Accessibility StatementSkip Navigation HOBOKEN, N.J., Oct. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world's lifelong learning company, today announced a partnership with the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD). This collaboration will expand career-connected learning opportunities for Pearson's Connections Academy students, helping them explore pathways into the energy sector through enhanced curriculum, mentorship, and credentialing. Continue Reading Pearson's Connections Academy a ...

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Core Insights - The article focuses on the Asia Value & Moat Stocks research service, which targets value investors looking for significant discrepancies between stock prices and intrinsic values, particularly in the Asian market [1] Group 1: Investment Strategy - The service emphasizes deep value balance sheet bargains, such as net cash stocks, net-nets, low price-to-book (P/B) stocks, and sum-of-the-parts discounts [1] - It also highlights wide moat stocks, which are characterized by strong earnings power at discounted prices, including high-quality businesses and hidden champions [1] Group 2: Market Focus - The primary focus of the investment group is on the Hong Kong market, providing a range of watch lists with monthly updates for potential investment opportunities [1]

Financial Performance - Sales growth accelerated to 4% in Q3, indicating broad-based execution across teams and effective navigation of market headwinds [2] - Virtual Learning achieved 17% sales growth during the back-to-school period, driven by improved enrollment performance and digital marketing strategies [2] - Assessment & Qualifications growth also accelerated to 4% in Q3, with Pearson VUE returning to growth due to new contract launches, although some headwinds from federal hiring and spending affected PDRI [3]

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Financial Performance - Sales growth accelerated to 4% in Q3, with broad-based execution across teams despite market headwinds [3][4] - Higher Education delivered 2% growth in the nine-month period, with solid performance in core U.S. Higher Ed [4][30] - Q3 performance is in line with expectations, with confidence in a stronger Q4 due to known business unit dynamics [5][6] Business Unit Performance - Virtual Learning achieved 17% sales growth in Q3, driven by excellent enrollment performance [3][4] - Assessment and Qualifications growth accelerated to 4% in Q3, with Pearson VUE returning to growth [3][4] - English Language Learning returned to growth in Q3, despite difficult migration conditions in larger markets [5][6] Market Dynamics - International Higher Ed faced challenges, particularly in mature markets like Canada and the UK, leading to a decline [28][30] - The company is shifting strategy towards emerging markets and digital products to address challenges in mature markets [28][29] - Visibility into Q4 performance is decent across business units, with strong expectations for virtual learning and assessments [5][6] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company aims to lead in the application of innovative technologies, particularly AI, across products and services [6][7] - Investments are being made to maintain core strengths, including brand and distribution networks, while evolving products to leverage AI [7][11] - Strategic partnerships with companies like Salesforce and Cognizant are being pursued to enhance enterprise learning solutions [12][13] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management is optimistic about Q4 performance and annual results aligning with market expectations [6][30] - The company acknowledges ongoing headwinds in certain segments but is confident in the long-term growth potential driven by digital strategies [28][30] - Future growth is expected to be mid-single digits, with a focus on leveraging new contract wins and improving performance in enterprise learning [25][48] Other Important Information - The Test Prep business is currently small but is being integrated into a broader Pearson Skilling Suite [56][57] - The company is actively monitoring the impact of AI on the education sector and exploring partnerships to enhance learning outcomes [41][42] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on revenue model for new contract wins in Pearson VUE - The revenue model is primarily on a per-candidate basis, with no significant upfront implementation fees [16][20] Question: Expectations for growth from new contract wins in 2026 - Management is not providing guidance for 2026 at this time but expects mid-single digits growth in the medium term [25][26] Question: Challenges in International Higher Ed - The decline in International Higher Ed is attributed to challenges in mature markets, with a strategic shift towards emerging markets and digital products [28][30] Question: Performance expectations for virtual learning and ELL in Q4 - Strong visibility for virtual learning is expected to continue, while ELL is anticipated to have a good Q4, particularly in Latin America [39][40] Question: Clarification on PDRI and PTE performance - PDRI is facing challenges this year, with a slow recovery expected, while PTE has shown stronger performance than initially anticipated [48][50]

Financial Performance - Sales growth accelerated to 4% in Q3, indicating broad-based execution across teams despite market headwinds [2][3] - Higher education segment delivered 2% growth over the nine-month period, with solid performance in core U.S. higher education [3][4] Business Unit Performance - Virtual learning achieved 17% sales growth in Q3, driven by improved enrollment performance and digital marketing [3] - Assessment and qualifications growth accelerated to 4% in Q3, with Pearson VUE returning to growth due to new contract launches [3] - English language learning returned to growth in Q3, despite challenging migration conditions in larger markets [4] Market Dynamics - International higher education faced significant challenges, particularly in mature markets like Canada and the UK, leading to a decline in performance [4][25] - The company is shifting its strategy towards emerging markets and digital products to counteract difficulties in mature markets [25] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is focused on applying innovative technologies, particularly AI, across its products and services to enhance learning outcomes and operational efficiency [5][6] - New partnerships and contracts, such as with Salesforce and Cognizant, are aimed at expanding enterprise customer engagement and leveraging AI capabilities [9][10] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in a strong Q4 performance, driven by known business unit dynamics and enrollment visibility [4][5] - The company anticipates mid-single digits growth for Pearson VUE in the medium term, despite ongoing challenges in the PDRI segment [20][42] Other Important Information - The company is investing in its core strengths, including brand and distribution networks, while renewing products and services with AI at the forefront [6][7] - The test prep business launched in April is still small but is being integrated into a broader offering called the Pearson Skilling Suite [45] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on revenue model for Pearson VUE contracts - The revenue model is primarily on a per-candidate basis, with no significant upfront implementation fees [13][17] Question: Expectations for growth from new contract wins in Pearson VUE - Management did not provide specific guidance for 2026 but indicated that good performance in Q4 would positively impact future growth [19][20] Question: Issues in international higher education segment - The decline is attributed to challenges in mature markets, with a strategic shift towards digital products in emerging markets expected to improve performance [24][25] Question: Future growth expectations for virtual learning - Strong growth is expected to continue into Q4 and beyond, supported by good visibility from back-to-school enrollments [31][32] Question: Visibility on new contracts in English Language Learning - There is good visibility for a strong Q4, particularly in Latin America [33] Question: Opportunities with AI offerings - The company is engaged in discussions with AI firms to explore partnerships and leverage advancements in AI for educational solutions [34]

