Nielsen Reports 4Th Quarter and Full Year 2015 Results

OREANDA-NEWS. Nielsen Holdings plc (NYSE:NLSN) today announced fourth quarter and full year 2015 results. Revenues were $1,624 million for the fourth quarter of 2015, down 0.6% due to the impact of foreign exchange, but up 5.6% on a constant currency basis, compared to the fourth quarter of 2014. This marks the company’s 38^th consecutive quarter of constant currency revenue growth. Revenues were $6,172 million for the full year of 2015, down 1.8% due to the impact of foreign exchange, but up 5.0% on a constant currency basis, compared to 2014.

“2015 was a banner year for our company with the rollout of Nielsen Total Audience Measurement, new client wins across both our Watch and Buy segments, and the launch of the Nielsen enterprise marketing platform driven by our acquisition of eXelate. In addition, throughout the year we returned over $1 billion in cash to shareholders in the form of dividends and share repurchases. These successes are a testament to our investment strategy as well as our commitment to consistently deliver shareholder value,” said Mitch Barns, Chief Executive Officer at Nielsen.

Barns continued, “We look forward in 2016 with confidence. In times of economic turmoil and market volatility, the strengths of Nielsen’s resilient business model are most evident. Our consistent mid-single digit constant currency revenue growth, margin expansion and free cash flow generation continue to be fueled by our core measurement and analytics businesses which remain stronger than ever. Our independence, gold-standard measurement, rapidly developing platform for precision marketing, and successful framework for Total Audience Measurement, are some of the most important underpinnings of this resilience, and our client relationships continue to grow as a result.”

Fourth Quarter 2015 Operating Results

Revenues for the fourth quarter decreased 0.6% to $1,624 million due to the impact of foreign exchange, but increased 5.6% on a constant currency basis, compared to the fourth quarter of 2014.

Revenues within the Buy segment decreased 3.2% to $879 million, or increased 5.9% on a constant currency basis. Revenues in the developed markets grew 4.8% on a constant currency basis. Buy emerging markets revenue grew 8.4% on a constant currency basis, despite the macroeconomic headwinds. The growth in both regions reflects new client wins, strength in discretionary spend and benefits from our investments.

Revenues within the Watch segment increased 2.8%, or 5.2% on a constant currency basis, to $745 million. Audience Measurement of Video and Text increased 7.6% on a constant currency basis due to the continued client adoption of the company’s Total Audience Measurement framework, which includes the company’s Digital Ad and Digital Content Ratings offerings as well as the Company’s ongoing investments in these products. The Audio business decreased 6.9% on a constant currency basis due to the previously communicated impact of delivery timing. Marketing Effectiveness had another strong quarter, growing 31.3% on a constant currency basis due to clients’ growing demand for our marketing ROI, enterprise marketing platform and precision targeting offerings. Other Watch decreased 13.8% on a constant currency basis as we continue to run off the legacy online rankings products and exit non-core media analytics products.

Net income for the fourth quarter increased 60.8% to $254 million, an increase of 84.1% on a constant currency basis, compared to the fourth quarter of 2014. The year over year increase is largely driven by financial gains of $206 million recorded during the quarter primarily associated with an increased stake in Nielsen Catalina Solutions. Net income per share, on a diluted basis, was $0.68 compared to $0.42 in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter increased 1.3% to $531 million, or 7.1% on a constant currency basis compared to the fourth quarter of 2014. As a percentage of revenues, adjusted EBITDA grew 61 basis points, or 45 basis points on a constant currency basis, due to the benefit of our ongoing productivity initiatives and the operating leverage of the business.

Adjusted Net Income for the fourth quarter of $300 million was down 2.9% as compared to the fourth quarter of 2014, but up 3.1% on a constant currency basis. Adjusted Net Income per share on a diluted basis was $0.82 compared to $0.81 in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Year Ended December 31, 2015 Operating Results

Revenues for the full year decreased 1.8% to $6,172 million due to the impact of foreign exchange, but increased 5.0% on a constant currency basis, compared to 2014.

Revenues within the Buy segment decreased 5.1% to $3,345 million, or increased 5.0% on a constant currency basis. Revenues in the developed markets grew 3.5% on a constant currency basis. Buy emerging markets revenue grew 8.5% on a constant currency basis. The segment’s growth was due to investments in coverage, new client wins and success with retailers.

Revenues within the Watch segment increased 2.2%, or 4.9% on a constant currency basis, to $2,827 million. The growth was primarily driven by 6.4% constant currency growth in Audience Measurement of Video and Text, which is reflective of both marked progress with the company’s Total Audience Measurement strategy and continued investments in our business. The Audio business grew 1.2% while Marketing Effectiveness grew 21.0% for the full year, both on a constant currency basis. Other Watch decreased 14.1% on a constant currency basis as we continue to run off the legacy online rankings products and exit non-core media analytics products.

