Pearson (NYSE:PSO) Stock Passes Above Two Hundred Day Moving Average of $12.09

Pearson plc (NYSE:PSO - Get Free Report) shares crossed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Wednesday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of $12.09 and traded as high as $12.40. Pearson shares last traded at $12.31, with a volume of 337,637 shares changing hands.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Separately, StockNews.com downgraded shares of Pearson from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research report on Wednesday, April 10th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company's stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Pearson presently has an average rating of "Moderate Buy" and an average target price of $1,056.67.

Pearson Price Performance

The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $12.59 and a 200-day simple moving average of $12.09. 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 Increases Dividend

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

Institutional Trading of Pearson

Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in PSO. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC grew its position in shares of Pearson by 169.5% during the 4th quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 2,382 shares of the company's stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 1,498 shares during the period. Captrust Financial Advisors grew its holdings in Pearson by 88.3% during the second quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 3,064 shares of the company's stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 1,437 shares during the period. Quantbot Technologies LP bought a new position in Pearson during the first quarter valued at $45,000. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd purchased a new stake in Pearson in the third quarter worth $100,000. Finally, Barometer Capital Management Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Pearson in the fourth quarter valued at $119,000. Institutional investors own 2.14% of the company's stock.

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.