UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 6-K REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the month of March 2023 PEARSON plc (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) N/A (Translation of registrant's name into English) 80 Strand London, England WC2R 0RL 44-20-7010-2000 (Address of principal executive office) Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant files or will file annual reports unde ...

PART I [Key Information](index=6&type=section&id=ITEM%203.%20KEY%20INFORMATION) This section outlines Pearson's principal strategic, operational, financial, and compliance risks, including adapting to digital content, protecting intellectual property, managing competition, and navigating economic uncertainties [Risk Factors](index=6&type=section&id=Risk%20Factors) The company identifies several key risk categories, including content and channel shifts, competitive pressures, portfolio integration, reputational damage, operational execution, regulatory changes, and financial exposures - Content & Channel Risk: The company faces challenges from content digitization, distribution channel proliferation, and changing consumer behavior, such as students seeking cheaper content sources (e.g., second-hand, rental, pirated copies), which puts downward pressure on prices[28](index=28&type=chunk)[29](index=29&type=chunk) - Intellectual Property Risk: The business relies heavily on protecting its intellectual property, and failure to do so could lead to infringement (e.g., digital counterfeit websites, piracy), reducing sales and eroding brand value[31](index=31&type=chunk)[32](index=32&type=chunk)[34](index=34&type=chunk) - Competitive & Economic Risk: The Group's performance is subject to global economic conditions, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the situation in Ukraine, with increased competition and shifts in learner preferences potentially impacting financial performance[37](index=37&type=chunk)[38](index=38&type=chunk) - Data Security Risk: The company holds large volumes of personal and sensitive data, and a malicious attack or data breach could result in reputational damage, financial loss, regulatory penalties, and litigation, as evidenced by a past SEC settlement related to a 2018 data breach[47](index=47&type=chunk)[48](index=48&type=chunk) - Operational & Transformation Risk: The accelerated pace of business transformation initiatives, including the 2021 strategic realignment, increases execution risk, and failure to attract and retain skilled employees, particularly in technology, could harm business goals[58](index=58&type=chunk)[59](index=59&type=chunk) - Regulatory & Government Funding Risk: The company's educational services and assessment businesses are sensitive to changes in government funding, policy decisions, and procurement processes, particularly in the US market[69](index=69&type=chunk)[70](index=70&type=chunk) - Financial Risks: The Group is exposed to several financial risks, including rising global inflation impacting costs, foreign exchange fluctuations (especially the US dollar, which accounts for **~69% of revenue**), changes in tax laws, and potential pension funding deficits[74](index=74&type=chunk)[79](index=79&type=chunk)[76](index=76&type=chunk)[80](index=80&type=chunk) [Information on the Company](index=14&type=section&id=ITEM%204.%20INFORMATION%20ON%20THE%20COMPANY) This section provides a comprehensive overview of Pearson plc, detailing its global learning identity, new five-division structure, recent corporate developments including rejected acquisition proposals, and key financial and operational aspects [Overview and Recent Developments](index=15&type=section&id=Overview%20and%20Recent%20Developments) Pearson is a global learning company operating in approximately 200 countries, with its largest markets in North America and Europe, and recently rejected acquisition proposals from Apollo Global Management - Pearson is a global learning company with primary operations in education, assessment, and certifications, with its largest markets being North America (**67% of 2021 sales**) and Europe (**18% of 2021 sales**)[84](index=84&type=chunk) - In March 2022, Pearson's Board rejected a third acquisition proposal from Apollo Global Management for **870 pence per share**, stating it significantly undervalued the company, leading Apollo to confirm it did not