Pearson issue a third-quarter overview, reiterating guidance for the full year that anticipates lower profits than in 2012. While sales are up compared to a year, the third quarter was soft (sales were up 7 percent at the end of June; now “continuing sales” are up 4 percent for the first nine months). North American education margins are lower due to “a weak trading environment for college textbook publishing,” as well as “start-up costs associated with new services contracts and by product investment ahead of the implementation of new Common Core standards.” The Penguin Random House merger also “reduces Pearson’s […]