Pearson keeps 2026 adjusted operating profit outlook at £640 million-£685 million
PSO•Segment and first-half performance
Pearson said Assessment & Qualifications is expected to deliver low-to-mid single digit growth; Virtual Learning is expected to be stronger than 2025; Higher Education is expected to be above 2025; and English Language Learning is expected to return to growth in the fourth quarter.
For the first half, adjusted operating profit rose 14% underlying to £276 million. Operating cash flow increased by £211 million to £337 million, with Pearson expecting a reversal in the second half.
Cash flow, finance costs and tax guidance
Pearson said free cash flow conversion is expected at 90%-100%.
Adjusted net finance costs are guided at about £80 million, and the effective tax rate on adjusted profit before tax is seen near 25%.
2026 outlook reaffirmed
Pearson reaffirmed its 2026 outlook for mid-single digit underlying revenue growth and said it expects growth to improve in the second half, weighted to the third quarter.