Net income for the year increased 50.9% to $575 million, an increase of 87.9% on a constant currency basis, compared to 2014. The year over year increase is largely driven by the financial gains of $206 million recorded during the fourth quarter of 2015, as discussed above, as well as fees associated with a debt refinancing during 2014, which were not incurred in 2015. Net income per share, on a diluted basis, was $1.54 compared to $1.00 in the 2014.

Adjusted EBITDA for the year increased 1.1% to $1,858 million, or 7.2% on a constant currency basis, compared to 2014. As a percentage of revenues, adjusted EBITDA grew 89 basis points, or 61 basis points on a constant currency basis, due to the benefit of our ongoing productivity initiatives and the accretive impact of our investments in coverage and analytics.

Adjusted Net Income for the year of $975 million increased 0.5% as compared to 2014, or 8.5% on a constant currency basis. Adjusted Net Income per share on a diluted basis was $2.63 compared to $2.52 in 2014.

Financial Position

As of December 31, 2015, cash balances were $357 million and gross debt was $7,338 million. Net debt (gross debt less cash and cash equivalents) was $6,981 million and our net debt leverage ratio was 3.76x at the end of the year. Net capital expenditures were $401 million for the full year 2015 as compared to $412 million for 2014.

Cash flow from operations increased to $1,179 million for full year of 2015 from $1,093 million in 2014. Free cash flow for the full year 2015 increased to $804 million from $681 million in 2014. The increase in cash flow from operations and free cash flow was due to our continued focus on working capital management as well as the stronger operating performance discussed above. The Company’s free cash flow as a percentage of adjusted net income conversion ratio improved from 70% in 2014 to 82%, exhibiting continued progress to the 90%+ conversion goal.

Capital Allocation

The company repurchased $667 million of its stock during the year. The company has a total of $856 million remaining for repurchase under the existing share repurchase program, including the incremental $500 million authorization announced on December 11, 2015, which it anticipates largely utilizing by the end of 2017.

Conference Call and Webcast

Nielsen will hold a conference call to discuss financial results for its fourth quarter and full year 2015 at 8:00 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time (ET) on February 11, 2016. The audio and slides for the call can be accessed live by webcast at http://nielsen.com/investors or by dialing +1-877-201-0168. Callers outside the U.S. can dial +1-647-788-4901. The passcode for the call is “13858148.” An audio replay and transcript will be available on the investor relations website after 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’, ‘anticipates’, ‘should’, ‘goal’, ‘look’, ‘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, the integration of Arbitron, 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 plc (NYSE: NLSN) is a global performance management company that provides a comprehensive understanding of what consumers watch and buy. Nielsen’s Watch segment provides media and advertising clients with Total Audience measurement services across all devices where content — video, audio and text — is consumed. The Buy segment offers consumer packaged goods manufacturers and retailers the industry’s only global view of retail performance measurement. By integrating information from its Watch and Buy segments and other data sources, Nielsen provides its clients with both world-class measurement as well as analytics that help improve performance. Nielsen, an S&P 500 company, has operations in over 100 countries that cover more than 90 percent of the world’s population.

Results of Operations—(Three and Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014)

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

					Three Months Ended December 31, (Unaudited)								Twelve Months Ended December 31, (Unaudited)
	(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)				2015				2014				2015				2014
	Revenues				$	1,624			$	1,633			$	6,172			$	6,288
	Cost of revenues					654				653				2,539				2,620
	Selling, general and administrative expenses					510				478				1,915				1,917
	Depreciation and amortization					142				148				574				573
	Restructuring charges					8				46				51				89
	Operating income					310				308				1,093				1,089
	Interest income					1				—				4				3
	Interest expense					(80	)			(71	)			(311	)			(300)
	Foreign currency exchange transaction losses, net					(4	)			(39	)			(31	)			(71)
	Other income/(expense), net					206				—				206				(100)
	Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net loss of affiliates					433				198				961				621
	Provision for income taxes					(177	)			(34	)			(383	)			(236)
	Equity in net loss of affiliates					(2	)			(6	)			(3	)			(4)
	Net income					254				158				575				381
	Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests					3				(3	)			5				(3)
	Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders				$	251			$	161			$	570			$	384
	Net income per share of common stock, basic
	Income from continuing operations				$	0.69			$	0.43			$	1.55			$	1.01
	Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders				$	0.69			$	0.43			$	1.55			$	1.01
	Net income per share of common stock, diluted
	Income from continuing operations				$	0.68			$	0.42			$	1.54			$	1.00
	Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders				$	0.68			$	0.42			$	1.54			$	1.00
	Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, basic					363,059,789				377,676,631				366,996,788				379,333,037
	Dilutive shares of common stock					3,436,080				4,164,203				3,961,016				5,038,415
	Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, diluted					366,495,869				381,840,834				370,957,804				384,371,452