Core Insights - Pearson reported accelerated sales growth of 4% in Q3 2025, contributing to a 2% growth for the nine-month period ending September 30, 2025, with expectations for stronger growth in Q4 [2][4][24] - The company is executing its strategic priorities effectively, leveraging innovative technologies and expanding its enterprise customer base, positioning itself well for future growth opportunities [1][4] Sales Performance - Underlying Group sales growth accelerated to 4% in Q3, with a total of 2% growth for the nine-month period [2][4] - Assessment & Qualifications sales grew by 4% in Q3, while Virtual Learning sales increased by 17% in the same period, driven by a 13% rise in enrolments for the 2025/26 academic year [5][9] - Higher Education sales decreased by 1% in Q3, primarily due to challenges in International Higher Education markets, although US Higher Education sales grew by 2% [5][13] Strategic Initiatives - Pearson has formed strategic partnerships with Cognizant and Deloitte, and launched a multi-year collaboration with Salesforce as their exclusive provider of certifications [4][5] - The company is expanding its AI learning content, including the launch of AI Literacy Modules and AI-powered Study Prep tools, which are showing positive impacts on learning outcomes [4][14] Future Outlook - The company expects Group sales growth and adjusted operating profit to align with market expectations for 2025, with stronger sales growth anticipated in Q4 [5][18] - Beyond 2025, Pearson is positioned for mid-single digit underlying sales growth CAGR and sustained margin improvement, with free cash flow conversion expected to be between 90% and 100% [5][19]

Core Viewpoint - The assassination of Charlie Kirk is seen as a tragic event that highlights the increasing violence and hostility towards conservative figures in the United States, raising concerns about free speech and political discourse [1][7][20]. Group 1: Impact on Political Discourse - The assassination is perceived as a significant threat to free speech, particularly for conservatives who engage in public dialogue [1][6]. - There is a growing sentiment that the left is using violence as a means to achieve political change, which is considered dangerous for society [7][21]. - The rhetoric surrounding political opponents has escalated, with some labeling conservatives as fascists, which may incite violence against them [7][21]. Group 2: Legacy and Influence of Charlie Kirk - Charlie Kirk was recognized as a pivotal figure in the conservative movement, particularly among young people, and his absence is seen as a significant loss [9][10]. - His ability to engage in discussions and mobilize youth voters is highlighted as a unique trait that may be difficult to replace [9][10]. - The call to honor his legacy involves continuing the work he started, despite the risks involved [19][20]. Group 3: Calls for Accountability and Action - There is a demand for accountability regarding the violence against political figures, with a focus on understanding the motivations behind such acts [3][5][20]. - The need for a strong governmental response to hate crimes targeting individuals based on their political beliefs is emphasized [20]. - Concerns are raised about the safety of conservative influencers and the potential chilling effect on political engagement due to fear of violence [18][19].

Core Insights - Pearson has launched new AI Literacy Modules aimed at equipping students with the skills to understand, use, and evaluate AI ethically and effectively, responding to the increasing demand for AI education in higher education and various industries [1][2]. Group 1: Product Launch Details - The AI Literacy Modules will be available in over 170 MyLab and Mastering courses across STEM, business, health professions, and humanities, designed to be short and student-friendly [2]. - Topics covered in the modules include validating AI-generated results and appropriately citing AI tool outputs, addressing the need for ethical AI education as identified by 98% of educators surveyed [2][3]. Group 2: Educational Impact - The modules are designed to help students absorb information in manageable segments, with clear definitions of jargon to enhance understanding [3]. - The initiative aims to guide students in the ethical use of AI, promoting academic integrity and preparing them for future careers [3]. Group 3: Recognition and Certification - Students completing the modules will earn Credly by Pearson badges, with a capstone badge awarded for completing all three modules, indicating proficiency in AI literacy [4]. - This launch is part of Pearson's broader AI learning ecosystem, which includes other credentials and certifications [4]. Group 4: Commitment to Responsible AI - Pearson emphasizes the responsible application of AI to enhance teaching and learning experiences, with over 80% of its products now being digital or digitally enabled [5]. - The application of generative AI is supported by learning science and vetted by subject matter experts, showing improved learning outcomes such as increased engagement and higher-order thinking [5].