements be discontinued. In addition, Penguin is in discussions with the Canadian Competition Bureau and the European Competition Commission to settle similar investigations by those entities. The lawsuits filed by the State AGs, as well as similar lawsuits by various private plaintiffs in the United States and Canada, seek monetary damages, and Penguin is in discussion to settle these claims.

Recent developments
On November 22, 2010,

In January 2013, the Group announcedcompleted the proposed acquisitionpurchase of a 75% stake5% equity investment in CTI Education Group,NOOK Media, LLC for $89.5m. NOOK Media is a leading South African educationnew company for £31m. As atconsisting of Barnes & Noble’s digital businesses including its NOOK e-reader and tablets, the end of December 2010 this acquisition had not been completed but is expected to complete in the first half of 2011.


17

NOOK digital bookstore and its 674 college bookstores across America.


On January 18, 2011,In February 2013, the Group announced that it had agreed to increase it shareholdingcompleted the purchase of the remaining minority interest in Tutorvista,TutorVista, the Bangalore based tutoring services company to a controlling 76% stake for a consideration of $127m.
On March 7, 2011, the Group and Education Development International plc (EDI) announced that they had reached agreement on the terms of a recommended cash offer to be made by Pearson for the entire issued share capital of EDI. The offer values EDI at approximately £112.7m. EDI is a leading provider of education and training qualifications and assessment services, with a strong reputation for the use of information technology to administer learning programmes and deliver on-screen assessments.
£17m.

Organizational structure

Pearson plc is a holding company which conducts its business primarily through subsidiaries and other affiliates throughout the world. Below is a list of our significant subsidiaries as at December 31, 2010,2012, including name, country of incorporation or residence, proportion of ownership interest and, if different, proportion of voting power held.

Name

  

Country of incorporation/residence

  Percentage
interest/voting
power
 

Pearson Education

    Percentage
interest/voting
Name
Country of incorporation/residencepower
Pearson Education

Pearson Education Inc.

  United States (Delaware)   100%

Pearson Education Ltd.

  England and Wales   100%
Edexcel

NCS Pearson Inc.

United States (Minnesota)100

FT Group

The Financial Times Ltd.

  England and Wales   100%
NCS Pearson Inc. United States (Minnesota)100%
FT Group
The Financial Times Limited

Mergermarket Ltd.

  England and Wales   100%
Mergermarket

The Penguin Group

Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

United States (Delaware)100

The Penguin Publishing Co Ltd.

  England and Wales   100%
The Penguin Group
Penguin Group (USA) Inc. United States (Delaware)100%
The Penguin Publishing Co Ltd. 

Dorling Kindersley Holdings Ltd

  England and Wales   100%
Dorling Kindersley Holdings LtdEngland and Wales100%

Property, plant and equipment

Our headquarters are located at leasehold premises in London, England. We own or lease approximately 1,0001,200 properties, including approximately 550600 testing/teaching centers in more than 70 countries worldwide, the majority of which are located in the United Kingdom and the United States.

The properties owned and leased by us consist mainly of offices, distribution centers and computer testing/teaching centers.

The vast majority of our printing is carried out by third party suppliers. We operate a small digital print operation as part of our Pearson Assessment & Testing businesses which provides short-run andprint-on-demand products, typically custom client applications.

We own the following principal properties at December 31, 2010:

2012:

General use of property

  

Location

  Area in square feet 
General use of property
LocationArea in square feet

Warehouse/Office

  Kirkwood, New York, USA   524,000  

Warehouse/Office

  Pittston, Pennsylvania, USA   406,000  

Office

  Iowa City, Iowa, USA   310,000312,760  

Warehouse/Office

  Old Tappan, New Jersey, USA   210,112212,041  

Warehouse/Office

  Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA   205,000  

Office

  Southwark, London, UK   155,000  

Office

  Hadley, Massachusetts, USA   137,070  

Printing

  Owatonna, Minnesota, USA   128,000  


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We lease the following principal properties at December 31, 2010:
2012:

General use of property

  

Location

  Area in square feet 
General use of property
LocationArea in square feet

Warehouse/Office

  Lebanon, Indiana, USA   1,091,435  

Warehouse/Office

  Cranbury, New Jersey, USA   886,747  

Warehouse/Office

  Indianapolis, Indiana, USA   737,850  

Warehouse/Office

  San Antonio, Texas, USA   559,258  

Office

  Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, USA   474,801  

Warehouse/Office

  Rugby, UK   446,077  

Office

  New York City, New York, USA   443,229435,799  

Office

  London, UK   282,923  

Warehouse/Office

  Newmarket, Ontario, Canada   278,912  

Warehouse/Office

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia197,255

Office

Boston, Massachusetts, USA234,745

Warehouse/Office

  Austin, Texas, USA   226,076  

Warehouse/Office

  Boston, Massachusetts, USA225,299
WarehouseScoresby,Melbourne, Victoria, Australia   197,255251,732  

Office

  Glenview, Illinois, USA   187,500  

Warehouse/Office

  Bedfordshire, UK   186,570  

Warehouse/Office

Cape Town, South Africa160,387

Office

  Bloomington, Minnesota, USA   153,240  

Warehouse/Office

Uttar Pradesh, India145,041

Office

Manchester, UK139,680

Office

  Boston, Massachusetts, USA   138,112  

Office

  Harlow, UK   137,857  

Office

  Chandler, Arizona, USA   135,460  

Warehouse/Office

  Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA   119,682  

Office

Centennial, Colorado, USA117,554

Office

  New York City, New York, USA   117,478  

Warehouse

  San Antonio Zomeyucan,Naucalpan, Mexico   113,638  

Office

  London, UK   112,000  

Warehouse

Sao Paulo, Brazil108,843

Call CenterCenter/Office

  Lawrence, Kansas, USA   105,000  

Capital Expenditures

See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Liquidity and Capital Resources” for description of the Company’s capital expenditure.

ITEM 4A.UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

The Company has not received, 180 days or more before the end of the 20102012 fiscal year, any written comments from the Securities and Exchange Commission staff regarding its periodic reports under the Exchange Act which remain unresolved.

ITEM 5.OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

The following discussion and analysis is based on and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements, including the related notes, appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB.

Where this discussion refers to constant currency comparisons, these are estimated by re-calculating the current year results using the exchange rates prevailing for the prior period. The increase or reduction in the value calculated is the estimate of impact of exchange rates. We believe this presentation provides a more useful period to period comparison as changes due solely to changes in exchange rates are eliminated.

General overview

Introduction

Sales from continuing operations increased from £5,140m£4,817m in 20092011 to £5,663m£5,059m in 2010,2012, an increase of 10%5%. The year on year growth was not materially impacted by exchange rates, in particular the US dollar. The average US dollar exchange rate in 2010 strengthened in comparison to sterling in 2009, whichcurrency movements. In 2012 currency movements had the effect of increasingreducing reported sales in 2010 by £128m£29m when compared to the equivalent figurefigures at constant 20092011 rates. When measured at constant 20092011 exchange rates, our sales grew 6%. The Education businesses all our businesses contributed tobenefited from the growth. The International Education business in particular, benefitedadditional contribution from acquisitions made in 20092011 and 2010.


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2012.


Reported operating profit increased(from continuing operations) decreased by 20%54% from £619m£1,118m in 20092011 to £743m£515m in 2010. The relative strength2012. Operating profit in 2011 included the £412m profit on sale of our 50% interest in FTSE International Limited (FTSE) which is absent in 2012. In addition in 2012 a £113m loss has been recognised on the closure of the US dollar contributed to this increasePearson in Practice business. Currency movements also adversely affected operating profit, and we estimate that operating profit would have been approximately £37m lower£7m higher if translated at constant 20092011 exchange rates. Again, when measured at constant rates, we saw contributions to the growth in operating profit from all our businesses as we benefited from the improved sales performance and cost efficiencies.

Profit before taxation in 20102012 of £670m compares£434m compared to a profit before taxation of £523m£1,047m in 2009.2011. The increasedecrease of £147m£613m includes the Pearson in Practice closure costs in 2012 and the FTSE sale gain recorded in 2011 but also reflects the improved operating performance and a reductionslight increase in net finance costs. Net finance costs reducedincreased from £96m£71m in 20092011 to £73m£81m in 2010.2012. The Group’s net interest payable decreased by £13mincreased from £55m in 2010 as we benefited from a fall2011 to £65m in average2012, reflecting an increase in floating market interest rates on our floating-rate US dollar debt and a decrease in our overall levelborrowings combined with the effect of higher average levels of net debt followingresulting from the receiptGroup’s acquisition activity during 2012. Also included in net finance costs are finance costs on put options and deferred consideration associated with acquisitions, foreign exchange and other gains and losses. In 2012 the total of these items was a loss of £29m compared to a loss of £19m in 2011. The majority of the loss in 2012 relates to movements in the valuation of put options associated with acquisitions. In 2011 the loss relates mainly to foreign exchange differences on a proportion of the unhedged US dollar proceeds from the Interactive Data sale in 2010.

In October 2012, Pearson and Bertelsmann entered into an agreement to create a new consumer publishing business by combining Penguin and Random House. The transaction is expected to complete in 2013 and, at that

point, Pearson will no longer control the Penguin Group of companies but will hold a 47% equity interest in the combined Penguin Random House, which will be accounted for under the equity method. The impending loss of control results in the Penguin business being classified as held for sale on the Pearson balance sheet at 31 December 2012 and the results for 2012, 2011 and 2010 have been included in discontinued operations.

In July 2010, Pearson sold its 61% share of Interactive Data. Exchange losses of £7m in 2009 compare to a net exchange gain of £9m in 2010. The gain in 2010 mainly relates to exchange on new US borrowing raised in the year. In 2009, the charge mainly related to losses on cross currency swaps. The finance charge relating to post-retirement plans of £12m in 2010 was the same as that in 2009.

On 29 July 2010, Pearson’s 61% share in Interactive Data Corporation was sold to Silver Lake Technology Management LLC (Silver Lake) and Warburg Pincus LLC (Warburg Pincus) for $2bn. The results of Interactive Data have been included as discontinued operations for the period to 29 July 2010 and in prior periods.2010. Included in discontinued operations in 2010 is the gain on sale of Interactive Data of £1,037m and the attributable tax charge of £306m. On February 22, 2008 the Group completed the sale of its Data Management business and this business has been included in discontinued operations for the period to February 22 in 2008, and in prior periods.

Net cash generated from operations increasedoperating activities decreased to £1,169m£916m in 20102012 from £1,012m£1,093m in 2009.2011. The improvedprincipal reasons for the reduced cash generationflow were a reduction in 2010 was due to strongthe level of cash collections, particularlycollection at the end of the year together with continuing investment in our education businessespre-publication and was helped by our transition to a more digitaltechnology and service based business. This transition is also helping to reduce our working capital and on an adverse impact from currency fluctuation. Our average basis, the ratio of working capital to sales ratio improved from 25.1%by a further 0.4 percentage points to 20.1%, also13.8% reflecting tight working capital managementthe benefits of our shift to more digital and the favourable working capital profile of 2009 and 2010 acquisitions.service-orientated businesses. Average working capital comprises the average of the monthly carrying values over the relevant 12 month period for inventory, pre-publication costs, debtors and creditors. Net interest paid at £68m£66m in 20102012 was £19m below£6m more than the previous year, as areflecting the overall increase in net interest. Tax paid in 2012 was £65m compared to £151m in 2011. The reduction in 2012 tax paid is largely the result of the fall in overall net interest and to the timingpermitted deferral of interestUS tax payments on the bond portfolio. Tax paid excluding the amounts paid on the Interactive Data disposal in 2010 decreased to £85m compared to £103m in 2009 as Interactive Data itself had been a significant tax payer.into 2013 following Hurricane Sandy. Net capital expenditure on property, plant and equipment after proceeds from sales increased to £76m£77m in 20102012 from £61m£58m in 2009.2011. The net cash outflow in respect of businesses and investments acquired increased from £208mwas £765m in 2009 to £535m2012 and £800m in 20102011 whilst the Interactive Data sale of FTSE generated £428m in 2010 raised proceeds of £734m net of tax paid. There were no disposals in 2009.2011. Dividends from joint ventures and associates were broadly flat year on year at £23mdecreased from £30m in 2010 against £22m2011 to £27m in 2009.2012 partly as a result of the FTSE disposal. Dividends paid of £293m£348m in 20092012 (including £20m£2m paid to non-controlling interests) compares to £298m£319m in 20102011 (including £6m£1m paid to non-controlling interests). Overall net borrowings decreasedincreased by £662m£419m from £1,092m£499m at the end of 20092011 to £430m£918m at the end of 2010 largely due2012. In 2012 the cash we invested in new acquisitions together with tax and dividend payments was enough to offset cash generated from operating activities.

Outlook

The external environment is likely to remain challenging for our developed world and publishing businesses in 2013 owing to a combination of cyclical and structural factors: pressures on education budgets and college enrollments; retail consolidation; the proceedsshift in our business model from print sales to digital subscriptions; changing consumer behaviour and a dynamic competitive landscape. In general, we expect market conditions to remain favourable for our businesses in developing economies and in education software and services.

In order to reshape the Interactive Data sale and the strong cash collections.

Outlook
Over the past five years Pearson has producedcompany to take advantage of significant growth opportunities, we will expense approximately £150m of re-structuring costs in earnings and cash flow. We sustained our growth even2013 (the restructuring cost will be approximately £100m net of cost savings achieved in the faceyear). This investment has two objectives: to accelerate our transition from print to digital business models and from developed to developing economies; and to separate Penguin activities from Pearson central services and operations, and to reduce fixed cost infrastructure in Pearson, in preparation for the Penguin Random House merger.

We expect this transformation programme to generate approximately £100m of very tough economic and market conditionsannual cost savings from 2014. In 2014, we intend to reinvest the cost savings in recent years. We are planning for somethe organic development of our fast-growing digital, services and emerging markets businesses and further restructuring, including the Penguin Random House integration. We expect these businesses to remain weak in 2011, particularly those thatcontribute to faster organic growth, improving margins and improved cash flow and capital intensity from 2015. The precise phasing of restructuring costs and benefits will depend on government spendingtiming of completion of the Penguin Random House combination, which remains subject to regulatory approval and traditional print publishing business models. In addition,which we face tough comparatives (especiallyexpect to complete in the firstsecond half of the year) after our particularly strong competitive and financial performance in 2010.

Even so, we have built a series of competitive advantages which should help us deliver another good year in 2011. These advantages include our sustained investment, digital leadership, educational effectiveness, positions in fast-growing economies and operating efficiency.
2013.

Pearson Education

In education,Education we expect to achieve continuedmodest revenue growth in 2011.2013 with margins similar to 2012. In North America, we seeanticipate modest growth with challenging cyclical and structural market conditions in publishing

offset by growth in higherdigital and services. We expect our International education (despite slower enrolment rates)business to show good growth. Austerity measures will continue to affect education spending in much of the developed world and assessment more than offsettingwe expect a slower year for UK examinations and qualifications. However, we see significant opportunity in emerging markets in Asia, Latin America, the school publishing industry (the resultMiddle East and Sub-Saharan Africa — which together accounted for 45% of our International education revenues in 2012. Our Professional education business will reflect the lower new adoption opportunityclosure of our UK professional training business and pressure on state budgets). Our International Education businesscontinued growth from our professional certification business.

FT Group

We expect the FT Group to benefit from continued growth in digital and subscription revenues in 2013 but advertising to remain weak and volatile with profits reflecting further actions to accelerate the shift from print to digital. Mergermarket will benefit from its rapidly-growing positionhigh subscription renewal rates, with market activity likely to boost its core product offerings.

The Penguin Group

As announced in services, technology2012, subject to regulatory approval, we expect Penguin’s combination with Random House to be completed in the second half of 2013. We believe that the combined organisation will have a stronger platform and developing economies, enabling itgreater resources to grow again despite the weak public spendinginvest in rich content, new digital publishing models and high-growth emerging markets. The organisation will generate synergies from shared resources such as warehousing, distribution, printing and central functions. We expect market conditions to remain similar to 2012 with a tough environment in some markets.


20

the physical bookstore channel but helped by good growth in digital.


FT Group
At the FT Group, we are rapidly shifting our business model towards digital and subscription revenues. Advertising revenues remain unpredictable, but we see healthy demand for the FT’s premium content, especially in digital formats, and a recovery in business conditions for Mergermarket.
The Penguin Group
Penguin will face another year of fast-changing industry conditions, driven by the rapid growth of both digital sales channels and digital books, and by the resulting pressures on physical bookstores. After a particularly strong competitive performance and financial results in 2010, we expect Penguin to perform in line with the overall consumer publishing industry this year, while we continue to adapt the business to these industry changes.
Sales information by operating division

The following table shows sales information for each of the past three years by operating division:

             
  Year Ended December 31 
  2010  2009  2008 
  £m  £m  £m 
 
Education:            
North American  2,640   2,470   2,002 
International  1,234   1,035   866 
Professional  333   275   244 
FT Group  403   358   390 
Penguin  1,053   1,002   903 
             
Total  5,663   5,140   4,405 
             

   Year Ended December 31 
       2012           2011           2010     
   £m   £m   £m 

Education:

      

North American

   2,658     2,584     2,640  

International

   1,568     1,424     1,234  

Professional

   390     382     333  

FT Group

   443     427     403  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total continuing operations

   5,059     4,817     4,610  

Discontinued operations

   1,053     1,045     1,349  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   6,112     5,862     5,959  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sales information by geographic market supplied

The following table shows sales information for each of the past three years by geographic region:

             
  Year Ended December 31 
  2010  2009  2008 
  £m  £m  £m 
 
European countries  1,205   1,081   1,092 
North America  3,589   3,344   2,761 
Asia Pacific  577   497   403 
Other countries  292   218   149 
             
Total  5,663   5,140   4,405 
             

   Year Ended December 31 
       2012           2011           2010     
   £m   £m   £m 

Continuing operations

      

European countries

   1,096     1,107     977  

North America

   2,945     2,857     2,912  

Asia Pacific

   647     514     450  

Other countries

   371     339     271  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total continuing operations

   5,059     4,817     4,610  

Discontinued operations

      

European countries

   238     229     307  

North America

   659     665     875  

Asia Pacific

   139     132     145  

Other countries

   17     19     22  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total discontinued operations

   1,053     1,045     1,349  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   6,112     5,862     5,959  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Exchange rate fluctuations

We earn a significant proportion of our sales and profits in overseas currencies, principally the US dollar. Sales and profits are translated into sterling in the consolidated financial statements using average rates. The average rate used for the US dollar was £1:$1.59 in 2012, £1:$1.60 in 2011 and £1:$1.54 in 2010, £1:$1.57 in 2009 and £1:$1.85 in 2008.2010. Fluctuations in exchange rates can have a significant impact on our reported sales and profits. In 2010,2012, Pearson generated 59%55% of its continuing sales in the US (2009: 61%(2011: 56%; 2008: 59%2010: 60%). In 20102012 we estimate that a five cent change in the average exchange rate between the US dollar and sterling would have had an impact on our reported earnings per share of 1.3p1.4p and a five cent change in the closing exchange rate between the US dollar and sterling would have had an impact on shareholders’ funds of approximately £115m.£143m. See “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” for more information. The year-end US dollar rate for 20102012 was £1:$1.571.63 compared to £1:$1.611.55 for 2009.2011. The impact on shareholders funds was a loss of £238m in 2012 compared to a loss of £44m in 2011. In terms of the year end rate, the weakening of sterling in comparison to2011 the US dollar in 2010 was lessstrengthened only slightly, and other currency movements were relatively more significant, thancausing the strengthening of sterling compared tosmall loss. In 2012 the US dollar inhas weakened and was the previous year whenmost significant contributor to the relatively weak value of the US dollar had the effect of reducing shareholders’ funds. The net effect of movement in all currencies in 2010 was an increase in our shareholders’ funds of £173m. The year-end rate for the US dollar in 2009 was £1:$1.61 compared to £1:$1.44 for


21

increased loss.


2008. The comparative weakness of the US dollar, contributed to an overall reduction in shareholders’ funds due to exchange movements of £388m in 2009.
Critical accounting policies

Our consolidated financial statements, included in “Item 18. Financial Statements”, are prepared based on the accounting policies described in note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.

Certain of our accounting policies require the application of management judgment in selecting assumptions when making significant estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that it believes are reasonable. These policies are described in note 1a(3) in “Item 18. Financial Statements”.

Results of operations

Year ended December 31, 20102012 compared to year ended December 31, 20092011

Consolidated results of operations

Sales

Our total sales from continuing operations increased by £523m,£242m, or 10%5%, to £5,663m£5,059m in 2010,2012, from £5,140m£4,817m in 2009.2011. The increase reflected growth, on a constant exchange rate basis at all of our businesses5% together with additional contributions from acquisitions made in both 20092011 and 2010.2012. The year on year growth waswasn’t significantly impacted by movements in exchange rates particularly in the US dollar. 2010and 2012 sales, translated at 20092011 average exchange rates, would have been £5,535m.

£5,088m.

Pearson Education increased sales by £427m£226m or 11%5% from £3,780m£4,390m to £4,207m.£4,616m. The North American,America, International and Professional businesses all contributed to the increase although the International Education business wasand were helped by acquisitions made in 20092011 and 2010 and the Professional business benefited from the acquisition of Melorio in 2010. A high proportion of the increase was also due to exchange.2012. We estimate that after excluding acquisitions and the negative impact of exchange, Pearson Education saw sales growth of 5% at constant last year exchange rates. The North American business saw strong growthwas flat in Higher Education which again out-performed the market which grew at 7.3% in 2010, according2012 compared to the Association of American Publishers after benefiting from healthy enrolment growth and good demand for instructional materials. The North American publishing business also gained share in the US school curriculum market as this market returned to growth, benefiting from the stronger new adoption opportunity and in spite of the fact that state budgets remained under pressure. The US school publishing market grew 3.2% according to the Association of American Publishers. Revenues at the US Assessment and Information division were broadly level against 2009. State funding issues produced tough market conditions for our state assessment and teacher licensure testing businesses. This was offset by good growth in clinical and diagnostic assessments. International Education sales also benefited from exchange and a contribution from the acquisitions of Sistema Educacional Brasileiro and Wall Street Institute in 2010 and a full year contribution from the 2009 acquisitions of Wall Street English and Fronter and the increased shareholdings in Longman Nigeria and Maskew Miller Longman. After excluding the effect of acquisitions we estimate that there was growth of 6% at constant last year exchange rates in the International Education business. Professional sales increased in 2010 by 21% although much of this increase was due to the contribution from Melorio, the UK vocational training business acquired in June 2010. In terms of constant last year exchange rates and after taking out the acquisition of Melorio there was still good growth in professional testing and modest growth in the professional publishing business.

FT Group sales were 13% ahead of last year driven by strong growth at theFinancial Timeswith growth in digital readership and subscriptions, helped by good advertising growth in 2010. Mergermarket continued to benefit from an improvement in market conditions and its flexibility in adapting to new client investment strategies which supported a recovery in renewal rates and growth in new business revenues. An increase in global merger and acquisition activity benefited Mergermarket and dealReporter and continued volatility in debt markets helped sustain the strong performance of DebtWire.
Penguin’s sales were up 5% in 2010 and it gained share in its three largest markets, the US, UK and Australia. Growth was also due to the very strong growth in ebooks which now account for 6% of Penguin revenues worldwide.


22


2011. Pearson Education, our largest business sector, accounted for 74%91% of our continuing business sales in 20102012 and 2009.91% in 2011. North America continued to be the most significant source of our sales and as a proportion of total continuing sales contributed 63%58% in 20102012 and 65%59% in 2009.
2011.

The US higher education publishing market declined by 6% net in 2012, according to the Association of American Publishers. Total US College enrollments were lower in 2012 than 2011, affected by rising employment rates, state budget pressures and regulatory change affecting the for-profit sector. In a difficult trading environment Pearson gained share for the 14th consecutive year, again benefitting from our lead in technology and customization. The US school textbook publishing market declined 15% in 2012, according to the Association of American Publishers. There were several pressures on the industry including weakness in state budgets, a lower new adoption opportunity (total opportunity of $380m in 2012 against $650m in 2011) and delays in purchasing decisions during the transition to the new Common Core standards. Pearson gained share in tough market conditions, taking an estimated 31% of new adoptions where we competed. State funding pressures and the transition to Common Core assessments also made market conditions tough for our state assessment and teacher testing businesses; these were offset by good growth in secure online testing and in the clinical assessments business.

Our businesses in emerging markets continued to perform strongly, supported by good enrollment trends and sustained investment. Our UK business made solid progress during the year despite significant regulatory and policy changes across vocational and general qualifications, apprenticeships and higher education. In the rest of the world, a recovery in Japan following the 2011 tsunami and a strong competitive performance in Italy more than offset weak market conditions in Spain. After excluding the effect of acquisitions we estimate that there was growth of 13% at constant 2011 exchange rates in the International Education business. Professional sales increased in 2012 by 2%; the UK training business was weak but other parts of the professional division performed well.

FT Group sales were 4% ahead of last year driven by good underlying growth at both the Financial Times and Mergermarket. Growth at the Financial Times was driven by increases in digital readership and subscriptions, although advertising remained weak and volatile. Mergermarket grew well, despite challenging markets. FT Group sales accounted for 8% of our continuing business sales in 2012 and 9% in 2011.

Cost of goods sold and operating expenses

The following table summarizes our cost of sales and net operating expenses:

         
  Year Ended December 31 
  2010  2009 
  £m  £m 
 
Cost of goods sold  2,588   2,382 
         
Distribution costs  298   275 
Administration and other expenses  2,190   2,014 
Other operating income  (115)  (120)
         
Total  2,373   2,169 
         

   Year Ended December 31 
       2012          2011     
   £m  £m 

Cost of goods sold

   2,224    2,072  

Distribution costs

   177    190  

Administration and other expenses

   2,111    1,999  

Other operating income

   (72  (117
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

   2,216    2,072  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cost of goods sold. Cost of sales consists of costs for raw materials, primarily paper, printing and binding costs, amortization of pre-publication costs, royalty charges and the cost of service provision in the assessment and testing business. Our cost of sales increased by £206m,£152m, or 9%7%, to £2,588m£2,224m in 2010,2012, from £2,382m£2,072m in 2009.2011. The increase corresponds to the increase in sales, with cost of sales at 45.7%44.0% of sales in 2010 compared2012 compares to 46.3%43.0% in 2009.

2011.

Distribution costs. Distribution costs consist primarily of shipping costs, postage and packingpacking. A reduction in costs in 2012 reflects the change in product mix with digital and remain a fairly constant percentage of sales.

services businesses incurring less distribution expense.

Administration and other expenses. Our administration and other expenses increased by £176m,£112m, or 9%6%, to £2,190m£2,111m in 2010,2012, from £2,014m£1,999m in 2009.2011. As a percentage of sales they remained consistent at 39%approximately 42% in 20102012 and 2009.

41% in 2011.

Other operating income. Other operating income mainly consists of freight recharges,sub-rights and licensing income and distribution commissions together with income from the sale of assets. Other operating income decreased slightly to £115m£72m in 20102012 compared to £120m£117m in 2009.

2011 largely due to the inclusion in 2011 of a £29m gain on the sale of an investment and an £8m gain on a stepped acquisition in the International Education business.

Loss on closure of subsidiary

The charge of £113m relates to the loss on the closure of the Pearson in Practice business.

Profit on sale of associate

On 16 December 2011 the FT Group completed the disposal of its 50% stake in FTSE International Limited (FTSE) realizing a profit on sale of £412m. This profit has been disclosed separately on the face of the income statement.

Share of results of joint ventures and associates

The contribution from our joint ventures and associates increaseddecreased from £30m£33m in 20092011 to £41m£9m in 2010. The 2010 result included2012. Included in the 2011 figure were the results of the FTSE up to its disposal, which are not in the 2012 figures. In addition in 2012 there is a one off profitwrite down of £10m of goodwill relating to a stepped acquisition at FTSE of £12m. The majority of the remainder of the profit comes from our 50% interestjoint venture in the Economist.

India.

Operating profit

The total operating profit increaseddecreased by £124m,£603m, or 20%54%, to £743m£515m in 20102012 from £619m£1,118m in 2009. 20102011. 2011 operating profit, translated at 2009 average exchange rates, would have been £37m lower.

includes the profit on sale of FTSE of £412m, and 2012 operating profit includes a charge of £113m relating to the loss on the closure of the Pearson in Practice business. After excluding these items, operating profit in 2012 decreased by £78m, or 11%.

Operating profit attributable to Pearson Education increaseddecreased by £71m,£165m, or 14%26%, to £576m£474m in 2010,2012, from £505m£639m in 2009.2011. The increasedecrease was largely attributable to a strong performancethe £113m closure charge, together with intangible impairments and the weakness in trading of Pearson in Practice over the US Higher Education business and in the International businesses and due to the positive impact of exchange and a contribution from acquisitions.year. Operating profit attributable to the FT Group increasedafter taking out the profit on sale of FTSE decreased by £31m,£26m, or 100%39%, to £62m£41m in 2010,2012, from £31m£67m in 2009. The increase reflects2011. In 2011 the improved profitabilityshare of profit from digital businesses and the pick up in advertisingFTSE investment together with the one off profit recorded byroyalties received from FTSE referred to above. Operating profit attributable to Penguin increased by £22m, or 27%, to £105m in 2010, from £83m in 2009. This increase was due to the improved sales performanceincluded within FT Group’s operating profits, and improved margins partly due to charges relating to the reorganisation of the business in the UK in 2009.

this totaled £20m.

Net finance costs

Net finance costs decreasedincreased from £96m£71m in 20092011 to £73m£81m in 2010.2012. Net interest payable increased from £55m in 2010 was £73m, down from £86m2011 to £65m in 2009. The Group’s net interest payable decreased by £13m2012, reflecting an increase in 2010, mainly due to a reduction in averagefloating market interest rates on our floating US dollar debt andborrowings combined with the effect of lowerhigher average levels of net debt following the receipt of proceedsresulting from the saleGroup’s acquisition activity during 2012. Although our fixed rate policy reduces the impact of Interactive Data. Year on year,changes in market interest rates, we were still able to benefit from low average US dollar and sterling interest rates during the year. Year-on-year, average three month LIBOR (weighted for the


23


Group’s net borrowings in US dollars and sterling at each year end) fellrose by 0.3%0.2% to 0.4%0.5%. This reductionincrease in floating market interest rates drovecombined with an increase in the Group’s loweraverage net debt helped drive the Group’s higher interest charge. However the low ratesThese factors combined with a decrease in interest income on deposited funds coupled with the impact on the calculation of significantly lower net debt,deposits created an increase in the Group’s average net interest payable from 6.5% to 7.0%. Overall net borrowings increased by £419m from £499m at the end of 5.3%2011 to 7.9%.£918m at the end of 2012. In 2012 we invested £759m in new acquisitions and that together with tax and dividend payments was enough to offset cash generated from operating activities.

Also included in net finance costs are finance costs on put options and deferred consideration associated with acquisitions, foreign exchange and other gains and losses. In 2012 the total of these items was a loss of £29m compared to a loss of £19m in 2011. The Group’s average net debt fell by £681m, reflectingmajority of the impactloss in 2012 relates to movements in the valuation of put options associated with acquisitions. In 2011 the loss relates mainly to foreign exchange differences on a proportion of the unhedged US dollar proceeds from the Interactive Data disposal. Finance charges relating to post-retirement plans were £12msale in both 2010 and 2009.

Other net finance costs relating to foreign exchange and short-term fluctuations in the market value of financial instruments included a net foreign exchange loss of £7m in 2009 compared to a gain of £9 in 2010. In 2009 the loss mainly relates to losses on cross currency swaps and in 2010 the gain relates to exchange on new US dollar borrowing raised in the year. For a more detailed discussion of our borrowings and interest expenses see “— Liquidity and Capital Resources — Capital Resources” and “— Borrowings” below and “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk”.

Taxation

The total tax charge in 20102012 of £146m£148m represents 22%34% of pre-tax profits compared to a charge of £146m£162m or 28%16% of pre-tax profits in 2009.2011. Our overseas profits, which arise mainly in the US, are largely subject to tax at higher rates than that in the UK corporation tax rate (which had an effective statutory rate of 28%24.5% in 20102012 and 26.5% in 2009)2011). HigherThe increase in the tax rates were partly offset byrate in 2012 is largely due to the recognitionlack of tax losses and creditsrelief on the loss on closure of Pearson in the year including pre-acquisition and capital losses that were utilised in connectionPractice together with the Interactive Data sale. Theeffect of a low tax charge relating to that sale in July 2010 is included in2011 on the profitgain on discontinued businesses.

disposal of FTSE.

Non-controlling interest

The non-controlling interest in the income statement comprises mainly the publicly-held share of Interactive Data for the period to disposal in July 2010. There

In 2012 there are also non-controlling interests in the Group’s businesses in South Africa, Nigeria, China and India although none of these are material to the Group numbers. The non-controlling interest in the Group’s newly acquired Brazilian business, Sistema Educacional Brasileiro, is expected to beSEB, was bought out in the first half of 2011.

Discontinued operations

On 29 July 2010, Pearson’s 61% share

In October 2012, Pearson and Bertelsmann entered into an agreement to create a new consumer publishing business by combining Penguin and Random House. The transaction is expected to complete in Interactive Data Corporation was sold to Silver Lake2013 and, Warburg Pincusat that point, Pearson will no longer control the Penguin Group of companies but will hold a 47% equity interest in the combined Penguin Random House, which will be accounted for $2bn.under the equity method. The impending loss of control results of Interactive Datain the Penguin business being classified as held for sale on the Pearson balance sheet at December 31, 2012 and the results for all years through 2012 have been included as discontinued operations up to the date of sale on 29 July 2010. Included in discontinued operations in 2010 is Interactive Data’s results for the seven months to the date of sale, the gain on sale of £1,037m and the attributable tax charge of £306m. The total profit from discontinued operations, after taking account of the above items, was £776m in 2010 compared to £85m in 2009.

operations.

Profit for the year

The profit for the financial year in 20102012 was £1,300m£329m compared to a profit in 20092011 of £462m.£956m. The overall increase2011 profit included the contribution from the FTSE disposal of £838m was mainly due£412m, and 2012 included costs relating to the gain on salebusiness closures of Interactive Data but also due to the improved operating performance and decrease in net finance costs.

£113m.

Earnings per ordinary share

The basic earnings per ordinary share, which is defined as the profit for the financial year divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue, was 161.9p40.5p in 20102012 compared to 53.2p119.6p in 20092011 based on a weighted average number of shares in issue of 801.2m804.3m in 20102012 and 799.3m800.2m in 2009.2011. The increasedecrease in earnings per share was due to the increasedecrease in profit for 20102012 described above and was not significantly affected by the movement in the weighted average number of shares.

The diluted earnings per ordinary share of 161.5p40.5p in 20102012 and 53.1p119.3p in 20092011 was not significantly different from the basic earnings per share in those years as the effect of dilutive share options was again not significant.

Exchange rate fluctuations

The strengtheningweakening of thenon- US dollar and other currenciescurrency against sterling on an average basis had a positivean adverse impact on reported sales and profits in 20102012 compared to 2009. 20102011. 2012 sales, translated at 20092011 average exchange rates, would have been lowerhigher by £128m£29m and operating profit, translated at 20092011 average exchange rates, would have


24


been lowerhigher by £37m.£7m. See “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” for a discussion regarding our management of exchange rate risks.

Sales and operating profit by division

The following tables summarize our sales and operating profit for each of Pearson’s business segments. Adjusted operating profit is a non-GAAP financial measure and is included as it is a key financial measure used by management to evaluate performance and allocate resources to business segments. See also note 2 of “Item 18. Financial Statements”.

In our adjusted operating profit we have excluded other net gains and losses, acquisition costs and amortization and impairment of acquired intangibles and acquisition costs.intangibles. The amortization of acquired intangibles is the amortization ofintangible charges relate to intangible assets acquired through business combinations and acquisition costs are the direct costs of acquiring those businesses. Neither of these charges are considered to be fully reflective of the underlying performance of the Group. Other net gains and losses that represent profits and losses on the sale of subsidiaries, joint ventures, associates and other financial assets are also excluded from adjusted operating profit as they distort the performance of the Group.

Adjusted operating profit enables management to more easily track the underlying operational performance of the Group. A reconciliation of operating profit to adjusted operating profit for continuing operations is included in the tables below:

                             
  Year Ended December 31, 2010 
  North American
  International
     FT
  Interactive
       
£m
 Education  Education  Professional  Group  Data  Penguin  Total 
 
Sales  2,640   1,234   333   403      1,053   5,663 
   47%   22%   6%   7%      18%   100% 
Total operating profit  415   119   42   62      105   743 
   56%   16%   6%   8%      14%   100% 
Add back:                            
Other net gains and losses     10      (12)         (2) 
Acquisition costs  1   7   2   1         11 
Amortization of acquired intangibles  53   35   7   9      1   105 
                             
Adjusted operating profit: continuing operations  469   171   51   60      106   857 
Adjusted operating profit: discontinued operations              81      81 
                             
Total adjusted operating profit  469   171   51   60   81   106   938 
                             
   50%   18%   5%   6%   9%   12%   100% 


25


  Year Ended December 31, 2012 

£m

 North American
Education
  International
Education
  Professional  FT
Group
  Continuing  Discontinued  Total 

Sales

  2,658    1,568    390    443    5,059    1,053    6,112  
  53  31  7  9  100  

Total operating profit

  463    135    (124  41    515    62    577  
  90  26  (24)%   8  100  

Add back:

       

Other net gains and losses

  —      —      123    —      123    32    155  

Acquisition costs

  7    8    1    4    20    1    21  

Intangible charges

  66    73    37    4    180    3    183  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Adjusted operating profit: continuing operations

  536    216    37    49    838    —      838  

Adjusted operating profit: discontinued operations

  —      —      —      —      —      98    98  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total adjusted operating profit

  536    216    37    49    838    98    936  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  57  23  4  5  89  11  100

  Year Ended December 31, 2011 

£m

 North American
Education
  International
Education
  Professional  FT
Group
  Continuing  Discontinued  Total 

Sales

  2,584    1,424    382    427    4,817    1,045    5,862  
  53  30  8  9  100  

Total operating profit

  463    121    55    479    1,118    108    1,226  
  41  11  5  43  100  

Add back:

       

Other net gains and losses

  (29  6    —      (412  (435  —      (435

Acquisition costs

  2    9    —      1    12    —      12  

Intangible charges

  57    60    11    8    136    3    139  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Adjusted operating profit: continuing operations

  493    196    66    76    831    —      831  

Adjusted operating profit: discontinued operations

  —      —      —      —      —      111    111  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total adjusted operating profit

  493    196    66    76    831    111    942  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  52  21  7  8  88  12  100

                             
  Year Ended December 31, 2009 
  North American
  International
     FT
  Interactive
       
£m
 Education  Education  Professional  Group  Data  Penguin  Total 
 
Sales  2,470   1,035   275   358      1,002   5,140 
   48%   20%   6%   7%      19%   100% 
Total operating profit  354   109   42   31      83   619 
   57%   18%   7%   5%      13%   100% 
Add back:                            
Amortization of acquired intangibles  49   32   1   8      1   91 
                             
Adjusted operating profit: continuing operations  403   141   43   39      84   710 
Adjusted operating profit: discontinued operations              148      148 
                             
Total adjusted operating profit  403   141   43   39   148   84   858 
                             
   47%   16%   5%   5%   17%   10%   100% 
North American Education

North American Education sales increasedgrew by £170m,£74m, or 7%3%, to £2,640m£2,658m in 2010,2012, from £2,470m£2,584m in 20092011 and adjusted operating profit increased by £66m,£43m, or 16%9%, to £469m£536m in 20102012 from £403m£493m in 2009.2011. The results were affected by the relative strength of the USaverage dollar rate strengthened slightly from 2011 to 2012 which we estimate increased sales by £53m£19m and adjusted operating profit by £10m£5m when compared to the equivalent figures at constant 20092011 exchange rates. At constant exchange and after taking account of the contribution from acquisitions there was underlying decline in sales of 4% and increase in profits of 3%.

In 2012, our strength in digital and services businesses and tight cost control enabled us to perform ahead of our more traditional print publishing markets, which declined by 10% for the industry as a whole and were adversely affected by state budget pressures and declines in college enrolments.

In US School, the textbook publishing market declined by 15% in 2012, according to the Association of American Publishers. There were several pressures on the industry including weakness in state budgets, a lower new adoption opportunity (total opportunity of $380m in 2012 against $650m in 2011) and delays in purchasing decisions during the transition to the new Common Core standards. Pearson gained share in very tough market conditions, taking an estimated 31% of new adoptions where we competed. enVision Math continued to perform strongly, with a recentWhat Works Clearing House study showing that students using the programme out-performed peers by between six and eight percentiles in math across a broad range of student populations. iLit, our new digital reading intervention programme, was successfully implemented in 20 districts with early results showing strong reading gains. Connections Education, which operates online K-12 schools in 22 states and a nationwide charter programme, served more than 43,000 students in 2012, up 31% from 2011 and broadened its product offering to include virtual classrooms for public school campuses. Connections Academy Schools have consistently high performance ratings, particularly in states focused on measuring growth in student learning.

At our Assessment and Information business, revenues were flat in 2012. State funding pressures and the transition to Common Core assessments continued to make market conditions tough for our state assessment and teacher testing businesses. We continued to produce strong growth in secure online testing and we increased online testing volumes by more than 10m, delivering 6.5 million state accountability tests, 4.5 million constructed response items and 2 1million spoken tests. We now assess oral proficiency in English, Spanish, French, Dutch, Arabic and Chinese. We also launched the Online Assessment Readiness Tool for the PARCC and the Smarter Balance Assessment Consortium (SBAC) Common Core consortia to help 45 states prepare for the transition to online assessments. We won new state contracts in Colorado and Misouri and a new contract with the College Board to deliver ReadiStep, a middle school assessment that measures and tracks college readiness skills. We extended our contract with the College Board to deliver the ACCUPLACER assessment, a computer-adaptive diagnostic, placement and online intervention system that supports 1,300 institutions and 7 million students annually. We won five Race To The Top state deals (Kentucky, Florida, Colorado, North Carolina and New York) led by Schoolnet. PowerSchool won three state/province-level contracts (North Carolina, New Brunswick and Northwest Territories). We launched our mobile PowerSchool applications and grew our third party partner ecosystems to over 50 partners. PowerSchool supports more than 12 million students up more than 20% on 2011 while Schoolnet supports 8.3 million students, up almost 160% on 2011. Our clinical assessment business was boosted by strong growth at AIMSweb, our progress monitoring service which enables early intervention and remediation for struggling students. AIMSweb delivered 58 million assessments in 2012, up 12%.

In Higher Education, the publishing market declined 6% net in 2012, according to the Association of American Publishers. Total US College enrolments were 2% lower in 2012 than in 2011, affected by rising employment rates, state budget pressures and regulatory change affecting the for-profit sector. In a difficult trading environment Pearson gained share for the 14th consecutive year, again benefitting from our lead in technology and customization. Student registrations at e-College grew 3% to 8.7 million, despite pressure in the for-profit college market. We won new online enterprise learning contracts with California Sate University and Rutgers University. Our strong managed enrolment services and student marketing product offering, coupled with continued strong growth at Arizona State University, helped our online enterprise learning business to grow 150% to almost 44,000 enrolments. During the year we acquired EmbanetCompass which provides a full range or services targeted towards online graduate programmes. Pearson’s pioneering ‘My Lab’ digital learning, homework and assessment programmes grew well with student registrations in North America up 11% to almost 10 million with strong usage growth with graded submissions up 12% to almost 320 million across the globe. OpenClass, Pearson’s free learning management system, has been installed by almost 1,300 K-12 and College institutions in the US and now serves approximately 100,000 users. During 2012 we launched Project Blue Sky, a cloud-based content service that allows college instructors to combine Open Educational Resources with

instructor-created and Pearson content. We also launched Pearson Workforce Education which delivers more than 60 online courses in high demand occupational training areas from IT and Healthcare to management and soft skills courses; and Propero, which combines on-demand tutoring, student support and online courses to expand access to higher education and support degree completion.

Overall adjusted operating margins in the North American Education business were higher at 20.2% in 2012 compared to 19.1% in 2011 with the majority of the increase attributable to further cost efficiencies and the continued success of higher margin digital products.

International Education

International Education sales increased by £144m, or 10%, to £1,568m in 2012, from £1,424m in 2011 and adjusted operating profit increased by £20m, or 10%, to £216m in 2012 from £196m in 2011. At constant exchange and after taking account of the contribution from acquisitions there was underlying growth in sales of 4%7% and an increase in profits of 12%11%. Growth

Our businesses in emerging markets continued to perform strongly, supported by good enrolment trends and sustained investment. Our UK business was driven byresilient during the US Higher Education business.

The US School publishing market grew 3.2%year despite significant regulatory and policy changes across vocational and general qualifications, apprenticeships and higher education. In the rest of the world, a recovery in 2010, according toJapan following the Association of American Publishers. State budgets continue to be under pressure but the industry returned to growth, benefiting from the stronger new adoption opportunity this year (total opportunity of $800m in 2010 against $500m in 2009). The US School curriculum business gained share with2011 tsunami and a strong competitive performance from enVisionMATH, our digital math curriculum. Successnet, our online learning platformin Italy more than offset weak market conditions in Spain.

In English Language Learning, Wall Street English, Pearson’s worldwide chain of English language centres for teachers and students which supports Pearson’s digital instruction, assessment and remediation programs, grew strongly, achieving almost 6 million registrations in 2010, up 33% on 2009, withprofessionals, opened a net of 11 new centres around the world, bringing the total number of assessments taken through the system rising 53%to 460. Student numbers fell by 2% to more than 8m.191,000, primarily due to the closure of a large franchise centre in Chile with approximately 7,000 students. MyEnglishLabs enrolments grew 60% to 263,000 supported by the launch of our next generation platform which supports 12 languages and 43 new courses. We continue to develop digital programs, platforms and mobile apps to boost achievement and to increase access and affordability. We successfully launched three major new school programs: digits(http://bit.ly/i9NcId), our digital middle school math program, which provides services for teachers including embedded assessment, differentiation of students and automation of administrative tasks; Writing Coach(http://www.phwritingcoach.com/)acquired Global English during the year which is a blended print and online program that helps middle and high school students in writing and grammar with personalized assignments and grading; and Online Learning Exchange (www.onlinelearningexchange.com) which is an open education resource that allows teachers to create personalized digitalleading provider of cloud-based, on-demand Business English learning, programs using standards-based Pearson content as well as teacher-generated material. Poptropica (www.poptropica.com) is the largest virtual world for young children in the US with average monthly unique visitors growing by 40% to 8.1m from more than 100 countries and speaking more than 70 languages. Poptropica launched seven new islands and was the fifth most searched-for video game on Google.com in 2010. In September 2010 we acquired America’s Choice to boost Pearson’s services in school reform, a major focus of the US education department. America’s Choice brings together instruction, assessment, leadership development, professional development, coaching and ongoing consulting services.

Revenues at our US Assessment & Information division were broadly level against 2009. State funding pressures produced tough market conditions for our state assessment and teacher licensure testing businesses. This was offset by good growth in clinical and diagnostic assessments. We saw good profit growth at Assessment and Information as we benefited from a shift to premium products and further efficiencies generated from the integration of the Harcourt Assessment business. We renewed two important contracts, extending our long-standing relationships with the College Board to administer the SATs and with the Texas Education Agency to

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administer state-wide student assessments. We continue to achieve strong growth in secure online testing, delivering 13.3 million secure online tests in 2010, up 41% over 2009. Our market leading student information systems business in the US continued to achieve rapid organic growth further boosted by the acquisition of Administrative Assistants Limited in 2010. We nowperformance support almost 16 million US students, an increase of 49% over 2009. We achieved strong growth with AIMSWEB, our progress monitoring service which enables early intervention and remediation for struggling students. AIMSWEB now supports almost foursoftware. More than 1.1 million students an increase of more than 20%.
The US Higher Education publishing market grew 7.3% in 2010, according to the Association of American Publishers with the industry benefiting from healthy enrolment growth and good demandregistered for instructional materials. Pearson gained share from its lead in technology and customisation. Our US Higher Education business has now grown faster than its industry for 12 consecutive years. The pioneering ‘MyLab’ digital learning, homework and assessment programs again grew strongly with student registrations up 32% to more than 7.3m in North America. We launched LearningStudio which provides a broad suite of learning management technologies including eCollege and Fronter. LearningStudio increased fully online enrolments by 54% to 8.3m in North America. Renewal rates remained high at approximately 90% by value.
Overall adjusted operating margins in the North American Education business were higher at 17.8% in 2010 compared to 16.3% in 2009 with the majority of the increase attributable to cost efficiencies and the relative success of higher margin digital products.
International Education
International Education sales increased by £199m, or 19%, to £1,234m in 2010, from £1,035m in 2009 and adjusted operating profit increased by £30m, or 21%, to £171m in 2010 from £141m in 2009. The sales results benefit from exchange gains and a full year contribution from acquisitions made in 2009.
The International Education business is active in more than 70 countries. More than 670,000 students outside America used our MyLab digital learning, homework and assessment programs,programmes, an increase of more than 40%. They included 150,000 users of our onlineEnglish-language products MyEnglishLabs18%, with good growth in school, ELT and MyNorthStarLab, a 170% increase. Our eCollege learning management system won new contractsinstitutional selling in Malaysia and Colombia. Our Fronter learning management system continued to grow strongly with unique registration rising more than 20% to 1.1 million students in more than 8,700 schools, colleges and universities around the world. Pearson Learning Solutions, which combines products and services from across Pearson to deliver a systematic approach to improving student performance, won new contracts in South Africa, Malta, Vietnam and the UK. During the year, the International Education business acquired Wall Street Institute (WSI), which provides premium spoken English training for adults, for $101m in cash. WSI has about 340 franchised learning centers in 25 territories in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The acquisition reunites Wall Street Institute with Wall Street English, the Chinese arm of the company acquired by Pearson in 2009.
higher education.

In the UK, BTEC, our flagship vocational qualification, attractedwe market more than 1.46.3 million student registrations, up 28% on 2009. Registrations for our NVQ work-based learning qualification grew 45% toGCSE, A/AS level and other examinations with 90% using onscreen technology and more than 165,000, and we introduced the BTEC Apprenticeship to serve the work-based learning market. We marked more than 5.43.8 million A/AS Level and GCSE and Diplomatest scripts in the2009-2010 academic year, with 90% now marked onscreen. Pearson marked and delivered 3.4for over half a million tests in six weeks for thepupils taking National Curriculum Tests at Key Stage 2.Two in 2012. We establishedlaunched our Next Generation BTECs which are now the leading vocational qualification on the new funding and accountability frameworks in schools. Our Vocational qualifications business grew well with the continued popularity of BTEC amongst employers and universities and a strong performance in work-based learning (with registrations now up to 170,000) further boosted by a good performance from EDI, our provider of education and training qualifications and assessment services.

In China, student enrolments at Wall Street English increased 15% to almost 61,000, boosted by good underlying demand and the launch of ten new centres taking the total to 66. Our students rapidly acquire high-level English skills with average grade levels achieved rising 8% during 2012. Enrolments at Global Education, our test preparation services for English language qualifications, increased 16% to more than 1 million, through 73 owned and 372 franchised learning centres.

In South Africa we held share in school publishing in market conditions which were tougher than expected despite a year of major curriculum reform. Student enrolments grew strongly at CTI, our South African University, up 19% to more than 10,000. We partnered with UNISA, South Africa’s largest university and the largest distance learning provider in Africa, to provide 30,000 students with access to our MyLabs software, digital resources and customized eBooks.

In Brazil we ended 2012 with 533,000 students in our public and private sistemas (or learning systems) and added 24,000 students in our two largest private sistemas, COC and Dom Bosco, up 8% on 2011. Our public

sistema, NAME, includes the top performing lower secondary school in Brazil and test scores for our public school students are, on average, 20% above the 2011 national IDEB standard for 4th and 8th grade students. In Mexico, we partnered with local curriculum and technology experts INITE to launch UTEL, a new school improvement businessuniversity enabling Mexicans to enroll in online degree courses in management, IT, marketing, engineering and computer science. UTEL enrolled 2,500 undergraduate students and 4,000 learners in shorter corporate training or continuing professional education courses. UTEL’s services arm, Scala, signed its first contract to provide online learning services to an existing higher education institution.

In India, TutorVista is now managing 35 schools and its multimedia teaching solution Digiclass is installed in approximately 17,000 classrooms. ActiveTeach, our digital learning platform for schools, was adopted by 200 schools serving approximately 100,000 students. In the Middle East, the Abu Dhabi Education Council purchased our print and digital Math and Science resources for all schools from grades 6 to 10, the American University of Sharjah adopted MyLabs for four mathematics courses and three science courses, and we are providing access to digital course content for 5,000 students at Abu Dhabi’s Higher Colleges of Technology through our Pearson e-texts iPad app. In Italy, 6,000 students registered for MyEnglishLab Italiano, our new digital curriculum, helping us gain share in upper secondary adoptions and to see good growth overall.

Overall adjusted operating margins in the International Education business remained constant at 13.8% in both 2011 and 2012.

Professional

Professional sales increased by £8m, or 2%, to £390m in 2012 from £382m in 2011. Adjusted operating profit decreased by £29m or 44% to £37m in 2012, from £66m in 2011. The UK which will worktraining business Pearson in Practice had a significant negative impact on the 2012 performance, while other parts of the professional division performed well.

Professional training was very weak with schoolsour UK adult training business Pearson in Practice, facing a dramatic fall in demand as a result of changes to help them train teachers, improve strategic planningthe apprenticeships programme. Pearson believes that this business no longer has a sustainable model and structure teaching methods.

announced in January that we are to exit Pearson in Practice. The cost of exit and impairment is £113m and is reported as a loss on closure in the 2012 financial statements.

Within professional training, TQ however continues to make significant progress in the direct delivery of training services overseas. In Italy, adoptionSaudi Arabia, we extended the contract to operate the Saudi Petroleum Services Institute for five years and won a five-year contract to run a new Institute at Al Khafji. In Oman, a TQ-led consortium won the bid to provide training to BP, including a wide range of our Linx digital secondary science program increased three-fold, helping Pearsontechnical and English language training for BP workers as they prepare to grow stronglyopen up the Khazzan oilfield for full scale production in 2016.

Professional publishing grew modestly with good profit growth. In the US, the growth of eBook sales and become joint market leader for combined lower and upper secondary education. Linx is built around content from our North American science programs customized for the Italian market. We began to develop a broader range and depth ofother digital products and services including teacher training,continued to personalize learning and increase educational effectiveness. In the Netherlands, we launched iPockets, the first fully digital Early English course for 4-8 year-olds in Primary Education. The course is 100% digital and subscription based and customized for the Dutch market.

