A firm reports operating income before tax in its income statement of $73.4 million on sales of $667.3 million. After net interest expense of $20.5 million and taxes of $18.3 million, its net income is $34.6 million. The following items are included as part of operating income:

Start-up costs for new venture ... $ 4.3 million

Merger-related charge ...... $ 13.4 million

Gains on the disposal of plant .... $ 3.9 million

The firm also reports a currency translation gain of $ 8.9 million as part of other comprehensive income.

Calculate the firm's core operating income (after tax) and core percentage profit margin. The firm's marginal tax rate is 39 percent.