Pearson delivered a 14% underlying increase in adjusted operating profit to £226 million for the first half of 2026, driven by operating leverage and cost efficiencies. Group underlying revenue grew 4%, supported by a 19% surge in Virtual Learning and 7% growth in Enterprise Learning & Skills, while Assessments & Qualifications revenue rose 2% in the first half, returning to a 5% growth rate in the second quarter. Adjusted earnings per share climbed 19% at constant exchange rates to 28.9p, and the company declared a 5% higher interim dividend of 8.2p per share. CEO Omar Abbosh highlighted a new global certification agreement with a leading AI lab and progress on AI self-service adoption, which now handles 40% of customer interactions. Pearson reaffirmed its full-year 2026 guidance for adjusted operating profit of £640 million to £685 million with mid-single-digit underlying revenue growth, while noting a more cautious outlook for English Language Learning due to tough migration policies.
Pearson PLCAdjusted operating profit up 14%, EPS up 19%, dividend raised, and full-year guidance reaffirmed.
International Business Machines