Amid one of the busiest days of reporting season so far, which saw a lot of stocks fall following disappointing results, three companies managed to move materially higher after posting results that clearly impressed the market.

Carsales.com: (ASX: CAR)

The automotive classified company’s shares were up 5.64% heading into the close after posting a 23% jump in profits to $161m - largely in line with expectations - on total revenue of $509m, up 19% on the previous period.

Management attributed the strong FY22 result to “robust demand" across all key marketplaces, with traffic to its websites seeking used vehicles remaining elevated.

“We continue to see robust levels of demand in all our key markets, reflecting the strength of our market position and the resilience of marketplace businesses through economic cycles," the company noted.

"This gives us confidence we can continue to deliver great results for our shareholders in FY23.”

The company declared a fully franked final dividend of 24.5 cents per share (CPS), up 9% on the previous period, taking total returns to shareholders for the year to 50 cents, up on the 47.5c paid to shareholders in 2021.

Carsales also flagged an expansion in the company’s margins on both a pro forma and actual basis in the year ahead.

While light on specifics, management expects to deliver good growth in adjusted revenue and adjusted earnings (EBITDA) in FY23 on a Pro-forma Basis.

Future growth

The group expects to deliver “very strong growth” in adjusted revenues, earnings, and profits in the year ahead.

Commenting on today’s result, management told investors that included with future growth opportunities is the acquisition of the remaining 51% of Trader Interactive in the US.

“… moving to 100% ownership of Trader Interactive will enable Carsales shareholders to capture the significant upside potential of that business,” management noted.

Meantime, the group is continuing to drive more of the vehicle buying and selling process online across all markets and has significantly increased the adoption of online instant trade in products in Australia and Korea.

Carsales share price over five years.

GPT Group (ASX: GPT)

The diversified property giant was up 4.88% at the close despite group cutting its interim distribution by 4.5% to 12.7c, following 30% drop in net profit after tax (NPAT) to $529.7m.

The market also appeared relatively unperturbed by management flagging the potential impact of rising rates on the business.

But on a more pleasing note, funds from operations (FFO) totalled $326.5m, up from $302.3m previously and FFO per security is 17.04c, from 15.64c previously.

Investment property valuation for the six months to June 30 increased by $219.5m, compared to $471.7m in the previous period.

The group guided to full year FY22 FFO of 32.4c per security and a distribution of 25c per security, which was ahead of brokers’ expectations.

Higher costs/softening valuations

CEO Bob Johnston noted that three business segments reported increased FFO on the previous period.

However, he warned that with interest rates on the rise, GPT's cost of debt will increase in the second half of 2022 and further in 2023.

"The effect of rising bond yields may also lead to a softening of valuation metrics for real estate assets,” said Johnston.

Guidance & rising debt costs

At first glance, JP Morgan believes the interim result, a strong beat against the broker’s expectations, positions GPT well for a better outlook than expected based on stronger stabilised income, especially in retail.

While GPT has de-risked substantially, the broker notes office leasing and the increasing cost of debts were negatives to look out for.

GPT says the group delivered a solid result in the half, despite the ongoing impacts of the global pandemic and the uncertain economic environment driven by high inflation and rising interest rates.

GPT share price over 12 months.

Bailador Technology Investments (ASX: BTI)

The specialist investor in the IT and media sectors was up 4.67% at the close today after posting a full year FY22 Net profit after tax (NPAT) of $34.0m, up 23% on the previous period.

The company declared a fully-franked dividends of 7.4 cents per share (CPS) which represents a 4.9% yield on BTI shares.

Management also announced an ongoing commitment to pay regular dividends to shareholders totalling 4% of pre-tax NTA per annum in semi-annual payments.

Other highlights within today’s result included:

• Pre-tax net tangible asset (NTA) of $1.86 per share, up 22% year on year

• $144m cash balance as at 30 June

• Net Tangible Asset (“NTA”) per share (pre-tax) up 22% over prior year to $1.86

Commenting on today’s result, co-founder and managing partner David Kirk noted:

“We are delighted to present such a strong result to shareholders in a challenging year for information technology stocks. Our focus on realising investments in the buoyant market earlier in the year and waiting for more attractive valuations to make new investments has us very well positioned.”

Looking forward, he believes Bailador is well placed to take advantage of additional investment opportunities during FY23, following the recent $5m invested in InstantScripts.

Bailador's share price over three months.