Pearson's (PSON) strong second-half and full-year results reaffirm our view that the company has created a competitive advantage with its collection of education franchises. Sales and profitability were better than expected, and we anticipate an increase to our fair value estimate after reviewing our financial model assumptions.
Pearson generated full-year sales growth of 10%, or 5% when excluding the impact of foreign exchange rates (stronger US dollar relative to the sterling) and acquisition activity. The underlying sales growth in each division reflected an improved economic environment and Pearson's strong product offering, especially in educational publishing and testing. North American education revenue improved 4% as the company gained market share in higher education, elementary-high school publishing, and assessment testing. We expect some headwinds for the el-hi category in 2011 with fewer new textbook adoptions and continued pressure on state budgets. Internal growth in the international education was 6% as Pearson continues to push forward in expanding its business through internal investment and bolt-on acquisitions.
The Financial Times segment posted 9% sales growth, fuelled by an improved ad market and higher digital sales. Overall adjusted operating margins of 15.1% were higher than 13.8% in the prior year as Pearson benefited from margin improvement in its education and Financial Times segments. We believe Pearson can maintain this level of profitability even though we expect the lower-margin international segment to grow faster than its North American business over the next several years.