In South Africa’s Western Cape province, we won a three-year contract to prepare, administer and report all Grade 9 student assessments. The tests focus on both individual student results and the systemic performance of


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schools and districts. Pearson won new national contracts in Ethiopia, to supply 2.9 million Biology, Physics and English learning materials for Senior Secondary Grades 9 to 12. In Zimbabwe, we were awarded a contract by UNICEF to deliver 13.5 million textbooks to children in Grades 1 to 7 in Mathematics, Environmental Science, English, Shona and Ndebele.
We generated strong growthoutpace ongoing challenges in the Gulf region in higher education with integrated technology products in Business & Economics and Science. Student enrolments at our Wall Street English schools in China increased by 27% and we announced plans to open 50 new English language centers in China over the next three to five years, adding to the 66 centers and schools already operating under the Wall Street English and Longman English brands
Pearson announced a strategic partnership with Sistema Educacional Brasileiro (SEB) in Brazil to provide services to its educational institutions and to acquire its school learning systems (“sistema”) business for $517m. A sistema is an integrated learning system incorporating curriculum design, teacher support and training, print and digital content, technology platforms, assessment and other services. SEB’s sistemas serve more than 450,000 students across both private and public schools. Our School Curriculum business grew strongly, particularly in Mexico, Colombia, Chile and Peru, as we continued to build our locally developed materials as well as Spanish language adaptations of US school programmes. There was strong growth of English Language Teaching materials across Latin America underpinned by performance in Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Dominican Republic and Peru.
International Education adjusted operating margins improved slightly from 13.6% in 2009 to 13.9% in 2010.
Professional
traditional retail channel.

Professional sales increased by £58m, or 21%, to £333m in 2010 from £275m in 2009. Adjusted operating profit increased by £8m or 19% to £51m in 2010, from £43m in 2009. Sales growth in the assessment and training businesses was strong and benefited from the acquisition of Melorio in June 2010.

In professional testing we continued to see good revenue and profit growth with test volumes at Pearson VUE which administered more thanup 7% on 2011 to almost 8 million with Certiport adding an additional 2.3 million tests, in 2010, up 3%13% on 2009. Average revenues per test are increasing as we develop a broader range2011. There were key renewals of servicesthe National Council of State Boards of Nursing contract running until 2019 and enhance our systems and assessments to meet our customer’s needs.the Computing Technology Industry Association contract was secured with Pearson VUE renewed a number of major contracts includingas the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) of Great Britain and the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) of Northern Ireland; Cisco; and Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies.single vendor running through to 2017. We also won a number of new contracts including a 10 year contract to deliver computer-basedadminister all computer and paper based tests infor the US, UK, UAE,Australia CPA Professional exams and five year contracts with the National Center for Assessment in Saudi Arabia Egypt and Bahrain, covering the real estate, accountancy, legal, healthcare, skills and finance sectors.
In professional training, we acquired Melorio plc, oneNational Council of State Boards of Nursing to provide the UK’s leading vocational training groups,NCLEX-RN in Canada beginning in 2015 for £98m, supporting our vocational education strategy by combining Melorio’s training delivery skillsten Canadian registered nurse regulatory bodies. The partnership with our existing complementary strengthsthe American Council on Education to develop an online General Educational Development (GED) test aligned with new Common Core standards has now launched computer based testing in educational publishing, technology and assessments. Melorio traded well in the second half of the year securing a number of large key contracts for training delivery, and successfully graduating and placing the largest IT graduate cohort in the history of the business. Our investment in systems, streamlining the course offering and training centres and back office integration are all on track.
Our Professional publishing business was level in 2010 with steady margins as strong growth in digital products and services offset continued challenging trading conditions in the retail market and a planned reduction in the number of print titles published. We launched online learning products with customisable content, assessment and personalised study paths and also delivered 450 hours of technical training through online subscriptions for the IT certification market. We developed applications for social networks and mobile devices to extend the reach and accessibility of our content and videos available within our Safari Books Online platform.
37 jurisdictions.

Overall adjusted operating margins in the Professional business were slightlysignificantly lower at 15.3%9.5% in 20102012 compared to 15.6%17.3% in 20092011 as margins were impacted byfell due to the acquisition of Melorio.

poor performance at the Pearson in Practice business.

FT Group

Sales at FT Group increased by £45m£16m or 13%4%, from £358m£427m in 20092011 to £403m£443m in 2010.2012. Adjusted operating profit increaseddecreased by £21m,£27m, from £39m£76m in 20092011 to £60m£49m in 2010. The sales2012. Included in the 2011 figure is the share of profit from the investment in FTSE together with royalties received from FTSE prior to the date of sale. Together these totaled £20m and profit increase is mainly fromwere included in adjusted operating profit.

Within theFinancial Timeswhich saw increased demand FT Group, digital and service revenues accounted for digital products50% of revenues, compared with 31% in 2008. Content comprised 61% of revenues and a pick up inadvertising accounted for 39%; these compare to 48% for content and 52% advertising in the year. The Economist and other joint ventures and associates also contributed to the profit growth.


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2008.


TheFinancial Timessaw strong and accelerating growth in (FT) digital readership continues to grow strongly with digital subscriptions up over 50%increasing 18% to 207,000,almost 316,000 and with 3.5 million FT Web App users. The FT’s total paid circulation was more than 1,000602,000 across print and online, modestly up on 2011, with digital subscriptions exceeding print circulation for the first time. Mobile devices now account for 30% of FT.com traffic and 15% of new subscriptions. The FT now has almost 2,800 direct corporate customerslicenses, up 40% on 2011. We continued to invest in new products and registered users up 79%innovation, including launching a Windows 8 app and the FT Web App on Chrome for Android; a bespoke web app for Latin America; a re-brand of the conferences division, FT Live, with the introduction of live streaming at key events; and the launch of GatekeeperIQ, a new subscription service to more than 3 million. It generated over 900,000 downloads oftrack large, retail investment platforms.

Advertising was generally weak and volatile with poor visibility but the FT apps ongrew market share with mobile, phonesluxury and tablet devices and won a prestigious Apple Design Award for its iPad app. The FT’s combined paid print and digital circulation reached 597,000 in the fourth quarter of 2010. After weak advertising markets in 2009, we sawbusiness education showing good advertising growth in 2010 although the visibility for advertisinggrowth. Digital revenues is poor. We extended the breadth and depth of FT’s premium subscription services throughbenefited from the launch of FT Tilt, focusedSmartMatch, which automatically puts client content such as articles, white papers and videos in front of FT.com users while they are reading related FT new stories.

FT Live, our events business, continued to grow strongly and launch new events, including the Global Commodities Summit, delivering more than 200 events that attracted over 17,000 delegates. We launched a digital portal that offers on-demand webinars, live-streamed events and social media tools. Educational services are an important area of expansion. The FT Non-Executive Director Certificate (in partnership with Pearson Learning Studio and Edexcel) was attended by over 150 candidates across five intakes. FT Newslines, an annotations tool on emerging markets;FT.com that allows students and faculties from around the launchworld to create and share annotations on FT articles, is now being used at many business schools. The new FTChinese MBA Gym App, which features tailored training courses categorized by topic, has ranked among the top paid-for education apps on the iTunes Store and was recognized as one of MandateWire US, extending the reach‘App Store Best of this successful European brand into new markets;2012’ by Apple in China.

Money-Media revenues and profits continued to grow well boosted by a strong subscription performance, with the acquisitionnumber of Medley Global Advisors, a premier provider of macro policy intelligence.

Mergermarket benefited from improving market conditionsindividual users growing 6% year on year to 220,000, and its flexibility in adapting to new client investment strategies, which supported stronger renewal rates and new business revenues. An increase in global merger and acquisition activity benefited Mergermarket and dealReporter; while continued volatility in debt markets helped sustain the strong performance of DebtWire. We saw strong growth in developing markets supported by new product launches, including Ignites Retirement Research which broadens Money-Media’s product offering into the investment industry research sector.

Mergermarket grew well, despite challenging markets, due to a good performance from Debtwire, mergermarket, Xtract and Remark underpinned by a strong offering following investment in its product breadth, strong editorial analysis and global presence. We launched several new products and services, including a new mergermarket Android app, a Debtwire Analytics platform in Europe and Policy and Regulatory Report (PaRR), a global intelligence, analysis and proprietary data product focused on competition law, IP and trade law, and sector-specific regulatory change. We also expanded our first local language version of Mergermarketcoverage in China. faster growth markets such as Latin America, China and the Middle East, generating new business and extending our international reach.

In March 2010 we acquired Xtract research, which provides bond covenant data to allow investors to understand how covenants might impact on valuation.

Thethe Economist Group, in which Pearson owns a 50% stake, increased global weekly circulation by 3.7% to 1.47 million (for the July-December 2010 ABC period) and total annual online visits increased to 118 million, up 21% on 2009. FTSE, our 50% owned joint venture with the London Stock Exchange, increased revenues by 20% and acquired the remaining 50% of FXI, FTSE’s joint venture with Xinhua Finance in China. Business Day and Financial Mail (BDFM), our 50% owned joint-venture in South Africa with Avusa, returned to profitability with revenue increasing by 5%. The business benefited from a recovery in advertising and the closure of non-profitable operations.
Overall adjusted operating margins at FT Publishing increased from 10.9% in 2009 to 14.9% in 2010 as advertising revenue fell through to the bottom line.
The Penguin Group
Penguin sales increased by £51m or 5%, to £1,053m in 2010 from £1,002m in 2009 and adjusted operating profit was up 26% to £106m in 2010 from £84m in 2009. Both sales and adjusted operating profit were affected by the stronger US dollar which we estimate increased sales by £32m and adjusted operating profit by £13m when compared to the equivalent figures at constant 2009 exchange rates. In 2010, Penguin benefited from a series of organisational changes in the UK made in 2009. These were designed to strengthen its publishing, reduce costs and accelerate the transition to digital production, sales channels and formats and to lower cost markets for design and production. Penguin’s 2009 results include approximately £9m of charges relating to these organisational changes.
Penguin saw a strong and consistent publishing performance across imprints and territories producing market share gains in the US, UK and Australia, our three largest markets. Strong growth in developing markets was boosted by the launch of new imprints and the increasing breadth and depth of our local publishing programs in India, China and South Africa. There was continued investment in global publishing with the launch of Penguin’s Classics in Portuguese and Arabic, joining existing Mandarin and Korean editions, the launch in India of a new imprint in partnership with bestselling author Shobhaa De, and the continued international roll-out of our non-fiction imprint Allen Lane in Canada.
eBook sales were up 182% on the previous year and now account for 6% of Penguin revenues worldwide. We accelerated our investment in digital products and innovation with new app releases in the children’s market including Spot, Peppa Pig, The Little Engine That Could, Ladybird’s Babytouch and the Mad Libs app, which was named one of the best apps at the 2010E-Book Summit. For adults, we launched the groundbreaking myFry app; published the amplified ebook of Ken Follett’s international bestselling novelThe Pillars of the Earth, featuring video, art and music from the original TV series; and we introduced ten DK Eyewitness Top Ten Travel Guides apps with more to follow in 2011. Penguin continued to invest to transform its internal publishing processes onto Pearson-wide digital platforms enabling faster product development and more efficient creation and re-use of content.


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Penguin performed strongly in the US with a broad range of number one bestsellers from repeat authors such as Charlaine Harris, Nora Roberts, Tom Clancy, Ken Follett and Patricia Cornwell. Kathryn Stockett’sThe Helpstayed on theNew York Timesbestseller list for the whole of 2010 and has sold more than three million copies to date. Our outstanding performance in the UK, resulting in our market share rising two percentage points to 10%, was led by Jamie Oliver’s30 Minute Meals. It sold 1.2 million copies to become the UK’s biggest selling non-fiction title of the last decade. Major bestsellers included Stephen Fry’sThe Fry Chronicles, Kathryn Stockett’sThe Help, andThe History of the World in 100 Objects(published in partnership with the BBC and the British Museum), as well as thePercy JacksonandDiary of a Wimpy Kidseries. DK produced a very good year thanks in part to its top-performing franchise LEGO (Lego Star Wars Visual Dictionarywas on theNew York Timesbestseller list for the whole of 2010 with 18 weeks at number one). Other bestselling titles includedThe Masterchef Cookbook,Complete Human BodyandNatural History. DK continues to benefit from the organisation changes made in 2009 as well as the ongoing development of its publishing centre in India. Penguin Children’s had an excellent year in both the US, with Penguin Young Readers Group achieving a record 39New York Timesbestsellers, and in the UK, where we reclaimed our position as the number one children’s publisher with significant market share gains.
Penguin adjusted operating margins improved in 2010 to 10.1% from 8.4% in 2009.
Year ended December 31, 2009 compared to year ended December 31, 2008
Consolidated results of operations
Sales
Our total sales from continuing operations increased by 735m, or 17%, to £5,140m in 2009, from £4,405m in 2008. The increase reflected growth, on a constant exchange rate basis, at our North American Education and International Education businesses together with additional contributions from acquisitions made in both 2008 and 2009. The year on year growth was impacted by movements in exchange rates, particularly in the US dollar. 2009 sales, translated at 2008 average exchange rates, would have been £4,558m.
Pearson Education increased sales by £668m or 21% from £3,112m to £3,780m. The North American business was the major contributor to the increase although a high proportion of that increase was due to exchange. We estimate that after excluding acquisitions, Pearson Education saw sales growth of 4% at constant last year exchange rates. The North American Education business grew ahead of the market in its US Curriculum and Higher Education businesses which together grew at 5% compared to the industry which remained flat according to the Association of American Publishers. There was also a strong performance in the US Assessment and Information division which benefited from the successful integration of the Harcourt Assessment business acquired at the start of 2008. In International Education sales also benefited from exchange and a contribution from the acquisitions of Wall Street English and Fronter (a European online learning company based in Oslo) and the increased shares of Longman Nigeria and Maskew Miller Longman (MML), our publishing businesses in West Africa and South Africa respectively, which were all acquired in 2009. After excluding the effect of acquisitions we estimate that there was growth of 4% at constant last year exchange rates in the International Education business. Professional sales increased in 2009 by 13% although all of this increase was due to exchange and in terms of constant last year exchange rates there was a small decline in sales of 1%. This decline was entirely due to weakness in the professional publishing market which has offset growth in the professional testing and certification businesses.
FT Group sales were 8% behind last year or 12% after excluding the effect of exchange rates with adverse variances at theFinancial Times. FT Group’s sales decline mainly reflects tough market conditions for financial and corporate advertising. The impact of advertising revenue declines was partially mitigated by growth in content revenues, the resilience of our subscription businesses and an increase in paying online subscribers at FT.com.
Penguin’s sales were up 11% in 2009 but this represents a 2% decline at constant last year exchange rates and before the effect of portfolio changes. Much of the underlying decline was due to a fall in sales of illustrated reference books which offset good performances in other categories.
Pearson Education, our largest business sector, accounted for 74% of our continuing business sales in 2009 compared to 71% in 2008. North America continued to be the most significant source of our sales and as a proportion of total continuing sales contributed 65% in 2009 and 63% in 2008.


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Cost of goods sold and operating expenses
The following table summarizes our cost of sales and net operating expenses:
         
  Year Ended December 31 
  2009  2008 
  £m  £m 
 
Cost of goods sold  2,382   2,046 
         
Distribution costs  275   235 
Administration and other expenses  2,014   1,687 
Other operating income  (120)  (102)
         
Total  2,169   1,820 
         
Cost of goods sold.  Cost of sales consists of costs for raw materials, primarily paper, printing and binding costs, amortization of pre-publication costs, royalty charges and the cost of service provision in our assessment and testing businesses. Our cost of sales increased by £336m, or 16%, to £2,382m in 2009, from £2,046m in 2008. The increase corresponds to the increase in sales with cost of sales at 46.3% of sales in 2009 compared to 46.4% in 2008.
Distribution costs.  Distribution costs consist primarily of shipping costs, postage and packing and remain a fairly constant percentage of sales.
Administration and other expenses.  Our administration and other expenses increased by £327m, or 19%, to £2,014m in 2009, from £1,687m in 2008. As a percentage of sales they remained consistent at 38% in 2008 and 39% in 2009.
Other operating income.  Other operating income mainly consists of freight recharges,sub-rights and licensing income and distribution commissions together with income from the sale of assets. Other operating income increased to £120m in 2009 compared to £102m in 2008 although much of this increase can be ascribed to exchange.
Share of results of joint ventures and associates
The contribution from our joint ventures and associates increased from £25m in 2008 to £30m in 2009. The majority of the profit comes from our 50% interest in the Economist.
Operating profit
The total operating profit increased by £55m, or 10%, to £619m in 2009 from £564m in 2008. 2009 operating profit, translated at 2008 average exchange rates, would have been £40m lower.
Operating profit attributable to Pearson Education increased by £99m, or 24%, to £505m in 2009, from £406m in 2008. The increase was attributable to strong performances in the US Higher Education business and both the US and International Assessments businesses and due to the positive impact of exchange. Operating profit attributable to the FT Group decreased by £36m to £31m in 2009, from £67m in 2008. The decrease reflects the decline in profitability at theFinancial Times, as they faced tough conditions in the advertising market. Operating profit attributable to the Penguin Group decreased by £8m, or 9%, to £83m in 2009, from £91m in 2008. This decrease was principally due to charges relating to reorganisation of the business in the UK.
Net finance costs
Net finance costs increased from £95m in 2008 to £96m in 2009. Net interest payable in 2009 was £86m, down from £93m in 2008. The Group’s net interest payable decreased by £7m in 2009 as we benefited from a fall in average interest rates on our floating US dollar debt and a decrease in our overall level of average net debt. Year on year, average three month LIBOR (weighted for the Group’s net borrowings in US dollars and sterling at each year end) fell by 2.4% to 0.7%. This reduction in floating market interest rates was partially offset by higher fixed bond coupons prevailing at the time of our 2009 bond issue. The overall result was a decrease in the Group’s average net interest rate payable by 0.6% to 5.3%. In 2009 the net finance income relating to post-retirement plans was a charge of £12m compared to an income of £8m in the previous year reflecting lower returns on plan assets.


31


Other net finance costs relating to foreign exchange and short-term fluctuations in the market value of financial instruments included a net foreign exchange loss of £7m in 2009 compared to a loss of £11m in 2008. The losses in 2008 mainly relate to the retranslation of foreign currency bank accounts together with other net losses on inter-company items. In 2009 the loss mainly relates to losses on cross currency swaps. For a more detailed discussion of our borrowings and interest expenses see “— Liquidity and Capital Resources — Capital Resources” and “— Borrowings” below and “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk”.
Taxation
The total tax charge in 2009 of £146m represents 28% of pre-tax profits compared to a charge of £125m or 27% of pre-tax profits in 2008. Our overseas profits, which arise mainly in the US are largely subject to tax at higher rates than the UK corporation tax rate (28% in 2009 compared to 28.5% in 2008). Higher tax rates were partly offset by releases from provisions reflecting continuing progress in agreeing our tax affairs with the authorities.
Non-controlling interest
This comprises mainly the non-controlling interest in Interactive Data. Our share of Interactive Data was 61% in 2009, compared to 62% in 2008.
Discontinued operations
On 29 July 2010, Pearson’s 61% share in Interactive Data Corporation was sold to Silver Lake and Warburg Pincus for $2bn. The results of Interactive Data have been included as discontinued operations in both 2009 and 2008. Discontinued operations in 2008 also relate to the disposal of the Data Management business (in February 2008). The results of the Data Management business were included in discontinued operations to the date of disposal in 2008. The loss before tax on disposal in 2008 was £53m, mainly relating to the cumulative translation adjustment. There was a tax charge of £37m on the sale.
Profit for the year
The profit for the financial year in 2009 was £462m compared to a profit in 2008 of £323m. The overall increase of £139m was mainly due to the absence of the loss on discontinued operations in 2009 but also benefited from the improved operating performance offset by a small increase in net finance costs.
Earnings per ordinary share
The basic earnings per ordinary share, which is defined as the profit for the financial year divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue, was 53.2p in 2009 compared to 36.6p in 2008 based on a weighted average number of shares in issue of 799.3m in 2009 and 797.0m in 2008. The increase in earnings per share was due to the increase in profit for 2009 described above and was not significantly affected by the movement in the weighted average number of shares.
The diluted earnings per ordinary share of 53.1p in 2009 and 36.6p in 2008 was not significantly different from the basic earnings per share in those years as the effect of dilutive share options was again not significant.
Exchange rate fluctuations
The strengthening of the US dollar and other currencies against sterling on an average basis had a positive impact on reported sales and profits in 2009 compared to 2008. 2009 sales, translated at 2008 average exchange rates, would have been lower by £582m and operating profit, translated at 2008 average exchange rates, would have been lower by £40m. See “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” for a discussion regarding our management of exchange rate risks.
Sales and operating profit by division
The following tables summarize our sales and operating profit for each of Pearson’s divisions. Adjusted operating profit is a non-GAAP financial measure and is included as it is a key financial measure used by


32


management to evaluate performance and allocate resources to business segments. See also note 2 of “Item 18. Financial Statements”.
In our adjusted operating profit we have excluded amortization of acquired intangibles. The amortization of acquired intangibles is the amortization of intangible assets acquired through business combinations. The charge is not considered to be fully reflective of the underlying performance of the Group.
Adjusted operating profit enables management to more easily track the underlying operational performance of the Group. A reconciliation of operating profit to adjusted operating profit for continuing operations is included in the tables below:
                             
  Year Ended December 31, 2009 
  North
                   
  American
  International
     FT
  Interactive
       
£m
 Education  Education  Professional  Group  Data  Penguin  Total 
 
Sales  2,470   1,035   275   358      1,002   5,140 
   48%   20%   6%   7%      19%   100% 
Total operating profit  354   109   42   31      83   619 
   57%   18%   7%   5%      13%   100% 
Add back:                            
Amortization of acquired intangibles  49   32   1   8      1   91 
                             
Adjusted operating profit: continuing operations  403   141   43   39      84   710 
Adjusted operating profit: discontinued operations              148      148 
                             
Total adjusted operating profit  403   141   43   39   148   84   858 
                             
   47%   16%   5%   5%   17%   10%   100% 
                             
  Year Ended December 31, 2008 
  North
                   
  American
  International
     FT
  Interactive
       
£m
 Education  Education  Professional  Group  Data  Penguin  Total 
 
Sales  2,002   866   244   390      903   4,405 
   45%   20%   6%   9%      20%   100% 
Total operating profit  258   113   35   67      91   564 
   46%   20%   6%   12%      16%   100% 
Add back:                            
Amortization of acquired intangibles  45   22   1   7      2   77 
                             
Adjusted operating profit: continuing operations  303   135   36   74      93   641 
Adjusted operating profit: discontinued operations              121      121 
                             
Total adjusted operating profit  303   135   36   74   121   93   762 
                             
   40%   17%   5%   10%   16%   12%   100% 


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North American Education
North American Education sales increased by £468m, or 23%, to £2,470m in 2009, from £2,002m in 2008 and adjusted operating profit increased by £100m, or 33%, to £403m in 2009 from £303m in 2008. The results were significantly affected by the relative strength of the US dollar, which we estimate increased sales by £365m and adjusted operating profit by £60m when compared to the equivalent figures at constant 2008 exchange rates. At constant exchange and after taking account of the contribution from acquisitions there was underlying growth in sales of 5% and profits of 13%. Although the contribution from the US school curriculum business declined due to State budget pressures and a fall in the adoption market there were strong contributions from the US Higher Education, US Assessment and Information and Canadian businesses.
In the US school market, the Association of American Publishers’ estimated that there was an overall decrease for the industry in 2009 of 13.8% as state budget pressures and a slower new adoption year caused particular weakness in the basal publishing market. Though Pearson’s US School publishing sales declined we attained an estimated 37% of new adoptions we competed for (our highest market share for a decade) and 32% of the total new adoption market. Pearson’s enVisionMATH (www.envisionmath.com), an integratedprint-and-digital program, was the top-selling basal program in the United States in 2009. It helped the School Curriculum business to an estimated 46% share of all math adoptions and sold strongly across the open territories. Successnet, the online learning platform for teachers and students which supports all Pearson’s digital instruction, assessment and remedial programs, also grew strongly achieving more than 4 million registrations in 2009.
The US Assessment and Information business saw significant profit improvement in 2009, benefiting from the successful integration of the Harcourt Assessment business acquired in 2008. Our National Services assessment business renewed its contract with the College Board, worth $210m over 10 years, to process and score the SAT and contracts to support the College Board’s new Readi-Step and ACCUPLACER diagnostics programs. Our State Services business won a number of significant new contracts including new programs in Florida and Arizona. We continued to gain share, winning 60% of the contracts bid for by value, and to be a leader in online testing, delivering 9 million secure online assessments in 2009, up more than 100% on 2008. Our Evaluation Systems teacher certification business secured contract extensions in California, Illinois, Arizona and Washington; won re-bids in Michigan and New York, each for five years; and added new contracts in California and Minnesota. In Clinical Assessments, our AIMSWebresponse-to-intervention data management and progress monitoring service for children who are having difficulty learning, continued to grow and had more than 3 million students on the system at the end of 2009. Our Edustructures business, which provides interoperable systems to support data collection and reporting between school districts and state governments, doubled the number of students served to 8 million. Our Student Information Systems (SIS) business grew strongly, benefiting from strong demand for its services that help teachers automate and manage student attendance records, gradebooks, timetables and the like. It supported more than 12 million students — 8 million of them through its flagship PowerSchool product which was available in more than 50 countries. In 2009 it won contracts for new school districts including Nova Scotia Department of Education (133,000 students), Newark, NJ (45,000 students), and the Hamilton County DOE, TN (40,000 students).
The US Higher Education publishing market grew 11.5% in 2009, according to the Association of American Publishers, benefiting from strong enrolment growth and federal government action to support student funding. Our US Higher Education business grew faster than the industry and outperformed the market for the eleventh straight year, continuing to see strong demand for instructional materials enhanced by technology and customization. Our sustained investment in content and technology continues to grow existing franchises and build new ones. In Engineering Mechanics, our market leading textbook, Hibbeler’s Statistics and Dynamics 12th Edition, gained an additional four percentage points of market share with the addition of our newly launched MasteringEngineering digital learning and assessment platform. Pearson became market leader in psychology supported by the recently launched textbook Psychology 2nd Edition by Cicarelli with MyPsychLab. The ‘MyLab’ digital learning, homework and assessment programs again grew strongly. Our MyLab products saw more than 6 million student registrations globally, 39% higher than in 2008. In North America, student registrations grew 37% to more than 5.6 million. Custom Solutions grew strongly across both bespoke books and customized services including content creation, technology, curriculum, assessments and courseware. We partnered with the Kentucky Virtual Learning Initiative, for example, to deliver personalized mathematics instruction mapped to state college entry standards and have begun to extend this program into transitional English and Reading. eCollege, our platform for fully-online


34


distance learning in higher education, increased online enrolments by 36% to 3.5 million and benefited from continued strong renewal rates of 95% by value, new contract wins and strong growth in the usage of the platform, particularly by US for-profit colleges. Thirteen Pearson higher education and school products in ten categories were nominated as America’s best educational software products in the Software & Information Industry Association’s 25th Annual CODiE Awards. They include MyMathLab, Miller & Levine Biology, PowerSchool, Prentice Hall Literature, myWorld Geography, MyWritingLab, CourseConnect and eCollege.
Overall adjusted operating margins in the North American Education business were higher at 16.3% in 2009 compared to 15.1% in 2008 with the majority of the increase attributable to the Harcourt Assessment integration costs that were charged in 2008.
International Education
International Education sales increased by £169m, or 20%, to £1,035m in 2009, from £866m in 2008 and adjusted operating profit increased by £6m, or 4%, to £141m in 2009 from £135m in 2008. The sales results benefit from exchange gains and a full year contribution from acquisitions made in 2009. At the adjusted operating profit level the 2008 results benefited from transactional exchange gains that were not repeated in 2009.
In the UK, we received over 3.7 million registrations for vocational assessment and general qualifications. We marked 4.5 million ‘A’-level and GCSE scripts on-screen and successfully delivered the 2009 National Curriculum test series and were awarded the contract to administer the 2010 National Curriculum Tests at Key Stage 2. We made significant investments in supporting the new Diploma qualification for14-19 year-olds; the IGCSE qualifications to meet the needs of International schools and colleges; and BTEC, our flagship vocational qualification. BTEC registrations totalled more than 1 million for the first time and were up almost 30% on 2008. Our UK Higher Education business grew strongly, helped by the success of new first editions, the rapid take up of MyLabs adapted to meet local requirements, and the growing popularity of custom publishing. Sales of UK primary resources fell, on the back of minimal curriculum change and some signs of schools managing their budgets more tightly.
In Continental Europe, the launch of our digi libre (Content Plus) products helped us to gain share in the lower and upper secondary markets in Italy and positioned us well for major curriculum reforms in 2010. In Spain, our sales were down sharply with pressures on central and regional government spending and a worsening retail environment. Our ELT sales continued to grow in Poland, and across central and Eastern Europe we saw good demand for our publishing and digital resources and our fledgling Language Learning Solutions activities. The Fronter learning management system continued to grow very strongly with more than 6 million students in more than 8,000 schools, colleges and Universities around the world at the end of 2009.
In the Middle East we successfully implemented the Abu Dhabi Education Council’s (ADEC) External Measurement of Student Achievement (EMSA) program covering English, Arabic, Math and Science in April 2009. In South Africa, we launched Platinum, the first blended print and online course developed for the South African National Curriculum. In addition 7,000 students registered for MyMathLab+ at the University of Witwatersrand in 2009.
In China, we acquired Wall Street English, the leading provider of premium English language training to adults, for £101m. The combination of Longman Schools and Wall Street English gives Pearson a leading position in the English language teaching market in China, serving students from elementary school to professional levels. We stepped up our presence in the Indian education market with two investments totalling $30m: a 50:50 joint-venture with Educomp, called IndiaCan, to offer vocational and skills training through 120 training centres across the country; and a 17.2% stake in TutorVista, which provides online tutoring for K-12 and college students.
New editions of the proven bestsellers, BackPack and Pockets, along with the successful launch of two new courses, CornerStone and KeyStone, helped to deliver strong growth in the sales of ELT materials across Latin America. In Brazil, which has one of Latin America’s largest and fastest-growing university populations, our virtual library supported 30 post-secondary institutions. And, in Panama, 75,000 high school students were learning Biology and Chemistry, using Prentice Hall Virtual Labs.
On a global basis our ‘MyLab’ digital learning, homework and assessment programmes were used by more than 470,000 students, up almost 60% on 2008, and are now sold in more than 200 countries. In 2009, we launched the Pearson Test of English, our new test of Academic English which will be delivered in up to 200 Pearson VUE testing centers in 37 countries. Approximately 1,000 academic programs worldwide now recognise, or are in the


35


process of recognising, the Pearson Test of English. Our eCollege learning management system is growing rapidly in international markets, winning new contracts in Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Puerto Rico and Saudi Arabia in 2009. Our new Pearson Learning Solutions business won its first contracts in the UK, the Gulf and Africa. It combines a broad range of products and services from across Pearson to deliver a systematic approach to improving student performance.
International Education adjusted operating margins declined from 15.6% in 2008 to 13.6% in 2009 as the benefit from transactional exchange gains at the profit level in 2008 weren’t repeated in 2009.
Professional
Professional sales increased by £31m, or 13%, to £275m in 2009 from £244m in 2008. Adjusted operating profit increased by £7m or 19% to £43m in 2009, from £36m in 2008. The sales growth was entirely due to exchange rates which increased sales by £33m when compared to the equivalent figures at constant 2008 exchange rates.
In Professional testing and certification in the UK, we extended our contract with the Driving Standards Agency to deliver the UK drivers theory test until 2014. More than seven million secure online tests were delivered in more than 4,000 test centers worldwide in 2009, an increase of 9% over 2008. Registration volumes for the Graduate Management Admissions Council test rose 8% worldwide in 2009, including a 16% increase outside the US. In the US, Pearson VUE won a number of new contracts with organizations including Oracle, Citrix, Novell, VMWare, and Adobe, the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals and the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies. Pearson VUE extended its international reach, signing an agreement with the Dubai Road and Transport Authority to deliver a new, high-tech Driver Testing System and launching the Law School Admission Test in India.
Our Professional education business experienced tough trading conditions in the retail market but benefited from the increased breadth of its publishing and range of revenue streams, from online retail through digital subscriptions. A best-selling product in 2009 was CCNA Network Simulator, which are digital networking labs designed, developed and published by Pearson, to help candidates successfully pass the Cisco CCNA certification exam. Pearson launched new learning solutions for IT Professionals preparing for certification accreditation. Cert Flash Card applications were launched for students studying for Cisco CCNA, CompTIA and Microsoft certification exams and are accessible through web browsers and iPhone and iPod Touch devices. FT Press launched a newe-publishing imprint, FT Press Delivers, providing essential insights from some of its leading business authors including Jim Champy, Brian Solis, Mark Zandi, Jon M. Huntsman, John Kao, Michael Abrashoff, and Seth Goldman.
Overall adjusted operating margins in the Professional business continued to improve and were higher at 15.6% in 2009 compared to 14.8% in 2008 as margins improved again in both the testing and professional publishing businesses.
FT Group
Sales at FT Group decreased by £32m or 8%, from £390m in 2008 to £358m in 2009. Adjusted operating profit decreased by £35m, from £74m in 2008 to £39m in 2009. The sales and profit decrease is mainly from the FT Newspaper business which faced tough market conditions for financial and corporate advertising. The impact of advertising revenue declines was partially mitigated by growth in content revenues, the resilience of our subscription businesses and early actions to manage our cost base tightly.
We continued to see good demand in 2009 for high-quality analysis of global business, finance, politics and economics which resulted in a 15% increase in paying online subscribers to more than 126,000 with registered users on FT.com up 85% to 1.8 million and users up 12% to 1.4 million on FTChinese.com.Financial Timesworldwide newspaper circulation was 7% lower at 402,799 (for the July-December 2009 ABC period) although subscription circulation grew modestly. We continued to invest in fast-growing digital formats. We launched a new luxury lifestyle website, to complement our existingHow To Spend Itmagazine; a new iPhone application which has received more than 200,000 downloads; and, in association with Longman, Lexicon, an online glossary of economic, financial and business terms.
Mergermarket faced challenging conditions in some of its markets with reduced Mergers and Acquisition activity impacting the merger arbitrage sector serviced by dealReporter whilst Debtwire benefited from an


36


increased focus on distressed debt. Mergermarket continued to launch new products and expand globally. MergerID was launched in September 2009, providing a secure online environment for principals and professionals to post and view merger and acquisition opportunities globally and by the end of 2009 had secured over 1,500 active users in more than 450 companies across the globe.
The Economistlaunched three HTML5-powered apps in collaboration with FT Labs.The Economist’s worldwide print and digital circulation increased by 2% to 1.67m (at 31 December 2012) of which 150,000 customers bought digital-only copies. The Economist Intelligence Unit acquired Clearstate in Singapore and Bazian, a London-based healthcare research company, as part of its strategy to build a healthcare information business.

Overall adjusted operating margins at FT Group decreased from 17.8% in 2011 to 11.1% in 2012 as the effect of the FTSE disposal in 2011 impacted 2012.

The Penguin Group

Penguin sales increased by £8m or 1%, from £1,045m in 2011 to £1,053m in 2012 as the business faced tough conditions in the physical book market and adjusted operating profit was down 12% to £98m in 2012 from £111m in 2011. These results are included as part of reported discontinued operations.

In market conditions that remained challenging, Penguin had a solid year with momentum and share improving in the second half of the year. It also made several moves to offer a broader range of services to more authors across more platforms in more markets.

In the United States, we published 255New York Times best sellers (254 in 2011) includingNo Easy Day: The Firsthand Account of the Mission that Killed Osama bin Laden by Mark Owen,Bared to You by Sylvia Day and Nate Silver’sThe Signal and the Noise as well as new titles from bestselling authors including Ken Follett, Nora Roberts, Tom Clancy and Harlen Coben. In the UK, we published 90 Bookscan bestsellers, our best year on record (compared to 78 in 2011) including Sylvia Day’sBared to You; Jamie Oliver’s15 Minute Meals; Clare Balding’sMy Animals and Other Family and Daniel Kahneman’sThinking Fast and Slow.

eBook revenue grew strongly in 2012 and accounted for 17% of Penguin’s global revenue (12% in 2011), and almost 30% in the US (20% in 2011). We continued to invest in digital publishing programmes, making eBooks available in new markets including Australia, India, Brazil and China; launching a number of digital-only imprints around the world and expanding our eSpecials list. Global app sales grew by more than 200% driven by brands including Wreck this App, Mad Libs, Moshi Monsters and LEGO®. DK was Apple’s only trade publisher launch partner for the January launch of the iBooks Author 2 platform and now has more than 50 interactive titles available.

In Brazil, we acquired 45% of Companhia das Letras, a leading trade book publisher, and in India we launched a local eBook programme and enjoyed considerable success in commercial fiction with bestselling authors including Ravinder Singh and Shobhaa De. In China, we expanded our local publishing programmes in both Chinese and English with more than 100 titles now available, including its first local language top ten title, tennis player Li Na’s autobiography and launched its first list of eBooks.

DK performed strongly and grew share globally led by our LEGO® publishing list. In the UK, DK celebrated a number one bestseller withMary Berry’s Complete Cookbook, which has sold more than one million copies worldwide. BradyGames had best sellers withBorderlands 2, Skylanders Giants andCall of Duty: Black Ops II.Author Solutions, which we acquired in July 2012 had a good start. It is the world’s leading provider of professional self-publishing services and broadens our expertise in online marketing, consumer analytics, professional services and user-generated content.

Penguin adjusted operating margins reduced from 10.6% in 2011 to 9.3% in 2012.

Year ended December 31, 2011 compared to year ended December 31, 2010

Consolidated results of operations

Sales

Our total sales from continuing operations increased by £207m, or 4%, to £4,817m in 2011, from £4,610m in 2010. The increase reflected growth, on a constant exchange rate basis, at all of our businesses together with additional contributions from acquisitions made in both 2010 and 2011. The year on year growth was impacted by movements in exchange rates, particularly in the US dollar. 2011 sales, translated at 2010 average exchange rates, would have been £4,862m.

Pearson Education increased sales by £183m or 4% from £4,207m to £4,390m. The International and Professional businesses both contributed to the increase and were helped by acquisitions made in 2010 and 2011. The North American business saw a sales decline of 2% at reported exchange rates although, in US dollar terms, 2011 sales were ahead of 2010. We estimate that after excluding acquisitions and the negative impact of exchange, Pearson Education sales growth was flat in 2011 compared to 2010. Pearson Education, our largest business sector, accounted for 91% of our continuing business sales in each of 2011 and 2010. North America continued to be the most significant source of our sales and as a proportion of total continuing sales contributed 54% in 2011 and 57% in 2010.

The US higher education publishing market was broadly level with 2010, according to the Association of American Publishers, with solid growth in public colleges offset by enrolment declines in for-profit colleges following changes in Federal regulations. Pearson gained share, benefiting from its lead in technology and customization, and has now grown faster than the US higher education industry for 13 consecutive years. The US school textbook publishing market declined 9% in 2011, according to the Association of American Publishers. There were several pressures on the industry including weakness in state budgets, a lower new adoption opportunity (total opportunity of $650m in 2011 against $800m in 2010) and delays in purchasing decisions during the transition to the new Common Core standards. Pearson gained share with a strong adoption performance boosted by our blended print-and-digital programs and we took an estimated 37% of new adoptions competed for (or 31% of the total new adoption market). State funding pressures and the transition to Common Core assessments also made market conditions tough for our state assessment and teacher testing businesses; these were offset by good growth in diagnostic and clinical assessments and revenues at our Assessment and Information division grew modestly in 2011.

In 2011, we continued to make significant organic investments in the International Education business expanding the footprint of Wall Street English in China and rolling out our school services business in India whilst incurring significant charges from the integration of acquisitions, most notably of Sistema Educacional Brasiliero (SEB) in Brazil. After excluding the effect of acquisitions we estimate that there was growth of 4% at constant 2010 exchange rates in the International Education business. Professional sales increased in 2011 by 15% although much of this increase was acquisition related mainly due to the full year contribution from Pearson in Practice (formerly known as Melorio), the UK vocational training business acquired in June 2010 and other smaller acquisitions in 2011. In terms of constant last year exchange rates and after taking out the acquisitions there was still good growth in both the professional testing and professional publishing businesses.

FT Group sales were 6% ahead of last year driven by good underlying growth at both the Financial Times and Mergermarket. Growth at the Financial Times was driven by increases in digital readership and subscriptions, although advertising remained weak and volatile. Mergermarket continued to benefit from its global presence and product breadth which helped to increase usage, grow new sales and produce strong renewal rates. FT Group sales accounted for 9% of our continuing business sales in each of 2011 and 2010.

Cost of goods sold and operating expenses

The following table summarizes our cost of sales and net operating expenses:

   Year Ended December 31 
       2011          2010     
   £m  £m 

Cost of goods sold

   2,072    1,999  

Distribution costs

   190    174  

Administration and other expenses

   1,999    1,919  

Other operating income

   (117  (79
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

   2,072    2,014  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cost of goods sold. Cost of sales consists of costs for raw materials, primarily paper, printing and binding costs, amortization of pre-publication costs, royalty charges and the cost of service provision in the assessment and testing business. Our cost of sales increased by £73m, or 4%, to £2,072m in 2011, from £1,999m in 2010. The increase corresponds to the increase in sales but is a lower percentage of sales as efficiencies and a mix effect has improved gross margins. Cost of sales at 43.0% of sales in 2011 compares to 43.3% in 2010.

Distribution costs. Distribution costs consist primarily of shipping costs, postage and packing. An increase in costs is in line with an increase in sales revenues.

Administration and other expenses. Our administration and other expenses increased by £80m, or 4%, to £1,999m in 2011, from £1,919m in 2010. As a percentage of sales they remained consistent at approximately 41% in 2011 and 42% in 2010.

Other operating income. Other operating income mainly consists of freight recharges, sub-rights and licensing income and distribution commissions together with income from the sale of assets. Other operating income increased to £117m in 2011 compared to £79m in 2010 largely due to the inclusion in 2011 of a £29m gain on the sale of an investment and an £8m gain on a stepped acquisition in the International Education business.

Profit on sale of associate

On 12 December 2011 the FT Group completed the disposal of its 50% stake in FTSE International Limited (FTSE) realizing a profit on sale of £412m. This profit has been disclosed separately on the face of the income statement.

Share of results of joint ventures and associates

The contribution from our joint ventures and associates decreased from £41m in 2010 to £33m in 2011. The 2010 result included a one off profit relating to a stepped acquisition at FTSE of £12m. The majority of the remainder of the profit comes from our 50% interest in the Economist.

Operating profit

The total operating profit increased by £480m, or 75%, to £1,118m in 2011 from £638m in 2010. 2011 operating profit, includes the profit on sale of FTSE of £412m and after excluding this item operating profit in 2011 increased by £68m or 11%.

Operating profit attributable to Pearson Education increased by £63m, or 11%, to £639m in 2011, from £576m in 2010. The increase was attributable to a good performance across all the Education businesses and a contribution from acquisitions. Operating profit attributable to the FT Group after taking out the profit on sale of FTSE increased by £5m, or 8%, to £67m in 2011, from £62m in 2010. The increase reflects the improved profitability from digital businesses despite a weak advertising market and the absence of the £12m one off profit recorded by FTSE in 2010.

Net finance costs

Net finance costs decreased from £73m in 2010 to £71m in 2011. Net interest payable was £55m, down from £73m in 2010. Although our fixed rate policy reduces the impact of changes in market interest rates, we were still able to benefit from low average US dollar and sterling interest rates during the year. Year-on-year, average three month LIBOR (weighted for the Group’s net borrowings in US dollars and sterling at each year end) fell by 0.1% to 0.3%. This reduction in floating market interest rates helped drive the Group’s lower interest charge. These low rates, coupled with interest income on deposits in higher yielding currencies created a decrease in the Group’s average net interest payable from 7.9% to 6.5%. The Group’s average net debt fell by £82m, reflecting the timing of the reinvestment of the Interactive Data proceeds during 2011. Finance income relating to post-retirement plans was £3m in 2011 compared to a charge of £12m in 2010.

Also included in net finance costs are finance costs on put options and deferred consideration associated with acquisitions, foreign exchange and other gains and losses. In 2011, the total of these items was a charge of £19m compared to a profit of £12m in 2010. The majority of the loss in 2011 relates to foreign exchange differences on a proportion of the unhedged US dollar proceeds from the Interactive Data sale. In 2010 the gain arose largely from foreign exchange on US dollar denominated debt. For a more detailed discussion of our borrowings and interest expenses see “— Liquidity and Capital Resources — Capital Resources” and “— Borrowings” below and “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk”.

Taxation

The total tax charge in 2011 of £162m represents 15% of pre-tax profits compared to a charge of £110m or 19% of pre-tax profits in 2010. Our overseas profits, which arise mainly in the US, are largely subject to tax at higher rates than that in the UK (which had an effective statutory rate of 26.5% in 2011 and 28% in 2010). The reduction in the tax rate in 2011, however, is largely due to the low tax charge on the gain on disposal of FTSE together with the effect of the prior year adjustments arising from settlements with tax authorities. In total these two items outweighed the favourable effect in 2010 from recognition of tax losses and credits utilised in connection with the Interactive Data sale. The tax charge relating to that sale in July 2010 is included in the loss on discontinued businesses.

Non-controlling interest

In 2011 there are non-controlling interests in the Group’s businesses in South Africa, China and India although none of these are material to the Group numbers. The non-controlling interest in the Group’s Brazilian business, SEB, was bought out in the first half of 2011. The non-controlling interest in 2010 comprises mainly the publicly-held share of Interactive Data for the period to disposal in July 2010.

Discontinued operations

The results of the Penguin Group have been classified as discontinued in 2011 and 2010.

Discontinued operations in 2010 also relate to Interactive Data Corporation. On July 29, 2010, Interactive Data, in which Pearson held a 61% interest, was sold. (Pearson’s share of the sale proceeds was $2bn). The results of Interactive Data have been included as discontinued operations up to July 29, 2010. Included in discontinued operations in 2010 is Interactive Data’s results for the seven months to the date of sale, the gain on sale of £1,037m and the attributable tax charge of £306m.

Profit for the year

The profit for the financial year in 2011 was £956m compared to a profit in 2010 of £1,300m. The 2010 profit included the contribution from discontinued businesses of £776m (including the gain on sale of Interactive Data) which more than offset the gain on sale of FTSE and improved operating performance from continuing businesses in 2011.

Earnings per ordinary share

The basic earnings per ordinary share, which is defined as the profit for the financial year divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue, was 119.6p in 2011 compared to 161.9p in 2010 based on a weighted average number of shares in issue of 800.2m in 2011 and 801.2m in 2010. The decrease in earnings per share was due to the decrease in profit for 2011 described above and was not significantly affected by the movement in the weighted average number of shares.

The diluted earnings per ordinary share of 119.3p in 2011 and 161.5p in 2010 was not significantly different from the basic earnings per share in those years as the effect of dilutive share options was again not significant.

Exchange rate fluctuations

The weakening of the US dollar and other currencies against sterling on an average basis had an adverse impact on reported sales and profits in 2011 compared to 2010. 2011 sales, translated at 2010 average exchange rates, would have been higher by £105m and operating profit, translated at 2010 average exchange rates, would have been higher by £10m. See “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” for a discussion regarding our management of exchange rate risks.

Sales and operating profit by division

The following tables summarize our sales and operating profit for each of Pearson’s business segments. Adjusted operating profit is a non-GAAP financial measure and is included as it is a key financial measure used by management to evaluate performance and allocate resources to business segments. See also note 2 of “Item 18. Financial Statements”.

In our adjusted operating profit we have excluded amortization of acquired intangibles and acquisition costs. The amortization of acquired intangibles is the amortization of intangible assets acquired through business combinations and acquisition costs are the direct costs of acquiring those businesses. Neither of these charges are considered to be fully reflective of the underlying performance of the Group. Other net gains and losses that represent profits and losses on the sale of subsidiaries, joint ventures, associates and other financial assets are also excluded from adjusted operating profit as they distort the performance of the Group.

Adjusted operating profit enables management to more easily track the underlying operational performance of the Group. A reconciliation of operating profit to adjusted operating profit for continuing operations is included in the tables below:

  Year Ended December 31, 2011 

£m

 North American
Education
  International
Education
  Professional  FT
Group
  Continuing  Discontinued  Total 

Sales

  2,584    1,424    382    427    4,817    1,045    5,862  
  53  30  8  9  100  

Total operating profit

  463    121    55    479    1,118    108    1,226  
  41  11  5  43  100  

Add back:

       

Other net gains and losses

  (29  6    —      (412  (435  —      (435

Acquisition costs

  2    9    —      1    12    —      12  

Intangible charges

  57    60    11    8    136    3    139  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Adjusted operating profit: continuing operations

  493    196    66    76    831    —      831  

Adjusted operating profit: discontinued operations

  —      —      —      —      —      111    111  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total adjusted operating profit

  493    196    66    76    831    111    942  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  52  21  7  8  88  12  100

  Year Ended December 31, 2010 

£m

 North American
Education
  International
Education
  Professional  FT
Group
  Continuing  Discontinued  Total 

Sales

  2,640    1,234    333    403    4,610    1,349    5,959  
  57  27  7  9  100  

Total operating profit

  415    119    42    62    638    1,215    1,853  
  65  18  7  10  100  

Add back:

       

Other net gains and losses

  —      10    —      (12  (2  (1,037  (1,039

Acquisition costs

  1    7    2    1    11    —      11  

Intangible charges

  53    35    7    9    104    9    113  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Adjusted operating profit: continuing operations

  469    171    51    60    751    —      751  

Adjusted operating profit: discontinued operations

  —      —      —      —      —      187    187  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total adjusted operating profit

  469    171    51    60    751    187    938  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 
  50  19  5  6  80  20  100

North American Education

North American Education sales declined by £56m, or 2%, to £2,584m in 2011, from £2,640m in 2010 and adjusted operating profit increased by £24m, or 5%, to £493m in 2011 from £469m in 2010. The results were affected by the relative weakness of the US dollar, which we estimate decreased sales by £91m and adjusted operating profit by £18m when compared to the equivalent figures at constant 2010 exchange rates. At constant exchange and after taking account of the contribution from acquisitions there was underlying decline in sales of 1% and increase in profits of 8%. Sales growth in the US higher education and assessment and information businesses was offset by a weakness in US school publishing.

The US school textbook publishing market declined 9% in 2011, according to the Association of American Publishers. There were several pressures on the industry including weakness in state budgets, a lower new adoption opportunity (total opportunity of $650m in 2011 against $800m in 2010) and delays in purchasing decisions during the transition to the new Common Core standards. Pearson gained share with a strong adoption performance boosted by our blended print-and-digital programs including Writing Coach, Prentice Hall Math and enVisionMATH. We took an estimated 37% of new adoptions competed for (or 31% of the total new adoption market). During 2011, we acquired Connections Education which operates online K-12 schools in 21 states and a nationwide charter school program. It served 33,200 students in 2011. Connections Academy Schools have consistently high performance ratings, particularly in states focused on measuring growth in student learning. SuccessNet, our online learning platform for school teachers and students, generated more than six million registrations in 2011, up 5% on 2010. The number of assessments taken through SuccessNet increased by 32% to more than 11 million. We continue to develop digital programs, platforms and apps to boost achievement, access and affordability. We launched two major new school programs aimed at meeting rising literacy standards under the Common Core: i-lit and Pearson English Learning System. i-lit is a personalized digital reading program combining our proven literacy model (with many students making two years of literacy growth in a single year), automated assessment capabilities and compelling literature from Penguin and Dorling Kindersley, all delivered through iPads. Pearson English Learning System benchmarks, monitors and tracks both student progress and teacher best practice to boost English language skills. Poptropica is one of the largest virtual worlds for young children in the US and was named by Time as one of ‘The 50 Best Websites of 2011’. Poptropica has up to 9.7 million monthly unique visitors from more than 130 countries.

Revenues at our Assessment and Information division grew modestly in 2011. State funding pressures and the transition to Common Core assessments continued to make market conditions tough for our state assessment

and teacher testing businesses; these were offset by good growth in diagnostic and clinical assessments. We signed several important contracts including state-wide student assessment contracts in New York, Kentucky and Arizona; Race to the Top Florida formative assessment; Indiana educator licensing and Ohio pre-service teacher assessment. We also renewed three important contracts, extending our relationships with Virginia and Maryland for state-wide student assessments and with ETS to service state-wide assessments for California. We signed an agreement with Stanford University to provide the capability to deliver the Teacher Performance Assessment (TPA) — a nationally available, web-based performance assessment for measuring the effectiveness of teacher candidates nationally. We delivered 13 million secure online tests in 2011 with strong growth in automated written and spoken assessment scoring volumes. We won the Online Assessment Readiness Tool contract from both the PARCC and SBAC Common Core consortia to help the 45 states prepare for the transition to online assessments. PowerSchool supported more than ten million students, up 6% on 2010, and developed its platform to enable 18 additional languages to be used on the PowerSchool parent portal. Our clinical assessment business grew well boosted by strong growth at AIMSweb, our progress monitoring service which enables early intervention and remediation for struggling students. Usage of AIMSweb increased dramatically with 47 million assessments delivered in 2011, up more than 40%. During 2011, we acquired Schoolnet, a fast-growing and innovative education technology company that aligns assessment, curriculum and other services to help individualise instruction and improve teacher effectiveness. Schoolnet serves more than five million US pre K-12 students through partnerships with districts and states, supporting about one-third of America’s largest cities.

The US higher education publishing market was broadly level with 2010, according to the Association of American Publishers, with solid revenue growth in public colleges offset by enrolment declines in for-profit colleges following changes in Federal regulations. Pearson gained share, benefiting from its lead in technology and customisation, and has now grown faster than the US higher education industry for 13 consecutive years. The pioneering ‘MyLab’ digital learning, homework and assessment programmes grew strongly with student registrations in North America up 22% to almost nine million. Usage continued to grow strongly with graded submissions up 39% to almost 250 million across the globe. Evaluation studies show that the use of MyLab programmes can significantly improve student test scores and institutional efficiency. We developed a new model of enterprise-wide support for online higher education with Arizona State University Online and Ocean Community College. Through these long-term partnerships, Pearson runs the full online learning programmes for these institutions and earns revenues based on the success of the institution and its students. Pearson LearningStudio increased fully-online student enrolments by 20% to ten million. Renewal rates remain high at more than 80% by value with fewer large accounts up for renewal in the year.

Overall adjusted operating margins in the North American Education business were higher at 19.1% in 2011 compared to 17.8% in 2010 with the majority of the increase attributable to further cost efficiencies and the continued success of higher margin digital products.

International Education

International Education sales increased by £190m, or 15%, to £1,424m in 2011, from £1,234m in 2010 and adjusted operating profit increased by £25m, or 15%, to £196m in 2011 from £171m in 2010. The sales results benefited from acquisitions in 2011 and a full year contribution from acquisitions made in 2010.

