- Nielsen (NYSE:NLSN) has gained 3.1% after its Q4 earnings beat expectations on top and bottom lines and the company projected stronger revenue growth for 2017.
- Net income fell 36.7% on a headline basis to $159M, but against year-ago gains of $206M related to Nielsen Catalina Solutions. EBITDA rose 3.2% to $548M, beating an expected $531M.
- Revenue by segment: Buy, $868M (down 1.3%, but up 0.9% in constant currency); Watch, $788M (up 5.8%, or up 6.2% in constant currency).
- Buy revenues fell 1.4% in developed markets, weighed by softness in the U.S. Buy emerging markets revenues rose 4% as the company expanded coverage.
- For 2017, and considering its Gracenote acquisition and $500M debt offering, the company's now guiding (in constant currency) to revenue growth of 5-6%, flat EBITDA margin growth, GAAP EPS of $1.40-$1.46 (vs. $1.44 consensus) and free cash flow of about $900M.
- Press Release