Nielsen Reports 6% Climb in 2010 Revenue

Nielsen has reported 2010 revenue of $5.13 billion, a 6.1% increase on a constant currency basis. Net income of $132m for the year compares well with a loss of $489m in 2009.

Revenues for Q4 increased 7.2% to $1.37bn, the net result of an 8.9% increase in Nielsen's Buy consumer purchase behavior segment, and a 4.8% in its Watch media research division.

During the final quarter of 2010, revenues from 'developing markets' climbed 19%. The firm has since acquired Cyprus-based MEMRB, which CEO David Calhoun says has secured Nielsen a presence in 30 developing markets and added half a point to 2011 growth.

Reported net income for the quarter was down from $44m in the prior year to $4m, including a pre-tax charge of $90m relating to debt 'extinguishments'. Adjusted net income rose 10% to $99m on a constant currency basis in the fourth quarter.

'Nielsen ended 2010 with strong fourth quarter performance, and we continue to see high growth in developing markets and have accelerated investments in our portfolio of products and services,' states Calhoun.

In January, Nielsen completed its IPO with the sale of 82.1m shares at $23.00 per share, raising around $2.1bn. Calhoun says this will further Nielsen's focus on growth opportunities and long-term financial performance.

Web site: www.nielsen.com .