DEESIDE price comparison website Moneysupermarket.com said revenues and earnings will both improve for the year, in a trading update released yesterday.

The Ewloe-based business said it expects full-year revenues to rise by about 20% to around £178m, compared with £148.9m the previous year, while adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) should be around £49.5m, a 21% increase on 2010.

The update said the group continued to trade well in its fourth quarter, with year-on-year revenues up 19%, due to higher levels of outlay on marketing.

Revenues and Ebitda each increased by around 16% in the second half of the financial year, compared with the same period in 2010, the group said.

It also reiterated that its financial position remains strong.

As at December 31, 2011, the group had cash balances of £34.9m and was debt free.

Broker Investec, which maintained its ‘hold’ rating on the stock and a target share price of 117p, said: "We are warming to Moneysupermarket.com given its more structured approach to growth and online dynamics."

It added the update suggested the firm’s trading had been in line with expectations in the second half: "This implies no material changes to our forecast."

Meanwhile, broker Numis said the firm’s expected revenue of £178m was in line with its estimates. Analyst David McCann said it remained positive on the company on short term value grounds as well as on medium and long run recovery and growth expectations.

Moneysupermarket.com will release its full year results on February 28.