Pearson said FT Group sales were up 11%, thanks to its shift towards subscription and digital revenues, and a focus on global businesses away from its UK and European base.
In 2007, digital services accounted for 63% of FT Group revenues, up from 28% in 2000, while advertising accounted for 30% of FT Group revenues, down from 52% in 2000.
The performance of both Pearson and its FT Group arm run contrary to that of other publishers in recent months. In June, Trinity Mirror announced that for the nine weeks to 30 June, its advertising revenue was down by 12%.
Looking ahead, Pearson said FT Group "is on track to achieve continued profit growth this year," adding that "future advertising revenues remain difficult to predict, but we continue to expect to increase profit at FT Publishing, even without any growth in advertising revenue".
Marjorie Scardino, Pearson chief executive, said: "Our momentum is strong, even in these tough economic conditions. We have leadership positions in good markets and an effective growth strategy based on quality content, digital innovation and international expansion.
"That strategy makes us confident that 2008 will be another record year, and that we will continue to grow."
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