1216 GMT - Pearson has undergone a painful transformation, from academic publisher and owner of media titles like the Financial Times to a company at the forefront of digital education, says Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell. However, the London-listed group has now reached a more sustainable place, he says. Its next challenge will be to implement artificial intelligence, Mould adds. A recently announced partnership with Microsoft will help, the analyst says. But he cautions that investors still worry about the performance of Pearson's Virtual Learning and Virtual Schools businesses. "This latest update won't earn Pearson detention with the market but neither can it be awarded top marks," he says. Shares are down 3% at 12.57 pounds. (cristina.gallardo@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

January 16, 2025 07:16 ET (12:16 GMT)

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