Our International Education company is active in more than 70 countries. It is a major focus of our strategy, and sales and profits have broadly doubled since 2007. Our strategy is to combine educational content, assessment, technologies and related services to help educational institutions become more effective and their students more successful. We expect to benefit from a series of powerful long-term global trends: increasing public and private spending on education (despite current pressures on public spending in developed markets); growing participation rates; the demand for assessment to provide measures of achievement; the growing technology infrastructure in educational institutions; and the rise of English as a global language. In 2011, we continued to make significant organic investments in expanding the footprint of Wall Street English in China and the roll-out of our school services business in India as well as incurring significant charges from the integration of acquisitions, most notably the school systems business of SEB in Brazil.

Wall Street English, Pearson’s worldwide chain of English language centres for professionals, increased student numbers by 9% to more than 190,000. We opened 19 new centres around the world, bringing the total number close to 450. More than 0.9 million students registered for our MyLab digital learning, homework and assessment programs, an increase of 36%. They included more than 150,000 MyEnglishLab registrations, up 70%, and 28,000 registrations for our high school mathematics program MathXL, a 54% increase. Our Fronter learning management system grew strongly with new contracts won in Malta, Tasmania and Poland. Active users rose by 18% to 1.3 million and their logins by 11% to 154 million. Student test volumes for the Pearson Test of English Academic saw robust growth supported by recognition from almost 1,900 institutions including the Australian Department of Immigration & Citizenship and 95% of UK Universities. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development chose Pearson to develop a competency and assessment framework for the 2015 cycle of The Programme of International Student Assessment (PISA) tests, one of the world’s most prestigious programmes of international tests.

In China, student enrolments at our Wall Street English centres increased 25% to 53,000, boosted by strong underlying demand and the launch of 11 new centres. In December 2011, we acquired Global Education and Technology Group, a leading provider of test preparation services for English Language and other professional qualifications. Global Education has approximately 450 (115 owned and 335 franchised) learning centres in 150 cities across China. In South Africa we gained share in school publishing, but market conditions were tougher than expected during a year of major curriculum reform. Student enrolments grew strongly at CTI, up 13% to 8,700, which continued to deliver significantly better completion rates than its peers and strong job placement rates of 70%. We delivered half a million secondary textbooks for Physics, Biology and History to all government secondary schools in Uganda, one million Junior African Writer readers to the Ministry of Education in Sierra Leone and almost two million textbooks in five subjects to secondary schools in Zimbabwe. In Brazil, we successfully completed the first stage of the SEB Pearson Sistemas integration with major investments and improvements across the business. Our Virtual Library grew strongly and now reaches two million students across 100 universities, and we entered the K-12 publishing market. In Colombia, we implemented a bilingual teacher training program in several states and in Chile we won a contract to evaluate the national college admissions test. In India, we incurred costs related to the acquisition of TutorVista and invested to grow the business. We have doubled the number of schools managed by TutorVista to 24 and the installations of its multimedia teaching tool Digiclass to approximately 10,000. Vocational and Professional enrolments at our IndiaCan joint venture grew more than 50% to 86,000, with particular strength in spoken English, Chartered Accountancy, Engineering and MBA qualifications. In the Middle East, our performance was boosted by sales of Reading Street and Scott Foresman Math in Saudi Arabian schools; Giancoli Physics and Thomas Calculus along with strong MyLabs uptake in Turkish colleges; and Haeussler Mathematics and Hubert Engineering along with strong MyLab redemptions in Egypt.

Our UK business made solid progress during the year despite significant regulatory and policy changes in its markets, most notably in vocational and general qualifications, apprenticeships and in higher education. We marked more than 5.7 million GCSE, A/AS Level and other examinations with 90% using onscreen technology. We marked more than 3.8 million test scripts for over half a million pupils taking National Curriculum Tests at Key Stage Two in 2011 and have been selected to mark tests in 2012. Our Bug Club digital reading programme for primary schools combines engaging phonics-based books with games, assessments and teacher diagnostic tools to boost reading enjoyment and comprehension. In 2011, more than 145,000 online users in almost 900 schools subscribed to Bug Club online. We acquired EDI plc, a leading provider of education and training qualifications and assessment services, with a strong reputation for the use of information technology to administer learning programmes and deliver on-screen assessments. Registrations for our own BTEC Apprenticeships more than doubled to 80,000 students.

In Australia, we launched our pioneering US digital maths curriculum, enVisionMATH. And we have more local versions in development to bring high quality digital curriculum to new markets across the globe. In Italy, our new digital curriculum helped us gain significant share in lower secondary adoptions and to see good growth overall. In Germany, we acquired Stark Holding, a leading provider of education materials including test

preparation resources for pupils and teachers. In Japan, we faced major disruption following the March 2011 tsunami but maintained operations and achieved notable successes, particularly with the Versant Test of Communicative English and the launch of BTEC.

International Education adjusted operating margins declined slightly from 13.9% in 2010 to 13.8% in 2011 as the business incurred additional integration costs from acquisitions.

Professional

Professional sales increased by £49m, or 15%, to £382m in 2011 from £333m in 2010. Adjusted operating profit increased by £15m or 29% to £66m in 2011, from £51m in 2010. Sales growth in the assessment and training businesses was strong and benefited from a full year contribution from the acquisition of Melorio (now Pearson in Practice) in June 2010.

We continued to see good revenue and profit growth at Pearson VUE, which administered more than seven million tests during the year, benefiting from sales of additional services to customers and contractual fee increases. We won a number of new contracts including the Construction Industry Training Board in the UK, the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying in the US, and the HP certification examination worldwide. We formed a joint venture with the American Council on Education to develop an online General Educational Development (GED) test aligned with new Common Core standards. The GED test measures an adults’ high school level knowledge and skills in math, reading, writing, science and social science. We launched a new touch-screen theory driving test for the Roads and Transport Authority for Dubai. The test is delivered in Arabic, English and Urdu. The new test follows the opening last year of a new Pearson VUE office in Dubai to meet the Middle East’s demand for computer-based testing.

Despite significant regulatory and policy changes in the apprenticeship market, Pearson in Practice successfully graduated its largest IT cohort and launched or enhanced several new apprenticeship programmes in logistics, construction, management and customer service, business and health. We acquired TQ Holdings Ltd which provides technical education and training services to governments, institutions and corporations around the world with particular expertise in skills related to the defense, engineering, oil and gas and construction sectors.

In professional publishing, our resilient performance in the US benefited from the breadth of our publishing and range of revenue streams, from online retail through digital subscriptions. As a result, digital products and services now account for more than 25% of our professional publishing revenues in the US. In some International markets such as Japan, professional publishers continued to face very challenging trading conditions. In the US, we launched MyGraphicsLab which integrates 50 hours of videos, 250 creative projects, 50 presentations and 1,000 quiz questions with real-world assignments to prepare students for the job market.

Overall adjusted operating margins in the Professional business were higher at 17.3% in 2011 compared to 15.3% in 2010 as margins improved following the integration of Melorio in 2010 and continued efficiencies in the Professional publishing business.

FT Group

Sales at FT Group increased by £24m or 6%, from £403m in 2010 to £427m in 2011. Adjusted operating profit increased by £16m, from £60m in 2010 to £76m in 2011. The sales and profit increase is mainly due to increased demand for digital products and was in spite of weakness in the advertising market in the year. The Economist and other joint ventures and associates also contributed to the profit growth.

The FT produced strong and accelerating growth in its digital readership with online subscriptions up 29% to 267,000, 2,000 direct corporate licences and FT.com registered users up 33% to more than four million. Combined paid print and digital circulation reached 600,000 in 2011, the highest circulation in the history of the FT. At the end of 2011, digital subscribers exceeded print circulation in the US for the first time. The Average Daily Global Audience across print and online grew 3% to 2.2 million people worldwide, our largest audience

ever. Readership continued to migrate online and to mobile, which now generates 19% of traffic to FT.com. We launched FT web apps optimised for iPad and Android devices including a custom app for India. The web apps provide FT subscribers access to our content online and through mobile devices with a single subscription and data analytics allow us to better serve our customers. Advertising was generally weak and volatile with poor visibility. Growth in online advertising and the luxury category was offset by weakness in corporate advertising. FT Conferences had a very strong year, operating 75 events in 37 cities worldwide. Almost 9,000 senior executives from around the world attended these events. We launched the FT Non-Executive Certificate (in partnership with Pearson LearningStudio and Edexcel) in April 2011, enrolling more than 100 students. The certificate is designed to aid the professionalisation of the sector and increase diversity on UK boards. It is the first fully accredited formal education product for non-executive directors. We extended the breadth and depth of the FT’s premium subscription services through the launch of Brazil Confidential, extending our successful China Confidential franchise into another growth market. Medley Global Advisors (MGA) grew modestly despite challenging conditions for its customers due to new contract wins. Money-Media grew strongly fuelled by an increase in subscriptions and advertising.

Mergermarket’s strong editorial analysis continued to benefit from its global presence and product breadth. Usage increased, new sales grew and renewal rates were strong. Continued volatility in debt markets helped sustain the strong performance of Debtwire whilst volatile equity markets benefited dealReporter’s event-driven strategy. Mergermarket saw strong growth in Asia-Pacific and the Americas while MergerID continued to benefit from a broadening network of users and strong growth in transaction matches. We launched a large number of new products, extending our reach into new geographies (US wealthmonitor, ABS Europe, dealReporter Middle East, dealReporter Russia Desk), new strategies (multi-strategy products), new coverage areas (municipal bonds, dividend arbitrage) and new platforms (mergermarket iPad app).

The Economist, in which Pearson owns a 50% stake, increased global weekly circulation by 2.2%1% to 1.421.49 million (for the July — December 20092011 ABC period). FTSE, with an additional digital circulation in excess of 100,000. Total annual online visits increased to 165 million, up 39% on 2010. Business Day and Financial Mail (BDFM), our 50% owned joint-venturejoint venture in South Africa with Avusa, improved profitability with revenue increasing by 10%. The business benefited from growth in advertising and circulation revenues. In December 2011, we sold our 50% stake in FTSE International to the London Stock Exchange increased revenues 17% and made a strong improvementfor net proceeds of £428m in profits.

December 2011: it contributed £20m to Pearson’s operating profit in 2011.

Overall adjusted operating margins at FT Group decreasedincreased from 19.0%14.9% in 20082010 to 10.9%17.8% in 20092011 as lost advertising revenue fell through to the bottom line.

efficiencies and changing product mix helped improvements.

The Penguin Group

Penguin sales increaseddeclined by £99m£8m or 11%1%, to £1,002m£1,045m in 20092011 from £903m£1,053m in 20082010 as the business faced tough conditions in the physical book market but adjusted operating profit was down 10%up 5% to £84m£111m in 20092011 from £93m£106m in 2008. Both2010. These results are included as part of reported discontinued operations.

Market conditions in 2011 were tough following the collapse of two major customers: Borders in the US and the REDGroup in Australia and New Zealand. Despite this, Penguin achieved robust sales and adjusted operating profit were affectedprofits and gained market share in each of its major markets — the US, the UK and Australia. There was a strong and consistent publishing performance across imprints and territories which produced market share gains in our major markets in a very challenging retail environment with the closure of more than 750 stores. Growth in developing markets was boosted by the strongerstrength of the direct marketing channel and strong publishing in India, including its first 100,000 copy bestseller (Ravinder Singh’sCan Love Happen Twice?). Global publishing properties such as LEGO®, Wimpy Kid, Jamie Oliver and Kathryn Stockett’sThe Help sold in significant numbers in multiple markets.

ebook revenues doubled on the previous year and accounted for 12% of Penguin revenues worldwide, and more than 20% in the US, dollar which we estimate increased sales by £109min 2011. Since the beginning of 2008, digital downloads of apps and adjusted operating profit by £7m when comparedebooks across the

Group have totalled approximately 50 million. Penguin continued to invest in digital innovation, launching more than 100 apps and enhanced ebooks, includingWreck this App,On the equivalent figures at constant 2008 exchange rates.Road andMoshi Monsters, and a new global digital-only publishing program,Penguin Shorts. DK launched its first non-travel apps including the award-winningDK Human Body. In 2009,January 2012 DK became the first consumer publisher to publish four iBooks2 titles using Apple’s new authoring tool. Penguin implemented a series of organisational changescontinued to invest in direct-to-consumer initiatives including new digital platforms for readers, specifically aNobii in the UK designedand Bookish in the US. In Australia Penguin acquired the REDGroup’s online business. Penguin also signed its first author through its new self-publishing platform BookCountry. Its websites and social media channels around the world now have a global following of more than 11 million. Penguin continued to strengthenleverage Pearson-wide digital platforms to transform its internal publishing reduce costsprocesses, enabling faster product development and accelerate the transition to digital production, sales channels and formats and to lower cost markets for design and production. Penguin’s 2009 results include approximately £9mgreater re-use of charges relating to these organisational changes.

content.

In the US Penguin had 30 number 1published a record 254New YorkTimesbestsellers Penguin’s most ever, and placed 243 bestsellers onNew York Timeslists. Bestsellers included works from debut novelsincluding some of its repeat bestselling authors such as Tom Clancy, Patricia Cornwell, Ken Follett, Nora Roberts and Clive Cussler, as well as new talent such as Deborah Harkness, Amor Towles and Eleanor Brown. Kathryn Stockett’sThe Help was the bestselling title across the US industry selling five million copies in print and Janice Y.K. Lee’sdigital in its third year since publication. The Piano TeacherYoung Readers’ division had another strong year achieving a high of 41New York Times bestsellers. Penguin UK published 78 top ten bestsellers, an increase of 15 on 2010, including two of the top five industry titles with Jamie Oliver’s30-Minute Meals and Dawn French’sA Tiny Bit Marvellous, along with booksand a robust performance by established authors such as Charlaine Harris and Nora Roberts.

In the UK, top-selling titles included Marian Keyes’This Charming Man, Malcolm Gladwell’sOutliers, Ant and Dec’sOoh! What a Lovely Pairand Antony Beevor’sD-Day. Penguin Children’s list had a very strong year with standout performances from brands such asThe Very Hungry Caterpillar (which celebrated its 40th anniversary) andPeppa Pig. Through an iPhone app, consumerswho were offered a try-before-you buy model of Paul Hoffman’sThe Left Hand of God, providing free downloads of the first three chapters.
In Australia, Penguin was named Children’s Publisher of the Year forin 2011. For a second consecutive year, Jamie Oliver secured the second year running atcoveted Christmas number one slot withJamie’s Great Britain. Jeff Kinney’s newWimpy Kid titleCabin Fever sold 300,000 copies and was the Australianfastest selling book of 2011. DK’s bestseller success continued in 2011 with its LEGO® titles dominating the bestseller charts includingThe LEGO® Ideas Book, Industry Awards. Number 1 bestsellingLEGO® Star Wars Character Encyclopaedia andLEGO® Star Wars Visual Dictionary. Titles from authors included Bryce Courtenay, Tom Winton, Clive Cussler and Richelle Mead. In Canada, top-selling local authors included Joseph Boyden and Alice Munro, who was awarded the International Man Booker prize, and our international authors Greg Mortenson and Elizabeth Gilbert led the paperback non-fiction category. In India, Penguin is the largest English language trade publisher, with bestselling authors in 2009 including Narayana Murthy and Nandan Nilekani. In South Africa, top-selling Penguin authors included John van de Ruit and Justin Bonello.
eBook sales grew fourfold on the previous year. 14,000 eBook titles were available at the end of 2009, benefiting from the popularity ofe-readers such as Amazon’s Kindle,Annabel Karmel, Karl Pilkington and Mary Berry and the Sony ReaderMasterChef titles also performed strongly. In Australia, Penguin had the two top-selling titles across the industry with Jamie’s30-Minute Meals and BarnesJeff Kinney’sCabin Fever and Noble’s nook as well as new devices such as Apple’s iPad.
Penguin’shit number one 24 times through the course of the year.

Penguin adjusted operating margins deterioratedimproved in 2009, dropping2011 to 8.4% from 10.3%10.6% compared to 10.1% in 2008. The main reason for the decline was the charges in 2009 relating to the reorganisation of the UK business.

2010.

Liquidity and capital resources

Cash flows and financing

Net cash generated from operations increaseddecreased by £157m£177m (or 16%) to £916m in 2012 from £1,093m in 2011. This decrease in cash generated from operations reflected a later sales profile in the second half of 2012 compared to 2011 (causing the corresponding cash collections to fall into 2013) and increased investment in pre-publication as more of our education programs are updated for digital delivery and adverse currency effects. The average working capital to sales ratio improved to 13.8% in 2012 from 14.2% in 2011 reflecting the more favourable working capital characteristics of digital and service businesses and reduced stock in our print publishing businesses. Net cash generated from operations decreased by £76m (or 7%), to £1,093m in 2011 from £1,169m in 2010. The decrease in net cash generated from operations in 2011 compared to 2010 reflected a lower year end contribution from £1,012mworking capital movements as pre-publication expenditure matched pre-publication amortization in 2009. This increase reflected strong cash contributions, particularly from our education businesses. The exchange rate for translation of dollar cash flows was $1.57 in 2010, $1.61 in 2009 and $1.44 in 2008.2011. In 2010, a strong school adoption year, pre-publication amortization exceeded expenditure. In 2011, the average working capital to sales ratio for our book publishing businesses over the whole year improved to 16.9% from 20.1% from 25.1% in 2009,2010, reflecting tight working capital management and the financial impactcharacteristics of the ongoing portfolio shift to more digital and service-orientated products and businesses. Average working capital is the average month end balance in the year of inventory (including pre-publication), receivables and payables.

Net cash generatedinterest paid increased to £66m in 2012 from operations increased by £118m (or 13%),£60m in 2011 due to £1,012m in 2009higher average net debt following recent acquisitions, with some offset provided from £894m in 2008. This increase reflected strong cash contributions from all businesses,


37


together with the significant strengtheningreceipt of the US dollar against sterling. In 2009,proceeds from the headline average working capital to sales ratio for our book publishing businesses improved to 25.1% from 26.1% in 2008, reflecting tight working capital management andsale of FTSE International at the favourable working capital profileend of 2009 acquisitions.
2011. Net interest paid decreased to £60m in 2011 from £68m in 2010 in line with lower average net debt following receipt of the proceeds from £87m in 2009. The decrease reflects the repaymentsale of a US Dollar bond in 2009 and lower variable interest rates. Net interest paid increased to £87m in 2009 from £76m in 2008. The increase is due to the timing of payments on bonds issued in 2008 and 2009.
Interactive Data.

Capital expenditure on property, plant and equipment and software intangibles was £76m£151m in 2010, £62m2012, £144m in 20092011 and £75m£132m in 2008. The increase in 2010 reflects a return2010. Expenditure has been prioritized towards information technology and software to a more normal level of expenditure givenfurther enhance the improved economic environment and exchange rate movements. The reduction in spend in 2009 reflects a more cautious approach to capital investment, given the uncertain economic environment, particularly in the first halfdigital capability of the year.

Group.

The acquisition of subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates accounted for a cash outflow of £755m in 2012 against £788m in 2011 and £557m in 2010 against £222m2010. The increase reflects the re-shaping of the portfolio following the sales of Interactive Data and FTSE International. The principal acquisitions in 20092012 were of EmbanetCompass for £411m, Certiport for £88m, Author Solutions, Inc for £69m and £400mGlobalEnglish Corporation for £63m. The principal acquisitions in 2008.2011 were of Schoolnet for £141m, Education Development International for £108m, Connections Education for £244m, Global Education for £97m and TutorVista for £75m. The principal acquisitions in 2010 were of Sistema Educacional Brasileiro for £228m, Melorio for £98m,£97m, Wall Street Institute for £65m£64m and America’s Choice for £65m. The principal acquisitions in 2009 were of Wall Street English for £101m and a controlling interest in Maskew Miller Longman for £54m, comprising £49m in cash and £5m in other consideration.

£53m.

The sale of subsidiaries and associates produced a net cash inflowoutflow of £11m in 2012 against inflows of £422m in 2011 and £734m in 2010 against £nil2010. The cash outflow in 2009 and £99m2012 primarily related to expenses incurred in 2008.advance of the formation of Penguin Random House. The proceeds in 2011 relate to the sale of the Group’s 50% holding in FTSE International. The proceeds in 2010 relate to the sale of Interactive Data, with proceeds received being £984of £984m and tax paid relating to this disposal of £250m. Proceeds

The cash outflow from financing of £99m£23m in 2008 relate to2012 reflects a further 9% increase in the saledividend, offset by the proceeds from a $500m US Dollar Note issued during the year. The cash outflow from financing of £790m in 2011 reflects the Data Management business.

repayment of a $500m bond, a further 9% increase in the dividend and the final payment of £108m in the stepped acquisition of Sistema Educacional Brasileiro. The cash outflow from financing of £92m in 2010 reflects a further increase in the group dividend and the purchase of treasury shares, with some offset from a $350m US Dollar Note issued in the year. The cash outflow from financing of £366m in 2009 reflects the repayment of one $350m bond, the repayment of borrowings under the Group’s committed borrowing facility and an increase of the dividend in line with earnings. Offsetting this, the Group issued £300m of sterling bonds in the year. The cash outflow from financing of £137m in 2008 reflects the repayment at maturity of one £100m bond, the repayment of borrowings against a short-term bridge financing facility and a further increase in the dividend. Offsetting this, the Group issued $900m of US Dollar bonds.

Capital resources

Our borrowings fluctuate by season due to the effect of the school year on the working capital requirements in the educational materials business. Assuming no acquisitions or disposals, our maximum level of net debt normally occurs in July, and our minimum level of net debt normally occurs in December. Based on a review of historical trends in working capital requirements and of forecast monthly balance sheets for the next 12 months, we believe that we have sufficient funds available for the Group’s present requirements, with an appropriate level of headroom given our portfolio of businesses and current plans. Our ability to expand and grow our business in accordance with current plans and to meet long-term capital requirements beyond this12-month period will depend on many factors, including the rate, if any, at which our cash flow increaseschanges and the availability of public and private debt and equity financing, including our ability to secure bank lines of credit. We cannot be certain that additional financing, if required, will be available on terms favorable to us, if at all.

At December 31, 2010,2012, our net debt was £430m£918m compared to net debt of £1,092m£499m at December 31, 2009.2011. Net debt is defined as all short-term, medium-term and long-term borrowing (including finance leases), less all cash, cash equivalents and liquid resources. Cash equivalents comprise short-term deposits with a maturity of up to 90 days, while liquid resources comprise short-term deposits with maturities of more than 90 days and other marketable instruments which are readily realizable and held on a short-term basis. Total Short-term, medium-term and long-term borrowing amounted to £2,312m£2,279m at December 31, 2010,2012, compared to £2,008m£2,051m at December 31, 20092011 reflecting the $350mnew $500m US Dollar Notedollar note issued induring the year and the strengthening of sterling relative to the US Dollar.year. At December 31, 2010,2012, total cash and liquid resources were £1,736m,£1,177m, compared to £750m£1,369m at December 31, 2009.2011. This increase in cashdecrease is due to receiptthe continued re-investment of the proceeds from the salesales of Interactive Data only partially re-invested inand FTSE International via the various acquisitions and strong cash generation in our education businesses.


38above.


Contractual obligations

The following table summarizes the maturity of our borrowings, our obligations under non-cancelable leases, and pension funding obligations, exclusive of anticipated interest payments.

                     
  At December 31, 2010 
     Less than
  One to
  Two to
  After five
 
  Total  one year  two years  five years  years 
  £m  £m  £m  £m  £m 
 
Gross borrowings:                    
Bank loans, overdrafts and commercial paper  73   73          
Bonds  2,226   325      1,077   824 
Finance lease obligations  13   6   4   3    
Operating lease obligations  1,437   164   151   337   785 
UK Pension funding obligations  410   41   41   123   205 
                     
Total
  4,159   609   196   1,540   1,814 
                     
Due to the variability of future interest payments, these have been excluded from the table below.

   At December 31, 2012 
   Total   Less than
one year
   One to
two years
   Two to
five years
   After five
years
 
   £m   £m   £m   £m   £m 

Gross borrowings:

          

Bank loans, overdrafts and commercial paper

   55     33     22            

Bonds

   2,200     219     520     527     934  

Finance lease obligations

   17     10     4     3       

Operating lease obligations

   1,678     186     174     419     899  

UK Pension funding obligations

   205     41     41     123       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   4,155     489     761     1,072     1,833  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 20102012 the Group had capital commitments for fixed assets, including finance leases already under contract, of £13m (2009: £15m)£17m (2011: £18m). There are contingent liabilities in respect of indemnities, warranties and guarantees in relation to former subsidiaries and in respect of guarantees in relation to subsidiaries and associates. In addition there are contingent liabilities in respect of legal and royalty claims. None of these claims or guarantees is expected to result in a material gain or loss.

In 2010, the Group negotiated a new $1,750m committed revolving credit facility which matures in November 2015. The Group is committed to an annual fee of 0.2625% payable quarterly, on the unused amount of this facility.

Off-Balance sheet arrangements

The Group does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined by the SEC Final Rule 67 (FR-67), “Disclosure in Management’s Discussion and Analysis about Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations”, that have or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on the Group’s financial position or results of operations.

Borrowings

The Group finances its operations by a mixture of cash flows from operations, short-term borrowings from banks and commercial paper markets, and longer term loans from banks and capital markets.

We have in place a committed revolving credit facility of $1.75bn, which matures in November 2015. At December 31, 2010,2012, the full $1.75bn was available under this facility. This credit facility contains two key covenants measured for each 12 month period ending June 30 and December 31:

We must maintain the ratio of our profit before interest, tax and amortization to our net interest payable at no less than 3:1; and

We must maintain the ratio of our net debt to our EBITDA, which we explain below, at no more than 4:1.

“EBITDA” refers to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. We are currently in compliance with these covenants.

See note 18 of “Item 18. Financial Statements” for information on our longer term loans from banks and capital markets.

Treasury policy

Our treasury policy is described in note 19 of “Item 18. Financial Statements”. For a more detailed discussion of our borrowing and use of derivatives, see “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk”.

Related parties

There were no significant or unusual related party transactions in 2010, 20092012, 2011 or 2008.2010. Refer to note 3437 in “Item 18. Financial Statements”.


39


Accounting principles

For a description of our principal accounting policies used refer to note 1 in “Item 18. Financial Statements”.

ITEM 6.DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

Directors and senior management

We are managed by a board of directors and a chief executive who reports to the board and manages through a management committee. We refer to the board of directors and the chairman of the board of directors as our “senior management”.

The following table sets forth information concerning senior management, as of March 2011*.

2013.

Name

Age   Position

Glen Moreno

   
Name
Age
Position
Glen Moreno6769    Chairman
Marjorie Scardino

John Fallon

   6450    Chief Executive

David Arculus

64Non-executive Director
Patrick Cescau62Non-executive Director
Will Ethridge59Chief Executive, Pearson North American Education
Rona Fairhead49Chairman and Chief Executive, The Financial Times Group
Robin Freestone52Chief Financial Officer
Susan Fuhrman

   66    Non-executive Director
Ken Hydon

Vivienne Cox

   6653Senior Independent Director

Will Ethridge

61Chief Executive, Pearson North American Education

Rona Fairhead

51Chairman, The Financial Times Group

Robin Freestone

54Chief Financial Officer

Susan Fuhrman

68    Non-executive Director
Joshua Lewis

Ken Hydon

   4868    Non-executive Director
John Makinson

Josh Lewis

   5650Non-executive Director

John Makinson

58    Chairman and Chief Executive, The Penguin Group

Marjorie Scardino was Chief Executive and a member of the board of directors through to December 31, 2012.

Glen Morenowas appointed chairman of Pearson

Appointed on October 1, 2005 and is chairman2005. Chairman of the nomination committee and member of the remuneration committee. He was appointed

Glen has more than three decades of experience in business and finance, and is currently deputy chairman of The Financial Reporting Council Limited in November 2010. He is also the senior independent director of Lloyds Banking Group plc as well as aU.K and non-executive director of Fidelity International Limited. HePreviously, Glen was previously thedeputy chairman and senior independent director at Lloyds Banking Group plc, senior independent director of Man Group plc and acting chairman of UK Financial Investments Limited, the company set up by HM Treasury to manage the government’s shareholdings in UKBritish banks.

Marjorie Scardinojoined

John Fallon

Appointed on October 3, 2012. Member of the nomination committee.

John became Pearson’s chief executive on 1 January 2013. Since 2008 he had been responsible for the company’s education businesses outside North America, and a member of the Pearson boardmanagement committee.

He joined Pearson in January 1997. She trained and practised1997 as a lawyer,director of communications and was chiefappointed president of Pearson Inc., a role he combined with his communications responsibilities, in 2000. In 2003, he was appointed CEO of Pearson’s educational publishing businesses for Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMA) and gradually took on a broader international education brief. Prior to joining Pearson, John was director of corporate affairs at Powergen plc, where he was also a member of the company’s executive committee. Earlier in his career, John held senior public policy and communication roles in UK local government.

David Arculus

Appointed on February 28, 2006. Chairman of The Economist Group from 1993 until joining Pearson. Shethe remuneration committee and member of the audit and nomination committees.

David has experience in banking, telecommunications and publishing in a long career in business. Currently he is also vice chairman of Nokia Corporation and on the boards of several charitable organisations. In 2010 she was named a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

David Arculusis a non-executive director of Telefónica S.A. He is also chairman ofAldermore Bank plc, Numis Corporation plc, and in October 2010 was appointed chairmanthe Advisory Board of Aldermore Bank plc. Histhe British Library. David’s previous roles include chairmanthe chairmanship of O202 plc, Severn Trent plc and IPC Group, as well as chief operating officer of United Business Media plc and group managing director of EMAP plc. He becameplc and a non-executive director of Pearson in FebruaryTelefonica S.A. David served from 2002 to 2006 and isas chairman of the British government’s Better Regulation Task Force, which worked on reducing burdens on business.

Vivienne Cox

Appointed on January 1, 2012. Member of the audit, remuneration committee.

Patrick Cescauand nomination committees.

Vivienne has wide experience in energy, natural resources and business innovation. She worked for BP plc for 28 years, in Britain and continental Europe, in posts including executive vice president and chief executive of BP’s Gas, Power & Renewables business and its Alternative Energy unit. She is also non-executive director of mining company Rio Tinto plc, energy company BG Group plc, and Vallourec, which supplies tubular systems for the seniorenergy industry. She is also lead independent director of Tesco plc and a director of INSEAD,at the Business SchoolUK Department for the World. In September 2010, he joinedInternational Development. Vivienne also sits on the board of IAG,INSEAD and is a commissioner of the Airports Commission, which was set up by the UK government to examine any requirements for additional UK airport capacity.

Will Ethridge

Appointed on May 1, 2008.

Will has three decades of experience in education and educational publishing, including nearly a decade and a half at Pearson where he formerly headed our Higher Education, International Consolidated Airlines Group, S.A. He was previously group chief executive of Unilever. He became a non-executive director ofand Professional Publishing business. Prior to joining Pearson in April 20021998, Will was a senior executive at Prentice Hall and senior independent directorAddison-Wesley, and before that an editor at Little, Brown and Co where he published in April 2010.

the fields of economics and politics. Will Ethridgejoined the Pearsonis a board in May 2008, having held a number of senior positions within Pearson Education, including CEO of the Internationalmember and Higher Education divisions. He is chairman of CourseSmart, a publishers’ digital retail consortium andformer chairman of the Association of American Publishers.
Publishers (AAP) and board chairman of CourseSmart, a consortium of electronic textbook publishers.

Rona Fairheadjoined

Appointed on June 1, 2002.

Rona, who has headed the Financial Times Group since 2006 and is a former finance director of Pearson, will step down from the Pearson board and leave the company at the annual general meeting in June 2002 as chief financial officer.April 2013. She was appointed chief executive of The Financial Times Group in June 2006 and became responsible for Pearson VUE in March 2008.

      * Terry Burns retired from the Pearson plc board on April 30, 2010. CK Prahalad passed away on April 16, 2010. Joshua Lewis was appointed to the Pearson plc board effective March 1, 2011.


40


From 1996 until 2001, she served as executive vice president, group control and strategypreviously held senior management roles at ICI. She is also a non-executive director of HSBC Holdingsspecialty chemicals company ICI plc, and chairs the HSBC audit and risk committees. In December 2010 she was appointedin aerospace with Bombardier/Shorts. She has an MBA from Harvard Business School. Rona currently serves as a non-executive director of The Cabinet Office.
Office of UK Government and of HSBC Holdings plc, where she chairs the risk committee. She is also a member of the Cambridge University Library Visiting Committee. She was made a Commander of the British Empire in 2012.

Robin Freestone

Appointed on June 12, 2006.

Robin’s experience in management and accounting includes a previous role as group financial controller of Amersham plc (now part of General Electric) and senior financial positions with ICI plc, Zeneca and Henkel UK. He joined Pearson in 2004 as deputy chief financial officer and became chief financial officer in June 2006, when he also joined the Pearson board. He was previously group financial controller of Amersham plc (now part of GE). He2006. Robin qualified as a chartered accountant with Touche Ross (now Deloitte). He, and is alsocurrently a non-executive director and founder shareholder of eChem Limited.

Robin sits on the Advisory Group of the ICAEW’s Financial Reporting Committee and is chairman of The Hundred Group of Finance Directors.

Susan Fuhrmanis

Appointed on July 27, 2004. Member of the audit and nomination committees.

Susan’s extensive experience in education includes her current role as president of Teachers College at Columbia University, America’s oldest and largest graduate school of education andeducation. She is president of the National Academy of Education. SheEducation, and was previously dean of the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania and on the board of trustees of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. She became a non-executive director

Ken Hydon

Appointed on February 28, 2006. Chairman of Pearsonthe audit committee and member of the remuneration and nomination committees.

Ken’s experience in July 2004.

Ken Hydonfinance and business includes roles in electronics, consumer products and healthcare. He is a non-executive director of Reckitt Benckiser Group plc, Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trustone of the world’s leading manufacturers and marketers of branded products in household cleaning and health and personal care. From 2004 to 2013 he was a non-executive director of Tesco plc. HePreviously, Ken was previouslychief financial directorofficer of Vodafone Group plc and financial director of subsidiaries of Racal Electronics. He became a non-executive director of Pearson in February 2006 and is chairman

Josh Lewis

Appointed on March 1, 2011. Member of the audit committee.

Joshua Lewisand nomination committees.

Josh’s experience spans finance, education and the development of digital enterprises. He is managing principalfounder of Salmon River Capital LLC, a New York-based private equity/venture capital investment firm focused on technology-enabled businesses in education, financial services and is also an advisor toother sectors. Over a 25 year career in active, principal investing, he has been involved in a broad range of successful companies, including several pioneering enterprises in the education sector. In addition, he has long been active in the non-profit education sector, with associations including New Leaders, New Classrooms, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Next Generation Learning Challenges programme.Foundation. He was previouslyis also a general partnernon-executive director of eVestment and Axioma, both Warburg Pincusfinancial technology companies, Parchment, an education data company, and Forstmann Little, and served on the board of the Capella Education Company,PeriGen, a pioneering provider of web-based post-secondary education. He was also chair of New Leaders for New Schools, a social enterprise training the next generation of US urban principals, and remains involved with that organisation.

healthcare information technology provider.

John Makinsonjoined the Pearson board in

Appointed on March 199615, 1996.

John’s diverse background spans business, consultancy, financial journalism and publishing. He was finance director until June 2002. Heof Pearson before heading Penguin, and previously served as managing director of theFinancial Times newspaper, where he had earlier served as editor of the popular Lex column. John co-founded Makinson Cowell, an international financial consultancy, and was appointedvice chairman of The Penguin Group in May 2001. Hethe U.S. holding company of advertising firm Saatchi & Saatchi. John is also chairman of The Royalthe National Theatre and trusteehas been named chairman-designate of Penguin Random House, the Institute for Public Policy Research.

consumer publishing venture planned by Pearson and Bertelsmann.

Compensation of senior management

It is the role of the remuneration committee (the committee) to approve the remuneration and benefits packages of the executive directors the chief executives of the principal operating companies and other members of the Pearson Management Committee. The committee also takes note of the remuneration for those executives with base pay over a certain level, representing approximately the top 50 executives of the company.

Remuneration policy

Our goal as a company is to make an impact on people’s lives and on society through education and information. Our strategy to achieve that goal is pursued by all Pearson’s businesses in some shape or form and has four parts: investment in quality content; adding services to this content; working in markets around the world, particularly in the developing world; and efficiency.
An important measure of our strategy is financial performance. Our goal is to achieve sustainable growth in three key financial measures — earnings, cash and return on invested capital — and reliable cash returns to our investors through healthy and growing dividends. Therefore those measures, or others that contribute to them such as operating margins and working capital, form the basis of our annual budgets and plans, and the basis for bonuses and long-term incentives.

Our starting point continues to be that total remuneration (base compensation plus annual and long-term incentives) should reward both short and long-term results, delivering competitive rewards for target performance, but outstanding rewards for exceptional performance.

Our goal as a company performance. The performance conditionsis to be the world’s leading learning company and to help people of all ages make progress in their lives through all kinds of learning. Pearson’s strategy has for some years focused on growth in digital products, educational services and emerging markets. We are now accelerating the implementation of that strategy through: four global businesses, four types of geographic market and four business models.

In financial terms, Pearson’s goal is to achieve sustainable growth on three key financial goals — earnings, cash and return on invested capital and reliable cash returns to our investors through healthy and growing dividends. We believe those are, in concert, good indicators that we selectare building the long-term value of Pearson. So those measures (or others that contribute to them, such as sales, profit and working capital) form the basis of our annual budgets and plans, and the basis for the company’s various performance related annual orbonuses and long-term incentive plans are linked to the company’s strategic objectives set out above and aligned with the interests of shareholders.

incentives.

Total remuneration is made up of fixed and performance-linked elements, with each element supporting different objectives. Base salary helps to recruit, reward and retain people and reflects competitive market level, role, skills, experience and individual contribution. Allowances and benefits help to recruit and retain people and reflect the local competitive market. Retirement benefits help to recruit and retain people and recognize their long-term commitment to the company. Annual incentives motivate the achievement of annual strategic goals.goals and personal objectives, provide focus on key financial metrics and reward individual contribution to the success of the company. Long-term incentives help to recruit, reward and retain people, drive long-term earnings and share price growth and value creation, align interests of executives and shareholders, encourage long-term shareholding and commitment to the company and link corporate performance to management’s long-term reward in a flexible way. Bonus share matching encourages executive directors and other senior executives to acquire and hold Pearson shares and aligns executives’the interests of executives and shareholders’


41

shareholders.


For benchmarking purposes, we review remuneration by reference to three separate comparator groups. First, we use a select peer group of FTSE 100 companies with very substantial overseas operations, excluding financial services. These companies are of a range of sizes relative to Pearson, but the method our independent advisers, Towers Watson, use to make comparisons on remuneration takes this variation in size into account. Secondly, we look at a broad media industry group of US companies. And thirdly, we look at the FTSE 20-50, excluding financial services. We use these companies because they represent the wider executive talent pool from which we might expect to recruit externally and the pay market to which we might be vulnerable if our remuneration was not competitive.

interests. Long-term incentives drive long-term earnings and share price growth and value creation and align executives’ and shareholders’ interests.
Consistent with its policy, the committee places considerable emphasis on the performance-linked elements i.e. annual incentives, bonus share matching and long-term incentives. The committee will continue to review the mix of fixed and performance-linked remuneration on an annual basis, consistent with its overall philosophy.
We want our executive directors’

Base salary

Base salaries are normally reviewed annually for the following year, taking into account general economic and market conditions, the level of increases made across the company as a whole, the remuneration to be competitive with those of directors and executives in similar positions in comparable companies. For benchmarking purposes we review remuneration by reference to the UKcompanies and US market depending on the relevant market or markets for particular jobs. We look separately at three comparator groups:

First, we use a select peer group of FTSE 100 companies with very substantial overseas operations. These companies are of a range of sizes around Pearson, but the method our independent advisers use to make comparisons on remuneration takes this variation in size into account; secondly, for the US, we use a broad media industry group; and thirdly, we look at the FTSEindividual performance.

20-50, excluding financial services. We use these companies because they represent the wider executive talent pool from which we might expect to recruit externally and the pay market to which we might be vulnerable if our remuneration was not competitive.

Base salary
Our normal policy is to review salaries annually, consistent with the way we benchmark pay and taking into account the approach to pay across the company as a whole.
Allowances and benefits
It is the company’s policy that benefit programs should be

Allowances and benefits includes inter alia cash allowances and non-cash benefits such as health and welfare and car benefits. Allowances and benefits do not form part of pensionable earnings. The provision and level of allowances and benefits are competitive and appropriate in the context of the local labour market,market.

Retirement benefits

New employees in the UK are eligible to join the Money Purchase 2003 section of the Pearson Group Pension plan. New employees in the US are eligible to join the 401(k) plan.

Under the Money Purchase 2003 section of the Pearson Group Pension Plan in the UK, normal retirement is age 62 but, subject to company consent, retirement is currently possible from age 55 or earlier in the event of ill-health. During service, the company and the employee make contributions into a pension fund. Company contributions amount to up to 16% of pensionable salary (double the amount of the employee contribution, which is limited according to certain age bands). Account balances are used to provide benefits at retirement. Pensions for a member’s spouse, dependent children and/or nominated financial dependants are payable on death.

Under the 401(k) plan in the US, which is a defined contribution plan, account balances will be used to provide benefits at retirement. Company contributions amount to 100% of the first 3% of eligible compensation contributed by the employee and 50% of the next 3%, plus a basic annual company contribution of 1.25% of eligible compensation. Pearson Inc. pension Plan participants who were at least age 40 at December 31, 2001 can receive an additional 0.5% – 1.5% of pay. In the event of death before retirement, the account balances will be used to provide benefits for designated beneficiaries.

Longer serving directors with legacy arrangements may participate in the defined benefit Pearson Inc. Pension plan in the US or the Final Pay section of the Pearson Group Pension Plan in the UK, which are closed to new members.

Under the Final Pay section of the Pearson Group Pension Plan in the UK, normal retirement age is 62, but subject to company consent, retirement is currently possible from age 55 or earlier in the event of ill-health. During service, the employee makes a contribution of 5% of pensionable salary and the pension fund builds up based on final pensionable salary and pensionable service. The accrued pension is reduced on retirement prior to age 60. Pensions for a member’s spouse, dependent children and/or nominated financial dependants are payable on death.

In the US, the defined benefit Pearson Inc. Pension Plan provides a lump sum benefit that is convertible to an annuity on retirement. The lump sum benefit accrued at an age dependent percentage of capped compensation until December 31, 2001 when further benefit accruals ceased for most employees. Employees who satisfied criteria of age and service as of November 30, 1998 continue to earn benefits under an alternative formula that provides for 1.5% of final average earnings, adjusted for US Social Security. The benefit paid to these employees is the maximum of the lump sum benefit converted to an annuity and the benefit earned under the alternative final average earnings formula.

Members of the Pearson Group Pension Plan who joined after May 1989 are subject to an upper limit of earnings that can be used for pension purposes, known as the earnings cap. This limit, £108,600 as at April 6, 2006, was abolished by the Finance Act 2004. However the Pearson Group Pension Plan has retained its own ‘cap’, which will increase annually in line with the UK Government’s Index of Retail Prices (All Items). The cap was £137,400 as at April 6, 2012.

As a result of the UK Government’s A-Day changes effective from April 2006, UK executive directors and other members of the Pearson Group Pension Plan who are, or become, affected by the lifetime allowance are provided with a cash supplement as an international company we require executivesalternative to operate worldwidefurther accrual of pension benefits on a basis that is broadly

cost neutral to the company. Effective from April 6, 2011, the annual allowance (i.e. the maximum amount of pension saving that benefits from tax relief each year) reduced from £255,000 to £50,000. Effective April 6, 2012, the lifetime allowance (i.e. the maximum amount of pension and/or lump sum that can benefit from tax relief) reduced from £1.8m to £1.5m.

The pension entitlements of each director and recognize that recruitment also operates worldwide.

of Marjorie Scardino, chief executive through December 31, 2012, are as follows:

Marjorie

Scardino

Member of the Pearson Inc. Pension Plan (under which her benefit accruals ceased at the end of 2001) and the approved 401(k) plan. Until 2010, additional benefits were provided through an unfunded unapproved defined contribution plan. Since 2010, additional pension benefits are provided through a taxable and non-pensionable cash supplement in place of the unfunded plan, a funded defined contribution plan approved by HM Revenue and Customs as a corresponding plan, and amounts in the legacy unfunded plan. In aggregate, the cash supplement and contributions to the funded plan are based on a percentage of salary and a fixed cash amount index-linked to inflation. The notional cash balance of the legacy unfunded plan increases annually by a specified notional interest rate. The unfunded plan also provides the opportunity to convert a proportion of this notional cash account into a notional share account reflecting the value of a number of Pearson ordinary shares. The number of shares in the notional share account is determined by reference to the market value of Pearson shares at the date of conversion.
Will

Ethridge

Member of the Pearson Inc. Pension Plan (under which he continues to accrue benefits under the alternative formula because he satisfied criteria of age and service) and the approved 401(k) plan. He also participates in an unfunded, non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) that provides an annual accrual of 2% of final average earnings, less benefits accrued in the Pearson Inc. Pension Plan and US Social Security. Additional defined contribution benefits are provided through a funded, non-qualified Excess Plan.
Rona

Fairhead

Member of the Pearson Group Pension Plan. Her pension accrual rate is 1/30th of pensionable salary per annum, restricted to the plan earnings cap. Until April 2006, the company also contributed to a Funded Unapproved Retirement Benefits Scheme (FURBS) on her behalf. Since April 2006, she has received a taxable and non-pensionable cash supplement in replacement of the FURBS.
John

Fallon

Member of the Pearson Group Pension Plan. His pension accrual rate is 1/30th of pensionable salary per annum, restricted to the plan earnings cap. Until April 2006, the company also contributed to a Funded Unapproved Retirement Benefits Scheme (FURBS) on his behalf. Since April 2006, he has received a taxable and non-pensionable cash supplement in replacement of the FURBS.
Robin

Freestone

Member of the Money Purchase 2003 section of the Pearson Group Pension Plan. Company contributions are 16% of pensionable salary per annum, restricted to the plan earnings cap. Until April 2006, the company also contributed to a Funded Unapproved Retirement Benefits Scheme (FURBS) on his behalf. Since April 2006, he has received a taxable and non-pensionable cash supplement in replacement of the FURBS.
John

Makinson

Member of the Pearson Group Pension Plan under which his pensionable salary is restricted to the plan earnings cap. The company ceased contributions on 31 December 2001 to his FURBS arrangement and the benefits were withdrawn in 2012, reducing the benefits payable under the UURBS. During 2002 it set up an Unfunded Unapproved Retirement Benefits Scheme (UURBS) for him. The UURBS tops up the pension payable from the Pearson Group Pension Plan and the closed FURBS to target a pension of two-thirds of a revalued base salary on retirement at age 62. The revalued base salary is defined as £450,000 effective at 1 June 2002, increased at 1 January each year by reference to the increase in the UK Government’s Index of Retail Prices (All Items). In the event of his death a pension from the Pearson Group Pension Plan and the UURBS will be paid to his spouse or nominated financial dependant. Early retirement is currently possible from age 55, with company consent.

Annual incentives

The committee establishes the annual incentive plans for the executive directors and the chief executives of the company’s principal operating companies, including performance measures and targets. TheseAnnual incentive plans thenfor the Pearson Management Committee become the basis of the annual incentive plans below the level of the principal operating companies particularly with regard to theand establish performance measures used and standards and set the relationship between the relevant business unit operating plans and the incentive targets.

The committee will continue to review the annual incentive plans each year and to revise the performance measures, targets andceiling for individual incentive opportunities in lightopportunities.

Up to 90% of current conditions.

Annual incentive payments do not form part of pensionable earnings.
Performance Measures
Thetotal opportunity is based on financial performance measures relate toat the company’s main drivers of business performance at both the corporate operating company and business unit level. PerformanceUp to 50% of total opportunity is measured separately for each item. For eachbased on performance measure, theagainst personal objectives. The committee establishes thresholds,threshold, target and maximum levels of performance for different levels of payout.
A proportion (which Performance is measured separately for 2011 may be up to 30%)each item. Annual incentive payments do not form part of the total annual incentive opportunity for the executive directors and other members of the Pearson Management Committee is based on performance against personal objectives as agreed with the chief executive (or in this case the chief executive or chairman). These comprise functional, operational, strategic and non-financial objectives relevantpensionable earnings.

Annual incentives are subject to the executives’ specific areasachievement of responsibility andinter aliamay include objectives relating to environmental, social and governance issues.

For 2011 the principle financial performance measurestargets for Pearson plc are sales, operating profit (for the operating companies) and growth in underlying earnings per share for continuing operations at constant exchange rates (for Pearson plc) or operating profit (for the operating companies), average working capital as a ratio to sales, and operating cash flow. The selectionflow and weighting of the performance measures takes into account the strategicpersonal objectives. Personal objectives and the business priorities relevant to each operating company and to Pearson overall each year.


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The individual annual incentive opportunities for the executive directors other thanare agreed with the chief executive are expressed as % of base salary. The committee with(or, in the advicecase of the chief executive, determines the aggregate level of annual incentiveschairman) and individual incentive opportunities taking into account all relevant factors. These factors may include the profitability of the company, individual rolesbe functional, operational, strategic and responsibilities, market annual incentive levels,non-financial and the level of stretch in the performance targets.
For 2011, there are no changesincludeinter alia objectives relating to the targetenvironmental, social and maximum annual incentive opportunities forgovernance issues.

For the chief executive, which remain at 100% andmaximum opportunity is 180% respectively, of base salary (as in 2010).

salary. For the other members of the Pearson Management Committee, individual incentive opportunities take into account their membership of that committee and the relative contribution of their respective businesses or roleroles to Pearson’sthe company’s overall financial goals. Ingoals, with a maximum opportunity of up to 175% of salary. For the casechief executive and other members of the executive directors,Pearson Management Committee, there is normally no payout for performance at threshold. The performance range sets a careful balance between upside opportunity and downside risk and is normally based on targets in accordance with the target individual incentive opportunity for 2011 is in a range from 80% to 87.5% of base salary (as in 2010). The maximum opportunity remains at twice target (as in 2010).
The annualoperating plan. Annual incentive plans are discretionary and the committee reserves the right to make adjustments to payoutspayments up or down if it believes exceptional factors warrant doing so. The committee may also award individual discretionary incentive payments.
             
Name
 Pearson plc Operating company Personal objectives
 
Marjorie Scardino  90%     10%
Will Ethridge  30%  60%  10%
Rona Fairhead  30%  60%  10%
Robin Freestone  80%     20%
John Makinson  30%  60%  10%

Name

  Pearson plc  

Operating company

  Personal objectives 

Marjorie Scardino

   90 —     10

Will Ethridge

   30 60% (Pearson North America)   10

Rona Fairhead

   30 

50% (Professional Assessment & Training)

10% (FT Publishing)

   10

John Fallon

   30 60% (Pearson International)   10

Robin Freestone

   80 —     20

John Makinson

   30 

50% (Penguin Group)

10% (India)

   10

For Pearson plc, the performance measures were sales, earnings per share growth, average working capital to sales ratio and operating cash flow. Sales and operating cash flow were below threshold. Underlying growth in adjusted earnings per share at constant exchange rates was between threshold and target. Average working capital to sales ratio was between target and maximum.

For Pearson North America, the performance measures were sales, operating profit, average working capital as ato sales ratio and operating cash flow. Sales and operating profit were between threshold and target. Average working capital to sales ratio and operating cash flow were all above maximum. Sales were above target but below maximum.

threshold.

For North American Education,Professional Assessment and Training, the performance measures were sales, operating profit and average working capital as a ratio to sales and operating cash flow. Average working capital as a ratio to salesSales, operating profit and operating cash flow were above maximum. Sales and operating profit were above target but below maximum.

threshold.

For FT Publishing, the performance measures were sales, operating profit and operating cash flow. All performance measuresSales and operating profit were between target and maximum. Operating cash flow was above maximum.

For Pearson VUE,International, the performance measures were sales, operating profit, average working capital as a ratio to sales ratio and operating cash flow. Sales and operating profit were above target but below maximum. Performance across all other measuresbetween threshold and target. Average working capital to sales ratio was above maximum.

Operating cash flow was below threshold.

For Penguin Group, the performance measures were sales, operating profit, operating margin, average working capital as a ratio to sales ratio and operating cash flow. Sales were between threshold and target. Operating profit, operating margin and average working capital as a ration to sales were all above maximum. Salesratio and operating cash flow were above target but below maximum.

threshold.

Bonus share matching

In 2008, shareholders approved the renewal of the

The annual bonus share matching plan which permits executive directorswas first approved by shareholders in 1998 and senior executives aroundlast approved in 2008.

Senior managers across the company are invited to invest up to 50% of anytheir after-tax annual bonusincentive in Pearson shares.

Ifshares and hold these shares for three years, in return for the participant’s investedopportunity to earn additional free matching shares are held, they will be matched subject toand dividend shares, depending on performance against the earnings per share growth over the three-year performance period on a gross basis up to a maximum of one matching share for every one held i.e. the number of matching shares will be equal to the number of shares that could have been acquired with the amount of the pre-tax annual bonus taken in invested shares.
One matching share for every two invested shares held i.e. 50% of the maximum matching award, will be released if the company’s adjusted earnings per share increase in real terms by 3% per annum compound over the three-year performance period. One matching share for every one invested share held i.e. 100% of the maximum matching award, will be released if the company’s adjusted earnings per share increase in real terms by 5% per annum compound over the same period.


43


For real growth in adjusted earnings per share of between 3% and 5% per annum compound, the rate at which the participant’s invested shares will be matched will be calculated according to a straight-line sliding scale.
Real growth is calculated by reference to the UK Government’s Index of Retail Prices (All Items). We choose to test our earnings per share growth against UK inflation over three years to measure the company’s financial progress over the period to which the entitlement to matching shares relates.
condition. Where matching shares vest, in accordance with the plan, a participant willparticipants also receive additional shares representing the gross value of dividends that would have been paid on the matching shares during the performance period and re-invested.
reinvested.

The maximum matching award is equal to the number of shares that could have been acquired with the amount of pre-tax annual bonus invested in Pearson shares (i.e. one matching share for every one invested share, grossed up for tax). The maximum matching award is achieved if the company’s earnings per share increase in real terms by 5% per annum compound over the three-year performance period. 50% of the maximum matching award is released if the company’s adjusted earnings per share increase in real terms by 3% per annum compound over the same period. Matching shares are calculated on a straight-line basis for performance between threshold and maximum.

Earnings per share growth is calculated using the point-to-point method, which compares the adjusted earnings per share in the company’s accounts for the financial year ended prior to the grant date with the adjusted earnings per share for the financial year ending three years later and calculates the implicit compound annual growth rate over the period. Real growth is calculated by reference to the UK Government’s Retail Prices Index (All Items).

