Shares in Pearson PLC (LSE:PSON) rose 1.6% in early trading as the company reported early “commercial benefits” from integrating artificial intelligence across its services.
In the first nine months of the year, Pearson’s AI-powered higher education tools saw over five million student interactions, resulting in double-digit growth in billings for these products.
Group sales increased by 4% in the third quarter, and the company confirmed its full-year profit forecast of £598 million, aligning with market expectations.
CEO Omar Abbosh highlighted Pearson’s focus on operational growth, expanding AI capabilities, and building enterprise relationships.
The company is advancing AI technology with tools such as a virtual teaching assistant and customised study aids, positioning itself as a modernised leader in educational publishing.
In the first minutes of trading the stock was changing hands for 1,089.09p, up 17.59p.
Shore Capital repeated its 'buy' recommendation in the wake of the update. It told investors: "We are pleased to note the improving performance, momentum, and reassuring nature of accompanying outlook comments.
"It is also encouraging to see signs that the group’s growth strategy is gaining traction.
"By way of a reminder, the latter is focused on driving the performance of core businesses (improved customer proposition, growth and efficiencies), unlocking synergies, expanding into adjacent markets and capitalising on its leading position, structural growth trends, and opportunities created by AI in the context of a very large addressable global learning market."