CAR Group (ASX:CAR), Domain Holdings Australia (ASX:DHG), REA Group (ASX:REA), and Seek (ASX:SEK) performed strongly on metrics within their control, such as costs and yields, in the fiscal first half, according to a Wednesday note by Jarden Research.

Jarden noted that yields, a key driver of long-term value, remained strong and well above inflation, highlighting the pricing power of these businesses.

While all four companies remained focused on long-term profitability and revenue growth, they demonstrated flexibility by adjusting their cost and expenditure guidance to better align with near-term market conditions in the first half, Jarden said.

DHG's valuation outperformed its peers due to a AU$4.20 per share offer from Texas-based real estate company CoStar Group, which caused its stock price to increase by 64% relative to the S&P/ASX200 index.

Excluding DHG, other companies' valuations aligned more closely with the market, Jarden added.

Jarden believes that SEK faces significant forecast risk due to the volatile nature of its employment vertical, which impacts its earnings projections.

The outlook for listing volumes for REA and DHG is also uncertain due to factors like public holidays, elections, and strong prior-year comparisons, the investment firm said.

However, CAR is less exposed to volume fluctuations due to its more stable revenue model, the firm added.

Among the four, SEK is Jarden's top pick due to its growth potential and lower valuation.

The firm has a buy rating for SEK with a AU$28 price target, an underweight rating for REA and CAR with price targets of AU$210 and AU$34.60, respectively, and an overweight rating with a AU$4.20 price target for DHG.