SHAREHOLDERS in Ewloe-based comparison site Moneysupermarket.com will today hear that the group is trading “well ahead” of the same period last year.

Its annual meeting today will reveal that during the first quarter to March 31 internet revenues and visitors were 22% and 13% ahead of the comparative “relatively weak” period, respectively.

Customers of its money offer were up 28% compared with the same period last year and revenues rose in credit-related and other banking products.

Turnover from the insurance sector was 24% ahead, with strong revenue growth in home insurance and motor and travel insurance. Visitor volumes showed a 20% improvement.

For home services revenues were 23% better, due to an increase in utilities business, and visitor numbers were 6% ahead.

While in travel, visitor numbers jumped 22%, but revenues were in line with last year due to fragile consumer confidence and turbulence in the Middle East.

Overall earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) were “well ahead” of the same period last year and about 25% up on the first half period of 2010.

By the end of March the group held cash reserves of £40m and continues to trade “significantly ahead” of the “relatively weak comparator period” and in line with expectations, with the board remaining confident of the group’s prospects for the full year.

Chief executive Peter Plumb will tell shareholders today: “Moneysupermarket.com has made a strong start to 2011 building on the momentum from a great performance last year when we saved our customers £750m.

“We continue to lead our highly competitive market with our unparalleled breadth of product, our unique brand and our strong relationships with providers.

“Given the uncertain outlook for consumer spending, our offer has never been more relevant for consumers.

“Against that backdrop, we remain confident that our clear programme of continued investment in technology and brand will ensure moneysupermarket.com makes further good progress this year.”