Nielsen Revenue Increases 5.5 Percent

Nielsen Holdings plc has announced its first quarter 2018 results. Revenues were $1,610 million for the first quarter of 2018, up 5.5%, or 2.4% on a constant currency basis, compared to the first quarter of 2017.

“In the first quarter, we continued to execute on our key initiatives while focusing on our Path to 2020 objectives. Through continuous innovation, we are transforming our business in three major areas, Watch, Buy, and Operations, to drive a faster growing, higher margin business and create incremental value for our shareholders,” said Mitch Barns, Chief Executive Officer of Nielsen.

Mitch Barns

Barns continued, “Watch had another great quarter with growth driven by Total Audience Measurement. Our ability to provide independent, comparable measurement to the industry is pivotal as media and audiences continue to fragment. In our Buy business, Developed Markets continued to see pressure in the fast moving consumer goods industry in the U.S., but we are confident that our investments in the Connected System, Total Consumer Measurement, and retailer partnerships will drive improved results despite this environment. Emerging Markets saw broad-based growth across markets in Latin America, Eastern Europe, Africa, and China. Our significant competitive advantages, including our balanced client portfolio and global footprint, position us well here.”

Net income for the first quarter of 2018 increased 1.4% to $72 million, compared to $71 million in the first quarter of 2017, as higher revenues were partially offset by our retailer investments and other growth initiatives. Net income was flat on a constant currency basis. Net income per share on a diluted basis was $0.20 per share for each of the first quarters ended 2018 and 2017.

Adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter of 2018 increased 0.7% to $423 million, compared to the first quarter of 2017. Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 0.7% on a constant currency basis. Adjusted EBITDA margins contracted 125 basis points to 26.3%, or 83 basis points on a constant currency basis, due to our retailer investments and other growth initiatives.