Technology

Pearson Q1 2025 Trading Update (Unaudited)

Published

12 months ago

May 2, 2025

Pearson on track to deliver 2025 guidance1 with expected Q1 result and momentum building for the second half

LONDON, May 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ —

Highlights

Underlying Group sales up 1%, with growth expected to accelerate in the second half of the yearAll business units performing in line with expectations; strong start for Higher Education with underlying sales up 6%Good progress against our 2025 strategic priorities, including:Expanding professional learning capabilities with our new Pearson Skilling Suite (link here)Continuing to lead on the application of innovative technologies, with the launch of an AI-powered Smart Lesson Generator (link here)New contract wins in Enterprise Learning & Skills; including with UK Ministry of Defence (link here)Launch of redefined Pearson brand to embrace the future of learning (link here)£350m share buyback programme launched and progressing; £0.1bn State Aid recovery received in full

Omar Abbosh, Pearson’s Chief Executive, said:

“We continue to make good progress against our strategy, supporting our medium term growth outlook. We are confident of delivering on our expectations for the year given our clear path to achieving stronger growth in the second half, whilst we recognise the heightened uncertainties around the global economy.

Financial and operating performance in our smallest quarter was in line with our plans and we continue to build AI enhanced offerings across the business and make progress on our Enterprise initiatives.”

Underlying Group sales growth of 1% in Q1 2025

Assessment & Qualifications sales were up 1%. Pearson VUE declined slightly, with growth expected to be weighted to H2 driven by the timing of new contracts and the test prep business building during the year, supported by the recent launch of the Pearson Skilling Suite programme. Clinical Assessment grew due to the continued traction of our products in the market, with further new product releases planned this year, and digital product growth. US Student Assessment saw a small decline due to changes in programme services and timing of delivery. UK & International Qualifications sales benefitted from International growth.Virtual Learning sales decreased 4%, in line with guidance, reflecting the impact of previous partner school losses and timing of funding upsides in the prior period. 2024/25 academic year enrolments increased by 5% in the Spring semester on a same school basis, with positive retention trends.Higher Education sales were up 6% benefitting from the continued innovation and roll out of AI study tools for students and educators and the ongoing successful monetisation of the Channels product. In the quarter, there was growth of 22% in Inclusive Access and 4% in US digital subscriptions. In our International business, 25 AI translated titles were made available for Spring semester courses, expanding the reach of Pearson learning experiences faster and more efficiently.English Language Learning sales decreased 6%, in line with guidance. Institutional declined due to a strong comparator period in Q1 2024, and we expect performance to improve in Q2 and beyond. Pearson Test of English (PTE) performed well against a tough market backdrop and despite a decline in volumes we grew the business. We continue to lead on the application of innovative technologies with the recent launch of AI-powered Smart Lesson Generator and Digital Language Tutor.Enterprise Learning & Skills sales were up 1%. Vocational Qualifications delivered a solid performance with new contract wins supporting pipeline growth, including apprenticeship courses with the UK Ministry of Defence and T Levels in Health and Science. Enterprise Solutions announced strategic partnerships with Microsoft and AWS in the quarter as we build momentum in our Enterprise approach and related sales capability.

On track to achieve 2025 guidance and medium term outlook unchanged

We expect sales growth and adjusted operating profit in line with market expectations1 for 2025. We expect low single-digit sales growth in H1 with stronger growth in H2. We outline our previously issued 2025 guidance later in this release.Beyond 2025, Pearson is positioned to deliver a mid-single digit underlying sales growth CAGR, sustained margin improvement that will equate to an average increase of 40 basis points per annum and strong free cash conversion2, in the region of 90% to 100%, on average, across the period.

Strong financial position

Pearson’s financial position remains strong, with low leverage and strong liquidity.The £0.1bn previously paid in relation to State Aid was recovered in full during Q1 2025.In March 2025 we commenced our £350m share buyback programme, with £65m purchased up to 30th April 2025.

Executive Change

Dave Treat, Pearson’s Chief Technology Officer, has assumed leadership of the company’s digital and technology operation alongside his current architectural and innovation responsibilities, effective 7th April 2025. Dave joined Pearson last July and will play a crucial role in scaling Pearson’s AI offerings, bolstering our innovation pipeline, and driving collaboration across different business units.Marykay Wells, who led the Digital and Technology team as Chief Information Officer, decided to leave Pearson, effective 4th April 2025. We want to thank Marykay for her work on our technology foundations and capabilities.

