Financial Performance - Group sales decreased by 2% on a headline basis to £1,722 million in H1 2025 compared to £1,754 million in H1 2024, but increased by 2% on an underlying basis [29][31] - Adjusted operating profit increased by 2% on an underlying basis to £242 million, while statutory operating profit rose by 10% to £240 million [5][29] - Free cash flow increased significantly by £129 million to £156 million, aided by a £114 million State Aid tax recovery [6][49] Strategic Developments - The company is on track to meet its 2025 guidance, with expectations of stronger growth in the second half of the year [3][6] - Strategic partnerships with major tech companies like Microsoft, AWS, and Google Cloud are enhancing the company's AI transformation agenda [6][13] - The acquisition of eDynamic Learning for $225 million is expected to strengthen the company's position in the Early Careers space [58] Business Unit Performance - Assessment & Qualifications sales increased by 2% on an underlying basis, with strong growth in Clinical Assessments and UK & International Qualifications [5][19] - Virtual Learning sales decreased by 1% on an underlying basis, with a 5% decline on a headline basis due to previous school losses [20] - Higher Education sales rose by 4% on an underlying basis, driven by a 21% increase in Inclusive Access and a 3% rise in US digital subscriptions [21] Cash Flow and Capital Management - Operating cash flow was stable at £126 million, while net cash generated from operations was £188 million [47][48] - The company has initiated a £350 million share buyback program, with £169 million of shares repurchased by June 30, 2025 [6][61] - Net debt decreased to £1.0 billion from £1.2 billion at the end of H1 2024, reflecting strong cash performance [51] Outlook - The company reaffirms its medium-term outlook, projecting mid-single digit underlying sales growth and sustained margin improvement [8][25] - Sales growth is expected to be H2 weighted, particularly in Q4, driven by new and renewed contracts [25]