Long-term incentives

By separate resolution, shareholders are being asked to approve the renewal of the

The long-term incentive plan first introducedwas last approved by shareholders in 2001 and renewed again2011. Awards may be delivered in 2006. The committee has reviewed the operation of this plan in light of the company’s strategic goals. The committee has concluded that the plan is achieving its objectives and, looking forward, will continue to enable the company to recruit and retain the most able managers worldwide and to ensure their long-term incentives encourage outstanding performance and are competitive in the markets in which we operate. We are therefore seeking approval of its renewal on broadly its existing terms.

Subject to shareholders’ approval, executive directors, senior executives and other managers can participate in this plan which can deliver restricted stockshares and/or stock options. Approximately 6% of the company’s employees currently hold awards under this plan. The aim is to give the committee a range of tools with which to link corporate performance to management’s long-term reward in a flexible way. It share options, although it is not the committee’s intention to grant stockshare options in 2011.
Restricted stock granted tofor the foreseeable future.

Awards for executive directors vests only if stretching corporate performance targets over a specified period have been met. Awardsand other members of the Pearson Management Committee vest on a sliding scale based on performance over the period. There is no retesting.against stretching corporate performance targets, which are relative total shareholder return, return on invested capital and earnings per share growth. The committee determines the performance measures and targets governing an award of restricted stockshares prior to grant.

The performance measures that will apply for the executive directors for awards in 2011 and subsequent years will continue to be focused on delivering and improving returns to shareholders. These measures, which have applied since 2004, are relative total shareholder return (TSR), return on invested capital (ROIC) and earnings per share (EPS) growth.
Restricted stockshares may be granted without performance conditions to satisfy recruitment and retention objectives. Restricted stock awards that areobjectives, but not subject to performance conditions will not be granted to any of the current executive directors.
Pearson’s approach to

75% of the levelvested award is released at the end of individual awards takes into account athe three-year performance period and the remaining 25% only vests if the participant retains the after-tax number of factors. First, we take into account the face value of individual awards at the time of grant assuming that the performance targets are met in full. Secondly, we take into account the assessments by our independent advisers of market practiceshares for comparable companies and of directors’ total remuneration relative to the market. And thirdly, we take into account individual roles and responsibilities, and company and individual performance.

a further two years. Where shares vest, in accordance with the plan, participants also receive additional shares representing the gross value of dividends that would have been paid on these shares during the performance period and reinvested.
Pearson wishes Pearson’s reported financial results for the relevant periods are used to encourage executivesmeasure performance.

The committee has discretion to make adjustments taking into account exceptional factors that distort underlying business performance. In exercising such discretion, the committee is guided by the principle of aligning shareholder and managersmanagement interests. No such adjustments were made for performance periods ending in 2012.

We set the level of individual awards by taking into account:

the face value of individual awards at the time of grant, assuming that performance targets are met in full;

market practice for comparable companies and market assessments of total remuneration from our independent advisers;

individual roles and responsibilities; and

company and individual performance.

All employees (including executive directors) are also eligible to build up a long-term holdingparticipate in savings-related share acquisition programmes in the UK, US and rest of shares so as to demonstrate their commitment to the company. To achieve this, for awards of restricted stock thatworld, which are not subject to any performance conditions over a three-year period, a percentage of the award (normally 75%) vests at the end of the three-year period. The remainder of the award (normally 25%) only vests if the participant retains the after-tax number of shares that vest at year three for a further two years.

conditions.

There are limits on the amount of new-issue equity we can use. In any rolling ten-year period, no more than 10% of Pearson equity will be issued, or be capable of being issued, under all Pearson’s share plans, and no more than 5% of Pearson equity will be issued, or be capable of being issued, under executive or discretionary plans. In addition, for existing shares no more than 5% of Pearson equity may be held in trust at any time.


44


Shareholding policy
The committee expects executive

Executive directors are expected to build up a substantial shareholding in the company in line with the policy of encouraging widespread employee ownership. To complementShares that count towards these guidelines include any shares held unencumbered by the operation of the company’s long-term incentive arrangements, we will in future, operate formal shareholding guidelines for executive, directors.their spouse and/or dependent children plus any shares vested but held pending release under a restricted share plan. The target holding will be 200% of theis 2 times salary for the chief executive and 125% of1.25 times salary for the other executive directors, consistent with median practice in FTSE 100 companies that operateoperated such arrangements.

arrangements when the guideline was set.

Service agreements

The policy on executive directors’ service agreements was reviewed in 2008, 2010 and again in 2012.

In accordance with long established policy, all continuing executive directors have rolling service agreements under which, other than by termination in accordance with the terms of these agreements, employment continues until retirement.

The committee reviewed There are no special provisions for notice or compensation in the policy onevent of a change of control of Pearson. On termination of employment, executive service agreementsdirectors’ entitlements to any vested or unvested awards under Pearson’s discretionary share plans are treated in 2008 and again in 2010. Future executive director service agreements should provide thataccordance with the terms of the relevant plan.

The company may terminate theseexecutive directors’ service agreements by giving no more than 12 months’ notice. As an alternative, the company may at its discretion pay in lieu of that notice. Payment in lieu of notice may be made in instalments and may be subject to mitigation. In the case of the longerLonger serving directors with legacy employment agreements the compensation payable in circumstances whereare entitled to liquidated damages if the company terminates their agreement without notice or cause. For executive directors whose service will continue throughout 2013, compensation on termination of employment by the agreementscompany without notice or cause takes the form of liquidated damages.

There are no special provisions for notice, pay in lieu of notice or liquidated damages in the event of termination of employment in the event of a change of control of Pearson. On termination of employment, executive directors’ entitlements to any vested or unvested awards under Pearson’s discretionary share plans are treated in accordance with the termscomprises 100% of the relevant plan.
Retirement benefits
Executive directors participate in the pension arrangements set up for Pearson employees. Marjorie Scardino, Will Ethridge, John Makinson, Rona Fairhead and Robin Freestone will also have other retirement arrangements because of the cap on the amount of benefits that can be provided from the pension arrangements in the US and the UK.
The differences in the arrangements for the current executive directors reflect the different arrangements in the UK and the US and the changes in pension arrangements generally over the periods of their employment. Executive directors are entitled to life insurance cover while in employment, and to a pension in the event of ill-health or disability. A pension for their spouseand/or dependants is also available on death.
In the US, the defined benefit arrangement is the Pearson Inc. Pension Plan. This plan provides a lump sum convertible to an annuity on retirement. The lump sum accrued at 6% of capped compensation until December 31, 2001 when further benefit accruals ceased. Normal retirement age is 65 although early retirement is possible subject to a reduction for early payment. No increases are guaranteed for pensions in payment. There is a spouse’s pension on death in service and the option to provide a death in retirement pension by reducing the member’s pension.
The defined contribution arrangement in the US is a 401(k) plan. At retirement, the account balances will be used to provide benefits. In the event of death before retirement, the account balances will be used to provide benefits for dependants.
In the UK, the pension plan is the Pearson Group Pension Plan and executive directors participate in either the Final Pay or the Money Purchase 2003 section. Normal retirement age is 62, but, subject to company consent, retirement is currently possible from age 55. In the Final Pay section, the accrued pension is reduced on retirement prior to age 60. Pensions in payment are guaranteed to increase each year at 5% or the rise in inflation each year, if lower. Pensions for a member’s spouse, dependant childrenand/or nominated financial dependant are payable in the event of death. In the Money Purchase 2003 section the account balances are used to provide benefits at retirement. In the event of death before retirement pensions for a member’s spouse, dependant childrenand/or nominated financial dependant are payable.
Members of the Pearson Group Pension Plan who joined after May 1989 are subject to an upper limit of earnings that can be used for pension purposes, known as the earnings cap. This limit, £108,600 as at April 6, 2006, was abolished by the Finance Act 2004. However the Pearson Group Pension Plan has retained its own ‘cap’, which


45


will increase annually in line with the UK Government’s Index of Retail Prices (All Items). The cap was £123,600 as at April 6, 2010.
As a result of the UK Government’sA-Day changes effective from April 2006, UK executive directors and other members of the Pearson Group Pension Plan who are, or become, affected by the lifetime allowance are provided with a cash supplement as an alternative to further accrual of pension benefits on a basis that is broadly cost neutral to the company.
Marjorie Scardino
Marjorie Scardino participates in the Pearson Inc. Pension Plan and the approved 401(k) plan.
Since 2010, additional pension benefits are provided through: a taxable and non-pensionable cash supplement in place of the unfunded plan; a funded defined contribution plan approved by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) as a corresponding plan; and amounts in the legacy unfunded plan. In aggregate, the cash supplement and contributions to the funded plan are based on a percentage ofannual salary and a fixed cash amount index-linked to inflation. The notional cash balance of the legacy unfunded plan increases annually by a specified notional interest rate. The unfunded plan also provides the opportunity to convert a proportion of this notional cash account into a notional share account reflecting the value of a number of Pearson ordinary shares. The number of shares in the notional share account is determined by reference to the market value of Pearson shares at the date of conversion.
Will Ethridge
Will Ethridge is a member of the Pearson Inc. Pension Plantermination and the approved 401(k) plan. He also participates in an unfunded, non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) that provides an annual accrualcost of 2% of final average earnings, less benefits accrued in the Pearson Inc. Pension Planpension and US Social Security. Additional defined contribution benefits are provided through a funded, non-qualified Excess Plan.
all other benefits.

Rona Fairhead

Rona Fairhead is a member of the Pearson Group Pension Plan. Her pension accrual rate is 1/30th of pensionable salary per annum, restricted to the plan earnings cap. Until April 2006, the company also contributed to a Funded Unapproved Retirement Benefits Scheme (FURBS) on her behalf. Since April 2006, she has received a taxable and non-pensionable cash supplement in replacement of the FURBS.
Robin Freestone
Robin Freestone is a member of the Money Purchase 2003 section of the Pearson Group Pension Plan. Company contributions are 16% of pensionable salary per annum, restricted to the plan earnings cap. Until April 2006, the company also contributed to a Funded Unapproved Retirement Benefits Scheme (FURBS) on his behalf. Since April 2006, he has received a taxable and non-pensionable cash supplement in replacement of the FURBS.
John Makinson
John Makinson is a member of the Pearson Group Pension Plan under which his pensionable salary is restricted to the plan earnings cap. The company ceased contributions on December 31, 2001 to his FURBS arrangement. During 2002 it set up an Unfunded Unapproved Retirement Benefits Scheme (UURBS) for him. The UURBS tops up the pension payable from the Pearson Group Pension Plan and the closed FURBS to target a pension of two-thirds of a revalued base salary on retirement at age 62. The revalued base salary is defined as £450,000 effective at June 1, 2002, increased at January 1, each year by reference to the increase in the UK Government’s Index of Retail Prices (All Items). In the event of his death a pension from the Pearson Group Pension Plan, the FURBS and the UURBS will be paid to his spouse or nominated financial dependant. Early retirement is currently possible from age 55, with company consent.
The pension is reduced to reflect the shorter service, and before age 60, further reduced for early payment.
Executive directors’ non-executive directorships

Our policy is that executive directors may, by agreement with the board, serve as non-executives of other companies and retain any fees payable for their services.


46


The following executive directors served as non-executive directors elsewhere and received fees or other benefits for the period covered by this report as follows: Marjorie Scardino (Nokia Corporation and MacArthur Foundation); and Rona Fairhead (HSBC Holdings plc and Spencer Stuart Advisory Board)plc).

Chairman’s remuneration

Our

The committee’s policy is that the chairman’s pay should be set at a level that is competitive with those of chairmen in similar positions in comparable companies. He is not entitled to any annual or long-term incentive, retirement or other benefits.

There were no changes

Following the committee’s last review in 2010, the chairman’s remuneration in 2010. Withwas increased to its current level with effect from 1 January 2007, his remuneration was £450,000 per year. We reviewed the chairman’s remuneration at the end of 2010 and agreed that this would be increased to £500,000 per year with effect from April 1, 2011. The next review will take place in three years’ time.

April 2014.

Non-executive directors

Fees for non-executive directors are determined by the full board having regard to market practice and within the restrictions contained in Pearson’s Articles of Association. Non-executive directors receive no other pay or benefits (other than reimbursement for expenses incurred in connection with their directorship of Pearson) and do not participate in Pearson’s equity-based incentive plans.

With effect from July 1, 2010, the structure and fees are as follows:

   Fees payable from
July 1, 2010 (£)
 

Non-executive director fee

   65,000  

Chairmanship of audit committee

   25,000  

Chairmanship of remuneration committee

   20,000  

Membership of audit committee

   10,000  

Membership of remuneration committee

   5,000  

Senior independent director

   20,000  

A minimum of 25% of the basic fee is paid in Pearson shares that the non-executive directors have committed to retain for the period of their directorships.

Non-executive directors serve Pearson under letters of appointment and do not have service contracts. There is no entitlement to compensation on the termination of their directorships.

Remuneration of senior management

Excluding contributions to pension funds and related benefits, senior management remuneration for 20102012 was as follows:

                     
  Salaries/
  Annual
          
  Fees  Incentive  Allowances(1)  Benefits(2+3)  Total 
  £000  £000  £000  £000  £000 
 
Non-executive Chairman
                    
Glen Moreno  450            450 
Executive directors
                    
Marjorie Scardino  969   1,606   70   17   2,662 
Will Ethridge  661   1,010         1,671 
Rona Fairhead  516   826   12   19   1,373 
Robin Freestone  460   685   7   6   1,158 
John Makinson  536   801   232   6   1,575 
                     
Senior management as a group
  3,592   4,928   321   48   8,889 
                     


47


   Salaries/
Fees
   Annual
Incentive
   Allowances(1)   Benefits(2)   Total 
   £000   £000   £000   £000   £000 

Non-executive Chairman

          

Glen Moreno

   500     —       —       —       500  

Executive directors

          

Marjorie Scardino

   993     432     60     65     1,550  

Will Ethridge

   658     293     —       —       951  

Rona Fairhead

   529     192     —       25     746  

John Fallon (appointed 3 October 2012)

   146     63     —       4     213  

Robin Freestone

   500     252     —       15     767  

John Makinson

   549     238     211     16     1,014  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Senior management as a group

   3,875     1,470     271     125     5,741  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Notes:

Notes:
(1)Allowances for Marjorie Scardino include £45,005£49,570 in respect of housing costs and a US payroll supplement of £11,754.£9,985. John Makinson is entitled to a location and market premium in relation to the management of the business of the Penguin Group in the US and received £218,653£210,937 for 2010.2012.
(2)Benefits include company car, car allowance and UK health care premiums. US health and welfare benefits for Marjorie Scardino and Will Ethridge are self-insured and the company cost after employee contributions, is tax free to employees. For Marjorie Scardino, benefits include £15,450£48,600 for pension planning and financial advice. Marjorie Scardino, Rona Fairhead and John Makinson have the use of a chauffeur.
(3)  No amounts as compensation for loss of office and no expense allowances chargeable to UK income tax were paid during the year.

Share options of senior management

This table sets forth for each director the number of share options held as of December 31, 20102012 as well as the exercise price, rounded to the nearest whole pence/cent, and the range of expiration dates of these options.

           
  Number of
   Exercise
 Earliest
  
Director
 Options (2) Price Exercise Date Expiry Date
 
Marjorie Scardino 1,672 a 547.2p 08/01/12 02/01/13
  41,550 b* 1421.0p 05/09/02 05/09/11
  41,550 b* 1421.0p 05/09/03 05/09/11
  41,550 b* 1421.0p 05/09/04 05/09/11
  41,550 b* 1421.0p 05/09/05 05/09/11
           
Total
 167,872        
           
Will Ethridge 11,010 b* $21.00 05/09/02 05/09/11
  11,010 b* $21.00 05/09/03 05/09/11
  11,010 b* $21.00 05/09/04 05/09/11
  11,010 b* $21.00 05/09/05 05/09/11
           
Total
 44,040        
           
Rona Fairhead 2,371 a 690.4p 08/01/12 02/01/13
  20,000 b* 822.0p 11/01/02 11/01/11
  20,000 b* 822.0p 11/01/03 11/01/11
  20,000 b* 822.0p 11/01/04 11/01/11
           
Total
 62,371        
           
Robin Freestone 1,757 a 534.8p 08/01/11 02/01/12
           
Total
 1,757        
           
John Makinson 19,785 b* 1421.0p 05/09/02 05/09/11
  19,785 b* 1421.0p 05/09/03 05/09/11
  19,785 b* 1421.0p 05/09/04 05/09/11
  19,785 b* 1421.0p 05/09/05 05/09/11
           
Total
 79,140        
           

Director

Number of
Options(2)
Exercise
Price
Earliest
Exercise Date
Expiry Date

Marjorie Scardino

1,672547.2p08/01/1202/01/13

Total

1,672

John Fallon

1,930805.6p08/01/1502/01/16

Total

1,930

Robin Freestone

990909.0p08/01/1502/01/16

Total

990

Notes:

(1)No variations to the terms and conditions of share options were made during the year.
(2)EachThe plan is described below.
a Worldwidesave for shares — The acquisition of shares under the worldwide save for shares plan is not subject to the satisfaction of a performance target.condition.
b    Long-term incentive — All options that remain outstanding are exercisable and lapse if they remain unexercised at the tenth anniversary of the date of grant.
*    Where options are exercisable.
(3)Marjorie Scardino contributescontributed US$1,000 per month (the maximum allowed) to the US employee stock purchase plan. The terms of this plan allow participants to make monthly contributions for 6six month periods


48


and to acquire shares twice annually at the end of these periods at a price that is the lower of the market price at the beginning or the end of each period, both less 15%.
(4)The market price on December 31, 20102012 was 1,008.0p1,188p per share and the range during the year was 855.0p1,111.0p to 1,051.0p.1,294.0p.

Share ownership of senior management

The table below sets forth the number of ordinary shares and restricted shares held by each of our directors as at February 28, 2011.2013. Additional information with respect to share options held by, and bonus awards for, these persons is set out above in “Remuneration of Senior Management” and “Share Options of Senior Management”. The total number of ordinary shares held by senior management as of February 28, 20112013 was 2,735,2202,286,433 representing less than 1% of the issued share capital on February 28, 2011.

         
  Ordinary
  Restricted
 
As at February 28, 2011
 shares(1)  shares(2) 
 
Glen Moreno  150,000    
Marjorie Scardino  1,107,118   1,641,511 
David Arculus  14,053    
Terry Burns (stepped down on April 30, 2010 )  12,222    
Patrick Cescau  6,282    
Will Ethridge  333,395   665,820 
Rona Fairhead  342,669   467,143 
Robin Freestone  193,954   560,526 
Susan Fuhrman  11,363    
Ken Hydon  10,715    
John Makinson  551,039   446,042 
CK Prahalad (deceased April 16, 2010)  2,410    
2013.

As at February 28, 2013

  Ordinary
shares(1)
   Restricted
shares(2)
 

Glen Moreno

   150,000     —    

John Fallon

   218,546     429,718  

David Arculus

   15,560     —    

Vivienne Cox

   670     —    

Will Ethridge

   505,635     437,118  

Rona Fairhead

   440,522     408,593  

Robin Freestone

   408,814     441,762  

Susan Fuhrman

   14,476     —    

Ken Hydon

   17,111     —    

Josh Lewis

   4,886     —    

John Makinson

   510,213     368,593  

Notes:

(1)Ordinary shares include both ordinary shares listed on the London Stock Exchange and American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The figures include both shares and ADRs acquired by individuals investing part of their own after-tax annual bonus in Pearson shares under the annual bonus share matching plan.
(2)From 2004, Marjorie Scardino is also deemed to be interested in a further number of shares under her unfunded pension arrangement described in this report, which provides the opportunity to convert a proportion of her notional cash account into a notional share account reflecting the value of a number of Pearson shares.
(3)The register of directors’ interests (which is open to inspection during normal office hours) contains full details of directors’ shareholdings and options to subscribe for shares. The market price on December 31, 20102012 was 1,008.0p1,188p per share and the range during the year was 855.0p1,111.0p to 1,051.0p.1,294.0p.
(4)At December 31, 2010, Patrick Cescau held 168,000 Pearson bonds.
(5)(3)Ordinary shares do not include any shares vested but held pending release under a restricted share plan.

Employee share ownership plans

Worldwide save for shares and US employee share purchase plans

In 1998, we introduced a worldwide save for shares plan. Under this plan, our employees around the world have the option to save a portion of their monthly salary over periods of three, five or seven years. At the end of this period, the employee has the option to purchase ordinary shares with the accumulated funds at a purchase price equal to 80% of the market price prevailing at the commencement of the employee’s participation in the plan.

In the United States, this plan operates as a stock purchase plan under Section 423 of the US Internal Revenue Code of 1986. This plan was introduced in 2000 following Pearson’s listing on the New York Stock Exchange. Under it, participants save a portion of their monthly salary over six month periods, at the end of which they have the


49


option to purchase ADRs with their accumulated funds at a purchase price equal to 85% of the lower of the market price prevailing at the beginning or end of the period.

Board practices

Our board currently comprises the chairman, who is a part-time non-executive director, five executive directors and five non-executive directors. Our articles of association provide that at every annual general meeting, one-third of the board of directors, or the number nearest to one-third, shall retire from office. The directors to retire each year are the directors who have been longest in office since their last election or appointment. A retiring director is eligible for re-election. If at any annual general meeting, the place of a retiring director is not filled, the retiring director, if willing, is deemed

to have been re-elected, unless at or prior to such meeting it is expressly resolved not to fill the vacated office, or unless a resolution for the re-election of that director has been put to the meeting and lost. Our articles of association also provide that every director be subject to re-appointment by shareholders at the next annual general meeting following their appointment.

However since 2008, in accordance with good corporate governance,the UK Corporate Governance Code, the board has resolved that all directors should offer themselves for re-election on an annual basis at the company’s annual general meeting. Accordingly, all of the directors will offer themselves for re-election, (or re-appointment in the case of directors who were appointed since the last meeting), at the forthcoming annual general meeting on 2826 April 2011.

2013.

Pearson is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). As a listed non-US issuer, we are required to comply with some of the NYSE’s corporate governance rules, and otherwise must disclose on our website any significant ways in which our corporate governance practices differ from those followed by US companies under the NYSE listing standards. At this time, the Company believes that it is in compliance in all material respects with all the NYSE rules except that the Nomination Committee is not composed entirely of independent directors, and that it is the full board, not the Nomination Committee, that develops and recommends corporate governance principles.

The board of directors has established the following formal committees, all of which report to the board. Each committee has its own written terms of reference setting out theirits authority and duties. These can be found on our website (www.pearson.com/investors/shareholder-information/governance).

Audit committee

This committee provides the board with a vehicle to appraise our financial management and reporting and to assess the integrity of our accounting procedures and financial controls. Ken Hydon chairs this committee and its other members are David Arculus, Patrick Cescau, Susan Fuhrman, Josh Lewis and Joshua Lewis.Vivienne Cox. Ken Hydon is also the designated audit committee financial expert within the meaning of the applicable rules and regulations of the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Our internal and external auditors have direct access to the committee to raise any matter of concern and to report the results of work directed by the committee.

Remuneration committee

This committee meets regularly to decide the remuneration and benefits of the executive directors and the chief executives of our three operating divisions.executive committee. The committee also recommends the chairman’s remuneration to the board of directors for its decision and reviews management development and succession plans. David Arculus chairs this committee and its other members are Patrick Cescau, Glen Moreno, Ken Hydon and Ken Hydon.

Vivienne Cox.

Nomination committee

This committee meets from time to time as necessary to consider the appointment of new directors. The committee is chaired by Glen Moreno and comprises Marjorie ScardinoJohn Fallon and all of the non-executive directors.

Employees

The average number of persons employed by us in continuing operations during each of the three fiscal years ended 20102012 were as follows:

42,980 in fiscal 2012,

37,964 in fiscal 2011, and

• 36,317 in fiscal 2010,


50

32,847 in fiscal 2010.


• 34,705 in fiscal 2009, and
• 31,171 in fiscal 2008.
We, through our subsidiaries, have entered into collective bargaining agreements with employees in various locations. Our management has no reason to believe that we would not be able to renegotiate any such agreements on satisfactory terms. We encourage employees to contribute actively to the business in the context of their particular job roles and believe that the relations with our employees are generally good.

The table set forth below shows for 2010, 20092012, 2011 and 20082010 the average number of persons employed in each of our operating divisions.

             
Average number employed
 2010  2009  2008 
 
North American Education  14,828   15,606   15,412 
International Education  10,713   8,899   5,718 
Professional  3,721   2,662   2,641 
FT Group  2,557   2,328   2,379 
Penguin  3,470   4,163   4,112 
Other  1,028   1,047   909 
             
Continuing operations  36,317   34,705   31,171 
             

Average number employed

  2012   2011   2010 

North American Education

   18,552     16,133     14,828  

International Education

   16,751     13,646     10,713  

Professional

   3,706     4,561     3,721  

FT Group

   3,088     2,765     2,557  

Other

   883     859     1,028  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Continuing operations

   42,980     37,964     32,847  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The average number employed in discontinued operations was 2,4594,542 in 20092012, 3,557 in 2011, and 2,5093,470 in 2008.

2010.

ITEM 7.MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
To our knowledge, as of

As at February 28, 2011,2013, the beneficial ownerscompany had been notified under the Financial Services Authority’s Disclosure and Transparency Rules of 3% or more of our issued and outstanding ordinary share capital were as follows:

         
    % of outstanding
    ordinary shares
    represented by
  Number of ordinary
 number of shares
Name of shareholder
 shares held held
 
Legal & General Group plc  32,300,784   3.98%
Libyan Investment Authority  24,431,000   3.01%
the following significant voting rights in its shares:

Name of shareholder

  Number of ordinary
shares held
   % of outstanding
ordinary shares
represented by
number of shares
held
 

BlackRock, Inc.

   40,975,445     5.01

Legal & General Group plc

   32,385,175     3.98

Libyan Investment Authority

   24,431,000     3.01

On February 28, 2011,2013, record holders with registered addresses in the United States held 48,543,47144,297,234 ADRs, which represented 5.97%5.4% of our outstanding ordinary shares. Some of these ADRs are held by nominees and so these numbers may not accurately represent the number of beneficial owners in the United States.

Loans and equity advanced to joint ventures and associates during the year and as at December 31, 20102012 are shown in note 12 in “Item 18. Financial Statements.” Dividends receivable from joint ventures and associates are set out in note 12 in “Item 18. Financial Statements”. There were no other related party transactions in 2010.


51

2012.


ITEM 8.FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The financial statements filed as part of this Annual Report are included on pages F-1 through F-69F-68 hereof.

Other than those events described in note 3538 in “Item 18. Financial Statements” of thisForm 20-F and seasonal fluctuations in borrowings, there has been no significant change to our financial condition or results of operations since December 31, 2010.2012. Our borrowings fluctuate by season due to the effect of the school year on the working capital requirements of the educational book business. Assuming no acquisitions or disposals, our maximum level of net debt normally occurs in July, and our minimum level of net debt normally occurs in December.

Our policy with respect to dividend distributions is described in response to “Item 3. Key Information” above.

ITEM 9.THE OFFER AND LISTING

The principal trading market for our ordinary shares is the London Stock Exchange. Our ordinary shares also trade in the United States in the form of ADSs evidenced by ADRs under a sponsored ADR facility with The Bank of New York Mellon, as depositary. We established this facility in March 1995 and amended it in August 2000 in connection with our New York Stock Exchange listing. Each ADS represents one ordinary share.

The ADSs trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “PSO”.

The following table sets forth the highest and lowest middle market quotations, which represent the average of closing bid and asked prices, for the ordinary shares, as derived from the Daily Official List of the London Stock Exchange and the average daily trading volume on the London Stock Exchange:

on an annual basis for our five most recent fiscal years,

on a quarterly basis for our most recent quarter and two most recent fiscal years, and

on a monthly basis for the six most recent months.

    Ordinary
shares
   Average daily
trading volume
 

Reference period

  High   Low   
   (In pence)   (Ordinary shares) 

Five most recent fiscal years

      

2012

   1294     1111     2,174,000  

2011

   1222     983     2,012,900  

2010

   1051     855     2,424,600  

2009

   893     578     4,030,500  

2008

   733     519     4,758,300  

Most recent quarter and two most recent fiscal years

      

2012 Fourth quarter

   1255     1168     1,942,100  

Third quarter

   1294     1162     2,085,800  

Second quarter

   1266     1111     2,325,300  

First quarter

   1255     1155     2,393,700  

2011 Fourth quarter

   1222     1069     1,866,800  

Third quarter

   1207     1038     2,335,900  

Second quarter

   1176     1087     1,904,400  

First quarter

   1105     983     1,929,400  

Most recent six months

      

February 2013

   1222     1145     2,635,300  

January 2013

   1238     1168     2,530,600  

December 2012

   1208     1175     1,705,500  

November 2012

   1252     1168     2,063,100  

October 2012

   1255     1204     2,048,600  

September 2012

   1232     1162     2,486,000  

ITEM 10.
• on an annual basis for our five most recent fiscal years,
• on a quarterly basis for our most recent quarter and two most recent fiscal years, and
• on a monthly basis for the six most recent months.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
             
  Ordinary
  
  shares Average daily
Reference period
 High Low trading volume
  (In pence) (Ordinary shares)
 
Five most recent fiscal years
            
2010  1051   855   2,424,600 
2009  893   578   4,030,500 
2008  733   519   4,758,300 
2007  915   695   6,405,600 
2006  811   671   5,004,500 
Most recent quarter and two most recent fiscal years
            
2010 Fourth quarter  1034   926   2,126,500 
Third quarter  1029   864   2,167,800 
Second quarter  1051   888   2,967,400 
First quarter  1037   855   2,466,700 
2009 Fourth quarter  893   755   2,777,200 
Third quarter  777   578   3,158,500 
Second quarter  733   600   4,554,700 
First quarter  714   584   5,695,700 
Most recent six months
            
February 2011  1064   1013   1,524,200 
January 2011  1066   983   2,075,800 
December 2010  1034   961   1,673,100 
November 2010  974   926   1,909,900 
October 2010  1009   948   2,806,800 
September 2010  1022   985   1,877,000 


52


ITEM 10.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Articles of association

We summarize below the material provisions of our articles of association, as amended, which have been filed as an exhibit to our annual report onForm 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2010.2012. The summary below is qualified entirely by reference to the Articles of Association. We have multiple business objectives and purposes and are authorized to do such things as the board may consider fit to further our interests or incidental or conducive to the attainment of our objectives and purposes.

Directors’ powers

Our business shall be managed by the board of directors and the board may exercise all such of our powers as are not required by law or by the Articles of Association or by any directions given by the Company by special resolution, to be exercised in a general meeting.

Interested directors

For the purposes of section 175 of the Companies Act 2006 the board may authorize any matter proposed to it which would, if not so authorized, involve a breach of duty by a Director under that section, including, without limitation, any matter which relates to a situation in which a Director has, or can have, an interest which conflicts, or possibly may conflict, with the interests of the Company. Any such authorization will be effective only if:

 (a)any requirement as to quorum at the meeting at which the matter is considered is met without counting the Director in question or any other interested Director; and

 (b)the matter was agreed to without their voting or would have been agreed to if their votes had not been counted.

The board may (whether at the time of the giving of the authorization or subsequently) make any such authorization subject to any limits or conditions it expressly imposes but such authorization is otherwise given to the fullest extent permitted. The board may vary or terminate any such authorization at any time.

Provided that he has disclosed to the board the nature and extent of his interest, a Director notwithstanding his office:

 (a)may be a party to, or otherwise interested in, any transaction or arrangement with the Company or in which the Company is otherwise (directly or indirectly) interested;

 (b)may act by himself or his firm in a professional capacity for the Company (otherwise than as auditor) and he or his firm shall be entitled to remuneration for professional services as if he were not a Director;

 (c)may be a director or other officer of, or employed by, or a party to a transaction or arrangement with, or otherwise interested in, any body corporate in which the Company is otherwise (directly or indirectly) interested.

A Director shall not, by reason of his office, be accountable to the Company for any remuneration or other benefit which he derives from any office or employment or from any transaction or arrangement or from any interest in any body corporate:

 (a)the acceptance, entry into or existence of which has been approved by the board (subject, in any such case, to any limits or conditions to which such approval was subject); or

 (b)which he is permitted to hold or enter into by virtue of paragraph (a), (b) or (c) above;

nor shall the receipt of any such remuneration or other benefit constitute a breach of his duty under section 176 of the Act.

A Director shall be under no duty to the Company with respect to any information which he obtains or has obtained otherwise than as a director of the Company and in respect of which he owes a duty of confidentiality to another person. However, to the extent that his relationship with that other person gives rise to a conflict of interest


53


or possible conflict of interest, which has been approved by the board: the director shall not be in breach of the general duties he owes to the Company by virtue of sections 171 to 177 of the Act because he fails:

 (a)to disclose any such information to the board or to any Director or other officer or employee of the Company; and/or

 (b)to use or apply any such information in performing his duties as a Director of the Company.

Where the existence of a Director’s relationship with another person has been approved by the board and his relationship with that person gives rise to a conflict of interest or possible conflict of interest, the Director shall not be in breach of the general duties he owes to the Company by virtue of sections 171 to 177 of the Act because he:

 (a)absents himself from meetings of the board at which any matter relating to the conflict of interest or possible conflict of interest will or may be discussed or from the discussion of any such matter at a meeting or otherwise; and/or

 (b)makes arrangements not to receive documents and information relating to any matter which gives rise to the conflict of interest or possible conflict of interest sent or supplied by the Companyand/or for such documents and information to be received and read by a professional adviser, for so long as he reasonably believes such conflict of interest or possible conflict of interest subsists.
for so long as he reasonably believes such conflict of interest or possible conflict of interest subsists.

Except as stated below, a Director shall not vote in respect of any contract or arrangement or any other proposal whatsoever in which he has an interest which is, to his knowledge, a material interest, otherwise than by virtue of his interests in shares or debentures or other securities of or otherwise in or through the Company. A Director shall not be counted in the quorum at a meeting of the Board in relation to any resolution on which he is debarred from voting.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a director will be entitled to vote, and be counted in the quorum, on any resolution concerning any of the following matters:

the giving of any guarantee, security or indemnity in respect of money lent or obligations incurred by him or by any other person at the request of or for the benefit of the Company or any of its subsidiaries;

the giving of any guarantee, security or indemnity to a third party in respect of a debt or obligation of the Company or any of its subsidiaries for which he himself has assumed responsibility in whole or in part and whether alone or jointly with others under a guarantee or indemnity or by the giving of security;

• the giving of any guarantee, security or indemnity in respect of money lent or obligations incurred by him or by any other person at the request of or for the benefit of the Company or any of its subsidiaries;
• the giving of any guarantee, security or indemnity to a third party in respect of a debt or obligation of the Company or any of its subsidiaries for which he himself has assumed responsibility in whole or in part and whether alone or jointly with others under a guarantee or indemnity or by the giving of security;
• any proposal relating to the Company or any of its subsidiary undertakings where it is offering securities in which offer a Director is or may be entitled to participate as a holder of securities or in the underwriting orsub-underwriting of which a Director is to participate;
• any proposal relating to another company in which he and any persons connected with him do not to his knowledge hold an interest in shares (as that term is used in sections 820 to 825 of the Act) representing one per cent or more of either any class of the equity share capital, or the voting rights, in such company;
• any proposal relating to an arrangement for the benefit of the employees of the Company or any of its subsidiary undertakings which does not award him any privilege or benefit not generally awarded to the employees to whom such arrangement relates; and
• any proposal concerning insurance that we propose to maintain or purchase for the benefit of directors or for the benefit of persons, including directors.

any proposal relating to the Company or any of its subsidiary undertakings where it is offering securities in which offer a Director is or may be entitled to participate as a holder of securities or in the underwriting or sub-underwriting of which a Director is to participate;

any proposal relating to another company in which he and any persons connected with him do not to his knowledge hold an interest in shares (as that term is used in sections 820 to 825 of the Companies Act 2006) representing one per cent. or more of either any class of the equity share capital, or the voting rights, in such company;

any proposal relating to an arrangement for the benefit of the employees of the Company or any of its subsidiary undertakings which does not award him any privilege or benefit not generally awarded to the employees to whom such arrangement relates; and

any proposal concerning insurance that we propose to maintain or purchase for the benefit of directors or for the benefit of persons, including directors.

Where proposals are under consideration concerning the appointment of two or more directors to offices or employment with us or any company in which we are interested, these proposals may be divided and considered separately and each of these directors, if not prohibited from voting under the provisions of the eighth paragraph before this one, will be entitled to vote and be counted in the quorum with respect to each resolution except that concerning his or her own appointment.


54


Borrowing powers

The board of directors may exercise all powers to borrow money and to mortgage or charge our undertaking, property and uncalled capital and to issue debentures and other securities, whether outright or as

collateral security for any of our or any third party’s debts, liabilities or obligations. The board of directors must restrict the borrowings in order to secure that the aggregate amount of undischarged monies borrowed by us (and any of our subsidiaries), but excluding any intra-group debts, shall not at any time (without the previous sanction of the Company in the form of an ordinary resolution) exceed a sum equal to twice the aggregate of the adjusted capital and reserves.

Other provisions relating to directors

Under the articles of association, directors are paid out of our funds for their services as we may from time to time determine by ordinary resolution and, in the case of non-executive directors, up to an aggregate of £750,000 or such other amounts as resolved by the shareholders at a general meeting. Directors currently are not required to hold any share qualification.

From April 6, 2007 under the Companies Act 2006, the maximum age limit for directors of PLCs, which was 70, has been removed.

Annual general meetings

In every year the Company must hold an annual general meeting (‘AGM’) (within a period of not more than 15 months after the date of the preceding annual general meeting)AGM) at a place and time determined by the board. The following matters are usually considered at an annual general meeting:

approving final dividends;

consideration of the accounts and balance sheet;

• approving final dividends;
• consideration of the accounts and balance sheet;
• ordinary reports of the board of directors and auditors and any other documents required to be annexed to the balance sheet;
• the re-appointment or re-election of directors;
• appointment or reappointment of, and authorizing the directors to determine the remuneration of, the auditors; and
• the renewal, limitation, extension, variation or grant of any authority to the board in relation to the allotment of securities.

ordinary reports of the board of directors and auditors and any other documents required to be annexed to the balance sheet;

as holders of ordinary shares vote for the election of one-third of the members of the board of directors at every annual general meeting, the appointment or election of directors in the place of those retiring by rotation or otherwise;

appointment or reappointment of, and determination of the remuneration of, the auditors; and

the renewal, limitation, extension, variation or grant of any authority to the board in relation to the allotment of securities.

The board may call a general meeting whenever it thinks fit. If at any time there are not within the United Kingdom sufficient directors capable of acting to form a quorum, any director or any two members may convene a general meeting in the same manner as nearly as possible as that in which meetings may be convened by the board.

No business shall be dealt with at any general meeting unless a quorum is present when the meeting proceeds to business. Three members present in person and entitled to vote shall be a quorum for all purposes. A corporation being a member shall be deemed to be personally present if represented by its duly authorized representative.

If a quorum for a meeting convened at the request of shareholders is not present within fifteen minutes of the appointed time, the meeting will be dissolved. In any other case, the general meeting will be adjourned to the same day in the next week, at the same time and place, or to a time and place that the chairman fixes. If at that rescheduled meeting a quorum is not present within fifteen minutes from the time appointed for holding the meeting, the shareholders present in person or by proxy will be a quorum. The chairman or, in his absence, the deputy chairman or any other director nominated by the board, will preside as chairman at every general meeting. If no director is present at the general meeting or no director consents to act as chairman, the shareholders present shall elect one of their number to be chairman of the meeting.

Share certificatesCertificates

Every person whose name is entered as a member in the Company’s Register of Members shall be entitled to one certificate in respect of each class of shares held. (The law regarding this does not apply to stock exchange


55


nominees). Subject to the terms of issue of the shares, certificates are issued following allotment or receipt of the form of transfer bearing the appropriate stamp duty by our registrar, Equiniti, Aspect House, Spencer Road, Lancing, West Sussex, BN99 6DA, United Kingdom, telephone number +44 +44-(0) 121 415 7062.
121-415-7062.

Share capital

Any share may be issued with such preferred, deferred or other special rights or other restrictions as we may determine by way of a shareholders’ vote in general meeting. Subject to the Companies Act 2006, any shares may be issued on terms that they are, or at our or the shareholders’ option are, liable to be redeemed on such terms and in such manner as we, before the issue of the shares, may determine by special resolution of the shareholders.

There are no provisions in the Articles of Association which discriminate against any existing or prospective shareholder as a result of such shareholder owning a substantial number of shares.

Subject to the terms of the shares which have been issued, the directors may from time to time make calls upon the shareholders in respect of any moneys unpaid on their shares, provided that (subject to the terms of the shares so issued) no call on any share shall be payable at less than fourteen clear days from the last call. The directors may, if they see fit, receive from any shareholder willing to advance the same, all and any part of the moneys uncalled and unpaid upon any shares held by him.

Changes in capital

We may from time to time, by ordinary resolution:

consolidate and divide our share capital into shares of a larger amount than its existing shares; or

sub-divide all of or any of our existing shares into shares of smaller amounts, subject to the Companies Act 2006; or

cancel any shares which, at the date of passing of the resolution, have not been taken, or agreed to be taken, by any person and diminish the amount of our share capital by the amount of the shares so cancelled.

We may, from time to time, by ordinary resolution increase our share capital and, subject to the consents and incidents required by the Companies Act 2006, may by special resolution decrease our share capital, capital redemption reserve fund and any share premium account in any way.

Voting rights

Every holder of ordinary shares present in person at a meeting of shareholders has one vote on a vote taken by a show of hands. On a poll, every holder of ordinary shares who is present in person or by proxy has one vote for every ordinary share of which he or she is the holder. Voting at any meeting of shareholders is by a show of hands unless a poll is properly demanded before the declaration of the results of a show of hands. A poll may be demanded by:

the chairman of the meeting;

at least three shareholders present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote;

• the chairman of the meeting;
• at least three shareholders present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote;
• any shareholder or shareholders present in person or by proxy representing not less than one-tenth of the total voting rights of all shareholders having the right to vote at the meeting; or
• any shareholder or shareholders present in person or by proxy holding shares conferring a right to vote at the meeting being shares on which the aggregate sum paid up is equal to not less than one-tenth of the total sum paid up on all shares conferring that right.

any shareholder or shareholders present in person or by proxy representing not less than one-tenth of the total voting rights of all shareholders having the right to vote at the meeting; or

any shareholder or shareholders present in person or by proxy holding shares conferring a right to vote at the meeting being shares on which the aggregate sum paid up is equal to not less than one-tenth of the total sum paid up on all shares conferring that right.

Dividends

Holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends out of our profits that are available by law for distribution, as we may declare by ordinary resolution, subject to the terms of issue thereof. However, no dividends may be declared in excess of an amount recommended by the board of directors. The board may pay interim dividends to the shareholders as it deems fit. We may invest or otherwise use all dividends left unclaimed for six months after having been declared for our benefit, until claimed. All dividends unclaimed for a period of twelve years after having been declared will be forfeited and revert to us.

The directors may, with the sanction of an ordinary resolution of the shareholders, offer any holders of ordinary shares the right to elect to receive ordinary shares credited as fully paid, in whole or in part, instead of cash in respect of such dividend.

The directors may deduct from any dividend payable to any shareholder all sums of money (if any) presently payable by that shareholder to us on account of calls or otherwise in relation to our shares.

Liquidation rights

In the event of our liquidation, after payment of all liabilities, our remaining assets would be used to repay the holders of ordinary shares the amount they paid for their ordinary shares. Any balance would be divided among the holders of ordinary shares in proportion to the nominal amount of the ordinary shares held by them.


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Other provisions of the articles of association

Whenever our capital is divided into different classes of shares, the special rights attached to any class may, unless otherwise provided by the terms of the issue of the shares of that class, be varied or abrogated, either with the written consent of the holders of three-fourths of the issued shares of the class or with the sanction of a special resolution passed at a separate meeting of these holders.

In the event that a shareholder or other person appearing to the board of directors to be interested in ordinary shares fails to comply with a notice requiring him or her to provide information with respect to their interest in voting shares pursuant to section 820 of the Companies Act 2006, we may serve that shareholder with a notice of default. After service of a default notice, that shareholder shall not be entitled to attend or vote at any general meeting or at a separate meeting of holders of a class of shares or on a poll until he or she has complied in full with our information request.

If the shares described in the default notice represent at least one-fourth of 1% in nominal value of the issued ordinary shares, then the default notice may additionally direct that in respect of those shares:

we will not pay dividends (or issue shares in lieu of dividends); and

we will not register transfers of shares unless the shareholder is not himself in default as regards supplying the information requested and the transfer, when presented for registration, is in such form as the board of directors may require to the effect that after due and careful inquiry, the shareholder is satisfied that no person in default is interested in any of the ordinary shares which are being transferred or the transfer is an approved transfer, as defined in our articles of association.

• we will not pay dividends (or issue shares in lieu of dividends); and
• we will not register transfers of shares unless the shareholder is not himself in default as regards supplying the information requested and the transfer, when presented for registration, is in such form as the board of directors may require to the effect that after due and careful inquiry, the shareholder is satisfied that no person in default is interested in any of the ordinary shares which are being transferred or the transfer is an approved transfer, as defined in our articles of association.

No provision of our articles of association expressly governs the ordinary share ownership threshold above which shareholder ownership must be disclosed. Under UK regulations,the Companies Act 2006, any person who acquires, either alone or, in specified circumstances, with others anothers:

a material interest in our voting share capital equal to or in excess of 3% (and each percentage point above it) ; or

a non-material interest equal to or in excess of 10%,

comes under an obligation to disclose prescribed particulars to us in respect of those ordinary shares. A disclosure obligation also arises where a person’s notifiable interests fall below the notifiable percentage, or where, above that level, the percentage of our voting share capital in which a person has a notifiable interest increases or decreases.

Limitations affecting holders of ordinary shares or American Depositary Shares (ADSs)ADSs

Under English law and our memorandum and articles of association, persons who are neither UK residents nor UK nationals may freely hold, vote and transfer ordinary shares in the same manner as UK residents or nationals.

With respect to the items discussed above, applicable UK law is not materially different from applicable US law.

Material contracts

Pearson has not entered into any contracts outside the ordinary course of business during the two year period immediately preceding the date of this annual report.

Executive employment contracts

We have entered into agreements with each of our executive directors pursuant to which such executive director is employed by us. These agreements describe the duties of such executive director and the compensation to be paid by us. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees — Compensation of Senior Management”. Each agreement may be terminated by us on 12 months’ notice or by the executive director on six months’ notice. In the event we terminate any executive director excluding the current chief financial officer, without giving the full 12 months’ advance notice, the executive director is entitled to receive payment in lieu of notice (or, in the case of longer serving directors with legacy arrangements, liquidated damagesdamages) equal to 12 months’ base100% of the annual salary at the date of termination and benefits together with a proportionthe annual cost of potential bonus. The chief financial officer has no contractual provisions for compensation on termination by the company without notice or cause.


57

pension and all other benefits.


Exchange controls

There are no UK government laws, decrees, regulations or other legislation which restrict or which may affect the import or export of capital, including the availability of cash and cash equivalents for use by us or the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to nonresident holders of our securities, except as otherwise described under “Tax“— Tax Considerations” below.

Tax considerations

The following is a discussion of the material US federal income tax considerations and UK tax considerations arising from the acquisition, ownership and disposition of ordinary shares and ADSs by a US holder. A US holder is:

an individual citizen or resident of the US, or

a corporation created or organized in or under the laws of the US or any of its political subdivisions, or

an estate or trust the income of which is a beneficial ownersubject to US federal income taxation regardless of ordinary shares or ADSs who is:its source.

• an individual citizen or resident of the US, or
• a corporation created or organized in or under the laws of the US or any of its political subdivisions, or
• an estate or trust the income of which is subject to US federal income taxation regardless of its source.

This discussion deals only with ordinary shares and ADSs that are held as capital assets by a US holder, and does not address tax considerations applicable to US holders that may be subject to special tax rules, such as:

dealers or traders in securities or currencies,

financial institutions or other US holders that treat income in respect of the ordinary shares or ADSs as financial services income,

• dealers or traders in securities or currencies,
• financial institutions or other US holders that treat income in respect of the ordinary shares or ADSs as financial services income,
• insurance companies,
• tax-exempt entities,
• US holders that hold the ordinary shares or ADSs as a part of a straddle or conversion transaction or other arrangement involving more than one position,
• US holders that own, or are deemed for US tax purposes to own, 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of our voting stock,
• US holders that have a principal place of business or “tax home” outside the United States, or
• US holders whose “functional currency” is not the US dollar.

insurance companies,

tax-exempt entities,

persons acquiring shares or ADSs in connection with employment,

US holders that hold the ordinary shares or ADSs as a part of a straddle or conversion transaction or other arrangement involving more than one position,

US holders that own, or are deemed for US tax purposes to own, 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of our voting stock,

US holders that have a principal place of business or “tax home” outside the United States, or

US holders whose “functional currency” is not the US dollar.

For US federal income tax purposes, holders of ADSs will be treated as the owners of the ordinary shares represented by those ADSs.

In practice, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) will also regard holders of ADSs as the beneficial owners of the ordinary shares represented by those ADSs, although case law has cast some doubt on this. The discussion below assumes that HMRC’s position is followed.

In addition, the following discussion assumes that The Bank of New York will perform its obligations as depositary in accordance with the terms of the depositary agreement and any related agreements.

Because US and UK tax consequences may differ from one holder to the next, the discussion set out below does not purport to describe all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to you and your particular situation. Accordingly, you are advised to consult your own tax advisor as to the US federal, state and local, UK and other, including foreign, tax consequences of investing in the ordinary shares or ADSs. TheExcept where otherwise indicated, the statements of US and UK tax law set out below are based on the laws, interpretations and interpretationstax authority practice in force or applicable as of the date of this Annual Report, and are subject to any changes occurring after that date.

date, possibly with retroactive effect.

UK income taxation of distributions

The UK does not impose dividend withholding tax on dividends paid by the Company.

A US holder that is not resident in the UK for UK tax purposes and does not carry on a trade, profession or vocation in the UK through a branch or agency (or in the case of a company a permanent establishment) to US holders.

which the ordinary shares or ADSs are attributable will not generally be liable to pay UK tax on dividends paid by the Company.

US income taxation of distributions

Distributions that we make with respect to the ordinary shares or ADSs, other than distributions in liquidation and distributions in redemption of stock that are treated as exchanges, will be taxed to US holders as ordinary


58


dividend income to the extent that the distributions do not exceed our current and accumulated earnings and profits. The amount of any distribution will equal the amount of the cash distribution. Distributions, if any, in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits will constitute a non-taxable return of capital to a US holder and will be applied against and reduce the US holder’s tax basis in its ordinary shares or ADSs. To the extent that these distributions exceed the tax basis of the US holder in its ordinary shares or ADSs, the excess generally will be treated as capital gain.

Dividends that we pay will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction generally allowed to US corporations under Section 243 of the Code.

In the case of distributions in pounds, the amount of the distributions generally will equal the US dollar value of the pounds distributed, determined by reference to the spot currency exchange rate on the date of receipt of the distribution by the US holder in the case of shares or by The Bank of New York in the case of ADSs, regardless of whether the US holder reports income on a cash basis or an accrual basis. The US holder will realize separate foreign currency gain or loss only to the extent that this gain or loss arises on the actual disposition of pounds received. For US holders claiming tax credits on a cash basis, taxes withheld from the distribution are translated into US dollars at the spot rate on the date of the distribution; for US holders claiming tax credits on an accrual basis, taxes withheld from the distribution are translated into US dollars at the average rate for the taxable year.

A distribution by the Company to noncorporate shareholders before 2013 will be taxed as net capital gain at a maximum rate of 15%20%, provided certain holding periods are met, to the extent such distribution is treated as a dividend under US federal income tax principles.

In addition, a 3.8% Medicare tax will generally be imposed on the net investment income, which generally would include distributions treated as dividends under US federal income tax principles, of noncorporate taxpayers whose adjusted gross income exceeds a threshold amount.

UK income taxation of capital gains

Under the Income Tax Treaty, each country generally may tax capital gains in accordance with the provisions of its domestic law. Under present UK law, a

A US holder that is not a resident, and, in the case of an individual, not ordinarily resident, in the UK for UK tax purposes and who (in the case of an individual) does not carry on a trade, profession or vocation in the UK through a branch or agency or (in(or in the case of a company) does not carry oncompany a trade in the UK through a UK permanent establishment,establishment) to which the ordinary shares or ADSs are attributable will not generally be liable for UK taxation on capital gains or eligible for relief for allowable losses, realized on the sale or other disposal (including redemption) of thesethe ordinary shares or ADSs.

A US holder who is an individual and who has ceased to be resident or ordinarily resident for tax purposes in the UK on or after 17 March 1988 or who falls to be regarded as resident outside the UK for the purposes of any double tax treaty (“Treaty Non-resident”) on or after 16 March 2005 and continues to not be resident or ordinarily resident in the UK, or continues to be Treaty Non-resident, for a period of less than five complete years of assessment and who disposes of his ordinary shares or ADSs during that period may also be liable on his return to the UK to UK tax on capital gains, subject to any available exemption or relief, even though he is not resident or ordinarily resident in the UK, or is Treaty Non-resident, at the time of the disposal.

The concept of ordinary residence is proposed to be abolished with effect from 6 April 2013.

US income taxation of capital gains

Upon a sale or exchange of ordinary shares or ADSs to a person other than Pearson, a US holder will recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale or exchange and the US holder’s adjusted tax basis in the ordinary shares or ADSs. Any gain or loss recognized will be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the US holder has held the ordinary shares or ADSs for more than one year. Long-term capital gain of a noncorporate US holder is generally taxed at a maximum rate of 15%20%. This long-termIn addition, a 3.8% Medicare tax will generally be imposed on the net investment income, which generally would include capital gain rate is scheduled to expire in 2013.

gains, of noncorporate taxpayers whose adjusted gross income exceeds a threshold amount.

Gain or loss realized by a US holder on the sale or exchange of ordinary shares or ADSs generally will be treated as US-source gain or loss for US foreign tax credit purposes.

Estate and gift tax

The current Estate and Gift Tax Convention, or the Convention, between the US and the UK generally relieves from UK Inheritance Tax (the equivalent of US Estate and Gift Tax) the transfer of ordinary shares or of ADSs


59


ADSs where the transferor is domiciled in the US for the purposes of the Convention. This relief will not apply if the ordinary shares or ADSs are part of the business property of an individual’s permanent establishment in the UK or pertain to the fixed base in the UK of a person providing independent personal services. If no relief is given under the Convention, inheritance tax may be charged on the amount by which the value of the transferor’s estate is reduced as a result of any transfer made by way of gift or other gratuitous or undervalue transfer by an individual, in general within seven years of death, or on the death of an individual.individual, and in certain other circumstances. In the unusual case where ordinary shares or ADSs are subject to both UK Inheritance Tax and US Estate or Gift Tax, the Convention generally provides for tax paid in the UK to be credited against tax payable in the US or for tax paid in the US to be credited against tax payable in the UK based on priority rules set forth in the Convention.

