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PSON:LSEPearson PLC Analysis

Data as of 2026-06-21 - not real-time

£1,135.50

Latest Price

4/10Risk

Risk Level: Medium

Executive Summary

Pearson plc is trading at 1,135.5 GBp, comfortably above its 20‑day SMA (1,136.35) and well above the 50‑day SMA (1,105.67), indicating a short‑term bullish bias. The 14‑day RSI sits near the midpoint at 53, suggesting no immediate overbought pressure, while the MACD histogram is negative, flagging a bearish momentum divergence. Volatility over the past 30 days is moderate at roughly 18 % and the beta of 0.24 points to low sensitivity to broader market swings, a factor reinforced by the “Extreme Greed” sentiment reading of 91.46. Fundamentally, revenue grew 3.2 % YoY with healthy gross (52 %) and operating margins (14 %), and free cash flow of £864 m supports a 2.22 % dividend yield with a payout ratio under 50 %. However, the current price is far below the DCF‑derived fair value of £1,982, implying a material upside potential of about 4 %. The balance sheet shows manageable leverage (debt‑to‑equity ~40 %) and ample cash, while the forward PE of 14.7 signals improving earnings expectations.
Given the supportive technical backdrop, solid cash generation, sustainable dividend and a valuation gap, the stock presents a compelling case for investors seeking a blend of growth and income. The modest upside, low market‑risk profile and sector‑specific resilience to digital‑learning trends suggest a favorable risk‑adjusted return horizon.

Market Outlook

Short Term

< 1 year
Neutral
Model confidence: 6/10

Key Factors

  • Price above 20‑day SMA and near support level
  • MACD histogram negative indicating short‑term momentum caution
  • Low beta and moderate volatility limiting downside risk

Medium Term

1–3 years
Positive
Model confidence: 7/10

Key Factors

  • DCF fair value suggests ~4 % upside
  • Forward PE compression to 14.7 indicating earnings improvement
  • Sustainable dividend yield of 2.22 % with healthy payout ratio

Long Term

> 3 years
Positive
Model confidence: 8/10

Key Factors

  • Strong free cash flow and low leverage support long‑term financial health
  • Diversified global education footprint reduces geographic concentration
  • Undervalued relative to intrinsic fair value and stable income stream

Key Metrics & Analysis

Financial Health

Revenue Growth3.20%
Profit Margin9.37%
P/E Ratio22.3
ROE8.71%
ROA4.73%
Debt/Equity40.51
P/B Ratio2.0
Op. Cash Flow£656.0M
Free Cash Flow£863.8M
Industry P/E16.7

Technical Analysis

TrendBullish
RSI53.3
Support£1,091.50
Resistance£1,175.00
MA 20£1,136.35
MA 50£1,105.67
MA 200£1,032.25
MACDBearish
VolumeDecreasing
Fear & Greed Index91.46

Valuation

Fair Value£1,982.03
Target Price£1,183.00
Upside/Downside4.18%
GradeUndervalued
TypeBlend
Dividend Yield2.22%

Risk Assessment

Beta0.24
Volatility18.20%
Sector RiskMedium
Reg. RiskMedium
Geo RiskMedium
Currency RiskLow
Liquidity RiskLow

This analysis may contain inaccuracies and is provided for informational and research purposes only. It is not personal investment advice, a recommendation, or an instruction to buy, sell, or hold any asset.