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Nielsen Reports Third Quarter 2011 Results

4 minute read | October 2011

Results of Operations—(Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010)

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the amounts included in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations:

Investor Relations: Liz Zale, +1 646 654 4593 Media Relations: Kristie Bouryal, +1 646 654 5577

New York, USA – October 27, 2011 – Nielsen Holdings N.V. (NYSE: NLSN), a leading global provider of insights and analytics into what consumers buy and watch, today announced financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2011.

“Nielsen’s third quarter results reflect solid revenue growth and operating performance. We continue to execute a balanced approach to strategic investment and commitment to de-leveraging.” said David Calhoun, Chief Executive Officer of Nielsen.

Third Quarter 2011 Operating Results

Revenues for the third quarter increased 10% to $1,413 million, or 6% on a constant currency basis compared to the third quarter of 2010. Growth was driven by a 12% increase within our Buy segment (7% on a constant currency basis), a 6% increase within our Watch segment (4% on a constant currency basis) and a 2% increase within our Expositions segment.

Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter increased 10% to $408 million, or 7% on a constant currency basis compared to the third quarter of 2010. Net income for the third quarter was $103 million compared to $11 million of net income in the third quarter of 2010. Adjusted Net Income for the third quarter increased to $181 million compared to $83 million in the third quarter of 2010.

Nine Months Ended September 2011 Operating Results

Revenues for the first nine months of 2011 increased 9% to $4,111 million, or 6% on a constant currency basis compared to the same period in 2010. Growth was driven by a 12% increase within our Buy segment (7% on a constant currency basis), a 5% increase within our Watch segment (3% on a constant currency basis) and a 5% increase in our Expositions segment.

Adjusted EBITDA for the first nine months of 2011 increased 10% to $1,114 million, or 7% on a constant currency basis compared to the same period in 2010. Net loss for the first nine months of 2011 was $9 million compared to $128 million of net income for the same period in 2010. The 2011 results included charges associated with the IPO of $206 million (net of tax of $127 million). Adjusted Net Income for the first nine months of 2011 increased to $400 million compared to $167 million for the same period in 2010.

Financial Position

As of September 30, 2011, cash balances were $404 million and gross debt was $6,723 million, excluding the $288 million mandatory convertible subordinated bonds due 2013. Net debt at the end of the third quarter was $6,319 million and our net debt leverage ratio was 4.2x.  In the first nine months of 2011, we voluntarily repaid $125 million of our senior secured term loans due 2013, including $105 million in the third quarter. Capital expenditures were $213 million for the first nine months of 2011, compared with $226 million for the same period in 2010.

Conference Call and Webcast 

Nielsen will hold a conference call to discuss third quarter results at 8:30 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time (ET) on October 27, 2011.  The call can be accessed live by webcast at https://ir.nielsen.com or by dialing 1-800-884-5695. Callers outside the U.S. and Canada can dial +1-617-786-2960. The passcode for the call is “Nielsen”. An archive will be available on the website after the call. A presentation will be posted on the Investor Relations website that provides summary information for the call. 

Forward-looking Statements

This news release includes information that could constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These statements may be identified by words such as ‘will’, ‘expect’, ‘should’, ‘could’, ‘shall’ and similar expressions.  These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results and events could differ materially from what presently is expected.  Factors leading thereto may include without limitations general economic conditions, conditions in the markets Nielsen is engaged in, behavior of customers, suppliers and competitors, technological developments, as well as legal and regulatory rules affecting Nielsen’s business and specific risk factors discussed in other releases and public filings made by the Company (including the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission).  This list of factors is not intended to be exhaustive.  Such forward-looking statements only speak as of the date of this press release, and we assume no obligation to update any written or oral forward-looking statement made by us or on our behalf as a result of new information, future events, or other factors.

About Nielsen

Nielsen Holdings N.V. (NYSE: NLSN) is a global information and measurement company with leading market positions in marketing and consumer information, television and other media measurement, online intelligence, mobile measurement, trade shows and related properties. Nielsen has a presence in approximately 100 countries, with headquarters in New York, USA and Diemen, the Netherlands. For more information, visit www.nielsen.com.