intend to make a formal offer[87](index=87&type=chunk)[88](index=88&type=chunk)[89](index=89&type=chunk) [Selected Consolidated Financial Data](index=16&type=section&id=Selected%20consolidated%20financial%20data) The company presents selected consolidated financial data for the five years ended December 31, 2021, highlighting sales of **£3,428 million** and an operating profit of **£183 million** in 2021, alongside significant portfolio changes Selected Consolidated Financial Data (Year Ended December 31) | | 2021 (£m) | 2020 (£m) | 2019 (£m) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Sales** | 3,428 | 3,397 | 3,869 | | **Operating profit/(loss)** | 183 | 411 | 275 | | **Profit for the financial year** | 160 | 310 | 266 | | **Basic earnings per share** | 21.1p | 41.0p | 34.0p | | **Dividends per ordinary share** | 20.5p | 19.5p | 19.5p | | **Total assets** | 7,343 | 7,451 | 7,650 | | **Net assets** | 4,280 | 4,134 | 4,323 | - Significant recent transactions include the completion of the sale of the remaining **25% share** in Penguin Random House in April 2020, the acquisition of Faethm Holdings in September 2021, and the acquisition of Credly Inc. in January 2022[93](index=93&type=chunk)[97](index=97&type=chunk)[99](index=99&type=chunk) - In February 2022, the Board approved a **£350 million** share buyback program expected to commence in 2022[102](index=102&type=chunk) [Dividend Information](index=17&type=section&id=Dividend%20information) The company maintains a policy of paying interim and final dividends, with a total dividend of **20.5p per ordinary share** for fiscal year 2021, an increase from prior years Dividends per Ordinary Share (Pence) | Fiscal year | Interim | Final | Total | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 2021 | 6.3p | 14.2p | 20.5p | | 2020 | 6.0p | 13.5p | 19.5p | | 2019 | 6.0p | 13.5p | 19.5p | - Shareholders will be asked to approve a final dividend of **14.2p per ordinary share** for the year ended December 31, 2021, at the annual general meeting on April 29, 2022[109](index=109&type=chunk) [The Group's Strategy](index=18&type=section&id=The%20Group%27s%20strategy) Under CEO Andy Bird, Pearson launched a new digital-first strategy in March 2021, focused on establishing a lifelong, direct relationship with consumers through a new five-division structure and the Pearson+ digital learning ecosystem - The new strategy, unveiled in March 2021, focuses on building a lifelong, direct-to-consumer relationship, being digital-first, and delivering high-quality learning products at scale[114](index=114&type=chunk) - The company was reorganized into five core divisions: Assessment & Qualifications, Virtual Learning, English Language Learning, Workforce Skills, and Higher Education[115](index=115&type=chunk) - Pearson+ was launched in July 2021 as the company's premier digital learning ecosystem, central to its direct-to-consumer strategy[121](index=121&type=chunk) - The strategy includes an increased focus on the workforce upskilling and reskilling market, working with employers and leveraging acquisitions like Faethm and Credly[119](index=119&type=chunk) [Operating Divisions](index=19&type=section&id=Operating%20divisions) Pearson's operations are managed through five global divisions: Assessment & Qualifications, Virtual Learning, English Language Learning, Workforce Skills, and Higher Education, each serving distinct market segments with specialized products and services - Assessment & Qualifications: The largest division by revenue, providing assessments, qualifications, and certifications through units like Pearson VUE, US Student Assessment, and Clinical Assessment[127](index=127&type=chunk)[128](index=128&type=chunk) - Virtual Learning: Comprises Virtual Schools (e.g., Connections Academy for K-12) and Online Program Management (OPM) services for universities and employers[135](index=135&type=chunk)[136](index=136&type=chunk) - English Language Learning: Aims to serve the **1.5 billion** people learning English worldwide through assets like the Pearson Test of English (PTE) and institutional courseware[141](index=141&type=chunk)[142](index=142&type=chunk) - Workforce Skills: Focuses on the upskilling and reskilling market, helping employers and workers close skills gaps, and includes recent acquisitions Faethm and Credly[146](index=146&type=chunk)[149](index=149&type=chunk) - Higher Education: Creates