Certain Non-GAAP Measures

We use the non-GAAP financial measures discussed below to evaluate the results of our operations. We believe that the presentation of these non-GAAP measures provides useful information to investors regarding financial and business trends related to our results of operations, cash flows and indebtedness and that when this non-GAAP financial information is viewed with our GAAP financial information, investors are provided with a more meaningful understanding of our ongoing operating performance. None of the non-GAAP measures presented should be considered as an alternative to net income or loss, operating income or loss, cash flows from operating activities, total indebtedness or any other measures of operating performance and financial condition, liquidity or indebtedness derived in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP measures have important limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for an analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Our use of these terms may vary from the use of similarly-titled measures by others in our industry due to the potential inconsistencies in the method of calculation and differences due to items subject to interpretation.

Constant Currency Presentation

We evaluate our results of operations on both an as reported and a constant currency basis. The constant currency presentation, which is a non-GAAP measure, excludes the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. We believe providing constant currency information provides valuable supplemental information regarding our results of operations, thereby facilitating period-to-period comparisons of our business performance and is consistent with how management evaluates the company’s performance. We calculate constant currency percentages by converting our prior-period local currency financial results using the current period exchange rates and comparing these adjusted amounts to our current period reported results. No adjustment has been made to foreign currency exchange transaction gains or losses in the calculation of constant currency net income.

The below table presents a reconciliation from revenue on a reported basis to revenue on a constant currency basis for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015.

	(IN MILLIONS)				Three Months Ended December 31, 2015 Reported				Three Months Ended December 31, 2014 Reported				% Variance 2015 vs. 2014 Reported					Three Months Ended December 31, 2014 Constant Currency				% Variance 2015 vs. 2014 Constant Currency
	Revenues by segment
	Developed Markets				$	607			$	611				(0.7	)%			$	579				4.8	%
	Emerging Markets					272				297				(8.4	)%				251				8.4	%
	Buy				$	879			$	908				(3.2	)%			$	830				5.9	%
	Audience Measurement (Video and Text)				$	479			$	459				4.4	%			$	445				7.6	%
	Audio					122				131				(6.9	)%				131				(6.9	)%
	Marketing Effectiveness					88				68				29.4	%				67				31.3	%
	Other Watch					56				67				(16.4	)%				65				(13.8	)%
	Watch				$	745			$	725				2.8	%			$	708				5.2	%
	Total				$	1,624			$	1,633				(0.6	)%			$	1,538				5.6	%

	(IN MILLIONS)				Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2015 Reported				Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2014 Reported				% Variance 2015 vs. 2014 Reported				Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2014 Constant Currency				% Variance 2015 vs. 2014 Constant Currency
	Revenues by segment
	Developed Markets				$	2,301			$	2,390				(3.7	)%		$	2,224				3.5	%
	Emerging Markets					1,044				1,133				(7.9	)%			962				8.5	%
	Buy				$	3,345			$	3,523				(5.1	)%		$	3,186				5.0	%
	Audience Measurement (Video and Text)				$	1,840			$	1,784				3.1	%		$	1,729				6.4	%
	Audio					504				498				1.2	%			498				1.2	%
	Marketing Effectiveness					282				239				18.0	%			233				21.0	%
	Other Watch					201				244				(17.6	)%			234				(14.1	)%
	Watch				$	2,827			$	2,765				2.2	%		$	2,694				4.9	%
	Total				$	6,172			$	6,288				(1.8	)%		$	5,880				5.0	%

The below table presents a reconciliation from Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Net Income on a reported basis to a constant currency basis for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015.

	(IN MILLIONS)				Three Months Ended December 31, 2015 Reported				Three Months Ended December 31, 2014 Reported				% Variance 2015 vs. 2014 Reported					Three Months Ended December 31, 2014 Constant Currency				% Variance 2015 vs. 2014 Constant Currency
	Net Income				$	254			$	158				60.8	%			$	138				84.1	%
	Adjusted EBITDA				$	531			$	524				1.3	%			$	496				7.1	%
	Adjusted Net Income				$	300			$	309				(2.9	) %			$	291				3.1	%

	(IN MILLIONS)				Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2015 Reported				Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2014 Reported				% Variance 2015 vs. 2014 Reported					Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2014 Constant Currency				% Variance 2015 vs. 2014 Constant Currency
	Net Income				$	575			$	381				50.9	%			$	306				87.9	%
	Adjusted EBITDA				$	1,858			$	1,837				1.1	%			$	1,734				7.2	%
	Adjusted Net Income				$	975			$	970				0.5	%			$	899				8.5	%

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Net Income

We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income or loss from our consolidated statements of operations before interest income and expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, equity in net income of affiliates, restructuring charges, goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges, stock-based compensation expense and other non-operating items from our consolidated statements of operations as well as certain other items considered unusual or non-recurring in nature. We use Adjusted EBITDA to measure our performance from period to period both at the consolidated level as well as within our operating segments, to evaluate and fund incentive compensation programs and to compare our results to those of our competitors.

