Pearson's 2025 financial results matched analyst expectations, but shares remained flat as investors showed little enthusiasm for the British education company's AI-driven growth strategy. The company reported 4% underlying sales growth and a 6% increase in adjusted operating profit to £614 million, within its guided range of £610 million to £615 million.

CEO Omar Abbosh highlighted progress in scaling AI across the business, positioning Pearson to benefit from growing demand for skills validation in an AI-enabled world. However, statutory operating profit fell 6% to £507 million due to £87 million in product development impairment charges and currency headwinds that reduced sales by £112 million.

Free cash flow rose 8% to £527 million, though net debt increased to £1.07 billion following a £352 million share buyback completion. The company announced CFO Sally Johnson's departure after 26 years and named Simon Robson as her replacement. For 2026, Pearson guided for mid-single digit sales growth and adjusted operating profit of £640 million to £685 million, with Morgan Stanley maintaining an equal-weight rating and 1,170 pence price target.