digital learning experiences and courseware for college students, with a key product being the direct-to-consumer subscription service, Pearson+, launched in July 2021[151](index=151&type=chunk)[154](index=154&type=chunk) [Competition](index=23&type=section&id=Competition) Pearson operates in highly competitive markets, facing threats from large media players, smaller digital businesses, and alternative distribution channels, with key competitors varying by segment - The Group faces competition from both large media players and smaller, agile digital operators[165](index=165&type=chunk) - Key competitors include: ETS and Prometric (Assessment & Qualifications); Stride and 2U Inc. (Virtual Learning); Oxford University Press (English Language); City and Guilds (Workforce Skills); and Cengage Learning and McGraw-Hill (Higher Education)[166](index=166&type=chunk)[167](index=167&type=chunk)[168](index=168&type=chunk)[169](index=169&type=chunk) [Climate Change](index=24&type=section&id=Climate%20change) Pearson aims to be a net-zero carbon business by 2030, targeting a **50% reduction** in scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions from a 2018 baseline, having achieved a **26% reduction** by year-end 2021 - The company has a goal to become a net-zero carbon business by 2030 and to reduce scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by **50%** from its 2018 baseline[173](index=173&type=chunk) - As of year-end 2021, Pearson had reduced its combined Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions by **26%** from the 2018 baseline[173](index=173&type=chunk) - Climate change is considered an emerging risk, with potential long-term impacts on the supply chain, but no significant material risks are identified in the near term (up to 2025)[176](index=176&type=chunk) [Legal Proceedings](index=25&type=section&id=Legal%20proceedings) The company is subject to various legal proceedings, notably settling with the SEC on August 16, 2021, regarding a 2018 data breach, incurring a **$1.0 million** civil penalty and implementing data privacy improvements - On August 16, 2021, Pearson settled with the SEC concerning disclosures about a 2018 data breach, paying a civil penalty of **$1.0 million** without admitting or denying the findings[179](index=179&type=chunk)[180](index=180&type=chunk) [Operating and Financial Review and Prospects](index=28&type=section&id=ITEM%205.%20OPERATING%20AND%20FINANCIAL%20REVIEW%20AND%20PROSPECTS) This section provides management's analysis of the Group's financial performance, detailing sales and profit growth, cash flow, and liquidity, reflecting strong underlying performance driven by recovery in Assessment & Qualifications and Virtual Learning [Group Performance (2021 vs. 2020)](index=29&type=section&id=Group%20Performance) In 2021, Pearson's total sales increased by **1%** to **£3,428 million**, and adjusted operating profit rose **23%** to **£385 million**, driven by strong underlying growth and improved cash flow, while statutory operating profit decreased due to restructuring charges 2021 vs. 2020 Performance Summary | Metric | 2021 (£m) | 2020 (£m) | Headline Change | Underlying Change | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Sales** | 3,428 | 3,397 | +1% | +8% | | **Adjusted Operating Profit** | 385 | 313 | +23% | +33% | | **Operating Profit** | 183 | 411 | -55% | N/A | - The decrease in statutory operating profit was mainly due to a **£214 million** major restructuring charge in 2021 and the large gain on the sale of Penguin Random House in 2020, offset by improved trading[208](index=208&type=chunk)[209](index=209&type=chunk) - Net cash generated from operations increased to **£570 million** in 2021 from **£450 million** in 2020, driven by higher adjusted operating profits and improved working capital[215](index=215&type=chunk) - Net debt was reduced to **£350 million** at year-end 2021 from **£463 million** at year-end 2020[217](index=217&type=chunk) [Sales and Operating Profit by Segment](index=35&type=section&id=Sales%20and%20operating%20profit%20by%20segment) This subsection details the financial performance of Pearson's realigned business segments, showing strong underlying sales growth in Assessment & Qualifications (**+18%**) and Virtual Learning (**+11%**) in 2021, while Higher Education declined due to lower enrolments and digital shift Sales by Segment (£m) | Segment | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Assessment & Qualifications** | 1,204 | 1,082 | 1,280 | | **Virtual Learning** | 713 | 692 | 584 | | **English Language Learning** | 238 | 218 | 320 | | **Workforce Skills** | 172 | 163 | 185 | | **Higher Education** | 849 | 956 | 1,102 | | **Strategic Review** | 252 | 286 | 398 | Adjusted Operating Profit by Segment (£m) | Segment | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Assessment & Qualifications** | 216 | 147 | 252 | | **Virtual Learning** | 32 | 29 | 13 | | **English Language Learning** | 15 | 1 | 59 | | **Workforce Skills** | 27 | 26 | 31 | | **Higher Education** | 73 | 93 | 134 | | **Strategic Review** | 22 | 16 | 27 | - **2021 vs 2020 Performance:** - **Assessment & Qualifications:** Underlying sales grew **18%** due to recovery in Pearson VUE testing volumes (**+30%**) and strong growth in Clinical Assessment (**+30%**)[249](index=249&type=chunk) - **Virtual Learning:** Underlying sales grew **11%**, reflecting strong enrolment in Virtual Schools[255](index=255&type=chunk) - **Higher Education:** Underlying sales declined **5%** (**6%** in US Higher Education Courseware) due to lower enrolments and price pressure from the shift to digital[264](index=264&type=chunk) - **2020 vs 2019 Performance:** - **Assessment & Qualifications:** Underlying sales fell **16%** due to COVID-related test center closures and exam cancellations[276](index=276&type=chunk) - **Virtual Learning:** Underlying sales grew **18%**, driven by a **43%** increase in Virtual Schools enrolment[280](index=280&type=chunk) - **English Language Learning:** Underlying sales dropped **28%** as test center closures impacted PTE volumes[286](index=286&type=chunk) - **Higher Education:** Underlying sales declined **13%**, with US Higher Education Courseware down **12%**[291](index=291&type=chunk) [Liquidity and Capital Resources](index=41&type=section&id=Liquidity%20and%20capital%20resources) The Group's liquidity position remains strong, with net cash from operations increasing to **£570 million** in 2021 and net debt decreasing to **£350 million**, supported by approximately **£1.6 billion** in available liquidity and investment-grade credit ratings - Net cash generated from operations increased to **£570 million** in 2021 from **£450 million** in 2020, due to higher operating profits and improved working capital[300](index=300&type=chunk) - Net debt decreased from **£463 million** at the end of 2020 to **£350 million** at the end of 2021[310](index=310&type=chunk)[315](index=315&type=chunk) - As of Dec 31, 2021, the Group had available liquidity of c.**£1.6 billion**, comprising cash balances and an undrawn **$1.19 billion** Revolving Credit Facility (RCF), with the maturity of **$1 billion** of the RCF extended to 2026 in February 2022[314](index=314&type=chunk) Contractual Obligations as of Dec 31, 2021 (£m) | Obligation | Total | Less than 1 year | 1-2 years | 2-5 years | After 5 years | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Bonds** | 767 | 87 | 70 | 257 | 353 | | **Lease liabilities** | 633 | 68 | 71 | 178 | 316 | | **Deferred consideration** | 44 | 6 | 15 | 13 | 10 | | **Total** | **1,444** | **161** | **156** | **448** | **679** | - The Group holds investment-grade credit ratings of **BBB-** (stable) from Fitch and **Baa3** (stable) from Moody's[317](index=317&type=chunk) [Directors, Senior Management and Employees](index=45&type=section&id=ITEM%206.%20DIRECTORS%2CSENIOR%20MANAGEMENT%20AND%20EMPLOYEES) This section details the composition of Pearson's Board of Directors and Executive Committee, led by Chair Sidney Taurel and CEO Andy Bird, outlining the performance-linked remuneration policy and employee numbers [Compensation of Senior Management](index=49&type=section&id=Compensation%20of%20senior%20management) Pearson's remuneration policy emphasizes performance-linked incentives, with CEO Andy Bird's total remuneration at **£5.167 million** in 2021, including a significant co-investment award, and executive directors required to hold substantial shareholdings 2021 Director Remuneration (£000s) | Director | Base Salary/Fees | Annual Incentives | Co-investment plan | Total | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Sidney Taurel (Chair)** | 500 | — | — | 500 | | **Andy Bird (CEO)** | 910 | 1,145 | 2,696 | 5,167 | | **Sally Johnson (CFO)** | 521 | 560 | — | 1,155 | - The remuneration