Stamp duty

The statements below reflect what is understood to be HMRC’s currency practice under existing law.

No stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax (SDRT) will generally be payable in the UK on the purchase or transfer of an ADS, provided that the ADS, and any separate instrument or written agreement of transfer, remain at all times outside the UK and that the instrument or written agreement of transfer is not executed in the UK. Subject to the following paragraph, UK legislation does however provide for SDRT or (in the case of transfers) stamp duty or SDRT is, however, generally payableto be chargeable at the rate of 1.5% of the amount or value of the consideration or, in some circumstances, the value of the ordinary shares (rounded up to the next multiple of £5 in the case of stamp duty), where ordinary shares are issued or transferred to a person whose business is or includes issuing depositary receipts, or to a nominee or agent for such a person, or issued or transferred to a person whose business is or includes the provision of clearance services or a nominee or agent for such a person.

Following a decision of the European Court of Justice in 2009, HMRClitigation, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has announcedaccepted that it will notno longer seek to apply the 1.5% SDRT charge when new shares are issued an EUto a clearance service or EU depositary receipt system. It seemssystem on the basis that the charge is not compatible with EU law. HMRC’s view is that the 1.5% SDRT or stamp duty charge will continue to apply to transfertransfers of shares into a clearance service or depositary receipt system, and alsounless they are an integral part of an issue of share capital. This view is currently being challenged in respect of issues of shares into non-EU clearance services and non-EU depositary receipt systems. Arguablyfurther litigation.Accordingly, specific professional advice should be sought before paying the 1.5% SDRT or stamp duty charge in such situations is not consistent with the 2009 decision of the European Court of Justice, although HMRC is likely to impose such charges until further case law or legislation resolves the issue.

any circumstances.

A transfer for value of the underlying ordinary shares will generally be subject to either stamp duty or SDRT, normally at the rate of 0.5% of the amount or value of the consideration.consideration (rounded up to the next multiple of £5 in the case of stamp duty). A transfer of ordinary shares from a nominee to its beneficial owner, including the transfer of underlying ordinary shares from the Depositary to an ADS holder, under which no beneficial interest passes will not be subject to stamp duty or SDRT.

Close company status

We believe that the close company provisions of the UK Corporation Tax Act 2010 do not apply to us.

Documents on display
A copy

Copies of our Memorandum and Articles of Association isand filed as an exhibitexhibits to this Annual Report and certain other documents referred to in this Annual Report are available for inspection at our registered office at 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL(c/ (c/o the Company Secretary), or, in the US, at the registered office of Pearson Inc. at 1330 Avenue of the Americas, 7th Floor, New York, New York, during usual business hours upon reasonable prior request.

ITEM 11.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Introduction

Our principal market risks are changes in interest rates and currency exchange rates. Following an evaluation of these positions, we selectively enter into derivative financial instruments to manage our risk exposure. For this purpose, we primarily use interest rate swaps, interest rate caps and collars, forward rate agreements, currency swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts. Managing market risks is the responsibility of the chief financial officer, who acts pursuant to policies approved by the board of directors. The Audit Committee receives regular reports on our treasury activities.


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We have a policy of not undertaking any speculative transactions, and we do not hold our derivative and other financial instruments for trading purposes.

We have formulated policies for hedging exposures to interest rate and foreign exchange risk, and have used derivatives to ensure compliance with these policies. Although a proportion of our derivative contracts were transacted without regard to existing IFRS requirements on hedge accounting, during 20102012 and 20092011 we qualified for hedge accounting under IFRS on a number of our key derivative contracts.

The following discussion addresses market risk only and does not present other risks that we face in the normal course of business, including country risk, credit risk and legal risk.

Interest rates

The Group’s financial exposure to interest rates arises primarily from its borrowings. The Group manages its exposure by borrowing at fixed and variable rates of interest, and by entering into derivative transactions. Objectives approved by the board concerning the proportion of debt outstanding at fixed rates govern the use of these financial instruments.

The Group’s objectives are applied to core net debt, which is measured at the year-end and comprises borrowings net of cash and other liquid funds. Our objective is to maintain a proportion of forecast core net debt in fixed or capped form for the next four years, subject to a maximum of 65% and a minimum that starts at 40% and falls by 10% each year.

The principal method of hedging interest rate risk is to enter into an agreement with a bank counterparty to pay a fixed rate and receive a variable rate, known as a swap. Under interest rate swaps, the Group agrees with other parties to exchange, at specified intervals, the difference between fixed-rate and variable-rate amounts calculated by reference to an agreed notional principal amount. The majority of the Group’s swap contracts are US dollar denominated, and some of them have deferred start dates, in order to maintain the desired risk profile as other contracts mature. The variable rates received are normally based on three-month or six-month LIBOR, and the dates on which these rates are set do not necessarily exactly match those of the hedged borrowings. Management believes that our portfolio of these types of swaps is an efficient hedge of our portfolio of variable rate borrowings.

In addition, from time to time, the Group issues bonds or other capital market instruments to refinance existing debt. To avoid the fixed rate on a single transaction unduly influencing our overall net interest expense, our typical practice has been to enter into a related derivative contract effectively converting the interest rate profile of the bond transaction to a variable interest rate. In some cases, the bond issue is denominated in a different currency to the Group’s desired borrowing risk profile and the Group enters into a related cross currency interest rate swap in order to maintain this risk profile, which is predominantly borrowings denominated in US dollars.

The Group’s accounting objective in its use of interest rate derivatives is to minimize the impact on the income statement of changes in themark-to-market value of its derivative portfolio as a whole. It uses duration

calculations to estimate the sensitivity of the derivatives to movements in market rates. The Group also identifies which derivatives are eligible for fair value hedge accounting (which reduces significantly the income statement impact of changes in the market value of a derivative). The Group then divides the total portfolio between hedge-accounted and pooled segments, so that the expected movement on the pooled segment is minimized.

Currency exchange rates

Although the Group is based in the UK, it has significant investments in overseas operations. The most significant currency in which the Group trades is the US dollar.

The Group’s policy is to align approximately the currency composition of its core net borrowings with its forecast operating profit before depreciation and amortization. This policy aims to soften the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates on consolidated interest cover and earnings. This policy applies only to currencies that account for more than 15% of group operating profit, which currently areonly includes the US dollar and sterling.dollar. However, the Group still borrows small amounts in other currencies, typically for seasonal working capital needs. In addition, the Group’s policy does not require existing currency debt to be terminated to match declines in that currency’s share of


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Group operating profit. Also, the chief financial officer may request the inclusion of currencies that account for less than 15% of Group operating profit before depreciation and amortization in the above hedging process. Only one hedging transaction, denominated in South African rand, has been undertaken under that authority.

At December 31, 20102012 the Group’s net borrowingsborrowings/(cash) in our main currencies (taking into account the effect of cross currency rate swaps) were: US dollar £683m,£1,354m, sterling £179m,£58m, and South African rand £9m.

£(17)m.

The Group uses both currency denominated debt and derivative instruments to implement the above policy. Its intention is that gains/losses on the derivatives and debt offset the losses/gains on the foreign currency assets and income. Each quarter the value of hedging instruments is monitored against the assets in the relevant currency and, where practical, a decision is made whether to treat the debt or derivative as a net investment hedge (permitting foreign exchange movements on it to be taken to reserves) for the purposes of reporting under IFRS.

Investments in overseas operations are consolidated for accounting purposes by translating values in one currency to another currency, in particular from US dollars to sterling. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates affect the currency values recorded in our accounts, although they do not give rise to any realized gain or loss, nor to any currency cash flows.

The Group is also exposed to currency exchange rates in its cash transactions and its investments in overseas operations. Cash transactions — typically for purchases, sales, interest or dividends — require cash conversions between currencies. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates affect the cash amounts that the Group pays or receives.

Forward foreign exchange contracts

The Group sometimes uses forward foreign exchange contracts where a specific major project or forecasted cash flow, including acquisitions and disposals, arises from a business decision that has used a specific foreign exchange rate. The Group’s policy is to effect routine transactional conversions between currencies, for example to collect receivables or settle payables, at the relevant spot exchange rate.

The Group seeks to offset purchases and sales in the same currency, even if they do not occur simultaneously. In addition, its debt and cash portfolios management gives rise to temporary currency shortfalls and surpluses. Both of these activities require using short-dated foreign exchange swaps between currencies.

Although the Group prepares its consolidated financial statements in sterling, significant sums have been invested in overseas assets, particularly in the US. Therefore, fluctuations in currency exchange rates, particularly between the US dollar and sterling, and to a lesser extent between the euro and sterling, are likely to affect shareholders’ funds and other accounting values.

Derivatives

Under IFRS, the Group is required to record all derivative instruments on the balance sheet at fair value. Derivatives not classified as hedges are adjusted to fair value through earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivatives that the Group has designated and that qualify as effective hedges are either recorded in reserves or are offset in earnings by the corresponding movement in the fair value of the underlying hedged item. Any ineffective portion of derivatives that are classified as hedges is immediately recognized in earnings.

In 20102012 and 20092011 the Group met the prescribed designation requirements and hedge effectiveness tests under IFRS for some of its derivative contracts. As a result, the movements in the fair value of the effective portion of fair value hedges and net investment hedges have been offset in earnings and reserves respectively by the corresponding movement in the fair value of the underlying hedged item.

In line with the Group’s treasury policy, none of these instruments were considered trading instruments and each instrument was transacted solely to match an underlying financial exposure.


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Quantitative information about market risk

The sensitivity of the Group’s derivative portfolio to changes in interest rates is found in note 19 of “Item 18. Financial Statements”.

ITEM 12.DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES

ITEM 12D.

AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES
Fees paid by ADR holders

Our ordinary shares trade in the United States under a sponsored ADR facility with The Bank of New York Mellon as depositary.

The depositary collects its fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal, or from intermediaries acting for them. The depositary collects fees for making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a portion of distributable property to pay the fees. The depositary may collect its annual fee for depositary services by deductions from cash distributions or by directly billing investors or by charging the book-entry system accounts of participants acting for them. The depositary may generally refuse to provide fee-attracting services until its fees for those services are paid.

The following table summarizes various fees currently charged by The Bank of New York Mellon:

Person depositing or withdrawing shares
must pay to

the depositary:

  

For:

must pay to the depositary:
For:

$5.00 (or less) per 100 ADSs (or portion of 100 ADSs)

  

•   Issuance of ADSs, including issuances resulting from a distribution of shares or rights or other property

•   Cancellation of ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal, including if the deposit agreement terminates

$.02 (or less) per ADS

  

•   Any cash distribution to ADS registered holders

A fee equivalent to the fee that would be payable if securities distributed had been shares and the shares had been deposited for issuance of ADSs  

•   Distribution of securities by the depositary to ADS registered holders of deposited securities

$.02 (or less) per ADS per calendar year  

•   Depositary services

Registration of transfer fees  

•   Transfer and registration of shares on the share register to or from the name of the depositary or its agent when shares are deposited or withdrawn

Expenses of the depositary  

•   Cable, telex and facsimile transmissions (when expressly provided in the deposit agreement)

•   Converting foreign currency to U.S. dollars

Taxes and other governmental charges the depositary or the custodian have to pay on any ADS or share underlying an ADS, for example, stock transfer taxes, stamp duty or withholding taxes  

•   As necessary

Any charges incurred by the depositary or its agents for servicing the deposited securities  

•   As necessary

Fees incurred in past annual period and fees to be paid in the future

From January 1, 20102012 to February 28, 20112013 the Company received payments from the depositary of $350,000 and $38,000$53,853 for continuing annual stock exchange listing fees, standardout-of-pocket maintenance costs for the ADRs (consisting of the expenses of postage and envelopes for mailing the annual and interim financial reports, printing and distributing dividend cheques, electronic filing of U.S. Federal tax information, mailing required tax forms, stationery, postage, facsimile and telephone calls), any applicable performance indicators relating to the ADR facility, underwriting fees and legal fees.


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The depositary has agreed to reimburse the Company for expenses they incur that are related to establishment and maintenance expenses of the ADS programme. The depositary has agreed to reimburse the Company for its continuing annual stock exchange listing fees. The depositary has also agreed to pay the standardout-of-pocket maintenance costs for the ADRs, which consists of the expenses of postage and envelopes for mailing annual and interim financial reports, printing and distributing dividend cheques, electronic filing of U.S. Federal tax information, mailing required tax forms, stationery, postage, facsimile and telephone calls. It has also agreed to reimburse the Company annually for certain investor relationship programmes or special investor relations promotional activities. In certain instances, the depositary has agreed to provide additional payments to the Company based on any applicable performance indicators relating to the ADR facility. There are limits on the amount of expenses for which the depositary will reimburse the Company, but the amount of reimbursement available to the Company is not necessarily tied to the amount of fees the depositary collects from investors.

The depositary collects its fees for delivery and surrender of ADSs directly from investors depositing shares or surrendering ADSs for the purpose of withdrawal, or from intermediaries acting for them. The depositary collects fees for making distributions to investors by deducting those fees from the amounts distributed or by selling a portion of distributable property to pay the fees. The depositary may collect its annual fee for depositary services by deduction from cash distributions or by directly billing investors or by charging the book-entry system accounts of participants acting for them. The depositary may generally refuse to provide fee-attracting services until its fees for those services are paid.


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PART II

ITEM 13.DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

None.

ITEM 14.MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.

ITEM 15.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure controls and procedures

An evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 20102012 was carried out by us under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the chief executive officer and chief financial officer. Based on that evaluation the chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that Pearson’s disclosure controls and procedures have been designed to provide, and arewere effective in providing, reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow such timely decision regarding required disclosures. A controls system, no matter how well designed and operated cannot provide absolute assurance to achieve its objectives.

Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting

The Company’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. Internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

Management has assessed the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, as at December 31, 2010,2012, and has concluded that such internal control over financial reporting was effective.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, which has audited the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2010,2012, has also audited the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting under Auditing Standard No. 5 of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Their audit report may be found onpage F-2.

Change in internal control over financial reporting

During the period covered by this Annual Report onForm 20-F, Pearson has made no changes to its internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect Pearson’s internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 16A.AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

The members of the Board of Directors of Pearson plc have determined that Ken Hydon is an audit committee financial expert within the meaning of the applicable rules and regulations of the US Securities and Exchange Commission.


65


ITEM 16B.CODE OF ETHICS

Pearson has adopted a code of ethics (the Pearson code of business conduct) which applies to all employees including the chief executive officer and chief financial officer and other senior financial management. This code of ethics is available on our website(www.pearson.com/ (www.pearson.com/responsibility/sustainable-business-practice/ethics/values/code-of-conduct/). The information on our website is not incorporated by reference into this report.

ITEM 16C.PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

In line with best practice, our relationship with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) is governed by our external auditor policy, which is reviewed and approved annually by the audit committee. The policy establishes procedures to ensure the auditors’ independence is not compromised as well as defining those non-audit services that PwC may or may not provide to Pearson. These allowable services are in accordance with relevant UK and US legislation.

The audit committee approves all audit and non-audit services provided by PwC. Certain categories of allowable non-audit services have been pre-approved by the audit committee subject to the authorities below:

Pre-approved non-audit services can be authorized by the chief financial officer up to £100,000 per project, subject to a cumulative limit of £500,000 per annum;

Tax compliance and related activities up to the greater of £1,000,000 per annum or 50% of the external audit fee; and

• Pre-approved non-audit services can be authorized by the chief financial officer up to £100,000 per project, subject to a cumulative limit of £500,000 per annum;
• Acquisition due diligence services up to £100,000 per transaction;
• Tax compliance and related activities up to the greater of £1,000,000 per annum or 50% of the external audit fee; and
• For forward-looking tax planning services we use the most appropriate advisor, usually after a tender process. Where we decide to use our independent auditor, authority, up to £100,000 per project subject to a cumulative limit of £500,000 per annum, has been delegated by the audit committee to management.

For forward-looking tax planning services we use the most appropriate advisor, usually after a tender process. Where we decide to use our independent auditor, authority, up to £100,000 per project subject to a cumulative limit of £500,000 per annum, has been delegated by the audit committee to management.

Services provided by PwC above these limits and all other allowable non-audit services, such as due diligence, irrespective of value, must be approved by the audit committee. Where appropriate, services will be tendered prior to awarding this work to the auditor.

The following table sets forth remuneration paid to PwC for 20092011 and 2010:

         
Auditors’ Remuneration
 2010 2009
  £m £m
 
Audit fees  6   6 
Tax fees  2   2 
All other fees  2   1 
2012:

Auditors’ Remuneration

  2012   2011 
   £m   £m 

Audit fees

   6     6  

Tax fees

   2     2  

All other fees

   1     1  

Audit fees include £35,000 (2009:(2011: £35,000) of audit fees relating to the audit of the parent company.

Fees for the audit of the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control over financial reporting are allocated to audit fees paid.

Tax services include services related to tax planning and various other tax advisory services.

Other services relates mainly to due diligence on acquisitions, notably our Brazilian acquisition, Sistema Educacional Brasileiro where we assessed that our auditors were best qualified and cost effective in taking on this role.

ITEM 16D.EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES

Not applicable.


66


ITEM 16E.PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASES
Maximum
number
Total number of
of shares that
units purchased
may yet be
as part of publicly
purchased under
Total number of
Average price
announced plans
the plans or
Period
shares purchasedpaid per shareor programsprograms
June 1, 2009 - June 30, 20092,000,000£6.14N/AN/A
May 1, 2010 - May 31, 20103,000,000£9.94N/AN/A
June 1, 2010 - June 30, 20102,000,000£9.17N/AN/A
October 1, 2010 - October 31, 20101,000,000£9.83N/AN/A
November 1, 2010 - November 31, 20102,000,000£9.46N/AN/A

Period

  Total number of
shares purchased
   Average price
paid per share
   Total number of
units purchased
as part of publicly
announced plans
or programs
   Maximum
number
of shares that
may yet be
purchased under
the plans or
programs
 

June 1, 2011 – June 30, 2011

   1,000,000    £11.55     N/A     N/A  

August 1, 2011 – August 31, 2011

   4,369,406    £11.08     N/A     N/A  

Purchases of shares were made to satisfy obligations under Pearson employee share award programs. All purchases were made in open-market transactions. None of the foregoing share purchases was made as part of a publicly announced plan or program.

ITEM 16F.CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING AUDITOR

Not applicable.

ITEM 16G.CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Pearson is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”). As a listed non-US issuer, we are required to comply with some of the NYSE’s corporate governance rules, and otherwise must disclose on our website any significant ways in which our corporate governance practices differ from those followed by US companies under the NYSE listing standards. At this time, the Company believes that it is in compliance in all material respects with all the NYSE rules except that the Nomination Committee is not composed entirely of independent directors, and that it is the full board, not the Nomination Committee, that develops and recommends corporate governance principles.

ITEM 16H.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE

Not applicable.

PART III

ITEM 17.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Not applicable.

ITEM 18.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The financial statements filed as part of this Annual Report are included on pages F-1 through F-70F-68 hereof.

ITEM 19.EXHIBITS

ITEM 19.EXHIBITS
1.1  Articles of Association of Pearson plc.
2.1  Indenture dated June 23, 2003 between Pearson plc and The Bank of New York, as trustee *
2.2  Indenture dated May 25, 2004 among Pearson Dollar Finance plc, as Issuer, Pearson plc, Guarantor, and the Bank of New York, as trustee, Paying Agent and Calculation Agent. #
2.3  Indenture dated June 21, 2001 between Pearson plc and The Bank of New York, as trustee.†
2.4  Indenture dated March 26, 2009 among Pearson Funding One plc, as the Issuer, Pearson plc, Guarantor, and The Law Debenture Trust Corporation P.L.C., as trustee.¥
2.5  Indenture dated May 6, 2008 among Pearson Dollar Finance Two plc, as the Issuer, Pearson plc, Guarantor, and The Bank of New York, as trustee, Paying Agent and Calculation Agent.¥


67


2.6  Indenture dated October 27, 1999 between Pearson plc, as the Issuer and The Law Debenture Trust Corporation P.L.C., as trustee.¥
2.7  Indenture dated May 17, 2010 between Pearson Funding Two plc, as the Issuer, Pearson plc, Guarantor, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, Paying Agent and Calculation Agent.l
  2.8Indenture dated May 8, 2012 between Pearson Funding Four plc, as the Issuer, Pearson plc, Guarantor, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, Paying Agent and Calculation Agent.
8.1  List of Significant Subsidiaries.
12.1  Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
12.2  Certification of Chief Financial Officer.
13.1  Certification of Chief Executive Officer.
13.2  Certification of Chief Financial Officer.
15  Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

*Incorporated by reference from theForm 20-F of Pearson plc for the year ended December 31, 2003 and filed May 7, 2004.
#Incorporated by reference from theForm 20-F of Pearson plc for the year ended December 31, 2004 and filed June 27, 2005.
Incorporated by reference from theForm 20-F of Pearson plc for the year ended December 31, 2001 and filed June 10, 2002.
¥Incorporated by reference from theForm 20-F of Pearson plc for the year ended December 31, 2009 and filed March 31, 2010.

68

lIncorporated by reference from the Form 20-F of Pearson plc for the year ended December 31, 2010 and filed March 25, 2011.



Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Pearson plc

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Pearson plc and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) at December 31, 20102012 and December 31, 20092011 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010,2012, in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.Board and in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union. Also in our opinion, the Group maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010,2012, based on criteria established in “Internal Control — Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

The Group’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in “Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” appearing under Item 15 of thisForm 20-F. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements and on the Group’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). and International Standards on Auditing. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

London

United Kingdom

March 25, 2011


F-222, 2013


Consolidated income statement

Consolidated Income Statement
Year ended 31 December 2010
All figures in £ millions2012
                 
  Notes  2010  2009  2008 
 
Sales  2   5,663   5,140   4,405 
Cost of goods sold  4   (2,588)  (2,382)  (2,046)
                 
Gross profit
      3,075   2,758   2,359 
Operating expenses  4   (2,373)  (2,169)  (1,820)
Share of results of joint ventures and associates  12   41   30   25 
                 
Operating profit
  2   743   619   564 
Finance costs  6   (109)  (122)  (136)
Finance income  6   36   26   41 
                 
Profit before tax
      670   523   469 
Income tax  7   (146)  (146)  (125)
                 
Profit for the year from continuing operations
      524   377   344 
Profit/(loss) for the year from discontinued operations  3   776   85   (21)
                 
Profit for the year
      1,300   462   323 
                 
Attributable to:
                
Equity holders of the company      1,297   425   292 
Non-controlling interest      3   37   31 
                 
Earnings per share for profit from continuing and discontinued operations attributable to equity holders of the company during the year(expressed in pence per share)
                
— basic  8   161.9p   53.2p   36.6p 
— diluted  8   161.5p   53.1p   36.6p 
                 
Earnings per share for profit from continuing operations attributable to equity holders of the company during the year(expressed in pence per share)
                
— basic  8   66.0p   47.0p   42.9p 
— diluted  8   65.9p   47.0p   42.9P 
                 


F-3


All figures in £ millions

  Notes   2012  2011  2010 

Sales

   2     5,059    4,817    4,610  

Cost of goods sold

   4     (2,224  (2,072  (1,999
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Gross profit

     2,835    2,745    2,611  

Operating expenses

   4     (2,216  (2,072  (2,014

Profit on sale of associate

   12         412      

Loss on closure of subsidiary

     (113     

Share of results of joint ventures and associates

   12     9    33    41  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating profit

   2     515    1,118    638  

Finance costs

   6     (113  (96  (109

Finance income

   6     32    25    36  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit before tax

     434    1,047    565  

Income tax

   7     (148  (162  (110
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit for the year from continuing operations

     286    885    455  

Profit for the year from discontinued operations

   3     43    71    845  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit for the year

     329    956    1,300  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Attributable to:

      

Equity holders of the company

     326    957    1,297  

Non-controlling interest

     3    (1  3  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Earnings per share for profit from continuing and discontinued operations attributable to equity holders of the company during the year(expressed in pence per share)

      

– basic

   8     40.5p    119.6p    161.9p  

– diluted

   8     40.5p    119.3p    161.5p  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Earnings per share for profit from continuing operations attributable to equity holders of the company during the year(expressed in pence per share)

      

– basic

   8     35.2p    110.7p    57.4p  

– diluted

   8     35.1p    110.5p    57.3p  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
Year ended 31 December 2010
All figures in £ millions2012
                 
  Notes  2010  2009  2008 
 
Profit for the year      1,300   462   323 
Net exchange differences on translation of foreign operations      173   (388)  1,125 
Currency translation adjustment disposed — subsidiaries      13      49 
Currency translation adjustment disposed — joint venture            1 
Actuarial gains/(losses) on retirement benefit obligations — Group  25   70   (299)  (71)
Actuarial gains/(losses) on retirement benefit obligations — associate  12   1   (3)  (3)
Net increase in fair values of proportionate holding arising on stepped acquisition         18    
Tax on items recognised in other comprehensive income  7   (41)  91   9 
                 
Other comprehensive income/(expense) for the year
      216   (581)  1,110 
                 
Total comprehensive income/(expense) for the year
      1,516   (119)  1,433 
                 
Attributable to:
                
Equity holders of the company      1,502   (127)  1,327 
Non-controlling interest      14   8   106 
                 


F-4


All figures in £ millions

  Notes   2012  2011  2010 

Profit for the year

     329    956    1,300  

Net exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

     (238  (44  173  

Currency translation adjustment disposed – subsidiaries

             13  

Actuarial (losses)/gains on retirement benefit obligations – Group

   25     (119  (56  70  

Actuarial (losses)/gains on retirement benefit obligations – associate

   12     (3  (8  1  

Tax on items recognised in other comprehensive income

   7     55    3    (41
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive (expense)/income for the year

     (305  (105  216  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income for the year

     24    851    1,516  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Attributable to:

      

Equity holders of the company

     23    858    1,502  

Non-controlling interest

     1    (7  14  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Consolidated balance sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet
As at 31 December 2010
All figures in £ millions2012
             
  Notes  2010  2009 
 
Assets
            
Non-current assets
            
Property, plant and equipment  10   366   388 
Intangible assets  11   5,467   5,129 
Investments in joint ventures and associates  12   71   30 
Deferred income tax assets  13   276   387 
Financial assets��— Derivative financial instruments  16   134   112 
Other financial assets  15   58   62 
Trade and other receivables  22   129   112 
             
       6,501   6,220 
             
Current assets
            
Intangible assets — Pre-publication  20   647   650 
Inventories  21   429   445 
Trade and other receivables  22   1,337   1,284 
Financial assets — Derivative financial instruments  16   6    
Financial assets — Marketable securities  14   12   63 
Cash and cash equivalents (excluding overdrafts)  17   1,736   750 
             
       4,167   3,192 
             
Total assets
      10,668   9,412 
             


F-5


All figures in £ millions

  Notes   2012  2011 

Assets

     

Non-current assets

     

Property, plant and equipment

   10     327    383  

Intangible assets

   11     6,218    6,342  

Investments in joint ventures and associates

   12     15    32  

Deferred income tax assets

   13     229    287  

Financial assets – Derivative financial instruments

   16     174    177  

Retirement benefit assets

   25         25  

Other financial assets

   15     31    26  

Trade and other receivables

   22     79    151  
    

 

 

  

 

 

 
     7,073    7,423  

Current assets

     

Intangible assets – Pre-publication

   20     666    650  

Inventories

   21     261    407  

Trade and other receivables

   22     1,104    1,386  

Financial assets – Derivative financial instruments

   16     4      

Financial assets – Marketable securities

   14     6    9  

Cash and cash equivalents (excluding overdrafts)

   17     1,062    1,369  
    

 

 

  

 

 

 
     3,103    3,821  
    

 

 

  

 

 

 

Assets classified as held for sale

   32     1,172      
    

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

     11,348    11,244  
    

 

 

  

 

 

 

Liabilities

     

Non-current liabilities

     

Financial liabilities – Borrowings

   18     (2,010  (1,964

Financial liabilities – Derivative financial instruments

   16         (2

Deferred income tax liabilities

   13     (601  (620

Retirement benefit obligations

   25     (172  (166

Provisions for other liabilities and charges

   23     (110  (115

Other liabilities

   24     (282  (325
    

 

 

  

 

 

 
     (3,175  (3,192

Current liabilities

     

Trade and other liabilities

   24     (1,556  (1,741

Financial liabilities – Borrowings

   18     (262  (87

Financial liabilities – Derivative financial instruments

   16         (1

Current income tax liabilities

     (291  (213

Provisions for other liabilities and charges

   23     (38  (48
    

 

 

  

 

 

 
     (2,147  (2,090
    

 

 

  

 

 

 

Liabilities directly associated with assets classified as held for sale

   32     (316    
    

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     (5,638  (5,282
    

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net assets

     5,710    5,962  
    

 

 

  

 

 

 

Equity

     

Share capital

   27     204    204  

Share premium

   27     2,555    2,544  

Treasury shares

   28     (103  (149

Translation reserve

     128    364  

Retained earnings

     2,902    2,980  
    

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total equity attributable to equity holders of the company

     5,686    5,943  

Non-controlling interest

     24    19  
    

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total equity

     5,710    5,962  
    

 

 

  

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheet (Continued)
As at 31 December 2010
All figures in £ millions
             
  Notes  2010  2009 
 
Liabilities
            
Non-current liabilities
            
Financial liabilities — Borrowings  18   (1,908)  (1,934)
Financial liabilities — Derivative financial instruments  16   (6)  (2)
Deferred income tax liabilities  13   (471)  (473)
Retirement benefit obligations  25   (148)  (339)
Provisions for other liabilities and charges  23   (42)  (50)
Other liabilities  24   (246)  (253)
             
       (2,821)  (3,051)
Current liabilities
            
Trade and other liabilities  24   (1,605)  (1,467)
Financial liabilities — Borrowings  18   (404)  (74)
Financial liabilities — Derivative financial instruments  16      (7)
Current income tax liabilities      (215)  (159)
Provisions for other liabilities and charges  23   (18)  (18)
             
       (2,242)  (1,725)
             
Total liabilities
      (5,063)  (4,776)
             
Net assets
      5,605   4,636 
             
Equity
            
Share capital  27   203   203 
Share premium  27   2,524   2,512 
Treasury shares  28   (137)  (226)
Translation reserve      402   227 
Retained earnings      2,546   1,629 
             
Total equity attributable to equity holders of the company
      5,538   4,345 
Non-controlling interest      67   291 
             
Total equity
      5,605   4,636 
             
These financial statements have been approved for issue by the board of directors on 7 March 20112013 and signed on its behalf by

/s/Robin FreestoneChief financial officer


F-6


Consolidated statement of changes in equity

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
Year ended 31 December 2010
All figures in £ millions2012
                                 
  Equity attributable to equity holders of the company       
                    Non-
    
  Share
  Share
  Treasury
  Translation
  Retained
     controlling
  Total
 
  capital  premium  shares  reserve  earnings  Total  interest  equity 
 
At 1 January 2010  203   2,512   (226)  227   1,629   4,345   291   4,636 
Profit for the year              1,297   1,297   3   1,300 
Other comprehensive income           175   30   205   11   216 
Equity-settled transactions              50   50      50 
Tax on equity-settled transactions              4   4      4 
Issue of ordinary shares under share option schemes     12            12      12 
Purchase of treasury shares        (77)        (77)     (77)
Release/cancellation of treasury shares        166      (166)         
Changes in non-controlling shareholding              (6)  (6)  (231)  (237)
Dividends              (292)  (292)  (7)  (299)
                                 
At 31 December 2010
  203   2,524   (137)  402   2,546   5,538   67   5,605 
                                 
                                 
  Equity attributable to equity holders of the company       
                    Non-
    
  Share
  Share
  Treasury
  Translation
  Retained
     controlling
  Total
 
  capital  premium  shares  reserve  earnings  Total  interest  equity 
 
At 1 January 2009  202   2,505   (222)  586   1,679   4,750   274   5,024 
Profit for the year              425   425   37   462 
Other comprehensive expense           (359)  (193)  (552)  (29)  (581)
Equity-settled transactions              37   37      37 
Tax on equity-settled transactions              6   6      6 
Issue of ordinary shares under share option schemes  1   7            8      8 
Purchase of treasury shares        (33)        (33)     (33)
Release of treasury shares        29      (29)         
Put option over non-controlling interest              (23)  (23)     (23)
Changes in non-controlling shareholding                    24   24 
Dividends              (273)  (273)  (15)  (288)
                                 
At 31 December 2009  203   2,512   (226)  227   1,629   4,345   291   4,636 
                                 


F-7


   Equity attributable to equity holders of the company       

All figures in £ millions

  Share
capital
   Share
premium
   Treasury
shares
  Translation
reserve
  Retained
earnings
  Total  Non-
controlling
interest
  Total
equity
 

At 1 January 2012

   204     2,544     (149  364    2,980    5,943    19    5,962  

Profit for the year

                     326    326    3    329  

Other comprehensive expense

                 (236  (67  (303  (2  (305

Equity-settled transactions

                     32    32        32  

Tax on equity-settled transactions

                     (6  (6      (6

Issue of ordinary shares under share option schemes

        11                 11        11  

Purchase of treasury shares

                                   

Release of treasury shares

             46        (46            

Put options over non-controlling interest

                     39    39        39  

Changes in non-controlling interest

                     (10  (10  6    (4

Dividends

                     (346  (346  (2  (348
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At 31 December 2012

   204     2,555     (103  128    2,902    5,686    24    5,710  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

   Equity attributable to equity holders of the company       

All figures in £ millions

  Share
capital
   Share
premium
   Treasury
shares
  Translation
reserve
  Retained
earnings
  Total  Non-
controlling
interest
  Total
equity
 

At 1 January 2011

   203     2,524     (137  402    2,546    5,538    67    5,605  

Profit for the year

                     957    957    (1  956  

Other comprehensive expense

                 (38  (61  (99  (6  (105

Equity-settled transactions

                     40    40        40  

Tax on equity-settled transactions

                     3    3        3  

Issue of ordinary shares under share option schemes

   1     20                 21        21  

Purchase of treasury shares

             (60          (60      (60

Release of treasury shares

             48        (48            

Put options over non-controlling interest

                     (63  (63      (63

Changes in non-controlling interest

                     (76  (76  (40  (116

Dividends

                     (318  (318  (1  (319
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At 31 December 2011

   204     2,544     (149  364    2,980    5,943    19    5,962  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

   Equity attributable to equity holders of the company       

All figures in £ millions

  Share
capital
   Share
premium
   Treasury
shares
  Translation
reserve
   Retained
earnings
  Total  Non-
controlling
interest
  Total
equity
 

At 1 January 2010

   203     2,512     (226  227     1,629    4,345    291    4,636  

Profit for the year

                      1,297    1,297    3    1,300  

Other comprehensive income

                 175     30    205    11    216  

Equity-settled transactions

                      50    50        50  

Tax on equity-settled transactions

                      4    4        4  

Issue of ordinary shares under share option schemes

        12                  12        12  

Purchase of treasury shares

             (77           (77      (77

Release/cancellation of treasury shares

             166         (166            

Changes in non-controlling interest

                      (6  (6  (231  (237

Dividends

                      (292  (292  (7  (299
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At 31 December 2010

   203     2,524     (137  402     2,546    5,538    67    5,605  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

                                 
  Equity attributable to equity holders of the company       
                    Non-
    
  Share
  Share
  Treasury
  Translation
  Retained
     controlling
  Total
 
  capital  premium  shares  reserve  earnings  Total  interest  equity 
 
At 1 January 2008  202   2,499   (216)  (514)  1,724   3,695   179   3,874 
Profit for the year              292   292   31   323 
Other comprehensive income/(expense)           1,100   (65)  1,035   75   1,110 
Equity-settled transactions              33   33      33 
Tax on equity-settled transactions              (7)  (7)     (7)
Issue of ordinary shares under share option schemes     6            6      6 
Purchase of treasury shares        (47)        (47)     (47)
Release of treasury shares        41      (41)         
Changes in non-controlling shareholding                    6   6 
Dividends              (257)  (257)  (17)  (274)
                                 
At 31 December 2008  202   2,505   (222)  586   1,679   4,750   274   5,024 
                                 
The translation reserve includes exchange differences arising from the translation of the net investment in foreign operations and of borrowings and other currency instruments designated as hedges of such investments.


F-8


Consolidated cash flow statement

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
Year ended 31 December 2010
All figures in £ millions2012
                 
  Notes  2010  2009  2008 
 
Cash flows from operating activities
                
Net cash generated from operations  31   1,169   1,012   894 
Interest paid      (78)  (90)  (87)
Tax paid      (85)  (103)  (89)
                 
Net cash generated from operating activities      1,006   819   718 
Cash flows from investing activities
                
Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired  29   (535)  (208)  (395)
Acquisition of joint ventures and associates      (22)  (14)  (5)
Purchase of investments      (7)  (10)  (1)
Purchase of property, plant and equipment      (76)  (62)  (75)
Proceeds from the sale of investments            5 
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment  31      1   2 
Purchase of intangible assets      (56)  (58)  (45)
Disposal of subsidiaries, net of cash disposed  30   984      99 
Tax paid on disposal of subsidiaries      (250)      
Interest received      10   3   11 
Dividends received from joint ventures and associates      23   22   23 
                 
Net cash received from/(used in) investing activities      71   (326)  (381)
Cash flows from financing activities
                
Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares      12   8   6 
Purchase of treasury shares      (77)  (33)  (47)
Proceeds from borrowings      241   296   455 
Liquid resources acquired         (13)   
Liquid resources sold      53       
Repayment of borrowings      (13)  (343)  (275)
Finance lease principal payments      (3)  (2)  (3)
Dividends paid to company’s shareholders  9   (292)  (273)  (257)
Dividends paid to non-controlling interest      (6)  (20)  (28)
Transactions with non-controlling interest      (7)  14   12 
                 
Net cash used in financing activities      (92)  (366)  (137)
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents      (1)  (36)  (103)
                 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
      984   91   97 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year      680   589   492 
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  17   1,664   680   589 
                 

All figures in £ millions

  Notes   2012  2011  2010 

Cash flows from operating activities

      

Net cash generated from operations

   34     916    1,093    1,169  

Interest paid

     (75  (70  (78

Tax paid

     (65  (151  (85
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash generated from operating activities

     776    872    1,006  

Cash flows from investing activities

      

Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash acquired

   30     (716  (779  (535

Acquisition of joint ventures and associates

     (39  (9  (22

Purchase of investments

     (10  (12  (7

Purchase of property, plant and equipment

     (78  (67  (76

Purchase of intangible assets

     (73  (77  (56

Disposal of subsidiaries, net of cash disposed

   31     (11  (6  984  

Proceeds from sale of associates

   12         428      

Proceeds from sale of investments

         75      

Proceeds from sale of property, plant & equipment

   34     1    9      

Proceeds from sale of intangible assets

     3    3      

Proceeds from the sale of liquid resources

     23          

Investment in liquid resources

     (19        

Tax paid on disposal of subsidiaries

             (250

Interest received

     9    10    10  

Dividends received from joint ventures and associates

     27    30    23  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (883  (395  71  

Cash flows from financing activities

      

Proceeds from issue of ordinary shares

   27     11    21    12  

Purchase of treasury shares

   28         (60  (77

Proceeds from borrowings

     327        241  

Proceeds from the sale of liquid resources

         2    53  

Liquid resources acquired

     (1        

Repayment of borrowings

         (318  (13

Finance lease principal payments

     (8  (8  (3

Dividends paid to company’s shareholders

   9     (346  (318  (292

Dividends paid to non-controlling interest

     (2  (1  (6

Transactions with non-controlling interest

   33     (4  (108  (7
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (23  (790  (92

Effects of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (24  (60  (1
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents

     (154  (373  984  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

     1,291    1,664    680  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

   17     1,137    1,291    1,664  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The consolidated cash flow statement includes discontinued operations (see note 3).


F-9


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statementsconsolidated financial statements

General information

Pearson plc (the company) and its subsidiaries (together the Group) are international media businesses covering education, business information and consumer publishing.

The company is a public limited liability company incorporated and domiciled in England. The address of its registered office is 80 Strand, London WC2R ORL.

0RL.

The company has its primary listing on the London Stock Exchange and is also listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

These consolidated financial statements were approved for issue by the board of directors on 7 March 2011.

1.  Accounting policies
2013.

1. Accounting policies

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are set out below.

a.  Basis of preparation

a. Basis of preparation

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and International Financial ReportingIFRS Interpretations Committee (IFRIC) interpretations as adopted by the European Union (EU) and with those parts of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS. These consolidated financial statements are also prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). In respect of the accounting standards applicable to the Group there is no difference between EU-adopted and IASB-adopted IFRS. The Group transitioned from UK GAAP to IFRS on 1 January 2003.

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by the revaluation of financial assets and liabilities (including derivative financial instruments) to fair value.

value through profit or loss.

1. Interpretations and amendments to published standards effective 2012

The following amendments and interpretations were adopted in 2010

2012 and have not had an impact on the Group financial statements:

• IFRS 3 (Revised) ‘Business Combinations’ and amendments to IAS 27 ‘Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements’, effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 July 2009. The amendments affect the accounting for business combinations, including the requirement to re-measure the fair value of previously held interests in step acquisitions with any gain or loss arising being recognised in the income statement, the requirement to expense acquisition costs and the requirement to recognise adjustments to contingent consideration in the income statement.
• Amendments to IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’, effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 July 2009. The amendments clarify that inflation may only be hedged where changes in inflation are a specified portion of cash flows of a financial instrument, and also clarify hedging with options. Management have assessed that the amendments have no impact on the Group’s financial statements.
• Amendments to IFRS 2 ‘Share-based Payment’: Group cash-settled share-based payment transactions, effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2010. The amendments clarify the scope and accounting for group cash-settled share-based payment transactions. Management have assessed that the amendments have no impact on the Group’s financial statements.
• IFRIC 17 ‘Distributions of Non-cash Assets to Owners’, effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 July 2009. IFRIC 17 provides guidance on the appropriate accounting treatment when an entity distributes assets other than cash as dividends, including recognition upon authorisation and measurement at fair value of assets distributed, with any difference between fair value and carrying value of these assets being recognised in the income statement when an entity settles the dividend payable. This does not apply to distributions of non-cash assets under common control. Management have assessed that this interpretation has no impact on the Group’s financial statements as the Group does not currently distribute non-cash assets.


F-10Amendments to IFRS 7 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’.


NotesAmendments to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)IFRS 1 ‘First-time Adoption’.

Amendments to IAS 12 ‘Income Taxes’.

• IFRIC 18 ‘Transfers of Assets from Customers’, effective for transfers of assets from customers received on or after 1 July 2009. IFRIC 18 states that when an item of property, plant and equipment is received from a customer and it meets the definition of an asset from the perspective of the recipient, the recipient should recognise the asset at its fair value at the date of transfer and recognise the credit in accordance with IAS 18 ‘Revenue’. Management have assessed that this interpretation has no impact on the Group’s financial statements as the Group has not received such assets from customers.
• ‘Improvements to IFRSs — 2009’, effective dates vary upon the amendment. This is the second set of amendments published under the IASB’s annual improvements process and incorporates minor amendments to 12 standards and interpretations. Management have assessed that these amendments have no impact on the Group’s financial statements.

2. Standards, interpretations and amendments to published standards that are not yet effective

The Group has not early adopted the following new pronouncements that are not yet effective:

• Amendments to IAS 24 ‘Related Parties’, effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2011. The amendments simplify disclosure for government related entities and clarify the definition of a related party.
• Amendments to IAS 32 ‘Financial Instruments: Presentation’ - Classification of Rights, effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 February 2010. The amendments clarify that rights, options or warrants issued to acquire a fixed number of an entity’s own non-derivative equity instruments for a fixed amount in any currency are classified as equity instruments provided the offer is made pro-rata to all existing owners of the same class of the entity’s own non-derivative equity instruments.
• IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’

Amendments to IAS 19 ‘Employee Benefits (2011)’, effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013. The amendments include the elimination of the corridor approach, changes to the calculation of the net interest and service cost components and changes to disclosure. If the 2012 accounts had been prepared using IAS 19 (2011) the service cost would have been £4m higher and the net interest income would have been £15m lower.

IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’, effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015. The new standard details the requirements for the classification and measurement of financial assets and liabilities.

• IFRIC 19 ‘Extinguishing Financial Liabilities with Equity Instruments’, effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 July 2010. IFRIC 19 clarifies accounting required by entities issuing equity instruments to extinguish all or part of a financial liability.
• Amendments to IFRIC 14 ‘Prepayments of a Minimum Funding Requirement’, effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2011. The amendments remedy a consequence of IFRIC 14 where, in certain circumstances, an entity was not permitted to recognise prepayments of a minimum funding requirement as an asset.
• Amendments to IFRS 7 ‘Financial Instruments: Disclosures’ — Transfers of Financial Assets, effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 July 2011. The amendments require enhanced disclosure where an asset is transferred but not derecognised, and new disclosure for assets that are derecognised but to which the entity continues to have an exposure.
• Amendments to IAS 12 ‘Deferred Tax’ — Recoverability of Underlying Assets, effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2012. The amendments provide, for certain investment properties, an exception to the principle that the measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities should reflect the tax consequences that would follow from the manner in which the entity expects to recover the carrying amount of an asset.
• ‘Improvements to IFRSs — 2010’, effective dates vary upon the amendment. This is the third set of amendments published under IASB’s annual improvements process and incorporates minor amendments to seven standards and interpretations.
Management are currently assessing the impact of these new standards, interpretations and amendments on the Group’s financial statements.


F-11


Notes to the Consolidatedconsolidated financial statements continued

1. Accounting policies continued

a. Basis of preparation continued

The IASB issued a ‘package of five’ new and amended standards together. IFRS 10 ‘Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)Statements’, IFRS 11 ‘Joint Arrangements’ and IFRS 12 ‘Disclosures of Involvement with Other Entities’ have been issued. IAS 27 ‘Separate Financial Statements’ (Revised 2011) has been amended following the issuance of IFRS 10 and retains the guidance for separate financial statements, IAS 28 ‘Investments in Associates and Joint Ventures’ (Revised 2011) has been amended following the issuance of IFRS 10 and IFRS 11. All three new standards and two amended standards are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013.

IFRS 13 ‘Fair Value Measurement’, effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2013. The standard defines fair value and provides guidance on its determination, and introduces disclosure requirements on fair value measurements.

Amendments to IAS 1 ‘Presentation of Financial Statements’ – Presentation of Items and Other Comprehensive Income, effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 July 2012. The amendments require the grouping of items in other comprehensive income into those that may be reclassified to profit or loss in subsequent periods, and those that will not.

With the exception of IAS 19 ‘Employee Benefits (2011)’, the changes in new pronouncements applicable from 1 January 2013 are not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

3. Critical accounting assumptions and judgements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain critical accounting assumptions. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the Group’s accounting policies. The areas requiring a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the consolidated financial statements, are discussed in the relevant accounting policies under the following headings:

•   Intangible assets:Goodwill
•   Intangible assets:Pre-publication assets
•   Royalty advances
•   Taxation
•   Employee benefits:Pension obligations
•   Revenue recognition

Intangible assets: Goodwill

Intangible assets: Pre-publication assets

Royalty advances

Taxation

Employee benefits: Pension obligations

Revenue recognition

b. Consolidation

b.  

Consolidation
1. Business combinations — The acquisition method of accounting is used to account for business combinations of the Group with an acquisition date on or after 1 January 2010. The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a subsidiary is the fair value of the assets transferred, the liabilities incurred and the equity interest issued by the Group. The consideration transferred includes the fair value of any asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration arrangement. Acquisition related costs are expensed as incurred.
incurred in the operating expenses line of the income statement.

Identifiable assets and contingent assets acquired and identifiable liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially at their fair values at the acquisition date. For material acquisitions, the fair value of the acquired intangible assets is determined by an external, independent valuer. The excess of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and the acquisition date fair value of any previous equity interest in the acquiree over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

1. Accounting policies continued

b. Consolidation continued

See note 1e(1) for the accounting policy on goodwill. If this is less than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, in the case of a bargain purchase, the difference is recognised directly in the income statement.

On anacquisition-by-acquisition basis, the Group recognises any non-controlling interest in the acquiree either at fair value or at the non-controlling interest’s proportionate share of the acquiree’s net assets.

2. Subsidiaries — Subsidiaries are entities over which the Group has the power to govern the financial and operating policies, generally accompanying a shareholding of more than one half of the voting rights. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to the Group and are de-consolidated from the date that control ceases.

3. Transactions with non-controlling interests — Transactions with non-controlling interests are treated as transactions with shareholders. Any surplus or deficit arising from disposals to a non-controlling interest is recorded in equity. For purchases from a non-controlling interest, the difference between consideration paid and the relevant share acquired of the carrying value of the subsidiary is recorded in equity.

4. Joint ventures and associates — Joint ventures are entities in which the Group holds an interest on a long-term basis and which are jointly controlled, with one or more other venturers, under a contractual arrangement. Associates are entities over which the Group has significant influence but not the power to control the financial and operating policies, generally accompanying a shareholding of between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. Investments in joint ventures and associates are accounted for by the equity method and are initially recognised at cost.

The Group’s share of its joint ventures’ and associates’ post-acquisition profits or losses is recognised in the income statement and its share of post-acquisition movements in reserves is recognised in reserves. The Group’s share of its joint ventures’ and associates’ results is recognised as a component of operating profit as these


F-12


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
operations form part of the core publishing business of the Group and are an integral part of existing wholly-owned businesses.

The cumulative post-acquisition movements are adjusted against the carrying amount of the investment. When the Group’s share of losses in a joint venture or associate equals or exceeds its interest in the joint venture or associate the Group does not recognise further losses unless the Group has incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the joint venture or associate.

c. Foreign currency translation

c.  

Foreign currency translation
1. Functional and presentation currency — Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic environment in which the entity operates (the ‘functional currency’). The consolidated financial statements are presented in sterling, which is the company’s functional and presentation currency.

2. Transactions and balances — Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates of the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions and from the translation at year end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised in the income statement, except when deferred in equity as qualifying net investment hedges.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

1. Accounting policies continued

c. Foreign currency translation continued

3. Group companies — The results and financial position of all Group companies that have a functional currency different from the presentation currency are translated into the presentation currency as follows:

i) assets and liabilities are translated at the closing rate at the date of the balance sheet;
ii) income and expenses are translated at average exchange rates;
iii) all resulting exchange differences are recognised as a separate component of equity.

On consolidation, exchange differences arising from the translation of the net investment in foreign entities, and of borrowings and other currency instruments designated as hedges of such investments, are taken to shareholders’ equity. The Group treats specific inter-company loan balances, which are not intended to be repaid in the foreseeable future, as part of its net investment. When a foreign operation is sold, such exchange differences are recognised in the income statement as part of the gain or loss on sale.

At the date of transition to IFRS the cumulative translation differences in respect of foreign operations have been deemed to be zero.
Any gains and losses on disposals of foreign operations will exclude translation differences that arose prior to the transition date.

The principal overseas currency for the Group is the US dollar. The average rate for the year against sterling was $1.54 (2009: $1.57)$1.59 (2011: $1.60) and the year end rate was $1.57 (2009: $1.61)$1.63 (2011: $1.55).

d.  Property, plant and equipment

d. Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at historical cost less depreciation. Land is not depreciated. Depreciation on other assets is calculated using the straight-line method to allocate their cost less their residual values over their estimated useful lives as follows:

Buildings (freehold):20-50 years
Buildings (leasehold): over the period of the lease
Plant and equipment: 3-10 years

Buildings (freehold):

20–50 years

Buildings (leasehold):

over the period of the lease

Plant and equipment:

3–10 years

The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each balance sheet date.


F-13


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
The carrying value of an asset is written down to its recoverable amount if the carrying value of the asset is greater than its estimated recoverable amount.

e. Intangible assets

e.  

Intangible assets
1. Goodwill — For the acquisition of subsidiaries made on or after 1 January 2010 goodwill represents the excess of the consideration transferred, the amount of any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and the acquisition date fair value of any previous equity interest in the acquiree over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. For the acquisition of subsidiaries made from the date of transition to IFRS to 31 December 2009 goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s share of the net identifiable assets acquired. Goodwill on acquisitions of subsidiaries is included in intangible assets. Goodwill on acquisition of associates and joint ventures represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s share of the net identifiable assets acquired. Goodwill on acquisitions of associates and joint ventures is included in investments in associates and joint ventures.

Goodwill is tested annually for impairment and carried at cost less accumulated impairment losses. An impairment loss is recognised to the extent that the carrying value of goodwill exceeds the recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. These calculations require the use of estimates and significant management judgement. A description of the key assumptions and sensitivities is included in note 11. Goodwill is allocated to cash-generating units for the purpose of impairment testing. The allocation is made to those cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the business combination in which the goodwill arose.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

1. Accounting policies continued

e. Intangible assets continued

Gains and losses on the disposal of an entity include the carrying amount of goodwill relating to the entity sold.

IFRS 3 ‘Business Combinations’ has not been applied retrospectively to business combinations before the date of transition to IFRS. Subject to the transition adjustments to IFRS required by IFRS 1, the accounting for business combinations before the date of transition has been grandfathered.

2. Acquired software — Software separately acquired for internal use is capitalised at cost. Software acquired in material business combinations is capitalised at its fair value as determined by an independent valuer. Acquired software is amortised on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life of between three and eight years.

3. Internally developed software — Internal and external costs incurred during the preliminary stage of developing computer software for internal use are expensed as incurred. Internal and external costs incurred to develop computer software for internal use during the application development stage are capitalised if the Group expects economic benefits from the development. Capitalisation in the application development stage begins once the Group can reliably measure the expenditure attributable to the software development and has demonstrated its intention to complete and use the software. Internally developed software is amortised on a straight-line basis over its estimated useful life of between three and eight years.

4. Acquired intangible assets — Acquired intangible assets include customer lists and relationships, trademarks and brands, publishing rights, content and technology. These assets are capitalised on acquisition at cost and included in intangible assets. Intangible assets acquired in material business combinations are capitalised at their fair value as determined by an independent valuer. Intangible assets are amortised over their estimated useful lives of between two and 20 years, using an amortisation method that reflects the pattern of their consumption.

5. Pre-publication assets — Pre-publication assets represent direct costs incurred in the development of educational programmes and titles prior to their publication. These costs are recognised as current intangible assets where the title will generate probable future economic benefits and costs can be measured reliably. Pre-publication assets are amortised upon publication of the title over estimated economic lives of five years or less, being an estimate of the expected operating life cycle of the title, with a higher proportion of the amortisation taken in the earlier years.


F-14


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
The investment in pre-publication assets has been disclosed as part of cash generated from operations in the cash flow statement (see note 31)34).

