UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the month of January 2007
PEARSON plc
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
N/A
(Translation of registrant's name into English)
80 Strand
London, England WC2R 0RL
44-20-7010-2000
(Address of principal executive office)
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant files or will file annual reports
under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F:
Form 20-F X Form 40-F
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant by furnishing the information
contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the
Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Yes No X
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This Report includes the following documents:
1. A press release from Pearson plc announcing Trading Statement
22 January 2007
PEARSON TRADING UPDATE
STRONG END TO THE YEAR; ON TRACK FOR RECORD PROFITS
Pearson is today providing its regular January trading update.
Pearson continued to perform strongly through the fourth quarter of 2006. We
remain on track to produce record profits in 2006, and we expect to report
adjusted earnings per share towards the top end of current market expectations*.
We also expect good cash generation and a further significant improvement in our
return on invested capital.
All our businesses traded well in the fourth quarter. Pearson Education
sustained its good revenue momentum and achieved further margin improvement,
ahead of expectations, as we benefited from our investments in educational
testing and technology. The Financial Times added circulation and advertising
and Penguin had a good year-end publishing and selling season.
The average GBP:$ exchange rate for the full-year was GBP1:$1.84 and we expect
our tax rate to be below 32% (compared with our previous guidance of 32-34%).
Pearson will announce its preliminary results for 2006 on 26 February, 2007. We
expect to complete the sale of our Government Solutions business to Veritas
Capital in the first quarter of this year.
Marjorie Scardino, chief executive, said: "A strong all-round performance in our
key fourth quarter selling season capped another very good year. All around
Pearson, our investments in content and technology are paying off. Those
advantages have produced Pearson's highest ever profits in 2006, and will
bolster our future growth."
Ends
* 2006 adjusted earnings per share including Government Solutions. Analysts'
estimates range from 36.1p-40p (sources: Reuters and Bloomberg).
For more information:
Luke Swanson/ Simon Mays-Smith/ Deborah Lincoln + 44 (0)207 010 2310
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
PEARSON plc
Date: 22 January 2007
By: /s/ STEPHEN JONES
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Stephen Jones
Deputy Secretary