Pearson (NYSE:PSO) Now Covered by The Goldman Sachs Group

The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on shares of Pearson (NYSE:PSO) in a report issued on Wednesday morning. The firm issued a buy rating on the stock.

Other equities analysts have also recently issued reports about the company. StockNews.com upgraded Pearson from a “hold” rating to a “buy” rating in a research note on Monday, March 3rd. National Bankshares set a $18.00 price target on shares of Pearson in a research report on Tuesday, February 18th.

Pearson Stock Up 0.1 %

PSO stock opened at $15.91 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $10.60 billion, a PE ratio of 16.92, a P/E/G ratio of 2.65 and a beta of 0.38. The company has a quick ratio of 1.72, a current ratio of 1.78 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34. Pearson has a twelve month low of $11.78 and a twelve month high of $17.90. The stock’s 50 day moving average is $16.54 and its 200-day moving average is $15.44.

Pearson Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a semi-annual dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 16th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 21st will be given a $0.2092 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 21st. This represents a yield of 1.7%. This is a boost from Pearson’s previous semi-annual dividend of $0.10. Pearson’s payout ratio is currently 43.62%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Pearson

A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Versant Capital Management Inc purchased a new stake in Pearson during the fourth quarter worth about $26,000. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. bought a new position in shares of Pearson during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB purchased a new stake in shares of Pearson during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $47,000. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Pearson by 228.0% in the 4th quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 4,044 shares of the company’s stock worth $65,000 after purchasing an additional 2,811 shares during the period. Finally, Russell Investments Group Ltd. lifted its stake in Pearson by 251.4% in the fourth quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 5,247 shares of the company’s stock valued at $85,000 after purchasing an additional 3,754 shares during the last quarter. 2.14% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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.