Trading in-line with our expectations
o Sales of £1,866m declined 7% in underlying terms primarily due to the expected declines in assessment revenues in the US and UK, which are weighted towards the first half of the year, but also the phasing of both gross sales and returns in North American Higher Education courseware.
o Revenues declined 11% at constant exchange rates, reflecting underlying revenue declines, the impact of a change in revenue model at Connections Education which now records revenue for services charged at cost on a net basis, and the disposal of PowerSchool. Headline sales decreased 7% with the benefit from the strength of the US Dollar against Sterling partly offset by the weakness of key emerging market currencies.
o Deferred revenues grew 5% in underlying terms.
o Adjusted operating profit of £15m is in-line with our expectations and down £39m when compared to H1 2015 reflecting lower revenues, incentive compensation accruals and dual IT running costs, partly offset by initial savings from our simplification programme and phasing of integration benefits at Penguin Random House.
o Adjusted loss per share of (1.3)p (H1 2015: adjusted earning per share 4.4p) reflected the lower adjusted operating profit and interest charges.
o Net debt fell by £863m to £1,426m (H1 2015: £2,289m) with the proceeds from disposals partly offset by the impact of the depreciation of Sterling against the US Dollar on the Sterling value of our Dollar denominated debt.
o Dividend held level at 18p, in-line with previous guidance, reflecting the Board's confidence in the medium term outlook.
