Pearson (NYSE:PSO) Stock Price Crosses Above 200 Day Moving Average - Here's What Happened

Key Points

• Pearson stock crossed above its 200‑day moving average, trading as high as $14.61 and last at $14.5550 versus a 200‑day MA of $13.45 on volume of 717,225 shares.
• Brokerages have shifted ratings recently — including upgrades from Wall Street Zen and Kepler and a downgrade from Weiss, while Citigroup initiated coverage with a buy — leaving a MarketBeat average rating of "Moderate Buy" (1 Strong Buy, 1 Buy, 4 Hold).
• Dividend announced: Pearson declared a $0.2346 per share dividend payable May 15 with a record/ex‑dividend date listed as March 20.

Pearson, PLC (NYSE:PSO - Get Free Report) passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $13.45 and traded as high as $14.61. Pearson shares last traded at $14.5550, with a volume of 717,225 shares changing hands.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several brokerages have commented on PSO. Wall Street Zen raised Pearson from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating in a report on Sunday, April 19th. Kepler Capital Markets raised Pearson from a "reduce" rating to a "hold" rating in a research note on Friday, January 23rd. Weiss Ratings downgraded Pearson from a "buy (b-)" rating to a "hold (c+)" rating in a research report on Monday, January 12th. Finally, Citigroup began coverage on Pearson in a research note on Monday, January 12th. They issued a "buy" rating on the stock. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has given a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of "Moderate Buy".

Pearson Stock Up 0.6%

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39, a quick ratio of 1.94 and a current ratio of 2.00. The business's 50 day moving average is $13.31 and its two-hundred day moving average is $13.45.

Pearson Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 20th will be issued a dividend of $0.2346 per share. This represents a yield of 368.0%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 20th.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC grew its stake in Pearson by 952.1% during the third quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 1,757 shares of the company's stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 1,590 shares during the period. Kestra Advisory Services LLC acquired a new position in Pearson in the fourth quarter valued at approximately $35,000. Farther Finance Advisors LLC lifted its stake in Pearson by 54.2% in the fourth quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 2,947 shares of the company's stock valued at $41,000 after buying an additional 1,036 shares during the period. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd bought a new position in shares of Pearson during the 4th quarter worth approximately $42,000. Finally, Smartleaf Asset Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Pearson by 31.8% during the 4th quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 7,758 shares of the company's stock worth $110,000 after buying an additional 1,874 shares in the last quarter. 2.14% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Pearson

Pearson plc is a global education company headquartered in London, England, with significant operations in North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Tracing its roots back to 1844, Pearson evolved from its early beginnings into one of the world's leading providers of educational content, digital learning tools, and assessment services. The company's American subsidiary trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol PSO.

Pearson's core business encompasses a broad portfolio of products and services for learners, educators, and institutions.

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