The assessment of the recoverability of pre-publication assets and the determination of the amortisation profile involve a significant degree of judgement based on historical trends and management estimation of future potential sales. An incorrect amortisation profile could result in excess amounts being carried forward as intangible assets that would otherwise have been written off to the income statement in an earlier period.

Reviews are performed regularly to estimate recoverability of pre-publication assets. The carrying amount of pre-publication assets is set out in note 20.

f.  Other financial assets

f. Other financial assets

Other financial assets, designated as available for sale investments, are non-derivative financial assets measured at estimated fair value. Changes in the fair value are recorded in equity in the fair value reserve. On the subsequent disposal of the asset, the net fair value gains or losses are taken to the income statement.

g.  Inventories

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

1. Accounting policies continued

g. Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is determined using the first in first out (FIFO) method. The cost of finished goods and work in progress comprises raw materials, direct labour, other direct costs and related production overheads. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less estimated costs necessary to make the sale. Provisions are made for slow moving and obsolete stock.

h.  Royalty advances

h. Royalty advances

Advances of royalties to authors are included within trade and other receivables when the advance is paid less any provision required to adjust the advance to its net realisable value. The realisable value of royalty advances relies on a degree of management judgement in determining the profitability of individual author contracts. If the estimated realisable value of author contracts is overstated, this will have an adverse effect on operating profits as these excess amounts will be written off.

The recoverability of royalty advances is based upon an annual detailed management review of the age of the advance, the future sales projections for new authors and prior sales history of repeat authors. The royalty advance is expensed at the contracted or effective royalty rate as the related revenues are earned. Royalty advances which will be consumed within one year are held in current assets. Royalty advances which will be consumed after one year are held in non-current assets.

i.  Newspaper development costs

i. Newspaper development costs

Investment in the development of newspaper titles consists of measures to increase the volume and geographical spread of circulation. The measures include additional and enhanced editorial content, extended distribution and remote printing. These costs are expensed as incurred as they do not meet the criteria under IAS 38 ‘Intangible Assets’ to be capitalised as intangible assets.

j.  Cash and cash equivalents

j. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents in the cash flow statement include cash in hand, deposits held on call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are included in borrowings in current liabilities in the balance sheet.

Short-term deposits and marketable securities with maturities of greater than three months do not qualify as cash and cash equivalents. Movements on these financial instruments are classified as cash flows from financing activities in the cash flow statement aswhere these amounts are used to offset the borrowings of the Group.


F-15

Group or as cash flows from investing activities where these amounts are held to generate an investment return.


k. Share capital

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
k.  Share capital
Ordinary shares are classified as equity.

Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are shown in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.

Where any Group company purchases the company’s equity share capital (treasury shares) the consideration paid, including any directly attributable incremental costs, net of income taxes, is deducted from equity attributable to the company’s equity holders until the shares are cancelled, reissued or disposed of. Where such shares are subsequently sold or reissued, any consideration received, net of any directly attributable transaction costs and the related income tax effects, is included in equity attributable to the company’s equity holders.

l.  Borrowings

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

1. Accounting policies continued

l. Borrowings

Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, which is proceeds received net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are subsequently stated at amortised cost with any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs) and the redemption value being recognised in the income statement over the period of the borrowings using the effective interest method. Accrued interest is included as part of borrowings. Where a debt instrument is in a fair value hedging relationship, an adjustment is made to its carrying value in the income statement to reflect the hedged risk. Interest on borrowings is expensed in the income statement as incurred.

m.  Derivative financial instruments

m. Derivative financial instruments

Derivatives are recognised at fair value and re-measured at each balance sheet date. The fair value of derivatives is determined by using market data and the use of established estimation techniques such as discounted cash flow and option valuation models. The Group designates certain of the derivative instruments within its portfolio to be hedges of the fair value of its bonds (fair value hedges) or hedges of net investments in foreign operations (net investment hedges).

Changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges are recorded in the income statement, together with any changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk.

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as net investment hedges are recognised in other comprehensive income. Gains and losses accumulated in equity are included in the income statement when the corresponding foreign operation is disposed of. Gains or losses relating to the ineffective portion are recognised immediately in finance income or finance costs in the income statement.

Certain derivatives do not qualify or are not designated as hedging instruments. Such derivatives are classified at fair value and any movement in their fair value is recognised immediately in finance income or finance costs in the income statement.

n.  Taxation

n. Taxation

Current tax is recognised on the amounts expected to be paid or recovered under the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date.

Deferred income tax is provided, using the liability method, on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts. Deferred income tax is determined using tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected to apply when the related deferred tax asset is realised or the deferred income tax liability is settled.

Deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilised.


F-16


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Deferred income tax is provided in respect of the undistributed earnings of subsidiaries other than where it is intended that those undistributed earnings will not be remitted in the foreseeable future.

Current and deferred tax are recognised in the income statement, except when the tax relates to items charged or credited directly to equity or other comprehensive income, in which case the tax is also recognised in equity or other comprehensive income.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

1. Accounting policies continued

n. Taxation continued

The Group is subject to income taxes in numerous jurisdictions. Significant judgement is required in determining the estimates in relation to the worldwide provision for income taxes. There are many transactions and calculations for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain during the ordinary course of business. The Group recognises liabilities for anticipated tax audit issues based on estimates of whether additional taxes will be due. Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts that were initially recorded, such differences will impact the income tax and deferred tax provisions in the period in which such determination is made.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities require management judgement in determining the amounts to be recognised. In particular, significant judgement is used when assessing the extent to which deferred tax assets should be recognised with consideration given to the timing and level of future taxable income together with any future tax planning strategies.

o. Employee benefits

o.  

Employee benefits
1. Pension obligations The retirement benefit asset and obligation recognised in the balance sheet represents the net of the present value of the defined benefit obligation and the fair value of plan assets at the balance sheet date. The defined benefit obligation is calculated annually by independent actuaries using the projected unit credit method. The present value of the defined benefit obligation is determined by discounting estimated future cash flows using yields on high quality corporate bonds which have terms to maturity approximating the terms of the related liability.
The determination of the pension cost and defined benefit obligation of the Group’s defined benefit pension schemes depends on the selection of certain assumptions, which include the discount rate, inflation rate, salary growth, longevity and expected return on scheme assets.

Actuarial gains and losses arising from differences between actual and expected returns on plan assets, experience adjustments on liabilities and changes in actuarial assumptions are recognised immediately in other comprehensive income.

The service cost, representing benefits accruing over the year, is included in the income statement as an operating cost. The unwinding of the discount rate on the scheme liabilities and the expected return on scheme assets are presented as finance costs or finance income.

Obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension plans are recognised as an operating expense in the income statement as incurred.

2. Other post-retirement obligations The expected costs of post-retirement healthcare and life assurance benefits are accrued over the period of employment, using a similar accounting methodology as for defined benefit pension obligations. The liabilities and costs relating to significant other post-retirement obligations are assessed annually by independent qualified actuaries.

3. Share-based payments The fair value of options or shares granted under the Group’s share and option plans is recognised as an employee expense after taking into account the Group’s best estimate of the number of awards expected to vest. Fair value is measured at the date of grant and is spread over the vesting period of the option or share. The fair value of the options granted is measured using an option model that is most appropriate to the award. The fair value of shares awarded is measured using the share price at the date of grant unless another method is more appropriate. Any proceeds received are credited to share capital and share premium when the options are


F-17

exercised.


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)consolidated financial statements continued
exercised. The Group has applied IFRS 2 ‘Share-based Payment’ retrospectively to all options granted but not fully vested at the date of transition to IFRS.
p.  Provisions

1. Accounting policies continued

p. Provisions

Provisions are recognised if the Group has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of past events, it is more likely than not that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation and the amount can be reliably estimated. Provisions are discounted to present value where the effect is material.

The Group recognises a provision for deferred consideration when the payment of the deferred consideration is probable.

at fair value.

The Group recognises a provision for onerous lease contracts when the expected benefits to be derived from a contract are less than the unavoidable costs of meeting the obligations under the contract.

The provision is based on the present value of future payments for surplus leased properties under non-cancellable operating leases, net of estimated sub-leasing income.

sub-leasingq. Revenue recognition income.

q.  Revenue recognition

Revenue comprises the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for the sale of goods and services net of sales taxes, rebates and discounts, and after eliminating sales within the Group.

Revenue from the sale of books is recognised when title passes. A provision for anticipated returns is made based primarily on historical return rates. If these estimates do not reflect actual returns in future periods then revenues could be understated or overstated for a particular period.

Circulation and advertising revenue is recognised when the newspaper or other publication is published. Subscription revenue is recognised on a straight-line basis over the life of the subscription.

Where a contractual arrangement consists of two or more separate elements that can be provided to customers either on a stand-alone basis or as an optional extra, such as the provision of supplementary materials with textbooks, revenue is recognised for each element as if it were an individual contractual arrangement.

Revenue from multi-year contractual arrangements, such as contracts to process qualifying tests for individual professions and government departments, is recognised as performance occurs. The assumptions, risks, and uncertainties inherent in long-term contract accounting can affect the amounts and timing of revenue and related expenses reported. Certain of these arrangements, either as a result of a single service spanning more than one reporting period or where the contract requires the provision of a number of services that together constitute a single project, are treated as long-term contracts with revenue recognised on a percentage of completion basis. Losses on contracts are recognised in the period in which the loss first becomes foreseeable. Contract losses are determined to be the amount by which estimated total costs of the contract exceed the estimated total revenues that will be generated by the contract.

On certain contracts, where the Group acts as agent, only commissions and fees receivable for services rendered are recognised as revenue. Any third-party costs incurred on behalf of the principal that are rechargeable under the contractual arrangement are not included in revenue.

Income from recharges of freight and other activities which are incidental to the normal revenue generating activities is included in other income.

r.  Leases

r. Leases

Leases of property, plant and equipment where the Group has substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are classified as finance leases. Finance leases are capitalised at the commencement of the lease at the lower of the fair value of the leased property and the present value of the minimum lease payments. Each lease


F-18

payment is


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)consolidated financial statements continued
payment is

1. Accounting policies continued

r. Leases continued

allocated between the liability and finance charges to achieve a constant rate on the finance balance outstanding.

The corresponding rental obligations, net of finance charges, are included in financial liabilities -borrowings.– borrowings. The interest element of the finance cost is charged to the income statement over the lease period to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability for each period. The property, plant and equipment acquired under finance leases are depreciated over the shorter of the useful life of the asset or the lease term.
Leases where a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases by the lessee. Payments made under operating leases (net of any incentives received from the lessor) are charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.
s.  Dividends

s. Dividends

Dividends are recorded in the Group’s financial statements in the period in which they are approved by the company’s shareholders. Interim dividends are recorded in the period in which they are approved and paid.

t.  Non-current assets and liabilities held for sale

t. Assets and liabilities held for sale

Assets and liabilities are classified as held for sale and stated at the lower of carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell if it is intended to recover their carrying amount principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. No depreciation is charged in respect of non-current assets classified as held for sale. Amounts relating to non-current assets and liabilities held for sale are classified as discontinued operations in the income statement where appropriate.

u.  Trade receivables

u. Trade receivables

Trade receivables are stated at fair value after provision for bad and doubtful debts and anticipated future sales returns (see also note 1q).

2.  Segment information

2. Segment information

The Group is organised into fivethe following business segments:

Continuing operations:

North American Education — Educational publishing, assessment and testing for the school and higher education market within the USA and Canada;

International Education — Educational publishing, assessment and testing for the school and higher education market outside of North America;

Professional — Business and technology publishing, training, testing and certification for professional bodies;

FT Group — Publisher of theFinancial Times, business magazines and specialist information;

Discontinued operations:

Penguin — PublisherConsumer publisher with brand imprints such as Penguin, Putnam, Berkley, Viking and Dorling Kindersley.


F-19


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)consolidated financial statements continued

2. Segment information continued

In October 2012, Pearson and Bertelsmann entered into an agreement to create a new consumer publishing business by combining Penguin and Random House. The transaction is expected to complete in 2013 and, at that point, Pearson will no longer control the Penguin group of companies but will hold a 47% equity interest in the combined Penguin Random House. This equity interest will be accounted for under the equity method. The impending loss of control results in the Penguin business being classified as held for sale in the Pearson balance sheet at December 2012 and the results for 2010, 2011 and 2012 have been included in discontinued operations.

For more detail on the services and products included in each business segment refer to the business review.

The results of the Interactive Data segment are shown as discontinued.
                                     
    2010 
    North
                      
    American
  International
     FT
        Discontinued
    
  Notes Education  Education  Professional  Group  Penguin  Corporate  operations  Group 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Continuing operations
                                    
Sales (external)      2,640   1,234   333   403   1,053         5,663 
Sales (inter-segment)            5      3         8 
                                   
Adjusted operating profit      469   171   51   60   106         857 
Amortisation of acquired intangibles      (53)  (35)  (7)  (9)  (1)        (105)
                                   
Acquisition costs      (1)  (7)  (2)  (1)           (11)
Other net gains and losses         (10)     12            2 
Operating profit
      415   119   42   62   105         743 
                                   
Finance costs  6                               (109)
Finance income  6                               36 
                                   
Profit before tax
                                  670 
                                   
Income tax  7                               (146)
                                   
Profit for the year from continuing operations
                                  524 
                                   
Segment assets      4,401   2,122   601   447   1,138   1,888      10,597 
Joint ventures  12   15      1   1   1         18 
Associates  12   24   6      23            53 
                                   
Total assets
      4,440   2,128   602   471   1,139   1,888      10,668 
                                   
Other segment items
                                    
Share of results of joint ventures and associates  12   (3)  1   1   42            41 
Capital expenditure  10,11   45   27   16   17   18      21   144 
Pre-publication investment  20   215   61   7      36         319 
Depreciation  10   23   19   9   5   13      13   82 
Amortisation  11,20   307   111   18   23   43      12   514 
                                   


F-20


     2012 

All figures in £ millions

 Notes  North
American
Education
  International
Education
  Professional  FT
Group
  Corporate  Discontinued
operations
  Group 

Continuing operations

        

Sales (external)

   2,658    1,568    390    443            5,059  

Sales (inter-segment)

   5    1    12                18  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Adjusted operating profit

   536    216    37    49            838  

Intangible charges

   (66  (73  (37  (4          (180

Acquisition costs

   (7  (8  (1  (4          (20

Other net gains and losses

           (123              (123
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating profit

   463    135    (124  41            515  

Finance costs

  6          (113

Finance income

  6          32  
        

 

 

 

Profit before tax

         434  

Income tax

  7          (148
        

 

 

 

Profit for the year from continuing operations

         286  
        

 

 

 

Segment assets

   5,449    2,390    631    445    1,246    1,145    11,306  

Joint ventures

  12        7        1            8  

Associates

  12    1    4        2        27    34  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

   5,450    2,401    631    448    1,246    1,172    11,348  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other segment items

        

Share of results of joint ventures and associates

  12        (3  (11  23            9  

Capital expenditure

  10, 11    66    33    16    26        11    152  

Pre-publication investment

  20    250    76    7            31    364  

Depreciation

  10    41    16    8    8        7    80  

Amortisation

  11, 20    311    142    45    16        39    553  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)consolidated financial statements continued
                                     
     2009 
     North
                      
     American
  International
              Discontinued
    
  Notes  Education  Education  Professional  FT Group  Penguin  Corporate  operations  Group 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Continuing operations
                                    
Sales (external)      2,470   1,035   275   358   1,002         5,140 
Sales (inter-segment)            7      24         31 
                                     
Adjusted operating profit      403   141   43   39   84         710 
Amortisation of acquired intangibles      (49)  (32)  (1)  (8)  (1)        (91)
                                     
Operating profit
      354   109   42   31   83         619 
                                     
Finance costs  6                               (122)
Finance income  6                               26 
                                     
Profit before tax
                                  523 
                                     
Income tax  7                               (146)
                                     
Profit for the year from continuing operations
                                  377 
                                     
Segment assets      4,382   1,635   377   420   1,173   924   471   9,382 
Joint ventures  12   13      1   1   3         18 
Associates  12      5      7            12 
                                     
Total assets
      4,395   1,640   378   428   1,176   924   471   9,412 
                                     
Other segment items
                                    
Share of results of joint ventures and associates  12   (2)  6   1   25            30 
Capital expenditure  10,11   38   22   12   15   10      29   126 
Pre-publication investments  20   220   58   8      36         322 
Depreciation  10   24   16   10   5   9      21   85 
Amortisation  11,20   274   89   13   20   42      16   454 
                                     

F-21


2. Segment information continued

     2011 

All figures in £ millions

 Notes  North
American
Education
  International
Education
  Professional  FT
Group
  Corporate  Discontinued
operations
  Group 

Continuing operations

        

Sales (external)

   2,584    1,424    382    427            4,817  

Sales (inter-segment)

   3        9                12  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Adjusted operating profit

   493    196    66    76            831  

Intangible charges

   (57  (60  (11  (8          (136

Acquisition costs

   (2  (9      (1          (12

Other net gains and losses

   29    (6      412            435  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating profit

   463    121    55    479            1,118  

Finance costs

  6          (96

Finance income

  6          25  
        

 

 

 

Profit before tax

         1,047  

Income tax

  7          (162
        

 

 

 

Profit for the year from continuing operations

         885  
        

 

 

 

Segment assets

   5,198    2,388    626    424    1,555    1,021    11,212  

Joint ventures

  12        16        1        1    18  

Associates

  12    1    8        4        1    14  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

   5,199    2,412    626    429    1,555    1,023    11,244  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other segment items

        

Share of results of joint ventures and associates

  12        (2  1    34            33  

Capital expenditure

  10, 11    75    33    17    19        12    156  

Pre-publication investment

  20    237    60    2            32    331  

Depreciation

  10    36    14    8    4        8    70  

Amortisation

  11, 20    309    128    16    20        45    518  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)consolidated financial statements continued

                                     
     2008 
     North
                      
     American
  International
              Discontinued
    
  Notes  Education  Education  Professional  FT Group  Penguin  Corporate  operations  Group 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Continuing operations
                                    
Sales (external)      2,002   866   244   390   903         4,405 
Sales (inter-segment)            4      22         26 
                                     
Adjusted operating profit      303   135   36   74   93         641 
Amortisation of acquired intangibles      (45)  (22)  (1)  (7)  (2)        (77)
                                     
Operating profit
      258   113   35   67   91         564 
                                     
Finance costs  6                               (136)
Finance income  6                               41 
                                     
Profit before tax
                                  469 
                                     
Income tax  7                               (125)
                                     
Profit for the year from continuing operations
                                  344 
                                     
Segment assets      4,952   1,358   423   482   1,211   923   524   9,873 
Joint ventures  12      8      2   3         13 
Associates  12      4      6            10 
                                     
Total assets
      4,952   1,370   423   490   1,214   923   524   9,896 
                                     
Other segment items
                                    
Share of results of joint  12      5      19   1         25 
ventures and associates                                    
Capital expenditure  10, 11   22   30   15   17   15      25   124 
Pre-publication investments  20   202   52   7      36         297 
Depreciation  10   25   12   8   13   9      13   80 
Amortisation  11, 20   219��  69   12   12   36      12   360 
                                     

2. Segment information continued

     2010 

All figures in millions

 Notes  North
American
Education
  International
Education
  Professional  FT
Group
  Corporate  Discontinued
operations
  Group 

Continuing operations

        

Sales (external)

   2,640    1,234    333    403            4,610  

Sales (inter-segment)

           5                5  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Adjusted operating profit

   469    171    51    60            751  

Amortisation of acquired intangibles

   (53  (35  (7  (9          (104

Acquisition costs

   (1  (7  (2  (1          (11

Other net gains and losses

       (10      12            2  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating profit

   415    119    42    62            638  

Finance costs

  6          (109

Finance income

  6          36  
        

 

 

 

Profit before tax

         565  

Income tax

  7          (110
        

 

 

 

Profit for the year from operations

         455  
        

 

 

 

Segment assets

   4,401    2,122    601    447    1,888    1,138    10,597  

Joint ventures

   15        1    1        1    18  

Associates

   24    6        23            53  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total assets

   4,440    2,128    602    471    1,888    1,139    10,668  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other segment items

        

Share of results of joint ventures and associates

   (3  1    1    42            41  

Capital expenditure

   45    27    16    17        39    144  

Pre-publication investment

   215    61    7            36    319  

Depreciation

   23    19    9    5        26    82  

Amortisation

   307    111    18    23        55    514  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

In 2010,2012, sales from the provision of goods were £4,200m (2009: £3,838m; 2008: £3,374m)£2,946m (2011: £3,009m; 2010: £3,147) and sales from the provision of services were £1,463m (2009: £1,302m; 2008: £1,031m)£2,113m (2011: £1,808m; 2010: £1,463m). Sales from the Group’s educational publishing, consumer publishing and newspaper business are classified as being from the provision of goods and sales from its assessment and testing and other service businesses are classified as being from the provision of services.

Included in other net gains and losses in 2012 in the Professional segment is the loss on closure of Pearson in Practice (£113m) and an impairment loss on a joint venture (£10m). In 2011 other net gains and losses includes a gain on sale of FTSE International (£412m) in the FT Group, a gain on the sale of investments in the North American Education business (£29m) and a net loss of £6m on acquisition and disposal transactions in the International Education business.

Corporate costs are allocated to business segments including discontinued operations on an appropriate basis depending on the nature of the cost and therefore the segment result is equal to the Group operating profit. Inter-segment pricing is determined on an arm’s-length basis. Segment assets consist of property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, inventories, receivables, deferred taxation and other financial assets and exclude cash and cash equivalents and derivative assets. Corporate assets comprise cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities and derivative financial instruments. Capital expenditure comprises additions to property, plant and equipment and software (see notes 10 and 11).

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

2. Segment information continued

Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets acquired through business combination were £311m (2009: £153m)£296m (2011: £404m) (see note 29)30). Capital expenditure, depreciation and amortisation include amounts relating to discontinued operations.

F-22


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
The Group operates in the following main geographic areas:
                         
  Sales  Non-current assets 
  2010  2009  2008  2010  2009  2008 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Continuing operations
                        
UK  790   694   700   1,031   904   660 
Other European countries  415   387   392   237   179   154 
USA  3,361   3,146   2,596   3,790   3,607   4,396 
Canada  228   198   165   235   204   209 
Asia Pacific  577   497   403   364   319   155 
Other countries  292   218   149   376   121   14 
                         
Total continuing
  5,663   5,140   4,405   6,033   5,334   5,588 
                         
Discontinued operations
                        
UK  31   54   55      37   41 
Other European countries  48   86   71      63   70 
USA  196   317   272      204   228 
Canada  2   2   2          
Asia Pacific  18   23   12      21   24 
Other countries  1   2   2          
                         
Total discontinued
  296   484   414      325   363 
                         
Total
  5,959   5,624   4,819   6,033   5,659   5,951 
                         

   Sales   Non-current assets 

All figures in £ millions

      2012           2011           2010           2012           2011           2010     

Continuing operations

            

UK

   705     713     638     803     1,237     1,031  

Other European countries

   391     394     339     234     225     237  

USA

   2,800     2,707     2,747     4,496     4,325     3,790  

Canada

   145     150     165     307     226     235  

Asia Pacific

   647     514     450     524     570     364  

Other countries

   371     339     271     275     325     376  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total continuing

   5,059     4,817     4,610     6,639     6,908     6,033  

Discontinued operations

            

UK

   160     152     183                 

Other European countries

   78     77     124                 

USA

   603     606     810                 

Canada

   56     59     65                 

Asia Pacific

   139     132     145                 

Other countries

   17     19     22                 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total discontinued

   1,053     1,045     1,349                 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   6,112     5,862     5,959     6,639     6,908     6,033  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Sales are allocated based on the country in which the customer is located. This does not differ materially from the location where the order is received. Non-currentThe geographical split of non-current assets areis based on the subsidiary’s country of domicile. This is not materially different to the location of the assets. Non-current assets comprise property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, investments in joint ventures and associates and trade and other receivables.


F-23


3. Discontinued operations

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
3.  Discontinued operations
Discontinued operations in 20092012, 2011 and 2010, relate to the Group’s interestPenguin and in 2010 relate also to Interactive Data (sold on 29 July 2010).

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

3. Discontinued operations in 2008 relate to interactive Data and the Data Management business (sold on 22 February 2008).

continued

An analysis of the results and cash flows of discontinued operations is as follows:

                     
  2010  2009  2008  2008  2008 
  Interactive
  Interactive
  Interactive
  Data
    
  Data  Data  Data  Management  Total 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Sales  296   484   406   8   414 
                     
Operating profit  73   136   112      112 
Finance income     1   4      4 
                     
Profit before tax
  73   137   116      116 
Attributable tax expense  (28)  (52)  (47)     (47)
                     
Profit after tax
  45   85   69      69 
Profit/(loss) on disposal of discontinued operations before tax  1,037         (53)  (53)
Attributable tax expense  (306)        (37)  (37)
                     
Profit/(loss) for the year from discontinued operations
  776   85   69   (90)  (21)
                     
Operating cash flows  85   132   127      127 
Investing cash flows  (35)  (23)  (50)     (50)
Financing cash flows  49   (80)  (29)     (29)
                     
Total cash flows
  99   29   48      48 
                     
4.  Operating expenses
             
  2010  2009  2008 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
By function:
            
Cost of goods sold
  2,588   2,382   2,046 
             
Operating expenses
            
Distribution costs  298   275   235 
Administrative and other expenses  2,190   2,014   1,687 
Other income  (115)  (120)  (102)
             
Total operating expenses
  2,373   2,169   1,820 
             
Total
  4,961   4,551   3,866 
             


F-24


    2012  2011  2010  2010  2010 

All figures in £ millions

  Penguin  Penguin  Penguin  Interactive
Data
  Total 

Sales

   1,053    1,045    1,053    296    1,349  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating profit

   62    108    105    73    178  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit before tax

   62    108    105    73    178  

Attributable tax expense

   (19  (37  (36  (28  (64
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit after tax

   43    71    69    45    114  

Profit on disposal of discontinued operations before tax

               
1,037
  
  1,037  

Attributable tax expense

               (306  (306
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Profit for the year from discontinued operations

   43    71    69    776    845  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating cash flows

   83    107    82    85    167  

Investing cash flows

   (81  (13  (26  (35  (61

Financing cash flows

   10    (71  (40  49    9  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total cash flows

   12    23    16    99    115  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Included in operating profit in 2012 are costs associated with the formation of Penguin Random House of £32m, including a provision for the settlement of litigation associated with the agency arrangement for eBooks.

4. Operating expenses

All figures in £ millions

  2012  2011  2010 

By function:

    

Cost of goods sold

   2,224    2,072    1,999  

Operating expenses

    

Distribution costs

   177    190    174  

Administrative and other expenses

   2,111    1,999    1,919  

Other income

   (72  (117  (79
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total net operating expenses

   2,216    2,072    2,014  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

   4,440    4,144    4,013  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)consolidated financial statements continued

                 
  Notes  2010  2009  2008 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
By nature:
                
Utilisation of inventory  21   836   843   832 
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment  10   69   64   67 
Amortisation of intangible assets — Pre-publication  20   350   307   244 
Amortisation of intangible assets — Other  11   152   131   104 
Employee benefit expense  5   1,849   1,725   1,392 
Operating lease rentals      166   157   156 
Other property costs      64   70   102 
Royalties expensed      524   479   400 
Advertising, promotion and marketing      250   219   238 
Information technology costs      78   72   60 
Other costs      738   604   373 
Other income      (115)  (120)  (102)
                 
Total
      4,961   4,551   3,866 
                 

4. Operating expenses continued

Included in other income in 2011 is a profit of £29m on the sale of an investment and a gain of £8m on a stepped acquisition. Both these items are excluded from adjusted earnings.

All figures in £ millions

  Notes   2012  2011  2010 

By nature:

      

Utilisation of inventory

   21     512    585    579  

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

   10     72    63    56  

Amortisation of intangible assets – Pre-publication

   20     283    292    313  

Amortisation of intangible assets – Other

   11     230    181    146  

Acquisition costs

     20    12    11  

Employee benefit expense

   5     1,916    1,778    1,675  

Operating lease rentals

     171    164    147  

Other property costs

     33    37    37  

Royalties expensed

     245    260    270  

Advertising, promotion and marketing

     247    234    208  

Information technology costs

     82    74    74  

Other costs

     701    581    576  

Other income

     (72  (117  (79
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

     4,440    4,144    4,013  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

During the year the Group obtained the following services from the Group’s auditors:

             
  2010  2009  2008 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Fees payable to the company’s auditors for the audit of parent company and consolidated financial statements  4   4   3 
The audit of the company’s subsidiaries pursuant to legislation  2   2   2 
Tax services  2   2   2 
Other services  2   1   1 
             
Total
  10   9   8 
             

All figures in £ millions

  2012   2011   2010 

The audit of parent company and consolidated financial statements

   4     4     4  

The audit of the company’s subsidiaries

   2     2     2  

Total audit fees

   6     6     6  

Other assurance services

   1            

Total assurance services

   1            

Tax compliance services

   1     1     1  

Tax advisory services

   1     1     1  

Total tax services

   2     2     2  

Corporate finance services not covered above

        1     2  

Total non-audit services

   3     3     4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   9     9     10  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Reconciliation between audit and non-audit service fees is shown below:

             
  2010  2009  2008 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Group audit fees including fees for attestation under section 404 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act
  6   6   5 
Non-audit fees  4   3   3 
             
Total
  10   9   8 
             

All figures in £ millions

  2012   2011   2010 

Group audit fees including fees for attestation under section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act

       6         6     6  

Non-audit fees

   3     3     4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   9     9     10  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Fees for attestation under section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act are allocated between fees payable for the audits of consolidated and subsidiary accounts.

Tax services include services related to tax planning and various other tax advisory matters. Other services is mainly due diligence on acquisitions, notably our Brazilian acquisition, Sistema Educational Brasileiro (SEB), where we assessed that our auditors were best qualified and cost effective in taking on this role.

F-25


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)consolidated financial statements continued
5.  Employee information
                 
  Notes  2010  2009  2008 
     All figures in £ millions 
 
Employee benefit expense
                
Wages and salaries (including termination benefits and restructuring costs)      1,588   1,496   1,184 
Social security costs      136   124   103 
Share-based payment costs  26   35   27   25 
Retirement benefits — defined contribution plans  25   66   60   39 
Retirement benefits — defined benefit plans  25   22   16   35 
Other post-retirement benefits  25   2   2   6 
                 
       1,849   1,725   1,392 
                 

5. Employee information

All figures in £ millions

  Notes   2012   2011   2010 

Employee benefit expense

        

Wages and salaries (including termination benefits and restructuring costs)

     1,659     1,531     1,452  

Social security costs

     132     126     111  

Share-based payment costs

   26     28     36     32  

Retirement benefits – defined contribution plans

   25     71     62     62  

Retirement benefits – defined benefit plans

   25     22     20     16  

Other post-retirement benefits

   25     4     3     2  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     1,916     1,778     1,675  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The details of the emoluments of the directors of Pearson plc are shown in the report on directors’ remuneration.

             
  2010  2009  2008 
  Average number employed 
 
Employee numbers
            
North American Education  14,828   15,606   15,412 
International Education  10,713   8,899   5,718 
Professional  3,721   2,662   2,641 
FT Group  2,557   2,328   2,379 
Penguin  3,470   4,163   4,112 
Other  1,028   1,047   909 
             
Continuing operations
  36,317   34,705   31,171 
             

Average number employed

  2012   2011   2010 

Employee numbers

      

North American Education

   18,552     16,133     14,828  

International Education

   16,751     13,646     10,713  

Professional

   3,706     4,561     3,721  

FT Group

   3,088     2,765     2,557  

Other

   883     859     1,028  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Continuing operations

   42,980    ��37,964     32,847  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The employee benefit expense relating to discontinued operations was £211m (2011: £205m; 2010: £294m) and the average number employed in discontinued operations in 2009 was 2,459, and in 2008 was 2,509.


F-26

4,542 (2011: 3,557; 2010: 3,470).


6. Net finance costs

All figures in £ millions

  Notes   2012  2011  2010 

Interest payable

     (75  (65  (82

Net finance costs in respect of retirement benefits

   25             (12

Finance cost of put options, deferred consideration associated with acquisitions and other interest charges related to transactions

     (27  (4    

Net foreign exchange losses

     (8  (22  (9

Other losses on financial instruments in a hedging relationship:

      

– fair value hedges

     (1        

Other losses on financial instruments not in a hedging relationship:

      

– derivatives

     (2  (5  (6
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Finance costs

     (113  (96  (109
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Interest receivable

     10    10    9  

Net finance income in respect of retirement benefits

   25     13    3      

Net foreign exchange gains

     9    11    18  

Other gains on financial instruments in a hedging relationship:

      

– fair value hedges

               

Other gains on financial instruments not in a hedging relationship:

      

– amortisation of transitional adjustment on bonds

         1    2  

– derivatives

             7  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Finance income

     32    25    36  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net finance costs

     (81  (71  (73
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)consolidated financial statements continued

6.  Net finance costs
                 
  Notes  2010  2009  2008 
     All figures in £ millions 
 
Interest payable      (82)  (92)  (106)
Finance costs in respect of retirement benefits  25   (12)  (12)   
Net foreign exchange losses      (9)  (7)  (11)
Other losses on financial instruments in a hedging relationship:                
— fair value hedges         (1)  (7)
Other losses on financial instruments not in a hedging relationship:                
— derivatives      (6)  (10)  (12)
                 
Finance costs
      (109)  (122)  (136)
                 
Interest receivable      9   6   13 
Finance income in respect of retirement benefits  25         8 
Net foreign exchange gains      18       
Other gains on financial instruments in a hedging relationship:                
— fair value hedges         4   2 
— net investment hedges            1 
Other gains on financial instruments not in a hedging relationship:                
— amortisation of transitional adjustment on bonds      2   3   1 
— derivatives      7   13   16 
                 
Finance income
      36   26   41 
                 
Net finance costs
      (73)  (96)  (95)
                 

6. Net finance costs continued

The £nil net gain (2009: £3m net gain; 2008: £5m net loss)loss of £1m on fair value hedges in 2012 (2011: £nil; 2010: £nil) comprises a £40mgain of £7m (2011: loss (2009: £96m gain; 2008: £156mof £39m; 2010: £40m loss) on the underlying bonds, offset by a £40mloss of £8m (2011: gain (2009: £93m loss; 2008: £151mof £39m; 2010: £40m gain) on the related derivative financial instruments.

7.  Income tax
                 
  Notes  2010  2009  2008 
     All figures in £ millions 
 
Current tax
                
Charge in respect of current year      (82)  (106)  (48)
Other adjustments in respect of prior years      13   7   12 
                 
Total current tax charge
      (69)  (99)  (36)
                 
Deferred tax
                
In respect of temporary differences      (77)  (51)  (93)
Other adjustments in respect of prior years         4   4 
                 
Total deferred tax charge
  13   (77)  (47)  (89)
                 
Total tax charge
      (146)  (146)  (125)
                 


F-27


7. Income tax

All figures in £ millions

  Notes   2012  2011  2010 

Current tax

      

Charge in respect of current year

     (154  (187  (41

Adjustments in respect of prior years

     18    36    6  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total current tax charge

     (136  (151  (35
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Deferred tax

      

In respect of temporary differences

     (48  (15  (81

Other adjustments in respect of prior years

     36    4    6  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total deferred tax charge

   13     (12  (11  (75
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total tax charge

     (148  (162  (110
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
The tax on the Group’s profit before tax differs from the theoretical amount that would arise using the UK tax rate as follows:
             
  2010  2009  2008 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Profit before tax  670   523   469 
Tax calculated at UK rate (2010: 28%, 2009: 28%, 2008: 28.5%)  (188)  (147)  (134)
Effect of overseas tax rates  (40)  (27)  (13)
Joint venture and associate income reported net of tax  11   8   7 
Net income/(expense) not subject to tax  8   8   (5)
Utilisation of previously unrecognised tax losses and credits  56   2   4 
Unutilised tax losses  (6)  (1)   
Prior year adjustments  13   11   16 
             
Total tax charge
  (146)  (146)  (125)
             
UK  (28)  (41)  (47)
Overseas  (118)  (105)  (78)
             
Total tax charge
  (146)  (146)  (125)
             
Tax rate reflected in earnings  21.8%  27.9%  26.7%
A number of changes to the UK Corporation tax system were announced in the June 2010 Budget Statement. The Finance (No. 2) Act 2010 was enacted in July 2010 and reduces the main rate of corporation tax from 28% to 27% from 1 April 2011. A reduction in the rate of corporation tax from 28% to 27% resulted in a reduction in the net deferred tax asset provided at 31 December 2010 of £3m, of which £1m was charged to the income statement and £2m to other comprehensive income.

All figures in £ millions

  2012  2011  2010 

Profit before tax

   434    1,047    565  

Tax calculated at UK rate (2012: 24.5%, 2011: 26.5%, 2010: 28%)

   (106  (277  (158

Effect of overseas tax rates

   (51  (27  (34

Joint venture and associate income reported net of tax

   2    9    11  

Net (expense)/income not subject to tax

   (15  7    9  

(Loss)/gain on sale of businesses not subject to tax

   (28  88      

Utilisation of previously unrecognised tax losses and credits

   2    1    56  

Unutilised tax losses

   (6  (3  (6

Adjustments in respect of prior years

   54    40    12  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total tax charge

   (148  (162  (110
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

UK

   (22  (10  (25

Overseas

   (126  (152  (85
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total tax charge

   (148  (162  (110
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Tax rate reflected in earnings

   34.1  15.5  19.5

The tax benefit/(charge)/benefit recognised in other comprehensive income is as follows:

             
  2010  2009  2008 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Pension contributions and actuarial gains and losses  (42)  79   10 
Net investment hedges and other foreign exchange gains and losses  1   12   (1)
             
   (41)  91   9 
             

All figures in £ millions

  2012   2011  2010 

Pension contributions and actuarial gains and losses

   55     7    (42

Net investment hedges and other foreign exchange gains and losses

        (4  1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 
   55     3    (41
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

A tax benefit of £4m (2009:£6m (2011: tax benefit £6m; 2008:£3m; 2010: tax charge £7m)benefit £4m) relating to share-based payments has been recognised directly in equity.

8.  Earnings per share

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

8. Earnings per share

Basic

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit attributable to equity shareholders of the company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year, excluding ordinary shares purchased by the company and held as treasury shares.

Diluted

Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average number of ordinary shares to take account of all dilutive potential ordinary shares and adjusting the profit attributable, if applicable, to account for any tax consequences that might arise from conversion of those shares.


F-28


All figures in £ millions

  Notes  2012  2011   2010 

Profit for the year from continuing operations

     286    885     455  

Non-controlling interest

     (3  1     5  
    

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings from continuing operations

     283    886     460  

Profit for the year from discontinued operations

  3   43    71     845  

Non-controlling interest

              (8
    

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings

     326    957     1,297  
    

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares (millions)

     804.3    800.2     801.2  

Effect of dilutive share options (millions)

     1.3    1.7     1.8  

Weighted average number of shares (millions) for diluted earnings

     805.6    801.9     803.0  
    

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings per share from continuing and discontinued operations

       

Basic

     40.5p    119.6p     161.9p  

Diluted

     40.5p    119.3p     161.5p  
    

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings per share from continuing operations

       

Basic

     35.2p    110.7p     57.4p  

Diluted

     35.1p    110.5p     57.3p  
    

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings per share from discontinued operations

       

Basic

     5.3p    8.9p     104.5p  

Diluted

     5.4p    8.8p     104.2p  
    

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

9. Dividends

All figures in £ millions

  2012   2011   2010 

Final paid in respect of prior year 28.0p (2011: 25.7p; 2010: 23.3p)

   225     206     187  

Interim paid in respect of current year 15.0p (2011: 14.0p; 2010: 13.0p)

   121     112     105  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   346     318     292  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
                 
  Notes  2010  2009  2008 
     All figures in £ millions 
 
Profit for the year from continuing operations      524   377   344 
Non-controlling interest      5   (1)  (2)
                 
Earnings from continuing operations
      529   376   342 
                 
Profit/(loss) for the year from discontinued operations  3   776   85   (21)
Non-controlling interest      (8)  (36)  (29)
                 
Earnings
      1,297   425   292 
                 
Weighted average number of shares (millions)      801.2   799.3   797.0 
Effect of dilutive share options (millions)      1.8   0.8   0.5 
Weighted average number of shares (millions) for diluted earnings      803.0   800.1   797.5 
                 
Earnings per share from continuing and discontinued operations
                
Basic      161.9p   53.2p   36.6p 
Diluted      161.5p   53.1p   36.6p 
                 
Earnings per share from continuing operations
                
Basic      66.0p   47.0p   42.9p 
Diluted      65.9p   47.0p   42.9p 
                 
Earnings per share from discontinued operations
                
Basic      95.9p   6.2p   (6.3p)
                 
9.  Dividends
             
  2010  2009  2008 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Final paid in respect of prior year 23.3p (2009: 22.0p; 2008: 20.5p)  187   176   163 
Interim paid in respect of current year 13.0p (2009: 12.2p; 2008: 11.8p)  105   97   94 
             
   292   273   257 
             
The directors are proposing a final dividend in respect of the financial year ended 31 December 20102012 of 25.7p30.0p per share which will absorb an estimated £206m£245m of shareholders’ funds. It will be paid on 63 May 20112013 to shareholders who are on the register of members on 85 April 2011.2013. These financial statements do not reflect this dividend.

F-29


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)consolidated financial statements continued
10.  Property, plant and equipment
                 
        Assets in
    
  Land and
  Plant and
  course of
    
  buildings  equipment  construction  Total 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Cost
                
At 1 January 2009  355   839   7   1,201 
Exchange differences  (21)  (55)  (1)  (77)
Additions  14   46   7   67 
Disposals  (2)  (41)     (43)
Acquisition through business combination  1   17      18 
Reclassifications  1   5   (6)   
                 
At 31 December 2009  348   811   7   1,166 
                 
Exchange differences  8   28      36 
Additions  21   55   12   88 
Disposals  (4)  (58)     (62)
Acquisition through business combination  8   25      33 
Disposal through business disposal  (48)  (201)     (249)
Reclassifications  3   5   (8)   
                 
At 31 December 2010
  336   665   11   1,012 
                 
                 
        Assets in
    
  Land and
  Plant and
  course of
    
  buildings  equipment  construction  Total 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Depreciation
                
At 1 January 2009  (170)  (608)     (778)
Exchange differences  11   42      53 
Charge for the year  (17)  (68)     (85)
Disposals  2   39      41 
Acquisition through business combination     (9)     (9)
                 
At 31 December 2009  (174)  (604)     (778)
                 
Exchange differences  (4)  (19)     (23)
Charge for the year  (16)  (66)     (82)
Disposals  3   58      61 
Acquisition through business combination  (3)  (13)     (16)
Disposal through business disposal  28   164      192 
                 
At 31 December 2010
  (166)  (480)     (646)
                 
Carrying amounts
                
At 1 January 2009  185   231   7   423 
At 31 December 2009  174   207   7   388 
                 
At 31 December 2010
  170   185   11   366 
                 


F-30


10. Property, plant and equipment

All figures in £ millions

  Land and
buildings
  Plant and
equipment
  Assets in
course of
construction
  Total 

Cost

     

At 1 January 2011

   336    669    11    1,016  

Exchange differences

   2    (2        

Additions

   15    51    13    79  

Disposals

   (13  (31      (44

Acquisition through business combination

   11    21        32  

Disposal through business disposal

       (2      (2

Reclassifications

   12        (12    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At 31 December 2011

   363    706    12    1,081  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Exchange differences

   (9  (23      (32

Additions

   12    51    15    78  

Disposals

   (2  (20      (22

Acquisition through business combination

   4    13        17  

Disposal through business disposal

   (1  (4      (5

Reclassifications

   8        (8    

Transfer from/(to) software

   9    (27      (18

Transfer from pre-publication

       3        3  

Transfer to assets held for sale

   (32  (102  (1  (135
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At 31 December 2012

   352    597    18    967  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

All figures in £ millions

  Land
and
buildings
  Plant and
equipment
  Assets in
course of
construction
   Total 

Depreciation

      

At 1 January 2011

   (166  (484       (650

Exchange differences

   (1  1           

Charge for the year

   (16  (54       (70

Disposals

   2    29         31  

Acquisition through business combination

   (1  (10       (11

Disposal through business disposal

       2         2  

Reclassifications

   (5  5           
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

At 31 December 2011

   (187  (511       (698
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)consolidated financial statements continued

10. Property, plant and equipment continued

All figures in £ millions

  Land
and
buildings
  Plant and
equipment
  Assets in
course of
construction
   Total 

Exchange differences

   6    17         23  

Charge for the year

   (21  (59       (80

Disposals

   2    19         21  

Acquisition through business combination

   (1  (6       (7

Disposal through business disposal

       2         2  

Reclassifications

   (8  8           

Transfer (from)/to software

   (3  7         4  

Transfer to assets held for sale

   17    78         95  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

At 31 December 2012

   (195  (445       (640
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Carrying amounts

      

At 1 January 2011

   170    185    11     366  

At 31 December 2011

   176    195    12     383  

At 31 December 2012

   157    152    18     327  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Depreciation expense of £10m (2009: £12m)£19m (2011: £15m) has been included in the income statement in cost of goods sold, £7m (2009: £7m)£9m (2011: £10m) in distribution expenses and £52m (2009:(2011: £45m) in administrative and other expenses. In 2010 £13m (2009: £21m)2012 £7m (2011: £8m) relates to discontinued operations.

The Group leases certain equipment under a number of finance lease agreements. The net carrying amount of leased plant and equipment included within property, plant and equipment was £12m (2009: £15m)£17m (2011: £18m).

11.  Intangible assets
                             
        Acquired
             
        customer
  Acquired
  Acquired
  Other
    
        lists and
  trademarks
  publishing
  intangibles
    
  Goodwill  Software  relationships  and brands  rights  acquired  Total 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Cost
                            
At 1 January 2009  4,570   310   341   128   165   258   5,772 
Exchange differences�� (420)  (25)  (32)  (9)  (5)  (22)  (513)
Additions — internal development     35               35 
Additions — purchased     24               24 
Disposals  (9)  (5)              (14)
Acquisition through business combination  205      38   24   55   25   347 
                             
At 31 December 2009  4,346   339   347   143   215   261   5,651 
                             
Exchange differences  140   9   10   4   9   10   182 
Additions — internal development     41               41 
Additions — purchased     15               15 
Disposals  (11)  (18)              (29)
Acquisition through business combination  288   9   159   40   6   76   578 
Disposal through business disposal  (195)  (43)  (85)  (1)     (41)  (365)
                             
At 31 December 2010
  4,568   352   431   186   230   306   6,073 
                             


F-31


11. Intangible assets

All figures in £ millions

  Goodwill  Software  Acquired
customer
lists and
relationships
  Acquired
trademarks
and brands
  Acquired
publishing
rights
  Other
intangibles
acquired
  Total 

Cost

        

At 1 January 2011

   4,568    352    431    186    230    306    6,073  

Exchange differences

   15    (1  1    (1  (12  (1  1  

Additions – internal development

       49                    49  

Additions – purchased

       28                    28  

Disposals

       (9                  (9

Acquisition through business combination

   620    9    200    68        100    997  

Disposal through business disposal

   (4              (5      (9
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At 31 December 2011

   5,199    428    632    253    213    405    7,130  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Exchange differences

   (213  (13  (22  (11  (9  (22  (290

Additions – internal development

       38                    38  

Additions – purchased

       36                    36  

Disposals

       (11                  (11

Acquisition through business combination

   505    12    128    27    10    110    792  

Disposal through business disposal

   (50      (89  (2          (141

Transfer from PPE

       18                    18  

Transfer to assets held for sale

   (364  (42  (14  (9  (7  (5  (441
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At 31 December 2012

   5,077    466    635    258    207    488    7,131  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)consolidated financial statements continued

                             
        Acquired
             
        customer
  Acquired
  Acquired
  Other
    
        lists and
  trademarks
  publishing
  intangibles
    
  Goodwill  Software  relationships  and brands  rights  acquired  Total 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Amortisation
                            
At 1 January 2009     (203)  (67)  (17)  (69)  (63)  (419)
Exchange differences     19   6   1   6   8   40 
Charge for the year     (44)  (35)  (11)  (22)  (35)  (147)
Disposals     4               4 
                             
At 31 December 2009     (224)  (96)  (27)  (85)  (90)  (522)
                             
Exchange differences     (5)  (3)  (2)  (2)  (1)  (13)
Charge for the year     (51)  (39)  (12)  (24)  (38)  (164)
Disposals     16               16 
Acquisition through business combination     (5)              (5)
Disposal through business disposal     19   35         28   82 
                             
At 31 December 2010
     (250)  (103)  (41)  (111)  (101)  (606)
                             
Carrying amounts
                            
At 1 January 2009  4,570   107   274   111   96   195   5,353 
At 31 December 2009  4,346   115   251   116   130   171   5,129 
                             
At 31 December 2010
  4,568   102   328   145   119   205   5,467 
                             

11. Intangible assets continued

All figures in £ millions

  Goodwill   Software  Acquired
customer
lists and
relationships
  Acquired
trademarks
and brands
  Acquired
publishing
rights
  Other
intangibles
acquired
  Total 

Amortisation

         

At 1 January 2011

        (250  (103  (41  (111  (101  (606

Exchange differences

        (2  1        4    (3    

Charge for the year

        (48  (55  (22  (22  (40  (187

Disposals

        6                    6  

Acquisition through business combination

        (2                  (2

Disposal through business disposal

                    1        1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At 31 December 2011

        (296  (157  (63  (128  (144  (788
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Exchange differences

        9    7    3    5    8    32  

Charge for the year

        (54  (85  (27  (20  (51  (237

Disposals

        8                    8  

Acquisition through business combination

        (7                  (7

Disposal through business disposal

            45    1            46  

Transfer from PPE

        (4                  (4

Transfer to assets held for sale

        32    1        4        37  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At 31 December 2012

        (312  (189  (86  (139  (187  (913
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Carrying amounts

         

At 1 January 2011

   4,568     102    328    145    119    205    5,467  

At 31 December 2011

   5,199     132    475    190    85    261    6,342  

At 31 December 2012

   5,077     154    446    172    68    301    6,218  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Goodwill

The goodwill carrying value of £4,568m£5,077m relates to acquisitions completed after 1 January 1998. Prior to 1 January 1998 all goodwill was written off to reserves on the date of acquisition. £3,090m of the carrying value relates to acquisitions completed between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2002 and £1,478m relates to acquisitions completed after 1 January 2003 (the date of transition to IFRS).

For acquisitions completed between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2002 no value was ascribed to intangibles other than goodwill and the goodwill on each acquisition was amortised over a period of up to 20 years. On adoption of IFRS on 1 January 2003, the Group chose not to restate the goodwill balance and at that date the balance was frozen (i.e. amortisation ceased). If goodwill had been restated then a significant value would have been ascribed to other intangible assets, which would be subject to amortisation, and the carrying value of goodwill would be significantly lower. For acquisitions completed after 1 January 2003 value has been ascribed to other intangible assets which are amortised.

Other intangible assets

Other intangibles acquired include content, technology, contracts and software rights.

Intangible assets are valued separately for each acquisition and the primary method of valuation used is the discounted cash flow method. The majority of acquired intangibles are amortised using the unit of production method which is based on the pattern of benefits embodied in the asset.

Amortisation of £3m (2009: £5m)£10m (2011: £10m) is included in the income statement in cost of goods sold and £149m (2009: £126m)£205m (2011: £177m) in administrative and other expenses. Also included in the amortisation charge for the year in 2012 is an impairment of £21m relating to Pearson in Practice which is included in the income statement in administrative and other expenses. In 2010 £12m (2009: £16m)2012 £7m (2011: £6m) of amortisation relates to discontinued operations.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

11. Intangible assets continued

Other intangible assets continued

The range of useful economic lives for each major class of intangible asset (excluding goodwill and software) is shown below:

2012

Class of intangible asset

Useful economic life

Acquired customer lists and relationships

5–20 years

Acquired trademarks and brands

5–20 years

Acquired publishing rights

5–20 years

Other intangibles acquired

2–20 years

The expected amortisation profile of acquired intangible assets is shown below:

    2012 

All figures in £ millions

  One to five
years
   Six to ten
years
   More than
ten years
   Total 

Class of intangible asset

        

Acquired customer lists and relationships

   263     132     51     446  

Acquired trademarks and brands

   89     49     34     172  

Acquired publishing rights

   59     8     1     68  

Other intangibles acquired

   231     63     7     301  

Impairment tests for cash-generating units containing goodwill

Impairment tests have been carried out where appropriate as described below. The recoverable amount for each unit tested exceeds its carrying value.

F-32


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Goodwill in respect of continuing operations is allocated to, 12and monitored at the level of, 10 aggregated cash-generating units (CGUs) within the business segments as follows:
         
  2010  2009 
  All figures in
 
  £ millions 
 
US Education Publishing  1,976   1,876 
US School Assessment and Information  683   652 
Canada  197   181 
International Education Publishing  686   468 
International Education Assessment and Testing  227   222 
Professional Publishing  13   13 
Professional Assessment and Training  287   226 
         
Pearson Education total
  4,069   3,638 
         
Financial Times  48   43 
Mergermarket  136   125 
         
FT Group total
  184   168 
         
Penguin US  196   190 
Penguin UK  103   103 
Penguin Asia Pacific & International  16   63 
         
Penguin total
  315   356 
         
Continuing operations
  4,568   4,162 
         
Interactive Data     184 
         
Total goodwill
  4,568   4,346 
         
As highlighted

All figures in £ millions

  2012   2011 

US Education Publishing

   2,384     2,127  

US School Assessment and Information

   773     792  

Canada

   188     192  

International – Emerging Markets

   463     508  

International – UK

   450     460  

International – Rest Of World

   267     228  

Professional Publishing

   15     13  

Professional Assessment and Training

   334     377  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pearson Education total

   4,874     4,697  

Financial Times

   51     49  

Mergermarket

   152     138  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

FT Group total

   203     187  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Continuing operations

   5,077     4,884  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Goodwill in respect of discontinued operations is £364m (2011: £315m).

Notes to the 2008 business review, integration of the US School and Higher Education businesses began in 2008. This integrationconsolidated financial statements continued throughout 2009 and advanced to a point where, from 1 January 2010, these companies have been combined into one CGU

11. Intangible assets continued

Impairment tests for impairment review purposes.

cash-generating units containing goodwill continued

The recoverable amount of each CGU is based on value in use calculations. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually. Other than goodwill there are no intangible assets with indefinite lives. The goodwill is generally denominated in the currency of the relevant cash flows and therefore the impairment review is not materially sensitive to exchange rate fluctuations.

