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]