Nielsen Reports 5.4 Percent Revenue Growth

Nielsen NV posted sluggish revenue growth in its 4Q 2014 amid foreign currency effects and continued softness in developed markets.

Revenue fell short of Wall Street expectations, while adjusted earnings came in just above estimates.

Nielsen has bulked up its services in recent years through acquisitions, including last year's purchase of Harris Interactive Inc., a global market research firm that focuses on polling.

Overall, Nielsen reported a profit of $158 million, or 42 cents a share, up from $145 million, or 38 cents a share, a year earlier.

Excluding items, earnings were 81 cents.

Revenue edged up 1.4% to $1.63 billion. Excluding currency effects, revenue grew 5.4%.