Pearson, PLC (NYSE:PSO) Given Consensus Rating of “Hold” by Brokerages

Pearson, PLC (NYSE:PSO) has received an average recommendation of “Hold” from the seven brokerages that are currently covering the firm, MarketBeat reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, five have given a hold recommendation and one has assigned a buy recommendation to the company.

PSO has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. restated a “neutral” rating on shares of Pearson in a research report on Tuesday, July 14th. Citigroup cut shares of Pearson from a “buy” rating to a “neutral” rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 2nd. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Pearson from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research report on Sunday, September 6th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reaffirmed a “hold” rating on shares of Pearson in a report on Monday, August 3rd. Finally, Kepler Capital Markets cut shares of Pearson from a “hold” rating to a “strong sell” rating in a research note on Monday, September 7th.

Pearson Stock Performance

Shares of Pearson stock opened at $15.90 on Thursday. Pearson has a twelve month low of $12.02 and a twelve month high of $17.75. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50, a quick ratio of 1.94 and a current ratio of 2.00. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $16.44 and a 200 day moving average price of $15.15.

Pearson Cuts Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 21st. Investors of record on Friday, August 14th will be issued a $0.1103 dividend. This represents a yield of 137.0%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 14th.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in PSO. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of Pearson in the fourth quarter valued at about $64,000. Royal Bank of Canada grew its stake in Pearson by 86.5% during the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 5,613 shares of the company’s stock valued at $74,000 after acquiring an additional 2,604 shares in the last quarter. SmartHarvest Portfolios LLC purchased a new stake in Pearson during the 1st quarter valued at about $134,000. GAMMA Investing LLC raised its holdings in Pearson by 44.3% in the 2nd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 8,880 shares of the company’s stock valued at $141,000 after acquiring an additional 2,727 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Keybank National Association OH acquired a new stake in Pearson in the 1st quarter valued at about $147,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 2.14% of the company’s stock.

Pearson Company Profile

Pearson plc is a global learning and education company headquartered in London, England. Through its digital platforms, assessments, qualifications and educational content, the company serves learners, educators, institutions, employers and governments.

Pearson’s activities include academic and professional assessment, qualifications, English-language learning, higher education course materials, virtual learning and workforce-skills training. Its offerings include digital learning products, testing and assessment services, online programs, educational textbooks and resources, and tools designed to support teaching and career development.

Founded in 1844 by Samuel Pearson, the company began as a construction and publishing business before developing into an international education provider.