#AGM #London #United Kingdom #Corporate Governance #Pearson plc

Insights from Pearson plc Annual General Meeting 2025

On May 2, 2025, Pearson plc convened its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at 10:30 AM. This pivotal event witnessed the approval of all the resolutions outlined in the Company’s Notice of AGM dated March 27, 2025. The meeting registered significant participation from shareholders, with approximately 79.44% of the company’s issued share capital represented in the voting.

Overview of Resolutions

The shareholders voted on a total of 20 resolutions, focusing on various corporate governance and financial aspects. The results showcased unanimous to overwhelming support for most resolutions, reflecting shareholder confidence in the company’s direction and performance.

Key Resolutions and Their Outcomes:

1. Receiving the 2024 Report and Accounts:
- Votes For: 525,108,863 (99.99%)
- Votes Against: 73,280 (0.01%)
- This resolution passed with a significant majority, as expected, showcasing shareholders' approval of the previous year's performance.

2. Final Dividend Declaration:
- Votes For: 520,514,099 (99.02%)
- Votes Against: 5,159,881 (0.98%)
- The decision to declare the final dividend reflects the board's commitment to returning value to shareholders, a crucial point of interest for investors.

3. Re-Election of Directors: The company proposed the re-election of pivotal board members including Omar Abbosh, Sherry Coutu, and Alison Dolan, all receiving favorable votes:
- Omar Abbosh:
- Votes For: 525,579,955 (99.98%)
- Votes Against: 86,908 (0.02%)
- Sherry Coutu:
- Votes For: 499,873,806 (95.09%)
- Votes Against: 25,792,261 (4.91%)
- Alison Dolan:
- Votes For: 520,095,364 (99.42%)
- Votes Against: 3,057,934 (0.58%)
- The support showcased during these votes indicates strong trust in the leadership and governance of Pearson.

4. Approval of the Annual Remuneration Report:
- Votes For: 485,861,331 (92.43%)
- Votes Against: 39,779,388 (7.57%)
- This resolution hints at shareholder backing for the management's remuneration framework, vital for retaining top talent.

5. Re-Appointment of Auditors:
- Votes For: 525,573,211 (99.98%)
- Votes Against: 95,026 (0.02%)
- Maintaining established auditors reinforces confidence in the company’s financial reporting integrity.

6. Share Buy-Back Authorization:
- Votes For: 518,733,869 (98.69%)
- Votes Against: 6,865,162 (1.31%)
- This authorization reflects a strategy aimed at enhancing shareholder value, signaling strong market confidence.

Participation in the Meeting

The total number of ordinary shares represented at the AGM was 661,685,614 with no shares held in treasury. This level of engagement highlights the importance of the AGM to shareholders, many of whom are keen on the company's strategic direction and financial health.

Next Steps

Post-AGM, Pearson plc will proceed with the resolutions that received the majority vote as outlined during the meeting. Additionally, copies of the resolutions that do not constitute ordinary business will be available for inspection under the Listing Rules.

Conclusion

The 2025 AGM underscored Pearson plc’s strong governance practices and commitment to transparency with shareholders. The affirmative vote on key resolutions highlights the board’s strategic vision's alignment with shareholder expectations. As the company moves forward, this supportive engagement will be essential in promoting further growth and maintaining investor confidence.

For further details on the resolutions and updates, stakeholders can consult the National Storage Mechanism official site.

This meeting reflects Pearson's ongoing commitment to strong corporate governance, stakeholder engagement, and transparent financial practices.