Financial summary

Sales

Q1 2025

Underlying growth

Assessment & Qualifications

1 %

Virtual Learning

(4) %

Higher Education

6 %

English Language Learning

(6) %

Enterprise Learning & Skills

1 %

Total

1 %

Throughout this announcement growth rates are stated on an underlying basis unless otherwise stated. Underlying growth rates exclude
currency movements, and portfolio changes.

2025 guidance summary

Underlying
Sales
growth

Group

In line with market expectations1. We expect low single-digit sales growth
in H1 with stronger growth in H2.

Assessment &
Qualifications

Sales to grow low to mid-single digit. Growth will be H2 weighted with new
and renewed contracts and the test prep business building during the year.

Virtual Learning

Sales to decline in H1 given the final impact of previous school losses and
the timing of funding in the previous year. Return to growth in H2 and the
full year driven by enrolment increases, partially from new school
openings, for the 25/26 academic year.

Higher
Education

Sales growth in 2025 will be higher than in 2024 as we build on the
successful results of our sales team transformation and product
innovations, particularly using AI. Growth will be relatively stable
throughout the year.

English
Language
Learning

Sales growth will moderate given the likely impacts of elections on
immigration rates in 2025 affecting our PTE business, which is expected to
decline in the year. Q1 declined in line with expectations and we expect
growth to increase each quarter thereafter. We remain confident in the
medium term outlook given demographic projections.

Enterprise
Learning &
Skills

Sales to grow high single digit with Vocational Qualifications seeing solid
growth and the addition of several new contracts for Enterprise Solutions.
Growth will increase quarter on quarter.

Group
Profit

Adjusted
Operating
Profit

In line with market expectations1.

Interest

Adjusted net finance costs of c.£65m reflecting the impact of the
Education Bond and £350m share buyback programme which
commenced in March.

Tax rate

We expect the effective tax rate on adjusted profit before tax to be
between 24% and 25%.

Cash flow

We expect a free cash flow conversion2 of 90-100% plus the £0.1bn State
Aid repayment which was received in full during Q1 2025.

Every 1c movement in GBP:USD rate equates to approximately £5m
adjusted operating profit impact.

12025 consensus on the Pearson website dated 27th January 2025; underlying sales growth 4.4%, adjusted operating
profit of £656m at £:$ 1.23. The average £:$ rate for Q1 2025 was 1.27, which if held for the full year would imply an updated
adjusted operating profit consensus of c.£636m, applying the FX guidance stated above.

2Free cash flow conversion calculated as free cash flow divided by adjusted earnings.

Contacts

Investor Relations

Alex Shore

Steph Crinnegan

+44 (0) 7720 947 853

+44 (0) 7780 555 351

Gemma Terry

Brennan Matthews

+44 (0) 7841 363 216

+1 (332) 238-8785

Media

Teneo

Pearson

Ed Cropley

Laura Ewart

+44 (0) 7492 949 346

+44 (0) 7798 846 805

About Pearson

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realise the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That’s why our Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world’s lifelong learning company, serving customers with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn’t just what we do. It’s who we are. Visit us at pearsonplc.com.

Notes

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 cost savings and synergies and the execution of Pearson’s strategy, are forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in future. They are based on numerous assumptions regarding Pearson’s present and future business strategies and the environment in which it will operate in the future. There are a number of factors which could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including a number of factors outside Pearson’s control. These include international, national and local conditions, as well as competition. They also include other risks detailed from time to time in Pearson’s publicly-filed documents and you are advised to read, in particular, the risk factors set out in Pearson’s latest annual report and accounts, which can be found on its website (www.pearsonplc.com). Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Pearson gives no undertaking to update forward-looking statements to reflect any changes in its expectations with regard thereto or any changes to events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

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Technology

DEKRA Korea to Acquire Global Product Service, Strengthening Consumer Electronics Testing and Certification Capabilities in Korea

Published

47 minutes ago

April 20, 2026

GIMHAE-SI, South Korea, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DEKRA, a leading global provider of testing, inspection, and certification services, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Global Product Service Co., Ltd (GPS), a prominent South Korean company renowned for its expertise in consumer electronics product testing and certification.

This strategic acquisition will significantly enhance DEKRA Korea’s capabilities within the rapidly growing consumer electronics sector, bringing together DEKRA’s global network and comprehensive service portfolio with GPS’s deep-rooted local knowledge and decades of experience serving South Korea’s leading manufacturers.

GPS has established a strong reputation for its in-depth technical expertise and unwavering commitment to quality, particularly within the consumer electronics market. For many years, GPS has been a trusted partner to major South Korean electronics companies, providing testing and certification services that ensure product safety, performance, and compliance with international standards.

