Pearson plc (NYSE:PSO) Shares Sold by Henry James International Management Inc.

Henry James International Management Inc. reduced its stake in shares of Pearson plc (NYSE:PSO) by 22.0% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 270,333 shares of the company’s stock after selling 76,185 shares during the period. Pearson makes up about 1.2% of Henry James International Management Inc.’s holdings, making the stock its 24th largest position. Henry James International Management Inc.’s holdings in Pearson were worth $3,322,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. First Affirmative Financial Network boosted its holdings in Pearson by 8.7% during the fourth quarter. First Affirmative Financial Network now owns 16,519 shares of the company’s stock worth $203,000 after buying an additional 1,328 shares in the last quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. boosted its holdings in Pearson by 2.5% during the third quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. now owns 72,604 shares of the company’s stock worth $765,000 after buying an additional 1,743 shares in the last quarter. Ballentine Partners LLC boosted its holdings in Pearson by 16.1% during the fourth quarter. Ballentine Partners LLC now owns 20,594 shares of the company’s stock worth $253,000 after buying an additional 2,849 shares in the last quarter. Signaturefd LLC boosted its holdings in Pearson by 41.9% during the third quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 13,880 shares of the company’s stock worth $146,000 after buying an additional 4,098 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Cerity Partners LLC boosted its holdings in Pearson by 33.8% during the fourth quarter. Cerity Partners LLC now owns 16,751 shares of the company’s stock worth $206,000 after buying an additional 4,229 shares in the last quarter. 2.14% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, StockNews.com raised Pearson from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note on Friday. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company’s stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $1,056.67.

Pearson Price Performance

PSO stock traded up $0.14 on Friday, reaching $12.41. The company had a trading volume of 362,397 shares, compared to its average volume of 463,619. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27, a current ratio of 1.73 and a quick ratio of 1.67. Pearson plc has a 1 year low of $9.77 and a 1 year high of $13.18. The company’s fifty day moving average is $12.67 and its 200 day moving average is $12.22.

Pearson Increases Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a Semi-Annual dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, May 8th. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 22nd will be paid a dividend of $0.1987 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 21st. This represents a dividend yield of 2.2%. This is an increase from Pearson’s previous Semi-Annual dividend of $0.07.

Pearson Company Profile

Pearson plc offers educational courseware, assessments, and services in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, the Asia Pacific, other European countries, and internationally. The company operates through five segments: Assessment & Qualifications, Virtual Learning, English Language Learning, Workforce Skills, and Higher Education.