By Kate Holton
LONDON (Reuters) -Global education group Pearson raised its forecast for full-year adjusted operating profit on Wednesday in a boost to management efforts to restructure the business and counter fluctuating fortunes at its U.S. Higher Education division.
The British company has endured a turbulent pandemic, lifted at times by demand for online learning courses and stymied in October when a surge of the Omicron variant and a tight U.S. labour market deterred students from enrolling at community colleges.
Under the leadership of former Disney executive Andy Bird it has sought to broaden its approach beyond traditional education outlets, selling directly to consumers via its Pearson+ app and to businesses looking to train workers.
The group said that approach had helped it enjoy a strong end to the year, with full-year adjusted operating profit now forecast to come in at 385 million pounds, with organic revenue growth of 8%, compared with expectations of 375 million pounds ($510 million) and 6.7% growth.
The news is likely to provide a boost to the shares of the British…
