"The progress of our core segments, which are growing fast and scaling well, gives us confidence in our ability to continue identifying opportunities to unlock significant value," its statement said. Its shares were up 1.4% by 1327 GMT. Naspers said core profits from continuing operations rose 8% to $1.7 billion, largely thanks to improving profitability at Tencent and its more established e-commerce businesses. A hefty discount between Naspers' own value and that of its stake in Tencent prompted the company to spin off its internet assets and list them separately in Amsterdam earlier this year, in a company called Prosus. Core headline earnings from continuing operations also stood at $1.7 billion at Prosus, a 7% increase. In its payments and fintech business, Naspers said the core payment service provider business had reached profitability.