Pearson, PLC (NYSE:PSO) Short Interest Down 39.4% in August

Pearson, PLC (NYSE:PSO) was the target of a large decrease in short interest in the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totaling 2,516,962 shares, a decrease of 39.4% from the August 15th total of 4,153,239 shares. Currently, 0.4% of the company’s shares are sold short. Based on an average daily volume of 442,636 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 5.7 days.

Pearson Stock Performance

Shares of PSO stock traded up $0.08 during trading on Thursday, reaching $15.99. The company’s stock had a trading volume of 617,882 shares, compared to its average volume of 964,087. Pearson has a 1-year low of $12.02 and a 1-year high of $17.75. The stock’s 50-day moving average price is $16.42 and its 200 day moving average price is $15.17. The company has a current ratio of 2.00, a quick ratio of 1.94 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50.

Pearson Cuts Dividend

The business also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 21st. Investors of record on Friday, August 14th will be issued a $0.1103 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, August 14th. This represents a yield of 137.0%.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several brokerages have weighed in on PSO. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Pearson from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Sunday, September 6th. Citigroup lowered Pearson from a “buy” rating to a “neutral” rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 2nd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a “hold” rating on shares of Pearson in a research note on Monday, August 3rd. The Goldman Sachs Group lowered Pearson from a “buy” rating to a “neutral” rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 4th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated a “neutral” rating on shares of Pearson in a report on Tuesday, July 14th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Pearson currently has a consensus rating of “Hold”.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Pearson

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in PSO. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership raised its holdings in shares of Pearson by 72.5% in the 1st quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 1,645,461 shares of the company’s stock valued at $21,605,000 after purchasing an additional 691,339 shares in the last quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets boosted its position in shares of Pearson by 105.9% during the 4th quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 524,274 shares of the company’s stock worth $7,361,000 after acquiring an additional 269,692 shares in the last quarter. Quantinno Capital Management LP increased its holdings in shares of Pearson by 16.8% in the 1st quarter. Quantinno Capital Management LP now owns 512,854 shares of the company’s stock valued at $6,734,000 after acquiring an additional 73,788 shares during the last quarter. QRG Capital Management Inc. raised its position in shares of Pearson by 13.4% during the 1st quarter. QRG Capital Management Inc. now owns 177,786 shares of the company’s stock worth $2,334,000 after acquiring an additional 20,947 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Barometer Capital Management Inc. increased its stake in Pearson by 545.3% in the fourth quarter. Barometer Capital Management Inc. now owns 64,600 shares of the company’s stock valued at $907,000 after purchasing an additional 54,589 shares during the last quarter. 2.14% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Pearson Company Profile

Pearson plc is a global learning and education company headquartered in London, England. Through its digital platforms, assessments, qualifications and educational content, the company serves learners, educators, institutions, employers and governments.

Pearson’s activities include academic and professional assessment, qualifications, English-language learning, higher education course materials, virtual learning and workforce-skills training. Its offerings include digital learning products, testing and assessment services, online programs, educational textbooks and resources, and tools designed to support teaching and career development.

Founded in 1844 by Samuel Pearson, the company began as a construction and publishing business before developing into an international education provider.