I was anxious to see how the numbers from ValueClick’s 1st quarter results look. In spite of increased competition from DoubleCLick, Pepperjam and other networks and despite the economic downturn, CJ is up by 16% Q1 08 vs Q1 07. Industry growth figures are always a nice thing to see!

According to Clickz “On the other hand, ValueClick’s affiliate marketing segment “had another good quarter” said Vadnais. He noted the company’s Commission Junction arm saw its United States business grow by 16 percent when compared to the first quarter of 2007.“

Also of note in that article, as it relates to overall online advertising trends, the economy is starting to hit certain markets as far as online ad budgets go, but a couple markets are seeing increased spending.

“While economic weakness hasn’t yet inflicted much pain on ValueClick or its much larger peers who are reliant on sustained online ad budgets, certain segments are flagging, executives said. ValueClick is seeing declines in spending by finance, healthcare and pharmaceutical advertisers but increases in spending by companies in wireless telecommunications and travel, said COO Dave Yovanno.”