Why the REA Group (ASX:REA) share price is pushing higher

The REA Group Limited (ASX: REA) share price is pushing higher on Friday following the release of its half year results.

At the time of writing, the property listings company’s shares are up 1.5% to $157.08.

How did REA Group perform in the first half?

REA Group’s earnings returned to growth in the first half of FY 2021 thanks to its excellent cost control offsetting softer revenues.

For the six months ended 31 December, the company reported a 2% decline in revenue to $430.4 million. Operating expenses were reduced by 13% compared to a year earlier to $145.8 million, leading to REA Group reporting a 9% increase in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) to $290.2 million.

Management advised that…