Pearson PLC on Friday reported accelerated sales growth in its third quarter, driven by a strong performance in its virtual learning division, and said it was on track to meet its full-year financial targets.
The British education company said underlying group sales grew 4% in the third quarter, bringing growth for the first nine months of the year to 2%.
The growth was led by its Virtual Learning unit, where sales surged 17% in the quarter, boosted by a 13% increase in student enrolments for the 2025/26 academic year, according to the company.
Pearson highlighted its expansion of artificial intelligence tools, stating it has growing evidence that its AI-powered study tools are improving learning outcomes.
"Pearson delivered another quarter of good progress, with accelerated sales growth in Q3, and robust performance across our businesses," said Chief Executive Omar Abbosh.
The company also announced new enterprise partnerships with Cognizant and Deloitte, and a collaboration with Salesforce for its certification exams.
Pearson confirmed it expects to deliver on 2025 market expectations for sales growth and adjusted operating profit, anticipating stronger sales growth in the fourth quarter.