In 2011, following a reorganisation within the International Education business the CGUs were re-analysed into Emerging Markets, UK and Rest Of World to align with the management and reporting structure. The goodwill was reallocated accordingly using a relative value approach except where goodwill is directly attributable to one of the new CGUs, in which case the goodwill was specifically allocated to the relevant CGU.

Key assumptions

The value in use calculations use cash flow projections based on financial budgets approved by management covering a five-year period. The key assumptions used by management in the value in use calculations were:

Discount rate — The discount rate is based on the risk-free rate for government bonds, adjusted for a risk premium to reflect the increased risk in investing in equities. The risk premium adjustment is assessed for each specific CGU. The average pre-tax discount rates used are in the range of 11.2%9.8% to 12.1%12.7% for the Pearson Education businesses (2009: 10.9%(2011: 10.7% to 11.8%13.3%), 12.9% and 11.5% to 20.0%18.4% for the FT Group businesses (2009: 12.7%(2011: 11.6% to 18.1%) and 10.5% to 13.0% for the Penguin businesses (2009: 9.5% to 11.4%17.9%).

Perpetuity growth rates — A perpetuity growth rate of 2.0% was used for cash flows subsequent to the approved budget period for all CGUs in 2010 (2009:2012 (2011: 2.0%). This perpetuity growth rate is a conservative rate and is considered to be lower than the long-term historic growth rates of the underlying territories in which the CGU operates and the long-term growth rate prospects of the sectors in which the CGU operates.


F-33


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Cash flow growth rates — The cash flow growth rates are derived from management’s latest forecast of sales taking into consideration experience of operating margins achieved in the CGU. Historically, such forecasts have been reasonably accurate.

Sensitivities

The Group’s impairment review is sensitive to a change in assumptions used, most notably the discount rates, the perpetuity growth rates and expected future cash flows. Based on the Group’s sensitivity analysis, a reasonably possible change in any of these assumptions is unlikely to cause an impairment in any of the CGUs.

12.  Investments in joint ventures and associates

12. Investments in joint ventures and associates

Joint ventures

         
  2010  2009 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
At beginning of year  18   13 
Share of (loss)/profit after tax  (1)  4 
Dividends  (3)  (3)
Loan repayment     (3)
Additions and further investment  4   13 
Transfer to subsidiary     (6)
         
At end of year
  18   18 
         

All figures in £ millions

      2012          2011     

At beginning of year

   18    18  

Exchange differences

       (3

Share of loss after tax

   (4  (2

Dividends

   (2  (2

Additions and further investment

   6    7  

Goodwill impairment

   (10    
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At end of year

   8    18  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The goodwill impairment charge relates to the write down of the Group’s investment in a joint venture in India.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

12. Investments in joint ventures and associates continued

Investments in joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method of accounting and are initially recognised at cost. The total goodwill recorded on acquisition of joint ventures at 31 December 20102012 was £12m (2009:£1m (2011: £11m).

The aggregate of the Group’s share of its joint ventures’ assets (including goodwill) and liabilities, none of which are individually significant, are as follows:

         
  2010  2009 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Assets
        
Non-current assets  15   15 
Current assets  14   11 
         
Liabilities
        
Current liabilities  (11)  (8)
         
Net assets
  18   18 
         
Income  17   12 
Expenses  (18)  (8)
         
(Loss)/profit after tax
  (1)  4 
         


F-34


All figures in £ millions

  2012  2011 

Assets

   

Non-current assets

   5    15  

Current assets

   19    17  

Liabilities

   

Non-current liabilities

   (2  (1

Current liabilities

   (14  (13
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net assets

   8    18  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Income

   24    22  

Expenses

   (28  (24
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Loss after tax

   (4  (2
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Associates
         
  2010  2009 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
At beginning of year  12   10 
Exchange differences  (1)  4 
Share of profit after tax  42   26 
Dividends  (20)  (19)
Additions  17   1 
Reversal of distribution from associate in excess of carrying value  (7)  (7)
Actuarial gains/(losses) on retirement benefit obligations  1   (3)
Transfer from other financial assets  9    
         
At end of year
  53   12 
         
Included in the share of profit after tax is a gain in fair values of £12m (2009: £nil) arising on a stepped acquisition by FTSE International Ltd.

All figures in £ millions

  2012  2011 

At beginning of year

   14    53  

Exchange differences

   (8  (3

Share of profit after tax

   23    35  

Dividends

   (24  (30

Additions

   32    2  

Disposals

       (15

Actuarial losses on retirement benefit obligations

   (3  (8

Transfer to subsidiary

       (20

Transfer to assets held for sale

   (27    
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At end of year

   7    14  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

In addition to the amounts disclosed above, FTSE International Ltd paid royalties of £11m (2009: £10m)£13m to the FT Group during 2011. This royalty payment ceased upon the year.

disposal of FTSE International Ltd.

Investments in associates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting and are initially recognised at cost. The total goodwill recorded on acquisition of associates at 31 December 20102012 was £21m (2009:£20m (2011: £nil).

This has been transferred to assets held for sale as it relates to an investment made by Penguin.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

12. Investments in joint ventures and associates continued

The Group’s interests in its principal associates, all of which are unlisted, are as follows:

                         
     %
             
2010
 Country of incorporation  interest held  Assets  Liabilities  Revenues  Profit 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
The Economist Newspaper Ltd  England   50   129   (129)  169   25 
FTSE International Ltd  England   50   62   (44)  45   17 
Other          41   (6)  9    
                         
Total
          232   (179)  223   42 
                         
                         
     %
             
2009
 Country of incorporation  interest held  Assets  Liabilities  Revenues  Profit 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
The Economist Newspaper Ltd  England   50   116   (116)  161   22 
FTSE International Ltd  England   50   28   (24)  38   4 
Other          14   (6)  12    
                         
Total
          158   (146)  211   26 
                         

   2012 

All figures in £ millions

  Country of
incorporation
   %
interest held
   Assets   Liabilities  Revenues   Profit 

The Economist Newspaper Ltd

   England     50     140     (140  174     23  

Other continuing operations

       14     (7  17     1  

Discontinued operations

       29     (2  9     (1
      

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

       183     (149  200     23  
      

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

    2011 

All figures in £ millions

  Country of
incorporation
   %
interest held
   Assets   Liabilities  Revenues   Profit 

The Economist Newspaper Ltd

   England     50     140     (140  179     27  

FTSE International Ltd*

   England     50              31     7  

Other

       16     (2  15     1  
      

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

       156     (142  225     35  
      

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

*FTSE International Ltd included to date of disposal

The interests held in associates are equivalent to voting rights.


F-35


On 16 December 2011 the Group sold its 50% interest in FTSE International Ltd.

Gain on sale of FTSE International Ltd

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

All figures in £ millions

2011

Proceeds

428

Disposal costs

(1

Net assets disposed

(15

Gain on sale

412

13. Deferred income tax

         
  2010  2009 
  All figures in
 
  £ millions 
 
Deferred income tax assets
        
Deferred income tax assets to be recovered after more than 12 months  276   374 
Deferred income tax assets to be recovered within 12 months     13 
         
   276   387 
         
Deferred income tax liabilities
        
Deferred income tax liabilities to be settled after more than 12 months  (471)  (473)
Deferred income tax liabilities to be settled within 12 months      
         
   (471)  (473)
         
Net deferred income tax
  (195)  (86)
         
Deferred income tax

All figures in £ millions

  2012  2011 

Deferred income tax assets

   229    287  

Deferred income tax liabilities

   (601  (620
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net deferred income tax

   (372  (333
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Substantially all of the deferred tax assets are expected to be recovered within 12 months relate to the utilisation of losses in the US.

after more than one year.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities may be offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current income tax assets against current income tax liabilities and when the deferred income taxes relate to the same fiscal authority. The Group has unrecognised deferred income tax assets of £14m£13m at 31 December 20102012 (2011: £13m) in respect of UK losses, and approximately £16m£30m (2011: £15m) in respect of losses in other territories. None of the unrecognised UK losses have expiry dates associated with them.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

13. Deferred income tax continued

The recognition of the deferred income tax assets is supported by management’s forecasts of the future profitability of the relevant business units.

The movement on the net deferred income tax account is as follows:

             
  Notes  2010  2009 
     All figures in
 
     £ millions 
 
At beginning of year      (86)  (75)
Exchange differences      (4)  10 
Income statement charge  7   (72)  (51)
Acquisition through business combination  29   (37)  (45)
Disposal through business disposal  30   47    
Tax (charge)/benefit to other comprehensive income or equity      (43)  75 
             
At end of year
      (195)  (86)
             

All figures in £ millions

  Notes   2012  2011 

At beginning of year

     (333  (195

Exchange differences

     14    (5

Income statement charge

   7     (17  (37

Acquisition through business combination

   30     (67  (96

Disposal through business disposal

   31     11    1  

Tax charge to other comprehensive income or equity

     38    (1

Transfer to assets held for sale

     (18    
    

 

 

  

 

 

 

At end of year

     (372  (333
    

 

 

  

 

 

 

Included in the income statement charge above for 2012 is a £5m creditcharge (2011: £26m charge) relating to discontinued operations (2009: £4m charge).


F-36

operations.


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
The movement in deferred income tax assets and liabilities during the year is as follows:
                         
           Retirement
       
  Trading
  Goodwill and
  Returns
  benefit
       
  losses  intangibles  provisions  obligations  Other  Total 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Deferred income tax assets
                        
At 1 January 2009  73   20   106   7   166   372 
Exchange differences  (5)  (2)  (10)  (1)  (17)  (35)
Acquisition through business combination                  
Income statement (charge)/benefit  (46)  (7)  (4)  (6)  42   (21)
Tax benefit to other comprehensive income or equity           68   3   71 
                         
At 31 December 2009
  22   11   92   68   194   387 
                         
Exchange differences  1      3      5   9 
Acquisition through business combination              4   4 
Disposal through business disposal              (7)  (7)
Income statement (charge)/benefit  (18)  (7)  1   (9)  (35)  (68)
Tax (charge)/benefit to other comprehensive income or equity           (53)  4   (49)
                         
At 31 December 2010
  5   4   96   6   165   276 
                         

All figures in £ millions

  Trading
losses
  Goodwill
and
intangibles
  Returns
provisions
  Retirement
benefit
obligations
  Other  Total 

Deferred income tax assets

       

At 1 January 2011

   5    4    96    6    165    276  

Exchange differences

           1        2    3  

Acquisition through business combination

   8                1    9  

Income statement benefit/(charge)

   1    (4  (8  19    (6  2  

Tax (charge)/benefit to other comprehensive income or equity

               (6  3    (3
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At 31 December 2011

   14        89    19    165    287  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Exchange differences

           (3  (1  (5  (9

Acquisition through business combination

   19                    19  

Income statement charge

   (13      (16  (5  (33  (67

Tax benefit/(charge) to other comprehensive income or equity

               43    (6  37  

Transfer to assets held for sale

   (2      (25  (9  (2  (38
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At 31 December 2012

   18        45    47    119    229  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

13. Deferred income tax continued

Other deferred income tax assets include temporary differences on share-based payments, inventory and other provisions.

             
  Goodwill and
       
  intangibles  Other  Total 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Deferred income tax liabilities
            
At 1 January 2009  (318)  (129)  (447)
Exchange differences  30   15   45 
Acquisition through business combination  (41)  (4)  (45)
Income statement benefit/(charge)  10   (40)  (30)
Tax benefit to other comprehensive income or equity     4   4 
             
At 31 December 2009
  (319)  (154)  (473)
             
Exchange differences  (9)  (4)  (13)
Acquisition through business combination  (41)     (41)
Disposal through business disposal  25   29   54 
Income statement benefit/(charge)  10   (14)  (4)
Tax benefit to other comprehensive income or equity     6   6 
             
At 31 December 2010
  (334)  (137)  (471)
             

All figures in £ millions

  Goodwill and
intangibles
  Other  Total 

Deferred income tax liabilities

    

At 1 January 2011

   (334  (137  (471

Exchange differences

   (6  (2  (8

Acquisition through business combination

   (102  (3  (105

Disposal through business disposal

       1    1  

Income statement benefit

   (22  (17  (39

Tax benefit to other comprehensive income or equity

       2    2  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At 31 December 2011

   (464  (156  (620
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Exchange differences

   18    5    23  

Acquisition through business combination

   (65  (21  (86

Disposal through business disposal

   11        11  

Income statement charge

   15    35    50  

Tax benefit to other comprehensive income or equity

       1    1  

Transfer to assets held for sale

   10    10    20  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At 31 December 2012

   (475  (126  (601
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other deferred income tax liabilities include temporary differences in respect of depreciation and royalty advances.


F-37


14. Classification of financial instruments

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
14.  Classification of financial instruments
The accounting classification of each class of the Group’s financial assets and financial liabilities, together with their fair values, is as follows:
                                     
     2010 
     Fair value  Amortised cost       
        Derivatives
  Derivatives
           Total
  Total
 
     Available
  deemed held
  in hedging
  Other
  Loans and
  Other
  carrying
  market
 
  Notes  for sale  for trading  relationships  liabilities  receivables  liabilities  value  value 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Investments in unlisted securities  15   58                  58   58 
Cash and cash equivalents  17               1,736      1,736   1,736 
Marketable securities      12                  12   12 
Derivative financial instruments  16      28   112            140   140 
Trade receivables  22               1,031      1,031   1,031 
                                     
Total financial assets
      70   28   112      2,767      2,977   2,977 
                                     
Derivative financial instruments  16      (6)              (6)  (6)
Trade payables  24                  (470)  (470)  (470)
Other financial liabilities — put option over non-controlling interest  24            (25)        (25)  (25)
Bank loans and overdrafts  18                  (73)  (73)  (73)
Borrowings due within one year  18                  (331)  (331)  (333)
Borrowings due after more than one year  18                  (1,908)  (1,908)  (1,939)
                                     
Total financial liabilities
         (6)     (25)     (2,782)  (2,813)  (2,846)
                                     


F-38


     2012 
     Fair value  Amortised cost       

All figures in £ millions

 Notes  Available
for sale
  Derivatives
deemed held
for trading
  Derivatives
in hedging
relationships
  Other
liabilities
  Loans and
receivables
  Other
liabilities
  Total
carrying
value
  Total
market
value
 

Investments in unlisted securities – continuing operations

  15    31                        31    31  

Investments in unlisted securities classified within assets held for sale

  32    1                        1    1  

Cash and cash equivalents – continuing operations

  17                    1,062        1,062    1,062  

Cash and cash equivalents classified within assets held for sale

  32                    115        115    115  

Marketable securities

   6                        6    6  

Derivative financial instruments

  16        1    177                178    178  

Trade receivables – continuing operations

  22                    883        883    883  

Trade receivables classified within assets held for sale

                   249        249    249  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total financial assets

   38    1    177        2,309        2,525    2,525  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)consolidated financial statements continued
                                     
     2009 
     Fair value  Amortised cost       
        Derivatives
  Derivatives
           Total
  Total
 
     Available
  deemed held
  in hedging
  Other
  Loans and
  Other
  carrying
  market
 
  Notes  for sale  for trading  relationships  liabilities  receivables  liabilities  value  value 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Investments in unlisted securities  15   62                  62   62 
Cash and cash equivalents  17               750      750   750 
Marketable securities      63                  63   63 
Derivative financial instruments  16      42   70            112   112 
Trade receivables  22               989      989   989 
                                     
Total financial assets
      125   42   70      1,739      1,976   1,976 
                                     
Derivative financial instruments  16      (9)              (9)  (9)
Trade payables  24                  (461)  (461)  (461)
Other financial liabilities — put option over non — controlling interest  24            (23)        (23)  (23)
Bank loans and overdrafts  18                  (70)  (70)  (70)
Borrowings due within one year  18                  (4)  (4)  (4)
Borrowings due after more than one year  18                  (1,934)  (1,934)  (1,969)
                                     
Total financial liabilities
         (9)     (23)     (2,469)  (2,501)  (2,536)
                                     

14. Classification of financial instruments continued

     2012 
     Fair value  Amortised cost       

All figures in £ millions

 Notes  Available
for sale
  Derivatives
deemed held
for trading
  Derivatives
in hedging
relationships
  Other
liabilities
  Loans and
receivables
  Other
liabilities
  Total
carrying
value
  Total
market
value
 

Trade payables – continuing operations

  24                        (337  (337  (337

Trade payables classified within liabilities held for sale

                       (148  (148  (148

Other financial liabilities – put options over non-controlling interest

  24                (68          (68  (68

Bank loans and overdrafts –continuing operations

  18                        (55  (55  (55

Bank loans and overdrafts classified within liabilities held for sale

  32                        (7  (7  (7

Borrowings due within one year

  18                        (229  (229  (228

Borrowings due after more than one year

  18                        (1,988  (1,988  (2,043
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total financial liabilities

               (68      (2,764  (2,832  (2,886
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

     2011 
     Fair value  Amortised cost       

All figures in £ millions

 Notes  Available
for sale
  Derivatives
deemed
held for
trading
  Derivatives
in hedging
relationships
  Other
liabilities
  Loans and
receivables
  Other
liabilities
  Total
carrying
value
  Total
market
value
 

Investments in unlisted securities

  15    26                        26    26  

Cash and cash equivalents

  17                    1,369        1,369    1,369  

Marketable securities

   9                        9    9  

Derivative financial instruments

  16        3    174                177    177  

Trade receivables

  22                    1,061        1,061    1,061  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total financial assets

   35    3    174        2,430        2,642    2,642  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Derivative financial instruments

  16        (1  (2              (3  (3

Trade payables

  24                        (483  (483  (483

Other financial liabilities – put options over non-controlling interest

  24                (86          (86  (86

Bank loans and overdrafts

  18                        (78  (78  (78

Borrowings due within one year

  18                        (9  (9  (9

Borrowings due after more than one year

  18                        (1,964  (1,964  (2,000
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total financial liabilities

       (1  (2  (86      (2,534  (2,623  (2,659
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

14. Classification of financial instruments continued

Certain of the Group’s derivative financial instruments are classified as held for trading either as they do not meet the hedge accounting criteria specified in IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’ or the Group has chosen not to seek hedge accounting for these instruments. None of these derivatives are held for speculative trading purposes. Transactions in derivative financial instruments are only undertaken to manage risks arising from underlying business activity, in accordance with the Group’s treasury policy as described in note 19.

The Group designates certain qualifying derivative financial instruments as hedges of the fair value of its bonds (fair value hedges). Changes in the fair value of these derivative financial instruments are recorded in the income statement, together with any change in the fair value of the hedged liability attributable to the hedged risk.

The Group also designates certain of its borrowings and derivative financial instruments as hedges of its investments in foreign operations (net investment hedges). Movements in the fair value of these financial instruments (to the extent they are effective) are recognised in other comprehensive income.

None of the Group’s financial assets or liabilities are designated at fair value through the income statement upon initial recognition.

More detail on the Group’s accounting for financial instruments is included in the Group’s accounting policies. The Group’s approach to managing risks in relation to financial instruments is described in note 19.

F-39


15. Other financial assets

All figures in £ millions

  2012  2011 

At beginning of year

   26    58  

Exchange differences

   (2    

Acquisition of investments

   10    12  

Disposal of investments

   (2  (44

Transfer to assets held for sale

   (1    
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At end of year

   31    26  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
15.  Other financial assets
         
  2010  2009 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
At beginning of year  62   63 
Exchange differences  1   (6)
Acquisition of investments  7   10 
Transfers to associates  (9)   
Disposal of investments  (3)  (5)
         
At end of year
  58   62 
         
Other financial assets comprise non-current unlisted securities.
16.  Derivative financial instruments

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

16. Derivative financial instruments

The Group’s approach to the management of financial risks is set out in note 19. The Group’s outstanding derivative financial instruments are as follows:

                         
  2010  2009 
  Gross notional
        Gross notional
       
  amounts  Assets  Liabilities  amounts  Assets  Liabilities 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Interest rate derivatives — in a fair value hedge relationship  1,327   112      1,103   70    
Interest rate derivatives — not in a hedge relationship  256   8      486   13   (7)
Cross currency rate derivatives — in a net investment hedge relationship  220   20   (6)  220   29   (2)
                         
Total
  1,803   140   (6)  1,809   112   (9)
                         
Analysed as expiring:
                        
In less than one year  319   6      238      (7)
Later than one year and not later than five years  749   74   (6)  844   60   (2)
Later than five years  735   60      727   52    
                         
Total
  1,803   140   (6)  1,809   112   (9)
                         

   2012   2011 

All figures in £ millions

  Gross notional
amounts
   Assets   Liabilities   Gross notional
amounts
   Assets   Liabilities 

Interest rate derivatives – in a fair value hedge relationship

   1,465     143          1,208     151       

Interest rate derivatives – not in a hedge relationship

   61     1          65     3     (1

Cross-currency rate derivatives – in a net investment hedge relationship

   220     34          220     23     (2
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   1,746     178          1,493     177     (3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Analysed as expiring:

            

In less than one year

   215     4                    (1

Later than one year and not later than five years

   701     69          946     81     (2

Later than five years

   830     105          547     96       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   1,746     178          1,493     177     (3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The carrying value of the above derivative financial instruments equals their fair value. Fair values are determined by using market data and the use of established estimation techniques such as discounted cash flow and option valuation models.

At the end of 2010,2012, the currency split of themark-to-market values of rate derivatives, including the exchange of principal on cross currencycross-currency rate derivatives, was US dollar £(97)£(59)m, sterling £259m£257m and South African rand £(28)£(20)m (2009:(2011: US dollar £(127)£(66)m, sterling £252m£263m and South African rand £(22)£(23)m).

The fixed interest rates on outstanding rate derivative contracts at the end of 20102012 range from 3.65% to 9.28% (2009:(2011: 3.65% to 9.28%) and the floating rates are based on LIBOR in US dollar and sterling.

The Group’s portfolio of rate derivatives is diversified by maturity, counterparty and type. Natural offsets between transactions within the portfolio and the designation of certain derivatives as hedges significantly reduce the risk of income statement volatility. The sensitivity of the portfolio to changes in market rates is set out in note 19.


F-40


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Counterparty exposure from all derivatives is managed, together with that from deposits and bank account balances, within credit limits that reflect published credit ratings and by reference to other market measures (e.g. market prices for credit default swaps) to ensure that there is no significant risk to any one counterparty. No single derivative transaction had a market value (positive or negative) at the balance sheet date that exceeded 3% of the Group’s consolidated total equity.

In accordance with IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’ the Group has reviewed all of its material contracts for embedded derivatives that are required to be separately accounted for if they do not meet certain requirements, and has concluded that there are no material embedded derivatives.

17.  Cash and cash equivalents (excluding overdrafts)
         
  2010  2009 
  All figures in
 
  £ millions 
 
Cash at bank and in hand  763   580 
Short-term bank deposits  973   170 
         
   1,736   750 
         

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

17. Cash and cash equivalents (excluding overdrafts)

All figures in £ millions

  2012   2011 

Cash at bank and in hand

   372     864  

Short-term bank deposits

   690     505  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Continuing operations

   1,062     1,369  

Cash at bank and in hand classified within assets held for sale

   115       
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   1,177     1,369  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Short-term bank deposits are invested with banks and earn interest at the prevailing short-term deposit rates.

At the end of 20102012 the currency split of cash and cash equivalents was US dollar 73% (2009: 35%47% (2011: 31%), sterling 9% (2009: 22%25% (2011: 38%), euro 6% (2009: 18%3% (2011: 8%) and other 12% (2009: 25% (2011: 23%).

Cash and cash equivalents have fair values that approximate to their carrying value due to their short-term nature.

Cash and cash equivalents include the following for the purpose of the cash flow statement:

         
  2010  2009 
  All figures in
 
  £ millions 
 
Cash and cash equivalents  1,736   750 
Bank overdrafts  (72)  (70)
         
   1,664   680 
         


F-41


All figures in £ millions

  2012  2011 

Cash and cash equivalents – continuing operations

   1,062    1,369  

Cash at bank and in hand classified within assets held for sale

   115      

Bank overdrafts – continuing operations

   (33  (78

Bank overdrafts classified within liabilities held for sale

   (7    
  

 

 

  

 

 

 
   1,137    1,291  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Notes to the Consolidatedconsolidated financial statements continued

18. Financial Statements (Continued)liabilities – Borrowings

18.  Financial liabilities — Borrowings

The Group’s current and non-current borrowings are as follows:

         
  2010  2009 
  All figures in
 
  £ millions 
 
Non-current
        
7.0% Global Dollar Bonds 2011 (nominal amount $500m)     322 
5.5% Global Dollar Bonds 2013 (nominal amount $350m)  236   226 
5.7% US Dollar Bonds 2014 (nominal amount $400m)  288   274 
7.0% Sterling Bonds 2014 (nominal amount £250m)  256   254 
6.0% Sterling Bonds 2015 (nominal amount £300m)  297   297 
4.0% US Dollar Notes 2016 (nominal amount $350m)  227    
6.25% Global Dollar Bonds 2018 (nominal amount $550m)  389   359 
4.625% US Dollar Notes 2018 (nominal amount $300m)  208   191 
Finance lease liabilities  7   11 
         
   1,908   1,934 
         
Current
        
Due within one year or on demand:
        
Bank loans and overdrafts  73   70 
7.0% Global Dollar Bonds 2011 (nominal amount $500m)  325    
Finance lease liabilities  6   4 
         
   404   74 
         
Total borrowings
  2,312   2,008 
         

All figures in £ millions

  2012   2011 

Non-current

    

5.5% Global Dollar Bonds 2013 (nominal amount $350m)

        233  

5.7% US Dollar Bonds 2014 (nominal amount $400m)

   264     286  

7.0% Sterling Bonds 2014 (nominal amount £250m)

   256     257  

6.0% Sterling Bonds 2015 (nominal amount £300m)

   298     298  

4.0% US Dollar Notes 2016 (nominal amount $350m)

   229     238  

6.25% Global Dollar Bonds 2018 (nominal amount $550m)

   402     419  

4.625% US Dollar Notes 2018 (nominal amount $300m)

   217     224  

3.75% US Dollar Notes 2022 (nominal amount $500m)

   315       

Bank loans and overdrafts

   22       

Finance lease liabilities

   7     9  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   2,010     1,964  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current

    

Due within one year or on-demand:

    

5.5% Global Dollar Bonds 2013 (nominal amount $350m)

   219       

Bank loans and overdrafts

   33     78  

Finance lease liabilities

   10    ��9  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   262     87  

Total borrowings – continuing operations

   2,272     2,051  

Bank overdrafts classified within liabilities held for sale

   7       
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total borrowings

   2,279     2,051  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Included in the non-current borrowings above is £12m£11m of accrued interest (2009:(2011: £12m). Included in the current borrowings above is £1m£2m of accrued interest (2009: £nil)(2011: £ nil).

The maturity of the Group’s non-current borrowing is as follows:

         
  2010  2009 
  All figures in
 
  £ millions 
 
Between one and two years  4   327 
Between two and five years  1,080   760 
Over five years  824   847 
         
   1,908   1,934 
         


F-42


All figures in £ millions

  2012   2011 

Between one and two years

   524     241  

Between two and five years

   552     1,080  

Over five years

   934     643  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   2,010     1,964  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Notes to the Consolidatedconsolidated financial statements continued

18. Financial Statements (Continued)liabilities – Borrowings continued

The carrying amounts and market values of borrowings are as follows:

                     
  2010  2009 
  Effective
  Carrying
     Carrying
    
  interest rate  value  Market value  value  Market value 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Bank loans and overdrafts  n/a   73   73   70   70 
7.0% Global Dollar Bonds 2011  7.16%  325   327   322   331 
5.5% Global Dollar Bonds 2013  5.76%  236   241   226   232 
5.7% US Dollar Bonds 2014  5.88%  288   277   274   266 
7.0% Sterling Bonds 2014  7.20%  256   282   254   276 
6.0% Sterling Bonds 2015  6.27%  297   329   297   317 
4.0% US Dollar Notes 2016  4.26%  227   226       
6.25% Global Dollar Bonds 2018  6.46%  389   385   359   360 
4.625% US Dollar Notes 2018  4.69%  208   192   191   176 
Finance lease liabilities  n/a   13   13   15   15 
                     
       2,312   2,345   2,008   2,043 
                     

    2012   2011 

All figures in £ millions

  Effective interest
rate
  Carrying
value
   Market
value
   Carrying
value
   Market
value
 

Bank loans and overdrafts

   n/a    55     55     78     78  

5.5% Global Dollar Bonds 2013

   5.76  219     218     233     237  

5.7% US Dollar Bonds 2014

   5.88  264     260     286     280  

7.0% Sterling Bonds 2014

   7.20  256     274     257     282  

6.0% Sterling Bonds 2015

   6.27  298     337     298     340  

4.0% US Dollar Notes 2016

   4.26  229     233     238     237  

6.25% Global Dollar Bonds 2018

   6.46  402     410     419     409  

4.625% US Dollar Notes 2018

   4.69  217     209     224     206  

3.75% US Dollar Notes 2022

   3.94  315     313            

Finance lease liabilities

   n/a    17     17     18     18  

Continuing operations

    2,272     2,326      

Bank overdrafts classified within liabilities held for sale

   n/a    7     7            
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    2,279     2,333     2,051     2,087  
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The market values stated above are based on clean market prices at the year end or, where these are not available, on the quoted market prices of comparable debt issued by other companies. The effective interest rates above relate to the underlying debt instruments.

The carrying amounts of the Group’s borrowings are denominated in the following currencies:

         
  2010  2009 
  All figures in
 
  £ millions 
 
US dollar  1,759   1,457 
Sterling  553   551 
Euro      
         
   2,312   2,008 
         

All figures in £ millions

  2012   2011 

US dollar

   1,684     1,488  

Sterling

   573     563  

Other

   22       
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   2,279     2,051  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Group has the following undrawn capacity on its committed borrowing facilities as at 31 December:

         
  2010  2009 
  All figures in
 
  £ millions 
 
Floating rate        
— expiring within one year      
— expiring beyond one year  1,118   1,084 
         
   1,118   1,084 
         

All figures in £ millions

  2012   2011 

Floating rate

    

– expiring within one year

          

– expiring beyond one year

   1,077     1,126  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   1,077     1,126  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

In addition to the above facilities, there are a number of short-term facilities that are utilised in the normal course of business.

All of the Group’s borrowings are unsecured. In respect of finance lease obligations, the rights to the leased asset revert to the lessor in the event of default.


F-43


Notes to the Consolidatedconsolidated financial statements continued

18. Financial Statements (Continued)liabilities – Borrowings continued

The maturity of the Group’s finance lease obligations is as follows:

         
  2010  2009 
  All figures in
 
  £ millions 
 
Finance lease liabilities — minimum lease payments
        
Not later than one year  6   4 
Later than one year and not later than two years  4   5 
Later than two years and not later than three years  3   3 
Later than three years and not later than four years     3 
Later than four years and not later than five years      
Later than five years      
Future finance charges on finance leases      
         
Present value of finance lease liabilities
  13   15 
         
The Present value of finance lease liabilities is as follows:
         
  2010  2009 
  All figures in
 
  £ millions 
 
Not later than one year  6   4 
Later than one year and not later than five years  7   11 
Later than five years      
         
   13   15 
         

All figures in £ millions

  2012   2011 

Finance lease liabilities – minimum lease payments

    

Not later than one year

   10     9  

Later than one year and not later than two years

   4     8  

Later than two years and not later than three years

   3     1  

Later than three years and not later than four years

          

Later than four years and not later than five years

          

Later than five years

          

Future finance charges on finance leases

          
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Present value of finance lease liabilities

   17     18  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

The present value of finance lease liabilities is as follows:

 

    

All figures in £ millions

  2012   2011 

Not later than one year

   10     9  

Later than one year and not later than five years

   7     9  

Later than five years

          
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   17     18  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The carrying amounts of the Group’s lease obligations approximate their fair value.

19.  Financial risk management

19. Financial risk management

The Group’s approach to the management of financial risks together with sensitivity analyses of its financial instruments is set out below.

Treasury policy

The Group holds financial instruments for two principal purposes: to finance its operations and to manage the interest rate and currency risks arising from its operations and its sources of finance. The Group finances its operations by a mixture of cash flows from operations, short-term borrowings from banks and commercial paper markets, and longer term loans from banks and capital markets. The Group borrows principally in US dollars and sterling, at both floating and fixed rates of interest, using derivative financial instruments (‘derivatives’), where appropriate, to generate the desired effective currency profile and interest rate basis. The derivatives used for this purpose are principally rate swaps, rate caps and collars, currency rate swaps and forward foreign exchange contracts. The main risks arising from the Group’s financial instruments are interest rate risk, liquidity and refinancing risk, counterparty risk and foreign currency risk. These risks are managed by the chief financial officer under policies approved by the board, which are summarised below.overleaf. All the treasury policies remained unchanged throughout, 2010, except for a revisionrevisions to the Group’s bank counterparty limits.

risk limits and related approval processes and minor amendments to reflect the consolidation of the Group’s treasury operations into one location.

The audit committee receives reports on the Group’s treasury activities, policies and procedures. The treasury department is not a profit centre and its activities are subject to regular internal audit.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

19. Financial risk management continued

Interest rate risk management

The Group’s exposure to interest rate fluctuations on its borrowings is managed by borrowing on a fixed rate basis and by entering into rate swaps, rate caps and forward rate agreements. The Group’s policy objective has continued to be to set a target proportion of its forecast borrowings (taken at the year end, with cash netted against


F-44


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
floating rate debt and before certain adjustments for IAS 39 ‘Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement’) to be hedged (i.e. fixed or capped at the year end) over the next four years, subject to a maximum of 65% and a minimum that starts at 40% and falls by 10% at each year end. At the end of 20102012 the fixed to floating hedging ratio, on the above basis, was approximately 136%55%. This above-policy level reflects the receipt of the proceeds from the divestment of Interactive Data in 2010, combined with strong cash collections, resulting in lower than typical net debt and hence a higher hedging ratio. Our policy does not require us to cancel derivative contracts and we expect to return to compliance with this policy during 2011. A simultaneous 1% change on 1 January 20112013 in the Group’s variable interest rates in US dollar and sterling, taking into account forecast seasonal debt, would have a £2m£6m effect on profit before tax.

Use of interest rate derivatives

The policy described in the section above creates a group of derivatives, under which the Group is a payer of fixed rates and a receiver of floating rates. The Group also aims to avoid undue exposure to a single interest rate setting. Reflecting this objective, the Group has predominantly swapped its fixed rate bond issues to floating rate at their launch. This creates a second group of derivatives, under which the Group is a receiver of fixed rates and a payer of floating rates. The Group’s accounting objective in its use of interest rate derivatives is to minimise the impact on the income statement of changes in themark-to-market value of its derivative portfolio as a whole. It uses duration calculations to estimate the sensitivity of the derivatives to movements in market rates. The Group also identifies which derivatives are eligible for fair value hedge accounting (which reduces sharply the income statement impact of changes in the market value of a derivative). The Group then balances the total portfolio between hedge-accounted and pooled segments, so that the expected movement on the pooled segment is minimal.

Liquidity and refinancing risk management

The Group’s objective is to secure continuity of funding at a reasonable cost. To do this it seeks to arrange committed funding for a variety of maturities from a diversity of sources. The Group’s policy objective has been that the weighted average maturity of its core gross borrowings (treating short-term advances as having the final maturity of the facilities available to refinance them) should be between three and ten years. At the end of 20102012 the average maturity of gross borrowings was 4.43.9 years (2009: 5.1(2011: 4.0 years) of which bonds represented 96% (2009: 96%97% (2011: 95%) of these borrowings.

The Group believes that ready access to different funding markets also helps to reduce its liquidity risk, and that published credit ratings and published financial policies improve such access. All of the Group’s credit ratings remained unchanged during the year. The long-term ratings are BaalBaa1 from Moody’s and BBB+ from Standard & Poor’s, and the short-term ratings are P2 and A2 respectively. The Group’s policy is to strive to maintain a rating of Baal/Baa1/BBB+ over the long term. The Group will also continue to use internally a range of ratios to monitor and manage its finances. These include interest cover, net debt to operating profit and cash flow to debt measures. The Group also maintains undrawn committed borrowing facilities. At the end of 20102012 the committed facilities amounted to £1,118m£1,077m and their weighted average maturity was 4.92.9 years.


F-45


Notes to the Consolidatedconsolidated financial statements continued

19. Financial Statements (Continued)risk management continued

Analysis of Group debt, including the impact of derivatives

The following tables analyse the Group’s sources of funding and the impact of derivatives on the Group’s debt instruments.

The Group’s net debt position is set out below:

         
  2010  2009 
  All figures in
 
  £ millions 
 
Cash and cash equivalents  1,736   750 
Marketable securities  12   63 
Derivative financial instruments  134   103 
Bank loans, overdrafts and loan notes  (73)  (70)
Bonds  (2,226)  (1,923)
Finance lease liabilities  (13)  (15)
         
Net debt
  (430)  (1,092)
         

All figures in £ millions

  2012  2011 

Cash and cash equivalents

   1,062    1,369  

Marketable securities

   6    9  

Derivative financial instruments

   178    174  

Bank loans, overdrafts and loan notes

   (55  (78

Bonds

   (2,200  (1,955

Finance lease liabilities

   (17  (18
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Continuing operations

   (1,026  (499

Cash & cash equivalents classified within assets held for sale

   115      

Bank loans, overdrafts and loan notes classified within liabilities held for sale

   (7    
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net debt

   (918  (499
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The split of net debt between fixed and floating rate, stated after the impact of rate derivatives, is as follows:

         
  2010  2009 
  All figures in
 
  £ millions 
 
Fixed rate  577   772 
Floating rate  (147)  320 
         
Total
  430   1,092 
         

All figures in £ millions

  2012   2011 

Fixed rate

   499     510  

Floating rate

   419     (11
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   918     499  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross borrowings, after the impact of cross-currency rate derivatives, analysed by currency are as follows:

         
  2010  2009 
  All figures in
 
  £ millions 
 
US dollar  1,954   1,656 
Sterling  333   330 
Other  25   22 
         
Total
  2,312   2,008 
         

All figures in £ millions

  2012   2011 

US dollar

   1,905     1,687  

Sterling

   353     343  

Other

   21     21  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   2,279     2,051  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

As at 31 December 20102012 the exposure of the borrowings of the Group to interest rate changes when the borrowings re-price is as follows:

                 
  Less than
  One to
  More than
    
  one year  five years  five years  Total 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Re-pricing profile of borrowings  403   1,084   825   2,312 
Effect of rate derivatives  1,264   (529)  (735)   
                 
Total
  1,667   555   90   2,312 
                 


F-46


All figures in £ millions

  Less than
one year
   One to
five years
  More than
five years
  Total 

Re-pricing profile of borrowings

   291     1,054    934    2,279  

Effect of rate derivatives

   1,311     (480  (831    
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

   1,602     574    103    2,279  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Notes to the Consolidatedconsolidated financial statements continued

19. Financial Statements (Continued)risk management continued

Analysis of Group debt, including the impact of derivatives continued

The maturity of contracted cash flows associated with the Group’s financial liabilities are as follows:

                 
  2010 
  USD  GBP  Other  Total 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Not later than one year  571   117   160   848 
Later than one year and not later than five years  767   399   32   1,198 
Later than five years  792         792 
                 
Total
  2,130   516   192   2,838 
                 
Analysed as:
                
Bonds  1,938   710      2,648 
Rate derivatives — inflows  (364)  (297)     (661)
Rate derivatives — outflows  340   7   34   381 
Trade creditors  216   96   158   470 
                 
Total
  2,130   516   192   2,838 
                 
                 
  2009 
  USD  GBP  Other  Total 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Not later than one year  265   110   151   526 
Later than one year and not later than five years  878   313   30   1,221 
Later than five years  739   106      845 
                 
Total
  1,882   529   181   2,592 
                 
Analysed as:
                
Bonds  1,692   745      2,437 
Rate derivatives — inflows  (386)  (313)     (699)
Rate derivatives — outflows  353   8   32   393 
Trade creditors  223   89   149   461 
                 
Total
  1,882   529   181   2,592 
                 

    2012 

All figures in £ millions

  USD  GBP  Other   Total 

Not later than one year

   489    126    142     757  

Later than one year and not later than five years

   726    357    21     1,104  

Later than five years

   863             863  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   2,078    483    163     2,724  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Analysed as:

      

Bonds

   1,837    639         2,476  

Rate derivatives – inflows

   (326  (264       (590

Rate derivatives – outflows

   328    3    22     353  

Trade payables

   239    105    141     485  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   2,078    483    163     2,724  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

    2011 

All figures in £ millions

  USD  GBP  Other   Total 

Not later than one year

   261    124    156     541  

Later than one year and not later than five years

   984    378    25     1,387  

Later than five years

   563             563  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   1,808    502    181     2,491  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Analysed as:

      

Bonds

   1,553    675         2,228  

Rate derivatives – inflows

   (292  (281       (573

Rate derivatives – outflows

   321    5    27     353  

Trade payables

   226    103    154     483  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   1,808    502    181     2,491  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

All cash flow projections shown above are on an undiscounted basis. Any cash flows based on a floating rate are calculated using interest rates as set at the date of the last rate reset. Where this is not possible, floating rates are based on interest rates prevailing at 31 December in the relevant year. All derivative amounts are shown gross, although the Group net settles these amounts wherever possible.

Any amounts drawn under revolving credit facilities and commercial paper are assumed to mature at the maturity date of the relevant facility, with interest calculated as payable in each calendar year up to and including the date of maturity of the facility.

Financial counterparty risk management

Counterparty credit limits, which take published credit rating and other factors into account, are set to cover our total aggregate exposure to a single financial institution. The limits applicable to published credit ratings bands are approved by the chief financial officer within guidelines approved by the board. Exposures and limits applicable to each financial institution are reviewed on a regular basis.


F-47


Notes to the Consolidatedconsolidated financial statements continued

19. Financial Statements (Continued)risk management continued

Foreign currency risk management

Although the Group is based in the UK, it has its most significant investment in overseas operations. The most significant currency for the Group is the US dollar. The Group’s policy on routine transactional conversions between currencies (for example, the collection of receivables, and the settlement of payables or interest) remains that these should be transacted at the relevant spot exchange rate. The majority of the Group’s operations are domestic within their country of operation. No unremitted profits are hedged with foreign exchange contracts, as the company judges it inappropriate to hedge non-cash flow translational exposure with cash flow instruments. However, the Group does seek to create a natural hedge of this exposure through its policy of aligning approximately the currency composition of its core net borrowings (after the impact of cross currencycross-currency rate derivatives) with its forecast operating profit before depreciation and amortisation. This policy aims to soften the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates on consolidated interest cover and earnings. The policy above applies only to currencies that account for more than 15% of Group operating profit before depreciation and amortisation, which currently is only the US dollar. The Group still borrows small amounts in other currencies, typically for seasonal working capital needs. Our policy does not require existing currency debt to be terminated to match declines in that currency’s share of Group operating profit before depreciation and amortisation. In addition, currencies that account for less than 15% of Group operating profit before depreciation and amortisation can be included in the above hedging process at the request of the chief financial officer.

Included within year end net debt, the net borrowings/(cash) in the hedging currencies above (taking into account the effect of cross currencycross-currency swaps) were: US dollar £683m,£1,354m, sterling £179m£58m and South African rand £9m.

£(17)m.

Use of currency debt and currency derivatives

The Group uses both currency denominated debt and derivative instruments to implement the above policy. Its intention is that gains/losses on the derivatives and debt offset the losses/gains on the foreign currency assets and income. Each quarter the value of hedging instruments is monitored against the assets in the relevant currency and, where practical, a decision is made whether to treat the debt or derivative as a net investment hedge (permitting foreign exchange movements on it to be taken to reserves) for the purposes of IAS 39.

Financial instruments fair value measurement

The following table provides an analysis of those financial instruments that are measured subsequent to initial recognition at fair value, grouped into levels 1 to 3, based on the degree to which the fair value is observable:

Level 1 fair value measurements are those derived from unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2 fair value measurements are those derived from inputs, other than quoted prices included within level 1, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (as prices) or indirectly (derived from prices); and

Level 3 fair value measurements are those derived from valuation techniques that include inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).


F-48


Notes to the Consolidatedconsolidated financial statements continued

19. Financial Statements (Continued)risk management continued

                                 
  2010  2009 
  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3  Total 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Financial assets at fair value
                                
Derivative financial assets     140      140      112      112 
Marketable securities     12      12      63      63 
Available for sale financial assets
                                
Investments in unlisted securities        58   58         62   62 
Financial liabilities at fair value
                                
Derivative financial liabilities     (6)     (6)     (9)     (9)
Other financial liabilities — put option over non-controlling interest        (25)  (25)        (23)  (23)
                                 
Total
     146   33   179      166   39   205 
                                 

Financial instruments – fair value measurement continued

   2012  2011 

All figures in £ millions

  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3  Total  Level 1   Level 2  Level 3  Total 

Financial assets at fair value

            

Derivative financial assets

        178         178         177        177  

Marketable securities

        6         6         9        9  

Available for sale financial assets

            

Investments in unlisted securities – continuing operations

             30    30             26    26  

Investments in unlisted securities classified within assets held for sale

             1    1                   

Financial liabilities at fair value

            

Derivative financial liabilities

                          (3      (3

Other financial liabilities – put options over non-controlling interest

             (68  (68           (86  (86
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

        184     (37  147         183    (60  123  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The following table analyses the movements in level 3 fair value measurements:

         
  2010 
  Investments in
  Other financial
 
  unlisted securities  liabilities 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
At beginning of year  62   (23)
Exchange differences  1    
Additions  7   (2)
Disposals  (12)   
         
At end of year
  58   (25)
         

All figures in £ millions

  2012  2011 
  Investments in
unlisted
securities
  Other financial
liabilities
  Investments in
unlisted
securities
  Other financial
liabilities
 

At beginning of year

   26    (86  58    (25

Exchange differences

   (2  5        3  

Additions

   10        13    (63

Fair value movements

       (25      (1

Transfer to assets classified as held for sale

   (1            

Disposals

   (2  38    (45    
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At end of year

   31    (68  26    (86
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The fair value of the investments in unlisted securities is determined by reference to the financial performance of the underlying asset and amounts realised on the sale of similar assets. The fair value of other financial liabilities represents the present value of the estimated future liability.

F-49


Notes to the Consolidatedconsolidated financial statements continued

19. Financial Statements (Continued)risk management continued

Financial instruments sensitivity analysis

As at 31 December 20102012 the sensitivity of the carrying value of the Group’s financial instruments to fluctuations in

interest rates and exchange rates is as follows:
                     
     Impact of 1%
  Impact of 1%
  Impact of 10%
  Impact of 10%
 
  Carrying
  increase in
  decrease in
  strengthening in
  weakening in
 
  value  interest rates  interest rates  sterling  sterling 
     All figures in £ millions    
 
Investments in unlisted securities  58         (2)  3 
Cash and cash equivalents  1,736         (140)  171 
Marketable securities  12             
Derivative financial instruments  134   (62)  67   11   (14)
Bonds  (2,226)  59   (64)  142   (174)
Other borrowings  (86)        8   (9)
Put option over non-controlling interest  (25)        2   (3)
Other net financial assets  556         (42)  51 
                     
Total financial instruments
  159   (3)  3   (21)  25 
                     

All figures in £ millions

 Carrying value  Impact of 1%
increase in
interest rates
  Impact of 1%
decrease in
interest rates
  Impact of 10%
strengthening in
sterling
  Impact of 10%
weakening in
sterling
 

Investments in unlisted securities – continuing operations

  31            (3  4  

Investments in unlisted securities classified within assets held for sale

  1                  

Cash and cash equivalents – continuing operations

  1,062            (75  92  

Cash and cash equivalents classified within assets held for sale

  115            (4  4  

Marketable securities

  6                  

Derivative financial instruments

  178    (66  65    7    (9

Bonds

  (2,200  64    (63  149    (183

Other borrowings – continuing operations

  (72          5    (6

Other borrowings classified within liabilities held for sale

  (7          1    (1

Put options over non-controlling interest

  (68          7    (7

Other net financial assets – continuing operations

  546            (43  52  

Other net financial assets classified within assets and liabilities held for sale

  101            (10  12  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total financial instruments

  (307  (2  2    34    (42
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The table shows the sensitivities of the fair values of each class of financial instruments to an isolated change in either interest rates or foreign exchange rates. The class ‘Other net financial assets’ comprises trade assets less trade liabilities.

The sensitivities of derivative instruments are calculated using established estimation techniques such as discounted cash flow and option valuation models. Where modelling an interest rate decrease of 1% led to negative interest rates, these points on the yield curve were adjusted to 0%. A large proportion of the movements shown above would impact equity rather than the income statement, depending ondue to the location and functional currency of the entityentities in which they arise and the availability of net investment hedge treatment. The changes in valuations are estimates of the impact of changes in market variables and are not a prediction of future events or anticipated gains or losses.


F-50


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)consolidated financial statements continued
20.  Intangible assets — Pre-publication
         
  2010  2009 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Cost
        
At beginning of year  1,727   1,800 
Exchange differences  52   (160)
Additions  319   322 
Disposals  (248)  (230)
Acquisition through business combination  13   (1)
Transfer to inventories     (4)
         
At end of year
  1,863   1,727 
         
Amortisation
        
At beginning of year  (1,077)  (1,105)
Exchange differences  (33)  102 
Charge for the year  (350)  (307)
Disposals  248   230 
Acquisition through business combination  (4)  3 
         
At end of year
  (1,216)  (1,077)
         
Carrying amounts        
At end of year
  647   650 
         

20. Intangible assets – Pre-publication

All figures in £ millions

  2012  2011 

Cost

   

At beginning of year

   1,965    1,863  

Exchange differences

   (74  6  

Additions

   364    331  

Disposals

   (188  (249

Acquisition through business combination

   14    14  

Transfer to property, plant and equipment

   (3    

Transfer to assets classified as held for sale

   (202    
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At end of year

   1,876    1,965  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Amortisation

   

At beginning of year

   (1,315  (1,216

Exchange differences

   55    (11

Charge for the year

   (316  (331

Disposals

   188    249  

Acquisition through business combination

   (8  (6

Transfer to assets classified as held for sale

   186      
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At end of year

   (1,210  (1,315
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Carrying amounts

   
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At end of year

   666    650  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Included in the above are pre-publication assets amounting to £399m (2009: £398m)£431m (2011: £413m) which will be realised in more than one year.

Amortisation is included in the income statement in cost of goods sold.

In 2012 £33m (2011: £39m) relates to discontinued operations.

21. Inventories

         
  2010  2009 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Raw materials  34   32 
Work in progress  19   23 
Finished goods  376   390 
         
   429   445 
         

All figures in £ millions

  2012   2011 

Raw materials

   13     24  

Work in progress

   11     20  

Finished goods

   237     363  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   261     407  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The cost of inventories relating to continuing operations recognised as an expense and included in the income statement in cost of goods sold amounted to £836m (2009: £843m)£512m (2011: £585m). In 2010 £87m (2009: £75m)2012 £71m (2011: £63m) of inventory provisions was charged in the income statement. None of the inventory is pledged as security.


F-51


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)consolidated financial statements continued
22.  Trade and other receivables
         
  2010  2009 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Current
        
Trade receivables  1,028   989 
Royalty advances  111   99 
Prepayments and accrued income  77   75 
Other receivables  121   121 
         
   1,337   1,284 
         
Non-current
        
Trade receivables  3    
Royalty advances  89   86 
Prepayments and accrued income  28   24 
Other receivables  9   2 
         
   129   112 
         

22. Trade and other receivables

All figures in £ millions

  2012   2011 

Current

    

Trade receivables

   868     1,048  

Royalty advances

   16     107  

Prepayments and accrued income

   81     90  

Other receivables

   139     141  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   1,104     1,386  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-current

    

Trade receivables

   15     13  

Royalty advances

   13     88  

Prepayments and accrued income

   33     34  

Other receivables

   18     16  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   79     151  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Trade receivables are stated at fair value, net of provisions for bad and doubtful debts and anticipated future sales returns. The movements on the provision for bad and doubtful debts are as follows:

         
  2010  2009 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
At beginning of year  (76)  (72)
Exchange differences  (2)  5 
Income statement movements  (33)  (26)
Utilised  26   20 
Acquisition through business combination  (3)  (3)
Disposal through business disposal  5    
         
At end of year
  (83)  (76)
         

All figures in £ millions

  2012  2011 

At beginning of year

   (102  (83

Exchange differences

   4    1  

Income statement movements

   (21  (31

Utilised

   53    17  

Acquisition through business combination

   (1  (8

Disposal through business disposal

       2  

Transfer to assets classified as held for sale

   12      
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At end of year

   (55  (102
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables are limited due to the Group’s large number of customers, who are internationally dispersed.


F-52


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
The ageing of the Group’s trade receivables is as follows:
         
  2010  2009 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Within due date  1,180   1,096 
Up to three months past due date  234   228 
Three to six months past due date  39   51 
Six to nine months past due date  6   20 
Nine to 12 months past due date  13   4 
More than 12 months past due date  21   20 
         
Total trade receivables
  1,493   1,419 
Less: provision for bad and doubtful debts  (83)  (76)
Less: provision for sales returns  (379)  (354)
         
Net trade receivables
  1,031   989 
         

All figures in £ millions

  2012  2011 

Within due date

   774    1,079  

Up to three months past due date

   231    289  

Three to six months past due date

   43    37  

Six to nine months past due date

   10    4  

Nine to 12 months past due date

   7    3  

More than 12 months past due date

   5      
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total trade receivables

   1,070    1,412  

Less: provision for sales returns

   (187  (351
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net trade receivables

   883    1,061  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The Group reviews its bad debt provision at least twice a year following a detailed review of receivable balances and historic payment profiles. Management believe all the remaining receivable balances are fully recoverable.

23.  Provisions for other liabilities and charges
                 
  Deferred
          
  consideration  Leases  Other  Total 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
At 1 January 2010  38   9   21   68 
Exchange differences  1   1      2 
Charged to income statement  2      5   7 
Deferred consideration on acquisition — current year  8         8 
Deferred consideration on acquisition — prior year adjustments  (10)        (10)
Acquisition through business combination — current year  10         10 
Utilised  (20)     (5)  (25)
                 
At 31 December 2010
  29   10   21   60 
                 
         
  2010  2009 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Analysis of provisions
        
Non-current  42   50 
Current  18   18 
         
   60   68 
         

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

23. Provisions for other liabilities and charges

All figures in £ millions

  Deferred
consideration
  Property  Legal  and
other
  Total 

At 1 January 2012

   97    17    49    163  

Exchange differences

   (3      (4  (7

Charged to income statement

       12    45    57  

Released to income statement

       (1  (2  (3

Deferred consideration on acquisition

   6            6  

Acquisition through business combination

   (3      4    1  

Utilised

   (31  (1  (8  (40

Transfer to liabilities held for sale

   (2  (1  (26  (29
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At 31 December 2012

   64    26    58    148  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Analysis of provisions:

    2012 

All figures in £ millions

  Deferred
consideration
   Property   Legal and
other
   Total 

Current

   6     12    ��20     38  

Non-current

       58         14         38         110  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   64     26     58     148  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   2011 

Current

   32     5     11     48  

Non-current

   65     12     38     115  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   97     17     49     163  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Deferred consideration primarily relates to the acquisitionformation of Frontera venture in 2009.


