Publishing group Pearson (LON:PSON) saw shares rise on Friday, after recording a notable first half profit in the first six months of the year.

Pre-tax profit for the six months through June hit £202 million, up from the £10 million loss the group reported this time last year. Pearson said it had been boosted by the proceeds from asset sales, as well as lower costs and sales of Wall Street English products.

Revenue dropped by 9 percent but still grew 2 percent on an underlying basis, while underlying adjusted operating profit rose 46 percent. The company said it was on track for a growth in underlying profit for the full year.

“US higher education courseware revenue grew modestly in the first half helped by lower returns, as expected,” Pearson said.

“However, in line with our full year guidance for this segment, we continue to expect a decline in net sales in the second half as gross sales continue to be impacted by ongoing underlying market pressures.”

Shares in Pearson are currently up 3.92 percent at 960.00 (1405GMT).