Nielsen Holdings has announced its first quarter 2018 results. Revenues were $1.61 billion for Q1, up 5.5 percent, or 2.4 percent on a constant currency basis, compared to the first quarter of 2017.
“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,” said Nielsen CEO Mitch Barns.
Barns continued, “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.”
Revenues within the Watch segment for the first quarter increased 8.5 percent to $834 million, or 7.1 percent on a constant currency basis, compared to Q1 2017. Revenues within the Buy segment for the first quarter of 2018 increased 2.5 percent to $776 million, compared to Q1 a year ago. Nielsen’s radio measurement division, called Nielsen Audio, saw a 0.8 percent increase in revenue during the quarter.
