Pearson has seen a rebound in demand since June and remains on track to hit its targets this year despite a loss in the first half, the British education company said today.
Chairman Sidney Taurel also said the search for a replacement for CEO John Fallon, who is set to retire this year, was "well advanced".
Pearson reported a loss of £23m for the first half of the year to June 30 compared to a profit of £144m a year earlier.
"Covid-19 has had a major impact on trading, but we are encouraged by the improving trends and pick up in sales in June," John Fallon said.
Pearson said a long-term shift to online learning is accelerating.
One of the few companies to stick with its final payout to shareholders earlier this year, Pearson said it would pay an interim dividend of 6 pence, the same as last year.
The company cautioned that while it was on track to meet forecasts, risks remained with local lockdowns impacting schools.
Analysts forecast an annual adjusted operating profit of £332m on revenue of £3.46 billion, according to a company-compiled consensus.
