Nielsen has announced second quarter 2017 results. Revenues were $1,644 million for the second quarter of 2017, up 3.0%, or 4.1% on a constant currency basis, compared to the second quarter of 2016.
“Our revenue in the quarter reflects solid growth in Watch, robust growth in Buy emerging markets and the contribution from our recent acquisition of Gracenote. This was partially offset by continued softness in our U.S. Buy business which reflects the challenging operating environment for our large fast moving consumer goods clients. Our rigorous cost and commercial discipline in the quarter enabled us to deliver margin expansion, while also investing in our key growth initiatives,” said Mitch Barns, Chief Executive Officer of Nielsen.
Barns continued, “In Watch, we continue to invest in Total Audience Measurement, adding in new data sets to strengthen our unique position in the industry as the media landscape continues to evolve. In Buy, the Connected System is our number one priority. We are making good progress on bringing capabilities to the market that answer our clients’ key business questions with speed and efficiency.”
Net income for the second quarter of 2017 increased 15.9%, or 17.0% on a constant currency basis, to $131 million, compared to the second quarter of 2016, due primarily to lower restructuring charges during the second quarter of 2017. Net income per share on a diluted basis was $0.37, compared to $0.31 for the second quarter of 2016.
Adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter of 2017 increased 4.5%, or 4.9% on a constant currency basis, to $512 million, compared to the second quarter of 2016. Adjusted EBITDA margins grew 44 basis points, or 25 basis points on a constant currency basis, to 31.1%, due primarily to the benefit of our ongoing productivity initiatives.
