This was an extraordinary year for The Thomson Corporation, stated Richard J.Harrington, president and chief executive officer. We made a series of strategic acquisitions and divestitures which accelerated our transformation into a focused e-information and solutions provider. At the same time, we delivered solid growth in our core businesses by enhancing our customer offerings and expanding our Internet-based and proprietary online products. For the first time, electronic products and services now account for the majority of Thomson revenues.
Revenues from continuing operations, excluding disposals, increased 20% to $5.9 billion, supported by key strategic acquisitions made in 2000. Revenues from core operations, in constant currencies, increased 8%.
Electronic products and services accounted for 53% of revenues, led by the doubling of Internet-based revenues, which were approximately $800 million.
EBITDA from continuing operations increased 17% to $1.5 billion, and operating profit grew 19% to $1.1 billion for the year.
Earnings from continuing operations increased 40% to $571 million, or $0.92 per common share, compared with $0.66 per common share in 1999. These earnings include one-time tax benefits principally associated with the sale of The Globe and Mail in January 2001. Excluding tax benefits and one-time items, earnings were $468 million, or $0.75 per common share, in line with 1999.
Fourth-quarter revenues from continuing operations increased 23% to $1.9 billion over the comparable 1999 period. Operating profit from continuing operations increased 16% to $488 million and earnings increased 41% to $371 million, or $0.59 per common share. Excluding the one-time benefits previously mentioned, earnings were $286 million, or $0.46 per common share, in line with last year.