policy emphasizes performance-linked elements, with the 2022 annual bonus based on adjusted operating profit (**30%**), sales (**30%**), operating cash flow (**20%**), and strategic measures (**20%**)[372](index=372&type=chunk)[392](index=392&type=chunk) - A one-off co-investment award was granted to CEO Andy Bird, requiring him to purchase shares equal to **300%** of his base salary, with the award vesting in three tranches subject to performance underpins[407](index=407&type=chunk)[408](index=408&type=chunk)[409](index=409&type=chunk) - Executive Directors are subject to a shareholding policy requiring the CEO to hold **300%** of salary and the CFO to hold **200%** of salary in company shares[415](index=415&type=chunk) [Employees](index=62&type=section&id=Employees) The average number of persons employed by the Group in continuing operations was **20,744** in fiscal year 2021, a decrease from prior years, with the largest portion of the workforce located in the US Average Number of Employees by Geographic Area | Region | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **UK** | 3,395 | 3,304 | 3,309 | | **US** | 11,757 | 11,432 | 12,286 | | **Asia Pacific** | 2,738 | 2,812 | 2,800 | | **Other** | 2,854 | 3,643 | 3,848 | | **Total** | **20,744** | **21,191** | **22,243** | [Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions](index=63&type=section&id=ITEM%207.%20MAJOR%20SHAREHOLDERS%20AND%20RELATED%20PARTY%20TRANSACTIONS) As of February 28, 2022, Pearson's major shareholders with significant voting rights include Cevian Capital II GP Limited (**10.19%**), Schroders plc (**9.98%**), and Silchester International Investors LLP (**9.97%**) Major Shareholders (as of Feb 28, 2022) | Shareholder | % of outstanding ordinary shares | | :--- | :--- | | **Cevian Capital II GP Limited Inc** | 10.19% | | **Schroders plc** | 9.98% | | **Silchester International Investors LLP** | 9.97% | | **Blackrock, Inc** | 7.00% | | **Ameriprise Financial Inc and its group** | 5.02% | [Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk](index=74&type=section&id=ITEM%2011.%20QUANTITATIVE%20AND%20QUALITATIVE%20DISCLOSURES%20ABOUT%20MARKET%20RISK) This section outlines Pearson's treasury policies for managing key financial risks, focusing on maintaining a strong balance sheet, an investment-grade credit rating, and ample liquidity, with primary currency exposure to the US dollar naturally hedged by debt - The Group's primary objectives for managing capital are to maintain a strong balance sheet, a solid investment-grade credit rating, continue investing in the business, and sustain a progressive dividend policy[537](index=537&type=chunk)[539](index=539&type=chunk) - The main currency exposure is to the US dollar, representing **64% of sales**, with a portion of the Group's debt held in US dollars to provide a natural hedge[540](index=540&type=chunk) - At year-end 2021, the Group had **£0.9 billion** in cash and an undrawn **$1.19 billion** revolving credit facility, ensuring ample liquidity[543](index=543&type=chunk) PART II [Controls and Procedures](index=77&type=section&id=ITEM%2015.%20CONTROLS%20AND%20PROCEDURES) Management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that the company's disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting were effective as of December 31, 2021, a conclusion also attested to by the independent auditor - Management concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2021[554](index=554&type=chunk) - Based on the COSO framework, management concluded that the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2021, a conclusion attested to by the independent auditor, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP[555](index=555&type=chunk)[556](index=556&type=chunk) [Change in Registrant's Certifying Accountant](index=79&type=section&id=ITEM%2016F.%20CHANGE%20IN%20REGISTRANT%27S%20CERTIFYING%20ACCOUNTANT) Due to auditor rotation rules, Pearson initiated a tendering process in March 2021, leading to the Board's approval to appoint Ernst & Young LLP (EY) as the new auditor for the 2022 financial year, replacing PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) with no disagreements during their tenure - The company will propose to shareholders at the 2022 AGM that Ernst & Young LLP (EY) be appointed as the statutory auditor for the financial year ending December 31, 2022[568](index=568&type=chunk) - The change is due to auditor rotation rules, as PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) must be changed no later than for the 2024 financial year, and there were no disagreements with PwC during their engagement[568](index=568&type=chunk)[570](index=570&type=chunk) PART III [Financial Statements](index=81&type=section&id=ITEM%2018.