The successful acquisition is a result of the strong collaboration and commitment from both DEKRA and GPS. Key representatives who participated in the signing, embodying this collaboration, were Dr. Kilian Aviles, Executive Vice President of DEKRA Group and Head of Asia Pacific Region; Ming Sheng, Vice President of Automotive Testing, DEKRA China; Young Seok Lee, CEO of Global Product Service Co., Ltd; and Seong Su Kim, Director of Global Product Service Co., Ltd.

“We are thrilled to welcome Global Product Service Co., Ltd to the DEKRA family,” said Dr. Kilian Aviles, Executive Vice President of DEKRA Group and Head of Asia Pacific Region. “This acquisition represents a significant milestone in our growth strategy in South Korea. GPS’s deep understanding of the local market, combined with their specialized expertise in consumer electronics, perfectly complements DEKRA’s global strengths. Together, we will offer unparalleled testing and certification solutions to our clients, empowering them to bring innovative and reliable products to market with greater speed and confidence.”

The integration of GPS into DEKRA Korea will leverage synergies in technology, talent, and market reach. This will enable DEKRA to further support South Korean manufacturers as they navigate complex global regulatory landscapes and strive for excellence in product development and quality assurance. Clients can expect a seamless transition and continued access to the high-quality services they have come to rely on from both organizations.

Young Seok Lee, CEO of Global Product Service Co., Ltd commented, “Joining forces with DEKRA is an exciting opportunity for GPS. DEKRA’s global reach and extensive resources will allow us to expand our service offerings and better serve our existing and future clients. We are confident that this partnership will create significant value for the South Korean consumer electronics industry, providing enhanced support and innovation.”

About DEKRA

For more than 100 years, DEKRA has been a trusted name in safety. Founded in 1925 with the original goal of improving road safety through vehicle inspections, DEKRA has grown to become the world’s largest independent, non-listed expert organization in the field of testing, inspection, and certification. Today, as a global partner, the company supports its customers with comprehensive services and solutions to drive safety and sustainability forward—fully aligned with DEKRA’s anniversary motto, “Securing the Future.” In 2024, DEKRA generated revenue of 4.3 billion euros. Around 48,000 employees are providing qualified and independent expert services in approximately 60 countries across five continents. DEKRA holds a Platinum rating from EcoVadis, placing it among the top 1% of the world’s most sustainable companies.

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SOURCE DEKRA Asia Pacific

Technology

BLUETTI Showcases Integrated PAYGO Energy Solution at Canton Fair, Expanding Partnership Opportunities in Africa

Published

47 minutes ago

April 20, 2026

GUANGZHOU, China, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — From April 15-19, 2026, at the 139th Canton Fair, clean energy innovator BLUETTI presented an integrated Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) solution that combines digital distribution tools with off-grid energy products, as the company expands its presence in emerging markets, particularly across Africa.

The solution brings together BLUETTI’s proprietary BLUETTI GO platform and a range of PAYGO-enabled solar home systems, reflecting a broader shift in the industry from standalone hardware sales to more structured distribution and financing models.

PAYGO has gained traction in regions where upfront costs remain a key barrier to energy access. By enabling installment-based payments and remote device management, the model allows consumers to access electricity services with lower initial investment, while offering distributors greater visibility into repayment and asset performance.

BLUETTI GO serves as a centralized platform for distributors, integrating sales tracking, inventory control, credit profiling, payment overdue tracking, risk monitoring, and operational analysis. These features are designed to help partners operate more efficiently and support long-term business planning in PAYGO-driven markets.

The company’s product lineup includes entry-level solar home systems such as the P80(battery capacity 76.8Wh), to African Star (battery capacity 1728Wh), designed for basic electricity needs, as well as the higher-capacity Home Star (battery capacity 2kWh-5kWh) series for off-grid household energy storage. These systems can be deployed independently or bundled with appliances such as televisions, fans, and lighting equipment.

As demand for decentralized energy solutions grows across Africa, supported by both public and private investment in renewable infrastructure, PAYGO models are playing a larger role in bridging the gap between energy access and affordability.

Driven by product breakthroughs and innovative business practices, BLUETTI has been enlarging its footprint in the region in recent years. The company operates across more than 40 African countries, supported by local teams and pilot programs, including a Nigerian initiative launched in 2020 that has expanded into a network of branded retail outlets.

