Pearson 2025 Trading Update (Unaudited)

Core Insights - The company achieved strong financial performance in 2025, with all business units contributing to growth and a positive outlook for 2026 and beyond [1][2] Financial Performance - Underlying Group sales growth was 4% for the full year, with Q4 growth accelerating to 8% [3][5] - Group adjusted operating profit for the full year was between £610 million and £615 million, reflecting a 6% increase on an underlying basis [5] - Free cash flow conversion exceeded 95%, alongside a £0.1 billion repayment related to State Aid [5][7] Business Unit Performance - Assessment & Qualifications sales grew by 4% for the full year, with Q4 sales up 8% [6][11] - Virtual Learning sales increased by 8% for the full year, with a notable 20% growth in Q4 [6][11] - Higher Education sales rose by 2% for the full year, with US Higher Education sales growing by 3% [6][11] - English Language Learning sales grew by 1% for the full year, with Q4 growth accelerating to 8% [6][11] - Enterprise Learning & Skills sales increased by 6% for the full year and 13% in Q4 [6][11] Strategic Developments - The company launched an AI-powered learning solution, Communication Coach, integrated into Microsoft 365, marking a significant partnership with Microsoft [5] - New strategic partnerships were established, including one with IBM, and a vocational skilling contract was secured in Saudi Arabia [5] Outlook - The medium-term outlook remains unchanged, with expectations for mid-single digit underlying sales growth CAGR and sustained margin improvement of approximately 40 basis points per annum [8]