%20FINANCIAL%20STATEMENTS) This section contains the audited consolidated financial statements for Pearson plc for the three years ended December 31, 2021, including the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Report, key financial statements, and detailed notes Consolidated Income Statement Summary (£ millions) | | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Sales** | 3,428 | 3,397 | 3,869 | | **Operating profit** | 183 | 411 | 275 | | **Profit before tax** | 157 | 354 | 232 | | **Profit for the year** | 160 | 310 | 266 | | **Basic earnings per share** | 21.1p | 41.0p | 34.0p | Consolidated Balance Sheet Summary (£ millions) | | As at Dec 31, 2021 | As at Dec 31, 2020 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Total non-current assets** | 4,122 | 4,111 | | **Total current assets** | 3,221 | 3,340 | | **Total assets** | 7,343 | 7,451 | | **Total non-current liabilities** | (1,483) | (1,672) | | **Total current liabilities** | (1,580) | (1,645) | | **Total liabilities** | (3,063) | (3,317) | | **Net assets** | 4,280 | 4,134 | | **Total equity** | 4,280 | 4,134 | Consolidated Cash Flow Statement Summary (£ millions) | | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Net cash generated from operating activities** | 326 | 389 | 369 | | **Net cash (used in)/generated from investing activities** | (80) | 591 | (325) | | **Net cash used in financing activities** | (414) | (299) | (102) | | **Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents** | (176) | 679 | (91) |

Pearson plc (NYSE:PSO) Q4 2021 Earnings Conference Call February 25, 2022 5:00 AM ET Company Participants Joanne Russell - Senior Vice President, Investor Relations Andy Bird - Chief Executive Officer Sally Johnson - Chief Financial Officer Art Valentine - Senior Vice President, Professional Services Giovanni Giovannelli - President, English Language Learning Mike Howells - President, Workforce Skills Bob Whelan - President, Assessments & Qualifications Tim Bozik - Global President, Higher Education Tom Ap ...

Financial Performance & Growth - Pearson's 2021 revenue reached £3428 million, an 8% underlying increase[13] - Adjusted operating profit for 2021 was £385 million, a 33% underlying increase[13] - Adjusted earnings per share increased by 22% to 349 pence[13] - The company announced a share buyback program of £350 million[13] - The company's dividend increased by 5% to 205 pence[13] Segment Performance - Assessment & Qualifications sales were £1204 million, with 18% underlying growth[14] and adjusted operating profit of £216 million, up 59%[18] - Virtual Learning sales were £713 million, with 11% underlying growth[14] and adjusted operating profit of £32 million, up 28%[19] - English Language Learning sales were £238 million, with 17% underlying growth[14] and adjusted operating profit of £15 million, a significant increase[20] - Higher Education sales were £849 million, a decrease of 5%[14] and adjusted operating profit of £73 million, down 15%[22] Strategic KPIs & Outlook - The company expects to meet market expectations in 2022[43] - The company aims for revenue growth and mid-teens margin in 2025[43] - Group digital and digital-enabled sales saw underlying growth of 9%[27]

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 6-K REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16 UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the month of April 2021 PEARSON plc (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) N/A (Translation of registrant's name into English) 80 Strand London, England WC2R 0RL 44-20-7010-2000 (Address of principal executive office) Yes No X PEARSON PLC (the "Company") Voting Rights and Capital As at close of busine ...

AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON APRIL 1, 2021 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 Form 20-F (Mark One) ☐ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 or ☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 ☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 for the transition period f ...