About BLUETTI

Founded in 2013, BLUETTI is a leading global provider of energy storage solutions, specializing in home solar batteries, portable power stations, and solar generators. Through initiatives like the LAAF (Lighting Africa Affordable Financing program), BLUETTI aims to power 1 million African families in off-grid areas. Today, it serves over 3.5 million users in 140+ countries and regions. Learn more: https://bluetti.com/

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Technology

Moomoo Pioneers the Era of Agentic Investing with Launch of Moomoo API Skills

Published

47 minutes ago

April 20, 2026

The first AI-powered API Skills that turn trading ideas into execution — no coding required

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia and SINGAPORE, April 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Moomoo today announced the launch of Moomoo API Skills, its AI-powered capability that enables investors to execute sophisticated trading strategies using natural language — marking a major leap in making institutional-grade tools accessible to all.

This breakthrough positions Moomoo at the forefront of a new era of investing, where anyone with an idea can turn it into action — without writing a single line of code.

A First-of-Its-Kind Breakthrough in Investor Accessibility

For years, advanced trading capabilities such as algorithmic strategies, real-time automation, and multi-market data access have long been limited to professional traders.

Moomoo API Skills removes this barrier.

Investors can now describe their strategy in plain language, from technical signals to execution conditions, and have it translated into live or simulated trades instantly.

“This is the first time Wall Street-level trading capability is made truly accessible through everyday language,” said Robin Xu, Group Senior Partner & Senior Vice President, Futu Holdings. “We are not just simplifying trading tools — we are redefining who gets to use them.”

From Tools to Trading Assistants

Moomoo API Skills introduces a new paradigm of agentic investing, where AI acts as an execution partner rather than a passive tool.

Instead of navigating complex systems, investors can:

Describe their strategyLet AI translate it into execution logicMonitor and respond to markets in real time

This effectively creates an always on trading assistant, enabling faster and more structured decision making.

Institutional Capabilities Made Accessible

Built on Moomoo’s Open API ecosystem, the capability provides:

Zero code strategy executionGlobal market access across US, Singapore, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, and moreReal time monitoring and automated triggers

At the same time, Moomoo maintains strong control and security through its local-first architecture powered by Moomoo OpenD, where:

Data remains on the user’s local environmentExecution requires user confirmationExposure to third party risks is reduced

Closing the Execution Gap

Today’s investors are not short of information, but often face challenges in executing consistently and efficiently. Moomoo API Skills is designed to close this gap by simplifying how strategies are expressed and carried through. It also strengthens Moomoo’s ecosystem, including Moo Academy, MooveNetwork and the Option Playbook, enabling a seamless journey from learning to execution.

“The challenge today is no longer access to information, but the ability to act on it effectively,” said Xu.
“Moomoo API Skills helps investors translate intent into structured action while keeping them fully in control.”

Pioneering the Next Phase of Investing

The launch reflects a broader shift in investing, from tool based platforms to intent driven systems. With Moomoo API Skills, investors can define what they want to achieve, while intelligent systems handle how it is executed. This creates a more direct and structured path from idea to action, allowing investors to focus on strategy rather than operational complexity.

“We believe the next phase of investing is agentic — where investors define their intent and intelligent systems help carry out strategies. With Moomoo API Skills, investors can turn their ideas into structured strategies that can be tested and executed seamlessly within a single environment. Our focus is on enabling this in a way that enhances decision-making while keeping investors fully in control, bringing a more intuitive and accessible approach to strategy-driven investing,” said Xu.

About Moomoo

Moomoo is a leading global investment and trading platform dedicated to empowering investors with user-friendly tools, data, and insights. Our platform is designed to provide essential information and technology, enabling users to make well-informed investment decisions. With advanced charting tools, pro-level analytical features, Moomoo evolves alongside our users, fostering a dynamic community where investors can share, learn, and grow together.

Founded in the US, Moomoo has expanded its global presence to serve investors across multiple markets, including Singapore, Australia, Japan, Canada, Malaysia, and New Zealand. As a subsidiary of a Nasdaq-listed company, Moomoo is trusted by more than 29 million investors worldwide and has earned recognition from leading financial institutions and publications for its innovation and reliability.

For more information, please visit Moomoo’s official website at www.moomoo.com

Disclaimers

The contents herein do not constitute an offer, solicitation or recommendation to invest in any capital market products. Investors should understand the risks involved in relation to the products and services, conduct their own risk assessment and seek professional advice, where necessary. Investors should compare and consider the fee, charges and costs involved. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.

This document has not been reviewed by the Securities Commission Malaysia. Please refer to the Advertisement Disclaimer on our website.

Investments in capital market products involve risk. Full disclaimers at www.moomoo.com/sg/support/topic5_510. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

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SOURCE Moomoo