F-53

the US Professional business in 2011.


Legal and other includes provisions in relation to legal claims, contract disputes and potential contract losses.

24. Trade and other liabilities

All figures in £ millions

  2012   2011 

Trade payables

   337     483  

Social security and other taxes

   30     25  

Accruals

   440     544  

Deferred income

   714     678  

Interest payable

   21     18  

Put options over non-controlling interest

   68     86  

Other liabilities

   228     232  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   1,838     2,066  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less: non-current portion

    

Accruals

   18     25  

Deferred income

   147     147  

Put options over non-controlling interest

   25     62  

Interest payable

   13     6  

Other liabilities

   79     85  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   282     325  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current portion

   1,556     1,741  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)consolidated financial statements continued

24.  Trade and other liabilities
         
  2010  2009 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Trade payables  470   461 
Social security and other taxes  22   30 
Accruals  559   504 
Deferred income  559   487 
Interest payable  12   10 
Put option over non-controlling interest  25   23 
Other liabilities  204   205 
         
   1,851   1,720 
         
Less: non-current portion
        
Accruals  26   23 
Deferred income  120   116 
Put option over non-controlling interest  25   23 
Other liabilities  75   91 
   246   253 
         
Current portion
  1,605   1,467 
         

24. Trade and other liabilities continued

The carrying value of the Group’s trade and other liabilities approximates its fair value.

The deferred income balance comprises principally: multi-year obligations to deliver workbooks to adoption customers in school businesses; advance payments in assessment, testing and testingteaching businesses; subscription income in school and newspaper businesses; and obligations to deliver digital content in future periods.

The put optionoptions over non-controlling interest isare the fair value of an optionoptions held by the non-controlling interestinterests in the Group’s SouthSouthern African business. The option enables the non-controlling interest to sell their 15% share of Pearson South Africa to Pearson from 1 January 2012 at a price determined by the future performance of that business.

25.  Retirement benefit and other post-retirement obligations
and Indian businesses.

25. Retirement benefit and other post-retirement obligations

Background

The Group operates a number of defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plans throughout the world. For the defined benefit plans, benefits are based on employees’ length of service and final pensionable pay. Defined contribution benefits are based on the amount of contributions paid in respect of an individual member, the investment returns earned and the amount of pension this money will buy when a member retires.

The largest plan is the Pearson Group Pension Plan (‘UK Group plan’) with both defined benefit and defined contribution sections. From 1 November 2006, all sections of the UK Group plan were closed to new members with the exception of a defined contribution section that was opened in 2003. This section is available to all new employees of participating companies.

At 31 December 2012 the UK Group plan has approximately 27,000 members, analysed in the following table:

%

  Active   Deferred   Pensioners   Total 

Defined benefit

   3     26     32     61  

Defined contribution

   18     21          39  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   21     47     32     100  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The other major defined benefit plans are based in the US.

Other defined contribution plans are operated principally overseas with the largest plan being in the US. The specific features of these plans vary in accordance with the regulations of the country in which employees are located.

Pearson also has several post-retirement medical benefit plans (PRMBs), principally in the US. PRMBs are unfunded but are accounted for and valued similarly to defined benefit pension plans.


F-54


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
Assumptions

The principal assumptions used for the UK Group plan and the US PRMB are shown below. Weighted average assumptions have been shown for the other plans, which primarily relate to US pension plans.

                                     
  2010  2009  2008 
  UK Group
  Other
     UK Group
  Other
     UK Group
  Other
    
  plan  plans  PRMB  plan  plans  PRMB  plan  plans  PRMB 
 
%                                    
Inflation  3.50   2.50   2.50   3.50   2.50   2.50   2.80   2.80   2.80 
Rate used to discount plan liabilities  5.50   5.10   5.10   5.70   5.30   5.50   6.40   6.30   6.30 
Expected return on assets  6.00   6.60      6.00   6.80      6.30   7.60    
Expected rate of increase in salaries  4.70   4.00      5.00   4.00      4.30   4.50    
Expected rate of increase for pensions in payment and deferred pensions  2.60 to 4.40         2.60 to 4.40         2.30 to 4.20       
Initial rate of increase in healthcare rate        8.00         8.50         9.00 
Ultimate rate of increase in healthcare rate        5.00         5.00         5.00 
                                     

   2012  2011  2010 

%

 UK Group
plan
  Other
plans
  PRMB  UK Group
plan
  Other
plans
  PRMB  UK Group
plan
  Other
plans
  PRMB 

Inflation

  3.0    2.5    2.5    3.0    2.5    2.5    3.5    2.5    2.5  

Rate used to discount plan liabilities

  4.4    3.6    3.6    4.9    4.2    4.2    5.5    5.1    5.1  

Expected return on assets

  5.8    5.5        5.7    6.4        6.0    6.6      

Expected rate of increase in salaries

  3.5    3.9        4.0    4.0        4.7    4.0      

Expected rate of increase for pensions in payment and deferred pensions

  2.3 to 5.1            2.4 to 4.3            2.6 to 4.4          

Initial rate of increase in healthcare rate

          8.0            7.5            8.0  

Ultimate rate of increase in healthcare rate

          5.0            5.0            5.0  
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

25. Retirement benefit and other post-retirement obligations continued

Assumptions continued

The UK discount rate is based on the annualised yield on the iBoxx over15-year AA-rated corporate bond index, adjusted to reflect the duration of liabilities. The US discount rate is set by reference to a US bond portfolio matching model. The expected return on assets is based on market expectations of long-term asset returns for the defined portfolio at the end of the year.

The inflation rate for the UK Group plan of 3.5%3.0% reflects the RPI rate. In line with changes to legislation in 2010, certain benefits have been calculated with reference to CPI as the inflationary measure and in these instances a rate of 2.8%2.5% has been used. The change from RPI to CPI for deferred revaluation and Post 88 GMP pension increases in payment has been included in these results, resulting in a gain of £23m, taken as an actuarial gain on the obligation.

The expected rates of return on categories of plan assets are determined by reference to relevant indices. The overall expected rate of return is calculated by weighting the individual rates in accordance with the anticipated balance in the plan’s investment portfolio, plus a diversification premium.

The expected rate of increase in salaries has been set at 4.7%3.5% for 20102012 with a short-term assumption of 3.3%3.0% for twothree years.

In 2008

For the UK mortality assumptions were derived by adjusting standard mortality tables (PMFA 92 tables projected forward with medium cohort improvement factors). In 2009plan, the Group changed its mortality assumptions in the UK. The mortality base table assumptions have been derived from the SAPS ‘all pensioners’ tables for males and the SAPS ‘normal health pensioners’ tables for females, adjusted to reflect the observed experience of the plan,


F-55


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
with medium cohort improvement factors. In 2008 a 1%A 1.5% improvement floor on the medium cohort was applied. In 2009 this was changed to 1.5%is applied for males, and 1.25% for females, with tapering.

For the US plans, the assumptionsRP2000 table is used, were based on standard US mortality tables. In 2008 a switch from GAM94 to RP2000 was made, to reflectreflecting the mortality assumption now moremost prevalent in the US, and inUS. In 2010 a 10 yearten-year projection was added.

Using the above tables, the remaining average life expectancy in years of a pensioner retiring at age 65 on the balance sheet date for the UK Group plan and US Group plans is as follows:

                 
  UK  US 
  2010  2009  2010  2009 
 
Male  22.8   22.7   18.4   17.6 
Female  23.6   23.5   20.6   20.2 

   UK   US 
   2012   2011   2012   2011 

Male

   23.0     22.6     19.2     19.2  

Female

   24.2     23.5     21.1     21.1  

The remaining average life expectancy in years of a pensioner retiring at age 65, 20 years after the balance sheet date, for the UK and US Group plans is as follows:

                 
  UK  US 
  2010  2009  2010  2009 
 
Male  25.4   25.3   18.4   17.6 
Female  25.7   25.6   20.6   20.2 

   UK   US 
   2012   2011   2012   2011 

Male

   25.1     25.2     19.2     19.2  

Female

   26.1     25.6     21.1     21.1  

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

25. Retirement benefit and other post-retirement obligations continued

Financial statement information

The amounts recognised in the income statement are as follows:

                         
  2010 
     Defined
             
  UK Group
  benefit
     Defined
       
  plan  other  Sub-total  contribution  PRMB  Total 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Current service cost  21   2   23   68   2   93 
Curtailments  (5)     (5)        (5)
                         
Total operating expense
  16   2   18   68   2   88 
                         
Expected return on plan assets  (93)  (7)  (100)        (100)
Interest on plan liabilities  100   9   109      3   112 
Net finance expense
  7   2   9      3   12 
                         
Net income statement charge
  23   4   27   68   5   100 
                         
Actual return on plan assets
  177   13   190         190 
                         


F-56


   2012 

All figures in £ millions

  UK Group
plan
  Defined
benefit other
  Sub-total  Defined
contribution
   PRMB   Total 

Current service cost

   23    3    26    78     4     108  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expense

   23    3    26    78     4     108  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expected return on plan assets

   (111  (8  (119            (119

Interest on plan liabilities

   96    7    103         3     106  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net finance (income)/expense

   (15  (1  (16       3     (13
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income statement charge

   8    2    10    78     7     95  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Actual return on plan assets

   146    15    161              161  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

    2011 

All figures in £ millions

  UK Group
plan
  Defined
benefit other
  Sub-total  Defined
contribution
   PRMB   Total 

Current service cost

   21    3    24    69     3     96  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expense

   21    3    24    69     3     96  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expected return on plan assets

   (107  (7  (114            (114

Interest on plan liabilities

   100    8    108         3     111  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net finance (income)/expense

   (7  1    (6       3     (3
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income statement charge

   14    4    18    69     6     93  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Actual return on plan assets

   161    5    166              166  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
                         
  2009 
     Defined
             
  UK Group
  benefit
     Defined
       
  plan  other  Sub-total  contribution  PRMB  Total 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Current service cost  14   3   17   62   2   81 
Past service cost     1   1         1 
                         
Total operating expense
  14   4   18   62   2   82 
                         
Expected return on plan assets  (83)  (5)  (88)        (88)
Interest on plan liabilities  89   8   97      3   100 
Net finance expense
  6   3   9      3   12 
                         
Net income statement charge
  20   7   27   62   5   94 
                         
Actual return on plan assets
  136   8   144         144 
                         
                         
  2008 
     Defined
             
  UK Group
  benefit
     Defined
       
  plan  other  Sub-total  contribution  PRMB  Total 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Current service cost  33   3   36   41   1   78 
Past service cost     1   1      5   6 
                         
Total operating expense
  33   4   37   41   6   84 
                         
Expected return on plan assets  (104)  (7)  (111)        (111)
Interest on plan liabilities  93   7   100      3   103 
Net finance (income)/expense
  (11)     (11)     3   (8)
                         
Net income statement charge
  22   4   26   41   9   76 
                         
Actual loss on plan assets
  (130)  (27)  (157)        (157)
                         

    2010 

All figures in £ millions

  UK Group
plan
  Defined
benefit other
  Sub-total  Defined
contribution
   PRMB   Total 

Current service cost

   21    2    23    68     2     93  

Curtailments

   (5      (5            (5
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expense

   16    2    18    68     2     88  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Expected return on plan assets

   (93  (7  (100            (100

Interest on plan liabilities

   100    9    109         3     112  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net finance expense

   7    2    9         3     12  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income statement charge

   23    4    27    68     5     100  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Actual return on plan assets

   177    13    190              190  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Included within the 2012 results are discontinued operations consisting of a £4m charge (2011: £4m charge; 2010: £7m charge) relating to defined benefit schemes and a £7m charge (2011: £7m charge; 2010: £6m charge) relating to defined contribution schemes. Also included in 2010 results are discontinued operations of £5m relating to the curtailment credit, a £1m charge relating to defined benefit schemes and a £2m charge relating to defined contribution schemes (2009: £2m charge relating to defined benefit schemes and £2m charge relating to defined contribution schemes; 2008: £2m charge relating to defined benefit schemes and £2m charge relating to defined contribution schemes).

In 2008 the UK Group plan current service cost included £14m relating to defined contribution sections. In 2009 and 2010 the defined contribution section of the UK Group plan is recorded within the defined contribution expense.

F-57

credit.


Notes to the Consolidated consolidated financial statements continued

25. Retirement benefit and other post-retirement obligations continued

Financial Statements (Continued)statement information continued

The amounts recognised in the balance sheet are as follows:

                                 
  2010  2009 
     Other
  Other
        Other
  Other
    
  UK Group
  funded
  unfunded
     UK Group
  funded
  unfunded
    
  plan  plans  plans  Total  plan  plans  plans  Total 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Fair value of plan assets  1,847   135      1,982   1,609   118      1,727 
Present value of defined benefit obligation  (1,852)  (158)  (20)  (2,030)  (1,798)  (151)  (18)  (1,967)
                                 
Net pension liability
  (5)  (23)  (20)  (48)  (189)  (33)  (18)  (240)
                                 
Other post-retirement medical benefit obligation              (72)              (65)
Other pension accruals              (28)              (34)
                                 
Net retirement benefit obligations
              (148)              (339)
                                 
Analysed as:
                                
Retirement benefit assets                              
Retirement benefit obligations              (148)              (339)
                                 

   2012  2011 

All figures in £ millions

 UK Group
plan
  Other
funded
plans
  Other
unfunded
plans
  Total  UK Group
plan
  Other
funded
plans
  Other
unfunded
plans
  Total 

Fair value of plan assets

  2,162    165        2,327    2,008    149        2,157  

Present value of defined benefit obligation

  (2,181  (196  (24  (2,401  (1,983  (173  (24  (2,180
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net pension asset/(liability)

  (19  (31  (24  (74  25    (24  (24  (23
 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other post-retirement medical benefit obligation

     (89     (85

Other pension accruals

     (35     (33
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net retirement benefit obligations

     (198     (141
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Analysed as:

        

Retirement benefit assets

            25  

Retirement benefit obligations

     (198     (166
    

 

 

     

 

 

 

Included within the 2012 retirement benefit obligation is a liability of £26m which relates to Penguin and is classified as held for sale.

The following gains/(losses)losses have been recognised in other comprehensive income:

             
  2010  2009  2008 
  All figures in £ millions    
 
Amounts recognised for defined benefit plans  75   (295)  (74)
Amounts recognised for post-retirement medical benefit plans  (5)  (4)  3 
             
Total recognised in year
  70   (299)  (71)
             
Cumulative amounts recognised
  (176)  (246)  53 
             

All figures in £ millions

  2012  2011  2010 

Amounts recognised for defined benefit plans

   (114  (47  75  

Amounts recognised for post-retirement medical benefit plans

   (5  (9  (5
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total recognised in year

   (119  (56  70  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cumulative amounts recognised

   (351  (232  (176
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The fair value of plan assets comprises the following:

                         
  2010  2009 
     Other
        Other
    
  UK Group
  funded
     UK Group
  funded
    
  plan  plans  Total  plan  plans  Total 
  % 
 
Equities  27.0   3.3   30.3   27.4   2.4   29.8 
Bonds  49.3   2.7   52.0   47.2   2.1   49.3 
Properties  11.2   0.1   11.3   9.4   0.0   9.4 
Other  5.6   0.8   6.4   10.4   1.1   11.5 

    2012   2011 

%

  UK Group
plan
   Other
funded
plans
   Total   UK Group
plan
   Other
funded
plans
   Total 

Equities

   32     2     34     27     3     30  

Bonds

   38     3     41     48     3     51  

Properties

   9     1     10     3          3  

Other

   14     1     15     15     1     16  

The plan assets do not include any of the Group’s own financial instruments, or any property occupied by the Group.


F-58


Notes to the Consolidated consolidated financial statements continued

25. Retirement benefit and other post-retirement obligations continued

Financial Statements (Continued)statement information continued

The table below further disaggregates the UK Group plan assets into additional categories and those assets which have a quoted market price in an active market and those that do not:

    2012   2011 

%

  Quoted
market price
   No quoted
market price
   Quoted
market price
   No quoted
market price
 

UK equities

   6     1     1     1  

Non-UK equities

   25     3     23     3  

Fixed-interest securities

   21          29       

Index-linked securities

   19          23       

Property

        10          3  

Other

   1     14     1     16  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   72     28     77     23  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The liquidity profile of the UK Group plan assets is as follows:

%

  2012   2011 

Liquid – call <1 month

   73     78  

Less liquid – call 1– 3 months

   2     6  

Illiquid – call > 3 months

   25     16  

Changes in the values of plan assets and liabilities of the retirement benefit plans are as follows:

                         
  2010  2009 
  UK Group
  Other
     UK Group
  Other
    
  plan  plans  Total  plan  plans  Total 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Fair value of plan assets
                        
Opening fair value of plan assets  1,609   118   1,727   1,478   100   1,578 
Exchange differences     4   4      (6)  (6)
Expected return on plan assets  93   7   100   83   5   88 
Actuarial gains  84   6   90   53   3   56 
Contributions by employer  132   13   145   64   26   90 
Contributions by employee  3      3   3      3 
Benefits paid  (74)  (13)  (87)  (72)  (10)  (82)
                         
Closing fair value of plan assets
  1,847   135   1,982   1,609   118   1,727 
                         
Present value of defined benefit obligation
                        
Opening defined benefit obligation  (1,798)  (169)  (1,967)  (1,429)  (165)  (1,594)
Exchange differences     (5)  (5)     14   14 
Current service cost  (21)  (2)  (23)  (14)  (3)  (17)
Past service cost              (1)  (1)
Curtailment  5      5          
Interest cost  (100)  (9)  (109)  (89)  (8)  (97)
Actuarial losses  (9)  (6)  (15)  (335)  (16)  (351)
Contributions by employee  (3)     (3)  (3)     (3)
Benefits paid  74   13   87   72   10   82 
                         
Closing defined benefit obligation
  (1,852)  (178)  (2,030)  (1,798)  (169)  (1,967)
                         

    2012  2011 

All figures in £ millions

  UK Group
plan
  Other
plans
  Total  UK Group
plan
  Other
plans
  Total 

Fair value of plan assets

       

Opening fair value of plan assets

   2,008    149    2,157    1,847    135    1,982  

Exchange differences

       (5  (5      1    1  

Expected return on plan assets

   111    8    119    107    7    114  

Actuarial gains/(losses)

   35    7    42    54    (2  52  

Contributions by employer

   72    2    74    71    18    89  

Contributions by employee

   2        2    3        3  

Benefits paid

   (78  (11  (89  (74  (10  (84

Acquisition through business combination

   12    15    27              
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Closing fair value of plan assets

   2,162    165    2,327    2,008    149    2,157  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Present value of defined benefit obligation

       

Opening defined benefit obligation

   (1,983  (197  (2,180  (1,852  (178  (2,030

Exchange differences

       7    7              

Current service cost

   (23  (3  (26  (21  (3  (24

Interest cost

   (96  (7  (103  (100)��  (8  (108

Actuarial losses

   (144  (12  (156  (81  (18  (99

Contributions by employee

   (2      (2  (3      (3

Benefits paid

   78    11    89    74    10    84  

Acquisition through business combination

   (11  (19  (30            
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Closing defined benefit obligation

   (2,181  (220  (2,401  (1,983  (197  (2,180
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

25. Retirement benefit and other post-retirement obligations continued

Financial statement information continued

Changes in the value of the US PRMB are as follows:

         
  2010  2009 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Opening defined benefit obligation  (65)  (68)
Exchange differences  (2)  8 
Current service cost  (2)  (2)
Interest cost  (3)  (3)
Actuarial losses  (5)  (4)
Benefits paid  5   4 
         
Closing defined benefit obligation
  (72)  (65)
         


F-59


All figures in £ millions

  2012  2011 

Opening defined benefit obligation

   (85  (72

Exchange differences

   4    (2

Current service cost

   (4  (3

Interest cost

   (3  (3

Actuarial losses

   (5  (9

Benefits paid

   4    4  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Closing defined benefit obligation

   (89  (85
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
The history of the defined benefit plans is as follows:
                     
  2010  2009  2008  2007  2006 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Fair value of plan assets  1,982   1,727   1,578   1,853   1,633 
Present value of defined benefit obligation  (2,030)  (1,967)  (1,594)  (1,811)  (1,810)
                     
Net pension (liability)/asset
  (48)  (240)  (16)  42   (177)
                     
Experience adjustments on plan assets  90   56   (268)  29   74 
Experience adjustments on plan liabilities  (15)  (351)  194   50   28 

All figures in £ millions

  2012  2011  2010  2009  2008 

Fair value of plan assets

   2,327    2,157    1,982    1,727    1,578  

Present value of defined benefit obligation

   (2,401  (2,180  (2,030  (1,967  (1,594
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net pension (liability)/asset

   (74  (23  (48  (240  (16
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Experience adjustments on plan assets

   42    52    90    56    (268

Experience adjustments on plan liabilities

   (156  (99  (15  (351  194  

Funding

The UK Group plan is self-administered with the plan’s assets being held independently of the Group. The trustees of the plan are required to act in the best interest of the plan’s beneficiaries. The most recent triennial actuarial valuation for funding purposes was completed as at 1 January 20092012 and this valuation revealed a funding shortfall. The Group has agreed that the funding shortfall will be eliminated by 31 December 2020.June 2017. In 20102012 the Group contributed £41m (2009: £42m)£48m (2011: £48m) towards the funding shortfall andshortfall. Following the completion of the triennial funding valuation the Group has agreed to contribute a similar amount£41m per annum until 20202017 in excess of regular contributions. In addition, a mechanism has been agreed for the Group to make supplementary payments up to a maximum of £15m per annum. If such payments are made they are expected to accelerate the end date for extinguishing the deficit. Regular contributions to the plan are estimated to be £22m£23m for 2011.

Under UK law (section 75 debt) a company that participates in a multi-employer defined benefit plan is liable, on withdrawal from that pension plan, for its share of the total deficit in the plan calculated on a ‘solvency’ or ‘buy out’ basis. The Interactive Data sale and the termination of Interactive Data Corporation (Europe) Ltd’s participation in the UK Group plan triggered this ‘section 75’ liability. £68m was contributed to the plan in respect of this liability.
2013.

The Group expects to contribute $94m$80m in 20112013 and $97m$84m in 20122014 to its US pension plans.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

25. Retirement benefit and other post-retirement obligations continued

Future benefit payments

The following table shows the expected benefit payments from the defined benefit plans over the next ten years. These use actuarial assumptions as at 31 December 2012. These represent payments from the pension funds to pensioners and others entitled to benefits, and are not an indication of payments from the company. For company funding requirements, refer to the prior section.

All figures in £ millions

  UK Group
plan
   Defined
benefit
other
   Total 

Expected future benefit payments:

      

2013

   77     27     104  

2014

   80     24     104  

2015

   85     22     107  

2016

   87     23     110  

2017

   91     18     109  

2018 to 2022 combined

   503     76     579  

Sensitivities

The net retirement benefit obligations are calculated using a number of assumptions, the most significant being the discount rate used to calculate the defined benefit obligation. The effect of a one percentage point increase and decrease in the discount rate on the defined benefit obligation and the total pension expense is as follows:

         
  2010 
  1% increase  1% decrease 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Effect on:
        
(Decrease)/increase in defined benefit obligation — UK Group plan  (262.0)  324.0 
(Decrease)/increase of aggregate of service cost and interest cost — UK Group plan  (13.7)  16.3 
(Decrease)/increase in defined benefit obligation — US plan  (2.5)  1.3 

    2012 

All figures in £ millions

  1% increase  1% decrease 

Effect on:

   

(Decrease)/increase in defined benefit obligation – UK Group plan

   (311.7  388.1  

Decrease of aggregate of service cost and interest cost – UK Group plan

   (0.1  (1.2

(Decrease)/increase in defined benefit obligation – US plan

   (11.6  13.9  

The effect of members living one year more or one year less on the defined benefit obligation is as follows:

         
  2010 
  1 year increase  1 year decrease 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Effect on:
        
lncrease/(decrease) in defined benefit obligation — UK Group plan  52.7   (50.5)
lncrease/(decrease) in defined benefit obligation — US plan  1.6   (1.7)


F-60


    2012 

All figures in £ millions

  1 year
increase
   1 year
decrease
 

Effect on:

    

Increase/(decrease) in defined benefit obligation – UK Group plan

   76.7     (73.9

Increase/(decrease) in defined benefit obligation – US plan

   2.1     (2.1

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
The effect of a one percentage point increase and decrease in the assumed medical cost trend rates is as follows:
         
  2010 
  1% increase  1% decrease 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Effect on:
        
lncrease/(decrease) in post-retirement medical benefit obligation  3.1   (2.8)
lncrease/(decrease) of aggregate of service cost and interest cost  0.1   (0.1)
26.  Share-based payments

    2012 

All figures in £ millions

  1% increase   1% decrease 

Effect on:

    

Increase/(decrease) in post-retirement medical benefit obligation

   2.9     (2.6

Increase/(decrease) of aggregate of service cost and interest cost

   0.1     (0.1

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

26. Share-based payments

The Group recognised the following charges in the income statement in respect of its equity-settled share-based payment plans:

             
  2010  2009  2008 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Pearson plans  35   27   25 

All figures in £ millions

  2012   2011   2010 

Pearson plans

   28     36     32  

Share-based paymentspayment charges included in discontinued operations amounted to £4m (2009: £10m; 2008: £8m)(2011: £4m; 2010: £7m).

The Group operates the following equity-settled employee option and share plans:

Worldwide Save for Shares Plan — Since 1994, the Group has operated a Save-As-You-Earn plan for UK employees. In 1998, the Group introduced a Worldwide Save for Shares Plan. Under these plans, employees can save a portion of their monthly salary over periods of three, five or seven years. At the end of this period, the employee has the option to purchase ordinary shares with the accumulated funds at a purchase price equal to 80% of the market price prevailing at the time of the commencement of the employee’s participation in the plan. Options that are not exercised within six months of the end of the savings period lapse unconditionally.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan — In 2000, the Group established an Employee Stock Purchase Plan which allows all employees in the US to save a portion of their monthly salary over six monthsix-month periods. At the end of the period, the employee has the option to purchase ADRs with their accumulated funds at a purchase price equal to 85% of the lower of the market price prevailing at the beginning or end of the period.

Long-Term Incentive Plan This plan was first introduced in 2001, and renewed in 2006 and again in 2011. The plan consists of two parts: share optionsand/orrestricted shares.

Options were last granted under this plan in 2001 based on a pre-grant earnings per share growth test and are not subject to further performance conditions on exercise. The options became exercisable in tranches and lapse if they remain unexercised at the tenth anniversary of the date of grant.

The vesting of restricted shares is normally dependent on continuing service over a three to five-year period, and in the case of senior management upon the satisfaction of corporate performance targets over a three-year period. These targets may be based on marketand/or non-market performance criteria. Restricted shares awarded to senior management in March 2009May 2011 and March 2010May 2012 vest dependent on relative total shareholder return, return on invested capital and earnings per share growth. The award was split equally across all three measures. Other restricted shares awarded in 20092011 and 20102012 vest depending on continuing service over a three-year period.

Annual Bonus Share Matching Plan — This plan permits executive directors and senior executives around the Group to invest up to 50% of any after tax annual bonus in Pearson shares. If these shares are held and the Group meets an earnings per share growth target, the company will match them on a gross basis of up to one matching share for every invested share i.e. the maximum number of matching shares is equal to the number of shares that could have been acquired with the amount of the pre-tax annual bonus taken in invested shares.


F-61


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
In addition to the above, share options remain outstanding under Executive Share Option, Reward and Special Share Option Plans. These are legacy plans which were replaced with the introduction of the Long-Term Incentive Plan in 2001.
The number and weighted average exercise prices of share options granted under the Group’s plans are as follows:
                 
  2010  2009 
     Weighted
     Weighted
 
  Number of
  average
  Number of
  average
 
  share
  exercise
  share
  exercise
 
  options
  price
  options
  price
 
  000s  £  000s  £ 
 
Outstanding at beginning of year  12,487   12.78   14,379   13.14 
Granted during the year  628   8.06   1,320   5.47 
Exercised during the year  (1,154)  7.12   (656)  5.91 
Forfeited during the year  (457)  9.08   (2,488)  13.02 
Expired during the year  (2,626)  23.47   (68)  5.20 
                 
Outstanding at end of year
  8,878   10.20   12,487   12.78 
                 
Options exercisable at end of year
  5,825   12.40   9,264   15.28 
                 

   2012   2011 
   Number of
share options
  Weighted
average
exercise price
   Number of
share options
  Weighted
average
exercise price
 
   000s  £   000s  £ 

Outstanding at beginning of year

   3,203    7.15     8,878    10.20  

Granted during the year

   1,321    9.09     1,157    8.92  

Exercised during the year

   (840  5.59     (2,323  7.27  

Forfeited during the year

   (294  7.84     (457  8.54  

Expired during the year

   (17  5.60     (4,052  14.12  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Outstanding at end of year

   3,373    8.24     3,203    7.15  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Options exercisable at end of year

   106    5.58     64    5.54  
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

26. Share-based payments continued

Options were exercised regularly throughout the year. The weighted average share price during the year was £9.63 (2009: £7.15)£12.01 (2011: £11.14). Early exercises arising from redundancy, retirement or death are treated as an acceleration of vesting and the Group therefore recognises in the income statement the amount that otherwise would have been recognised for services received over the remainder of the original vesting period.

The options outstanding at the end of the year have weighted average remaining contractual lives and exercise prices as follows:

                 
  2010  2009 
     Weighted
     Weighted
 
  Number
  average
  Number
  average
 
  of share
  contractual
  of share
  contractual
 
Range of exercise prices
 options
  life
  options
  life
 
£
 000s  Years  000s  Years 
 
0 — 5  38   0.65   172   1.07 
5 — 10  4,757   1.86   5,523   2.37 
10 — 15  4,083   0.36   4,225   1.36 
15 — 20        270   0.75 
20 — 25        344   0.19 
>25        1,953   0.19 
                 
   8,878   1.17   12,487   1.57 
                 

   2012   2011 

Range of exercise prices £

  Number of
share
options
000s
   Weighted
average
contractual
life Years
   Number of
share
options
000s
   Weighted
average
contractual
life Years
 

0 – 5

                    

5 – 10

   3,373     2.56     3,203     2.51  

>10

                    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   3,373     2.56     3,203     2.51  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

In 20102012 and 20092011 options were granted under the Worldwide Save for Shares Plan. The weighted average estimated fair value for the options granted was calculated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model.


F-62


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
The weighted average estimated fair values and the inputs into the Black-Scholes model are as follows:
         
  2010  2009 
  Weighted
  Weighted
 
  average  average 
 
Fair value  £2.14   £1.69 
Weighted average share price  £9.48   £7.13 
Weighted average exercise price  £8.06   £5.47 
Expected volatility  28.28%  27.32%
Expected life  4.0 years   4.0 years 
Risk free rate  2.24%  2.45%
Expected dividend yield  3.75%  4.74%
Forfeiture rate  3.5%  3.5%

   2012
Weighted
average
  2011
Weighted
average
 

Fair value

  £2.38   £2.97  

Weighted average share price

  £11.51   £11.47  

Weighted average exercise price

  £9.09   £8.92  

Expected volatility

   23.62  27.50

Expected life

   3.8 years    4.0 years  

Risk free rate

   0.74  1.91

Expected dividend yield

   3.65  3.37

Forfeiture rate

   3.3  3.5

The expected volatility is based on the historic volatility of the company’s share price over the previous three to seven years depending on the vesting term of the options.

The following shares were granted under restricted share arrangements:

                 
  2010  2009 
     Weighted
     Weighted
 
  Number of
  average
  Number of
  average
 
  shares
  fair value
  shares
  fair value
 
  000s  £  000s  £ 
 
Long-Term Incentive Plan  4,742   9.45   4,519   5.77 
Annual Bonus Share Matching Plan  266   10.25   271   6.70 

   2012   2011 
   Number of
shares
000s
   Weighted
average
fair value
£
   Number of
shares
000s
   Weighted
average
fair value
£
 

Long-Term Incentive Plan

   4,503     11.56     4,854     10.44  

Annual Bonus Share Matching Plan

   237     11.52     285     11.29  

The fair value of shares granted under the Long-Term Incentive Plan that vest unconditionally is determined using the share price at the date of grant. Participants of the Long-Term Incentive Plan are entitled to dividends during the vesting period. The number of shares expected to vest has beenis adjusted, based on historical

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

26. Share-based payments continued

experience, to account for any potential forfeitures. Restricted shares granted under the Annual Bonus Share Matching Plan are valued using the share price at the date of grant. Shares granted include the entitlementParticipants under both plans are entitled to dividends during the vesting period and therefore the share price is not discounted.

Restricted shares with a market performance condition were valued by an independent actuary using a Monte Carlo model. Restricted shares with a non-market performance condition were fair valued based on the share price at the date of grant. Non-market performance conditions were consideredare taken into consideration by adjusting the number of shares expected to vest based on the most likely outcome of the relevant performance criteria.

27.  Share capital and share premium
             
  Number
  Ordinary
  Share
 
  of shares
  shares
  premium
 
  000s  £m  £m 
 
At 1 January 2009  809,276   202   2,505 
Issue of ordinary shares — share option schemes  1,523   1   7 
             
At 31 December 2009  810,799   203   2,512 
Issue of ordinary shares — share option schemes  1,878      12 
             
At 31 December 2010
  812,677   203   2,524 
             

27. Share capital and share premium

   Number
of shares
000s
   Ordinary
shares
£m
   Share
premium
£m
 

At 1 January 2011

   812,677     203     2,524  

Issue of ordinary shares – share option schemes

   2,949     1     20  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At 31 December 2011

   815,626     204     2,544  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Issue of ordinary shares – share option schemes

   1,417          11  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At 31 December 2012

   817,043     204     2,555  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The ordinary shares have a par value of 25p per share (2009:(2011: 25p per share). All issued shares are fully paid. All shares have the same rights.


F-63


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
The Group manages its capital to ensure that entities in the Group will be able to continue as a going concern while maximising the return to shareholders through the optimisation of the debt and equity balance.

The capital structure of the Group consists of debt (see note 18), cash and cash equivalents (see note 17) and equity attributable to equity holders of the parent, comprising issued capital, reserves and retained earnings.

The Group reviews its capital structure on a regular basis and will balance its overall capital structure through payments of dividends, new share issues as well as the issue of new debt or the redemption of existing debt in line with the financial risk policies outlined in note 19.

28.  Treasury shares
                     
  Pearson plc  Interactive Data  Total 
  Number
     Number
       
  of shares
     of shares
       
  000s  £m  000s  £m  £m 
 
At 1 January 2009  10,448   112   9,205   110   222 
Purchase of treasury shares  2,200   13   1,280   20   33 
Release of treasury shares  (2,983)  (29)        (29)
                     
At 31 December 2009  9,665   96   10,485   130   226 
Purchase of treasury shares  8,000   77         77 
Release/cancellation of treasury shares  (3,656)  (36)  (10,485)  (130)  (166)
                     
At 31 December 2010
  14,009   137         137 
                     

28. Treasury shares

   Pearson plc 
   Number
of shares
000s
  £m 

At 1 January 2011

   14,009    137  

Purchase of treasury shares

   5,387    60  

Release of treasury shares

   (4,731  (48
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At 31 December 2011

   14,665    149  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Purchase of treasury shares

         

Release of treasury shares

   (4,563  (46
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

At 31 December 2012

   10,102    103  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

28. Treasury shares continued

The Group holds Pearson plc shares in trust to satisfy its obligations under its restricted share plans (see note 26). These shares, representing 1.7% (2009: 1.2% (2011: 1.8%) ofcalled-up share capital, are treated as treasury shares for accounting purposes and have a par value of 25p per share.

The nominal value of Pearson plc treasury shares amounts to £3.5m (2009: £2.4m)£2.5m (2011: £3.7m).

At 31 December 20102012 the market value of Pearson plc treasury shares was £141.2m (2009: £86.1m)£120.0m (2011: £177.4m).

29.  Business combinations
On 17 June 2010 the Group acquired 100% of the shares of Melorio plc, a vocational training provider. On 19 August 2010 the Group acquired 100% of the shares of Wall Street Institute Education S.a.r.l (WSI), a group providing spoken English training for adults. On 1 September 2010 the Group acquired 69% of the voting equity of Sistema Educacional Brasileiro’s (SEB) school learning systems division. On 7 September 2010 the Group acquired 100% of the shares of America’s Choice Inc, a provider of school improvement services.


F-64


29. Other comprehensive income

    2012 
    Attributable to equity holders
of the Company
  Non-
controlling
interest
  Total 

All figures in £ millions

  Translation
reserve
  Retained
earnings
  Total   

Net exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

   (236      (236  (2  (238

Actuarial losses on retirement benefit obligations – Group

       (119  (119      (119

Actuarial losses on retirement benefit obligations – associate

       (3  (3      (3

Tax on items recognised in other comprehensive income

       55    55        55  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive expense for the year

   (236  (67  (303  (2  (305
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

    2011 
    Attributable to equity holders
of the Company
  Non-
controlling
interest
  Total 

All figures in £ millions

  Translation
reserve
  Retained
earnings
  Total   

Net exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

   (38      (38  (6  (44

Actuarial gains on retirement benefit obligations – Group

       (56  (56      (56

Actuarial gains on retirement benefit obligations – associate

       (8  (8      (8

Tax on items recognised in other comprehensive income

       3    3        3  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive expense for the year

   (38  (61  (99  (6  (105
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

    2010 
    Attributable to equity holders
of the Company
  Non-
controlling
interest
   Total 

All figures in £ millions

  Translation
reserve
   Retained
earnings
  Total    

Net exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

   162         162    11     173  

Currency translation adjustment disposed – subsidiaries

   13         13         13  

Actuarial gains on retirement benefit obligations – Group

        70    70         70  

Actuarial gains on retirement benefit obligations – associate

        1    1         1  

Tax on items recognised in other comprehensive income

        (41  (41       (41
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income for the year

   175     30    205    11     216  
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)consolidated financial statements continued

30. Business combinations

On 16 May 2012 the Professional business acquired Certiport, Inc. Certiport is based in the US and is a leading provider of certification and assessment programmes in IT and digital literacy. On 5 July 2012 the International Education business completed the purchase of GlobalEnglish Corporation, a leading provider of cloud-based, on-demand business English learning, assessment and performance support software. On 19 July 2012 Penguin announced the acquisition of Author Solutions, Inc., the world’s leading provider of professional self-publishing services and on 21 November 2012 the North American Education business acquired EmbanetCompass, a leading provider of technology enabled online learning solutions. The Group acquired a 100% interest in all of the investments noted above.

Provisional values for the assets and liabilities arising from these and other acquisitions completed in the year together with adjustments to prior year acquisitions are as follows:

                                 
     2010  2009 
              America’s
          
     Melorio
  SEB
  WSI
  Choice
  Other
  Total
  Total
 
  Notes  fair value  fair value  fair value  fair value  fair value  fair value  fair value 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Property, plant and equipment  10   4   7   3      3   17   9 
Intangible assets  11   89   103   32   24   37   285   142 
Intangible assets — Pre-publication  20      3         6   9   2 
Inventories         5   1   1   (5)  2   14 
Trade and other receivables      8   13   8   7   5   41   23 
Cash and cash equivalents      3   5   2   12   4   26   29 
Financial liabilities — Borrowings      (13)              (13)   
Net deferred income tax liabilities  13   (24)     (3)�� (4)  (6)  (37)  (45)
Retirement benefit obligations                  (1)  (1)  (1)
Provisions for other liabilities and charges  23   (10)              (10)   
Trade and other liabilities      (9)  (10)  (14)  (5)  1   (37)  (91)
Current income tax liabilities            (3)        (3)  (4)
Non-controlling interest         (39)           (39)  (16)
                                 
Net assets acquired at fair value
      48   87   26   35   44   240   62 
Goodwill  11   50   141   39   30   28   288   205 
Increase in fair values of proportionate holding arising on stepped acquisition                        (23)
                                 
Total
      98   228   65   65   72   528   244 
                                 
Satisfied by:                                
Cash      (98)  (228)  (65)  (65)  (74)  (530)  (201)
Other consideration                        (5)
Deferred consideration                  (8)  (8)  (27)
Net prior year adjustments                  10   10   (11)
                                 
Total consideration
      (98)  (228)  (65)  (65)  (72)  (528)  (244)
                                 

      2012  2011 

All figures in £ millions

 Notes  Certiport
fair value
  Author
Solutions
fair value
  Global
English
fair value
  Embanet
Compass
fair value
  Other
fair value
  Total
fair value
  Total
fair value
 

Property, plant and equipment

  10        1        3    6    10    21  

Intangible assets

  11    49    35    36    74    86    280    375  

Intangible assets – Pre-publication

  20    5        1            6    8  

Inventories

                   1    1    2  

Trade and other receivables

   5    8    8    13        34    58  

Cash and cash equivalents (excluding overdrafts)

   2        8    18    6    34    151  

Financial liabilities – Borrowings

                           (9

Net deferred income tax liabilities

  13    (20  (3  (13  (21  (10  (67  (96

Retirement benefit obligations

                   (2  (2  (4

Provisions for other liabilities and charges

  23                    (1  (1  (78

Trade and other liabilities

   (11  (28  (22  (26  (24  (111  (115

Current income tax liabilities

           (1          (1  (2

Non-controlling interest

                           (1
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net assets acquired at fair value

   30    13    17    61    62    183    310  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Goodwill

  11    58    56    46    350    (5  505    620  

Fair value of previously held interest arising on stepped acquisition

                           (15
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total

   88    69    63    411    57    688    915  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Satisfied by:

        

Cash

   (88  (69  (63  (411  (51  (682  (913

Deferred consideration

                   (6  (6    

Net prior year adjustments

                           (2
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total consideration

   (88  (69  (63  (411  (57  (688  (915
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The goodwill arising on these acquisitions results from substantial cost and revenue synergies and from benefits that cannot be separately recognised, such as the assembled workforce.

Intangible assets in other acquisitions includes £69m relating to prior year acquisitions.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

30. Business combinations continued

The fair value of trade and other receivables is £41m£34m and includes trade receivables with a fair value of £34m.£26m. The gross contractual amount for trade receivables due is £37m£27m of which £3m£1m is expected to be uncollectable.

A provisional value of £12m£nil of goodwill arising on 20102012 acquisitions is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

The non-controlling interestpurposes (2011: £1m).

Intangible assets acquired in SEB2012 have the following useful economic lives: Certiport: customer lists and relationships 3-20 years; Author Solutions: customer lists and relationships 5 years, trademarks and brands 20 years, other intangibles 7-20 years; Global English: other intangibles 10 years. As EmbanetCompass was measured usingacquired in late 2012 the non-controlling interest’s proportionate shareuseful economic lives of the acquiree’s net assets.


F-65

intangible assets acquired are provisional and not yet finalised. Intangible assets acquired with all other acquisitions have useful economic lives of 2-20 years.


All figures in £ millions

  2012  2011  2010 

Cash flow on acquisitions

    

Cash – Current year acquisitions

   (682  (913  (530

Deferred payments for prior year acquisitions and other items

   (31  (5  (20

Cash and cash equivalents acquired

   34    151    26  

Acquisition costs and other acquisition liabilities paid

   (37  (12  (11
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash outflow

   (716  (779  (535
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
             
  2010  2009  2008 
  All figures in
 
  £ millions 
 
Cash flow on acquisitions
            
Cash — Current year acquisitions  (530)  (201)  (394)
Cash — Acquisitions yet to complete     (4)  (12)
Deferred payments for prior year acquisitions and other items  (20)  (32)  (5)
Cash and cash equivalents acquired  26   29   16 
Acquisition costs paid  (11)      
             
Net cash outflow
  (535)  (208)  (395)
             
In 2010, acquisitionsAcquisitions in 2012 contributed £84m£45m to sales and £6m£5m to operating profit before acquisition costs and amortisation of acquired intangibles from the date of acquisition to the balance sheet date. Of these amounts, MelorioCertiport contributed £38m of sales and £5m of profit, SEB contributed £11m£20m of sales and a lossprofit of £4m, Global English contributed £14m of sales and £2m WSIof profit and EmbanetCompass contributed £13m£7m of sales and £1m of profit and America’s Choice contributed £9m of sales and £nil of profit.

If the acquisitions had completed on 1 January 2010,2012, the Group estimates that sales for the period would have been £5,799m£5,168m and profit before tax would have been £676m.

30.  Disposals
                 
  Notes  2010  2009  2008 
     All figures in £ millions 
 
Disposal of subsidiaries
                
Property, plant and equipment  10   (57)     (7)
Intangible assets  11   (88)     (3)
Inventories            (7)
Other financial assets      (3)      
Trade and other receivables      (103)     (8)
Cash and cash equivalents      (165)      
Net deferred income tax liabilities  13   47       
Retirement benefit obligations      8       
Trade and other liabilities      132      9 
Current income tax liabilities      12       
Non-controlling interest      271       
Attributable goodwill  11   (195)     (99)
Cumulative translation adjustment      (13)     (49)
                 
Net assets disposed
      (154)     (164)
Cash received      1,234      114 
Deferred receipts            2 
Costs      (43)     (5)
                 
Profit/(Loss) on sale
      1,037      (53)
                 

F-66

£444m.


31. Disposals including business closures

All figures in £ millions

 Notes  2012  2011  2010 

Disposal of subsidiaries

    

Property, plant and equipment

  10    (3      (57

Intangible assets

  11    (45  (4  (88

Other financial assets

           (3

Inventories

       (7    

Trade and other receivables

       (5  (103

Cash and cash equivalents (excluding overdrafts)

       (6  (165

Net deferred income tax liabilities

  13    11    1    47  

Retirement benefit obligations

       1    8  

Trade and other liabilities

       2    132  

Current income tax liabilities

       1    12  

Non-controlling interest

       7    271  

Attributable goodwill

  11    (50  (4  (195

Cumulative translation adjustment

           (13
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net assets disposed

   (87  (14  (154

Cash received

           1,234  

Costs

   (26      (43
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

(Loss)/profit on disposal

   (113  (14  1,037  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)consolidated financial statements continued

             
  2010  2009  2008 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Cash flow from disposals
            
Cash — Current year disposals  1,234      114 
Cash and cash equivalents disposed  (165)      
Costs paid  (32)     (15)
Pension contribution paid on disposal  (53)      
             
Net cash inflow
  984      99 
             

31. Disposals including business closures continued

All figures in £ millions

  2012  2011  2010 

Cash flow from disposals

    

Cash

           1,234  

Cash and cash equivalents disposed

       (6  (165

Costs paid

   (11      (32

Pension contribution paid on disposal

           (53
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash outflow

   (11  (6  984  
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

The disposal in 20102012 includes the write down of assets resulting from the closure of Pearson in Practice. The disposal in 2011 relates to Longman Nigeria, and in 2010 to Interactive DataData.

32. Held for sale

Assets classified as held for sale relate to Penguin as a result of the announcement by Pearson and Bertelsmann to combine Penguin and Random House.

All figures in £ millions

  Notes   2012  2011 

Property, plant and equipment

   10     40      

Intangible assets

   11     404      

Investments in joint ventures and associates

   12     27      

Deferred income tax assets

   13     38      

Other financial assets

   15     1      

Trade and other receivables

     451      

Intangible assets – Pre-publication

   20     16      

Inventories

     80      

Cash and cash equivalents (excluding overdrafts)

   17     115      

Assets classified as held for sale

     1,172      

Financial liabilities – Borrowings

   18     (7 

Deferred income tax liabilities

   13     (20    

Retirement benefit obligations

   25     (26    

Provisions for other liabilities and charges

   23     (29    

Trade and other liabilities

     (234    

Liabilities directly associated with assets classified as held for sale

     (316    
    

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net assets classified as held for sale

     856      
    

 

 

  

 

 

 

33. Transactions with non-controlling interest

In 2012 the Group increased its investments in its subsidiaries in China at a cost of £4m. In 2011 the remaining non-controlling interest in Sistema Educacional Brasileiro was acquired for £108m. In 2010 the transactions with non-controlling interests (£7m) comprise the acquisition of the remaining non-controlling interest in our Italian Education business and the disposal in 2008 relatesreceipt of proceeds from shares issued to employees of Interactive Data.

Notes to the Data Management business. Further details are shown in note 3.

31.  Cash generated from operations
                 
  Notes  2010  2009  2008 
     All figures in £ millions 
 
Profit      1,300   462   323 
Adjustments for:
                
Income tax      480   198   209 
Depreciation  10   82   85   80 
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets  11   113   103   86 
Amortisation of other intangible assets  11   51   44   30 
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment      3   2   1 
Net finance costs  3,6   73   95   91 
Share of results of joint ventures and associates  12   (41)  (30)  (25)
(Profit)/loss on disposal of discontinued operations  3   (1,037)     53 
Loss on disposal      10       
Acquisition costs      11       
Net foreign exchange adjustment from transactions      (3)  (14)  105 
Share-based payment costs  26   39   37   33 
Pre-publication      29   (16)  (58)
Inventories      37   32   (12)
Trade and other receivables      (82)  (14)  (81)
Trade and other liabilities      165   103   82 
Retirement benefit obligations      (64)  (72)  (14)
Provisions for other liabilities and charges      3   (3)  (9)
                 
Net cash generated from operations
      1,169   1,012   894 
                 
consolidated financial statements continued

34. Cash generated from operations

All figures in £ millions

  Notes   2012  2011  2010 

Profit

     329    956    1,300  

Adjustments for:

      

Income tax

     167    199    480  

Depreciation

   10     80    70    82  

Intangible charges

   11     183    139    113  

Amortisation of other intangible assets

   11     54    48    51  

Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment

             3  

Net finance costs

   6     81    71    73  

Share of results of joint ventures and associates

   12     (9  (33  (41

Profit on disposal of discontinued operations

   3             (1,037

Loss/(profit) on disposals

     113    (435  10  

Acquisition costs

     21    12    11  

Costs on formation of Penguin Random House

     32          

Net foreign exchange adjustment from transactions

     (21  24    (3

Share-based payment costs

   26     32    40    39  

Pre-publication

     (55  2    29  

Inventories

     49    15    37  

Trade and other receivables

     (94  (9  (82

Trade and other liabilities

         31    165  

Retirement benefit obligations

     (41  (65  (64

Provisions for other liabilities and charges

     (5  28    3  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash generated from operations

     916    1,093    1,169  
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash generated from operations is translated at an exchange rate approximating to the rate at the date of cash flow. The difference between this rate and the average rate used to translate profit gives rise to a currency adjustment in the reconciliation between net profit and net cash generated from operations. This adjustment reflects the timing difference between recognition of profit and the related cash receipts or payments.

Operating cash flow, operating free cash flow and total free cash flow are non-GAAP measures and have been disclosed as they are part of Pearson’s corporate and operating measures.

F-67


Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
In the cash flow statement, proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment comprise:
             
  2010  2009  2008 
  All figures in £ millions 
 
Net book amount  3   3   3 
Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment  (3)  (2)  (1)
             
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
     1   2 
             

All figures in £ millions

  2012   2011   2010 

Net book amount

   1     9     3  

Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment

             (3
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

   1     9       
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The principal other non-cash transactions are movements in finance lease obligations of £2m (2009: £8m; 2008:£nil (2011: £10m; 2010: £2m).

32.  Contingencies

35. Contingencies

There are contingent Group liabilities that arise in the normal course of business in respect of indemnities, warranties and guarantees in relation to former subsidiaries and in respect of guarantees in relation to subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates. In addition there are contingent liabilities of the Group in respect of legal claims, contract disputes, royalties, copyright fees, permissions and rights and royalty agreements.other rights. None of these claims are expected to result in a material gain or loss to the Group.

33.  Commitments
group.

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

36. Commitments

There were no commitments for capital expenditure contracted for at the balance sheet date but not yet incurred.

The Group leases various offices and warehouses under non-cancellable operating lease agreements. The leases have varying terms and renewal rights. The Group also leases various plant and equipment under operating lease agreements, also with varying terms. The lease expenditure charged to the income statement during the year is disclosed in note 4.

The future aggregate minimum lease payments in respect of operating leases are as follows:

         
  2010  2009 
  All figures in
 
  £ millions 
 
Not later than one year  164   153 
Later than one year and not later than two years  151   144 
Later than two years and not later than three years  130   129 
Later than three years and not later than four years  112   114 
Later than four years and not later than five years  95   99 
Later than five years  785   848 
         
   1,437   1,487 
         

All figures in £ millions

  2012   2011 

Not later than one year

   186     179  

Later than one year and not later than two years

   174     164  

Later than two years and not later than three years

   158     149  

Later than three years and not later than four years

   137     134  

Later than four years and not later than five years

   124     119  

Later than five years

   899     980  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
   1,678     1,725  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

37. Related party transactions

34.  

Related party transactions
Joint ventures and associates —

Amounts advanced to joint ventures and associates during the year and at the balance sheet date are set out in note 12. There are no material amounts falling due from joint ventures and associates.

In December 2011, the Group disposed of its 50% interest in FTSE International Ltd and details of this transaction are also shown in note 12.

Key management personnel —

Key management personnel are deemed to be the members of the board of directors of Pearson plc. It is this board which has responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Group. Key management personnel compensation is disclosed in the directors’ remuneration report.

“Item 6. Directors, senior management and employees — Compensation of senior management”.

There were no other material related party transactions.

No guarantees have been provided to related parties.


F-68


38. Events after the balance sheet date

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)
35.  Events after the balance sheet date
On 22 November 2010,In January 2013, the Group announcedcompleted the proposed acquisitionpurchase of a 75% stake5% equity investment in CTI Education Group,NOOK Media, LLC for $89.5m. NOOK Media is a leading South African educationnew company for £31m. As atconsisting of Barnes & Noble’s digital businesses including its NOOK e-reader and tablets, the end of December 2010, this acquisition had not been completed but is expected to complete in the first half of 2011.
On 18 January 2011,NOOK digital bookstore and its 674 college bookstores across America.

In February 2013 the Group announced that it had agreed to increase its shareholdingcompleted the purchase of the remaining minority interest in TutorVista,Tutorvista, the Bangalore based tutoring services company, to a controlling 76% stake for a consideration of $127m.

On 7 March 2011, the Group and Education Development International plc (EDI) announced that they had reached agreement on the terms of a recommended cash offer to be made by Pearson for the entire issued share capital of EDI. The offer values EDI at approximately £112.7m. EDI is a leading provider of education and training qualifications and assessment services, with a strong reputation for the use of information technology to administer learning programmes and deliver on-screen assessments.
£17m.

SIGNATURES

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalfbehalf.

Pearson plc

/s/ Robin Freestone

Robin Freestone
Chief Financial Officer
Pearson plc
/s/  Robin Freestone
Robin Freestone
Chief Financial Officer

Date: March 25, 2011


F-6922, 2013