Pearson plc (NYSE:PSO) Sees Significant Increase in Short Interest

Pearson plc (NYSE:PSO - Get Free Report) was the target of a significant increase in short interest in the month of March. As of March 31st, there was short interest totalling 867,200 shares, an increase of 20.0% from the March 15th total of 722,900 shares. Currently, 0.1% of the company's shares are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 638,600 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.4 days.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research analysts have recently commented on PSO shares. The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on shares of Pearson in a report on Wednesday, March 26th. They issued a "buy" rating on the stock. National Bankshares set a $18.00 target price on shares of Pearson in a research report on Tuesday, February 18th. Finally, StockNews.com raised Pearson from a "hold" rating to a "buy" rating in a research report on Monday, March 3rd.

Pearson Stock Up 0.4 %

PSO stock traded up $0.07 during trading on Thursday, reaching $15.81. 77,588 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 447,146. Pearson has a 12 month low of $11.78 and a 12 month high of $17.90. The company has a market capitalization of $10.52 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.83, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.65 and a beta of 0.42. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34, a quick ratio of 1.72 and a current ratio of 1.78. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $16.23 and a 200 day simple moving average of $15.72.

Pearson Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a semi-annual dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 16th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 21st will be paid a $0.2092 dividend. This represents a yield of 1.7%. This is an increase from Pearson's previous semi-annual dividend of $0.10. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 21st. Pearson's dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 43.62%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

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

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.