We define Adjusted Net Income as net income or loss from our consolidated statements of operations before income taxes, depreciation and amortization associated with acquired tangible and intangible assets, equity in net income of affiliates, restructuring charges, goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges, other non-operating items from our consolidated statements of operations and certain other items considered unusual or non-recurring in nature, reduced by cash paid for income taxes.

Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net Income per share of common stock are not presentations made in accordance with GAAP.

The below table presents a reconciliation from net income to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Net Income for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively:

					Three Months Ended December 31, (Unaudited)								Twelve Months Ended December 31, (Unaudited)
	(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)				2015				2014				2015					2014
	Net income				$	254			$	158			$	575				$	381
	Interest expense, net					79				71				307					297
	Provision for income taxes					177				34				383					236
	Depreciation and amortization					142				148				574					573
	EBITDA					652				411				1,839					1,487
	Equity in net loss of affiliates					2				6				3					4
	Other non-operating (income)/expense, net					(202)				39				(175)					171
	Restructuring charges					8				46				51					89
	Stock-based compensation expense					9				11				48					47
	Other items(a)					62				11				92					39
	Adjusted EBITDA					531				524				1,858					1,837
	Interest expense, net					(79	)			(71	)			(307	)				(297	)
	Depreciation and amortization					(142	)			(148	)			(574	)				(573	)
	Depreciation and amortization associated with acquisition- related tangible and intangible assets					53				52				205					204
	Cash paid for income taxes					(54	)			(37	)			(159	)				(154	)
	Stock-based compensation expense					(9	)			(11	)			(48	)				(47	)
	Adjusted net income				$	300			$	309			$	975				$	970
	Adjusted net income per share of common stock, diluted				$	0.82			$	0.81			$	2.63				$	2.52
	Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, basic					363,059,789				377,676,631				366,996,788					379,333,037
	Dilutive shares of common stock from stock compensation plans					3,436,080				4,164,203				3,961,016					5,038,415
	Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, diluted.					366,495,869				381,840,834				370,957,804					384,371,452

(a) For the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015, other items consist of a $36 million donation to the Nielsen Foundation, $14 million charge for the partial settlement of certain U.S. pension plans, and other non-recurring costs. For the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2014, other items consist of non-recurring items.

Free Cash Flow

We define free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities, plus the excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation, less capital expenditures, net. We believe providing free cash flow information provides valuable supplemental liquidity information regarding the cash flow that may be available for discretionary use by us in areas such as the distributions of dividends, repurchase of common stock, voluntary repayment of debt obligations or to fund our strategic initiatives, including acquisitions, if any. However, free cash flow does not represent residual cash flows entirely available for discretionary purposes; for example, the repayment of principal amounts borrowed is not deducted from free cash flow. Key limitations of the free cash flow measure include the assumptions that we will be able to refinance our existing debt when it matures and meet other cash flow obligations from financing activities, such as principal payments on debt. Free cash flow is not a presentation made in accordance with GAAP. The following table presents reconciliation from net cash provided by operating activities to free cash flow:

					Three Months Ended December 31, (Unaudited)								Twelve Months Ended December 31, (Unaudited)
	(IN MILLIONS)				2015				2014				2015				2014
	Net cash provided by operating activities				$	401			$	401			$	1,179			$	1,093
	Plus: Excess tax benefit on stock-based compensation					—				—				26				—
	Less: Capital expenditures, net					(95	)			(138	)			(401	)			(412	)
	Free cash flow				$	306			$	263			$	804			$	681

Net Debt and Net Debt Leverage Ratio

The net debt leverage ratio is defined as net debt (gross debt less cash and cash equivalents) as of the balance sheet date divided by Adjusted EBITDA for the twelve months then ended. Net debt and the net debt leverage ratio are commonly used metrics to evaluate and compare leverage between companies and are not presentations made in accordance with GAAP. The calculation of net debt and the net debt leverage ratio as of December 31, 2015 is as follows:

	(IN MILLIONS)
	Gross debt as of December 31, 2015				$	7,338
	Less: cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2015					357
	Net debt as of December 31, 2015				$	6,981
	Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2015				$	1,858
	Net debt leverage ratio as of December 31, 2015					3.76x