TOP NEWS: Pearson shares slump as US enrolments take hit from Covid

(Alliance News) - Pearson PLC on Friday backed full-year forecasts but said a further slump in ...

Alliance News 15 October, 2021 | 8:13AM
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(Alliance News) - Pearson PLC on Friday backed full-year forecasts but said a further slump in Higher Education sales held back underlying sales growth across the group.

Shares in the London-based educational publisher slumped 5.8% to 686.80 pence each early Friday - making Pearson the worst performer in the FTSE 100.

For the nine months to the end of September, total sales were up 10% on an underlying basis.

All segments saw growth except for Higher Education, where sales fell 7% as growth in international courseware, including Canada and the UK, was more than offset by a 9% decline in US Higher Education Courseware. Pearson pointed to a decline in US enrolments, particularly in community colleges.

"While no market data for the full back-to-school period is available as yet, Pearson's internal analysis indicates a decline in enrolments, particularly in community colleges, following a surge in Covid-19 infections in the key back to school period, and a strengthening of the US labour market," the company said.

More positively, its new US learning app, Pearson+, launched in late July and is "progressing well", with over two million users.

Virtual Learnings saw 14% underlying sales growth in the period, with English Language Learning up 15%, Workforce Skills up 5% and Assessment & Qualifications up 24%.

"We are encouraged with our strategic, financial and operational progress, despite the continuing effects of Covid-19 in some markets and its impact on enrolments in the back to school period. At this important stage of the year, we are on track to meet market expectations for the full year," Chief Executive Andy Bird said.

Pearson said it remains on track to deliver full-year adjusted operating profit in line with market expectations, which it placed at GBP377 million. This would be up from GBP313 million in 2020, but still far lower than the GBP581 million achieved in 2019.

Bird added: "Pearson+ has made a promising start following its launch in late July with over 2m registered users and a strong response from students, faculty and authors. This is a significant step for Pearson, strengthening our direct-to-consumer offer that will underpin our drive for sustainable growth over the coming years. The growing pace and momentum in Pearson reinforces our confidence going forward."

By Paul McGowan; paulmcgowan@alliancenews.com

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Security Name Price Change (%) Morningstar
Rating
Pearson PLC 993.20 GBX -0.06 -

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