Nielsen Revenues Rise In First Quarter 2018

Up In Q1

NIELSEN HOLDINGS PLC first quarter 2018 revenue increased 5.5% year-to-year to $1.61 billion (up 2.4% on a constant currency basis).  Watch segment revenues rose 8.5% (7.1% on a constant currency basis) to $834 million; within that segment, the NIELSEN AUDIO division saw revenues rise 0.8%.  Buy segment revenues rose 2.5% to $776 million.  Net income was up 1.4% to $72 million (20 cents/diluted share) (flat on a constant currency basis).

CEO MITCH BARNS said, “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.

“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.”

The company has increased its 2018 GAAP net income per share guidance by 10 cents per share, bringing it to the $1.50-$1.56 per share range.  The increase reflects the expected impact of the federal tax cut.  The company’s other full year guidance is unchanged.

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