Nielsen Reports Q3 Revenue Rise, Profit Dip

Nielsen has reported third quarter revenue of $1.57 bn, a 13.3% increase year-on-year but reduced to 2.5% once the effects of acquiring Harris and Arbitron are removed. Similarly, profits fell nearly 30% - to $91m - but adjusted EBITDA was up 19.8% to $477m.

The Arbitron and Harris acquisitions make comparisons difficult, but income from continuing operations for the third quarter decreased 29.8%, largely as a result of fees related to recent re-financings.

Revenues within Nielsen's Buy consumer purchasing segment grew 3.5% to $878m - a rise of 2% at constant currency and excluding the Harris acquisition. In the Watch media research arm, revenues increased 28.8% to $694m, or 5.2% excluding the Arbitron acquisition.

CEO Mitch Barns (pictured) comments: 'In the third quarter, we continued to extend our leadership position with product innovation, new client wins and strategic partnerships, as we keep pace with evolving consumer behavior across the globe. This quarter also marks a continuation of our well-established path of consistent revenue growth and margin expansion.'

Separately, the firm's Board has authorized an additional $1 billion for its share repurchase program, in addition to the c.$400m remaining in Nielsen's current program. This program of repurchasing should be completed by mid-year 2016.

Web site: www.nielsen.com .