LONDON, Aug. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world's lifelong learning company, today announced the international expansion of Study Prep, its AI-enhanced video learning experience that provides personalized study support across more than 25 academic subjects. Launched commercially globally in the first half of 2025, Study Prep will now reach students worldwide, including in Canada, Brazil, the UK, India, China, and South Africa. Study Prep's expansion represents a significant step towar ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for the first quarter was $124.2 million, down approximately $3.6 million or 2.8% year over year [18] - Adjusted EBITDA was $22.1 million or 17.8% of revenue, up from $18.9 million or 14.8% of revenue in the prior year [20] - GAAP net loss was $38 million compared to $27.6 million in the prior year, with GAAP net loss per share at $4.57 compared to $3.42 [21] - Free cash flow improved to $26.2 million compared to $10.4 million in the prior year, reflecting an increase of $15.8 million [22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Talent Development Solutions (TDS) was $99.1 million, up 1% year over year [17] - Global Knowledge revenue was $25.1 million, down approximately $4.7 million or 15.7% year over year, impacted by softer demand in the public sector [17][18] - TDS dollar retention rate for the first quarter was 99%, compared to 100% last quarter and 99% one year ago [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - There was a decline in U.S. Public sector discretionary live learning spending, while large scale non-U.S. Public sector deals increased [9][10] - The company is investing in international growth, particularly in sectors like AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing its transformation plan and driving success for customers and learners [5][8] - A renewed focus on go-to-market strategy is emphasized, with new leadership additions aimed at enhancing brand awareness and demand [6][8] - The company aims to return to top-line growth and deliver continued margin expansion while generating positive free cash flow [15][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted macroeconomic uncertainty leading to lower discretionary spending and elongated decision-making processes [7][15] - Confidence in the business strategy was reinforced by positive feedback from customer events and a strong deal pipeline [14][36] - The company expects to see most growth in the back half of the fiscal year, contingent on market stabilization [8][24] Other Important Information - The company is closely monitoring macroeconomic conditions and potential impacts on business [24] - The leadership team has been expanded with the addition of a new Chief Marketing Officer to enhance marketing efforts [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are you seeing in the underlying KPI or deals that give you confidence in reiterating the full year target? - Management expressed confidence in TDS growth and noted a positive deal pipeline in GK, contingent on market stabilization [30] Question: Is there a component of GK being worse and TDS better in your underlying assumptions? - Management acknowledged that discretionary spending was impacted in Q1, particularly in live learning, but noted improvements in the last month of the quarter [32][33] Question: What is the next phase of the business transformation process? - Management indicated that the focus will shift towards increasing growth rates and enhancing go-to-market strategies [35][36] Question: Can you provide context on the government business and its performance? - Management noted softness in U.S. Federal discretionary spending but observed good activity in European public sectors [47][48] Question: What specific changes or improvements can we expect with the new CFO? - The new CFO emphasized the importance of integrating finance into all business decisions to support go-to-market strategies [52]