PSO trades 10.0% above Wall Street's consensus target of $14.50.
Last 12 months price action with 12-month analyst target path
The base valuation assumes PSO achieves its forward estimates and maintains a stable P/E multiple of 22.9x. This scenario reflects the blended consensus of 15 Wall Street analysts, balancing both positive catalysts and macroeconomic headwinds over the next 12 months.
As of October 3, 2026, Pearson plc (PSO) has a Wall Street consensus price target of $14.50, based on estimates from 15 covering analysts. With the stock currently trading at $16.12, this represents a potential downside of -10.0%. The company has a market capitalization of $10.03B.
Analyst price targets range from a low of $11.00 to a high of $18.00, representing a 48% spread in expectations. The median target of $14.50 aligns closely with the consensus average.
The current analyst consensus rating is Hold, with 2 analysts rating the stock as a Buy or Strong Buy,13 rating it Hold, and 0 rating it Sell or Strong Sell. The bearish sentiment suggests caution about the stock at current levels.
From a valuation perspective, PSO trades at a trailing P/E of 24.4x and forward P/E of 22.9x. The forward PEG ratio of 5.65 reflects a premium valuation. Analysts expect EPS to grow -42.3% over the next year.
Our proprietary valuation model, which blends historical multiples with forward estimates, suggests a base-case price target of $22.05, with bear and bull scenarios of $13.89 and $29.06 respectively. Model confidence stands at 41/100, suggesting limited visibility into future performance.
| Company | Market Cap | Price | Target | Upside Potential | Rating | Fwd P/E | Analysts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 SCHLScholastic Corporation | $858M | $36.20 | — | — | Hold | 20.2x | 4 |
 STRAStrategic Education, Inc. | $1.8B | $79.72 | $92.00 | +15.4% | Buy | 11.1x | 18 |
 PRDOPerdoceo Education Corporation | $2.0B | $31.91 | $44.00 | +37.9% | Hold | 10.9x | 9 |
 LOPEGrand Canyon Education, Inc. | $4.1B | $155.79 | $161.67 | +3.8% | Buy | 15.3x | 18 |
 CHGGChegg, Inc. | $83M | $0.74 | $30.42 | +4022.0% | Hold | — | 22 |
 COURCoursera, Inc. | $922M | $5.02 | $7.60 | +51.4% | Buy | 7.9x | 17 |
 UDMYUdemy, Inc. | $677M | $4.63 | $13.72 | +196.3% | Hold | 8.6x | 12 |
 LAURLaureate Education, Inc. | $5.4B | $38.62 | $39.75 | +2.9% | Buy | 18.3x | 11 |
 UTIUniversal Technical Institute, Inc. | $1.1B | $19.38 | $41.00 | +111.6% | Buy | 32.1x | 11 |
 GOOGAlphabet Inc. | $4.1T | $340.35 | $431.35 | +26.7% | Buy | 16.5x | 79 |
Quick answers to the most common questions about buying PSO stock.
Wall Street's consensus price target for PSO is $14.5, -10.0% from its current price of $16.12. The below-market target from 15 analysts suggests limited near-term appreciation.
PSO has a consensus rating of "Hold" based on 15 Wall Street analysts. The rating breakdown is mixed, with 13 Hold ratings making up the largest segment. The consensus 12-month price target of $14.5 implies -10.0% downside from current levels.
PSO trades at a forward P/E of 22.875x, representing a moderate valuation. With analysts targeting $14.5 (-10.0% implied move), the stock appears close to fair value.
The most bullish Wall Street analyst has a price target of $18 for PSO, while the most conservative target is $11. The consensus of $14.5 represents the median expectation. Our quantitative valuation model projects a bull case target of $29 based on optimistic growth and margin assumptions. These targets typically reflect 12-month expectations.
PSO is well covered by analysts, with 15 analysts providing price targets and ratings. Of these, 0 have Strong Buy ratings, 2 have Buy ratings, 13 recommend Hold, and 0 have Sell or Strong Sell ratings. Higher analyst coverage generally indicates greater institutional interest and more reliable consensus estimates.
The 12-month PSO stock forecast based on 15 Wall Street analysts shows a consensus price target of $14.5, with estimates ranging from $11 (bear case) to $18 (bull case). The median consensus rating is "Hold". Our proprietary valuation model produces a base case fair value of $22, with bear/bull scenarios of $14/$29.
Our quantitative valuation model calculates PSO's fair value at $22 (base case), with a bear case of $14 and bull case of $29. The model uses discounted cash flow analysis, historical growth rates, and margin mean-reversion to project FY+2 earnings, then applies an appropriate P/E multiple. The model confidence score is 41/100.
PSO trades at a forward P/E ratio of 22.9x based on next-twelve-months earnings estimates compared to a trailing P/E of 24.4x. The lower forward P/E indicates analysts expect earnings growth. A forward P/E is useful for comparing valuations when earnings are expected to change significantly.
Analysts are cautious on PSO, with 0 Sell ratings and a price target of $14.5 (-10.0% from current price). The "Hold" consensus suggests careful evaluation before buying. This information is for educational purposes only. Always conduct your own research, consider your financial situation, and consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
PSO analyst price targets range from $11 to $18, a 48% moderate spread showing some variance in outlooks. Differences stem from varying assumptions about revenue growth, profit margins, competitive dynamics, and valuation multiples. The $14.5 consensus represents the middle ground. Our model's $14-$29 range provides an independent fundamental perspective.
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