Pearson plc (NYSE:PSO) Full Year 2020 Results Earnings Conference Call March 8, 2021 3:30 AM ET Company Participants Andy Bird - Chief Executive Andy Jassy - CEO, AWS Sally Johnson - CFO Conference Call Participants Adam Berlin - UBS Sami Kassab - Exane Patrick Wellington - Morgan Stanley Tom Singlehurst - Citi Nick Dempsey - Barclays Matt Walker - Credit Suisse Sarah Simon - Berenberg Silvia Cuneo - Deutsche Bank Luke Smith - Premier Miton Andy Bird Hi, everyone. I'm Andy Bird, Pearson's, Chief Executive. ...

Pearson plc (NYSE:PSO) Q2 2019 Results Earnings Conference Call July 25, 2019 3:30 AM ET Company Participants John Fallon - CEO Coram Williams - CFO Conference Call Participants Sami Kassab - Exane BNP Paribas Katherine Tait - Goldman Sachs Thomas Singlehurst - Citi Nicholas Dempsey - Barclays Matthew Walker - Credit Suisse Giasone Salati - Macquarie Operator Hello, and welcome to the Pearson Interim Results Presentation Analyst Call. [Operator Instructions] Just to remind you, this conference is being reco ...

Pearson 2019 Interim Results Friday 26 July 2019 Forward-looking statements Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this statement include forward-looking statements. In particular, all statements that express forecasts, expectations and projections with respect to future matters, including trends in results of operations, margins, growth rates, overall market trends, the impact of interest or exchange rates, the availability of financing, anticipated costs savings a ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Operating cash flow reached £530 million with a cash conversion rate of 94% [3] - Year-end net debt decreased to £143 million, better than the guided £200 million [3][7] - Full year dividend increased by 9% to £0.185 [3] - Adjusted operating profit was £546 million, slightly above the preliminary range of £540 million to £545 million [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In North America, underlying sales declined by 1%, with significant growth in Online Program Management (up 9%), Virtual Schools (up 8%), and Professional Certification (up 5%) [8] - Core revenues were flat, with strong growth in Pearson Test of English and OPM Services, offset by weaker performance in UK student assessment [11] - Growth segment sales increased by 1%, driven by strong growth in China and modest growth in Brazil [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Digital and digitally-enabled revenues accounted for 62% of total sales in 2018, up from 59% in 2017 [12] - U.S. Higher Education Courseware business declined by 5% due to ongoing pressures [9][27] - Modest declines were observed in K12 courseware and school assessment [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on leading the digital transformation of its courseware and assessment businesses, which represent 65% of sales [40] - Investment in structurally growing markets is prioritized, with these businesses accounting for 35% of revenues and growing by 7% [41] - The simplification program aims to create a more efficient company, reallocating costs to faster-growing areas [62] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects revenue stabilization in 2019, with sustainable growth anticipated in 2020 and beyond [6][37] - The company is confident in its strategic growth opportunities, which are expected to contribute significantly to future revenues [24] - Management acknowledges ongoing challenges in U.S. Higher Education Courseware but sees potential for growth in other areas [25][27] Other Important Information - The restructuring program is expected to generate an additional £130 million in savings in 2019 [21] - The adoption of IFRS 16 will impact the presentation of net debt, bringing lease liabilities onto the balance sheet [32][33] - The company maintains a disciplined capital allocation policy, prioritizing a strong balance sheet and sustainable dividends [35] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers Question: Outlook for U.S. Higher Ed Courseware division - Management acknowledges challenges but sees strong contributions from digital investments and growth in other markets [70][72] Question: Impact of consignment model on guidance - The shift to a consignment model will have a small drag on guidance, but it is accounted for in the overall projections [83] Question: Revenue contribution from OPM within online degree services - OPM generated 6% of revenues in North American Higher Education services, with strong growth expected [77][82] Question: North America margin deterioration - Margin pressure is attributed to investments in growth opportunities like OPM, which typically require upfront investment [88][90] Question: Competitive pricing strategies - The company is focusing on a comprehensive approach to pricing that addresses the needs of students, instructors, and institutions [110] Question: Enrollment trends in relation to economic conditions - Management expects a 2% drag on enrollments but acknowledges that economic downturns may increase demand for education [112]