Q3 revenues were up 5% to $1.29 billion for The Nielsen Company, which still has an IPO pending. That gain was 7% on a constant currency basis. The Buy Segment – consumer activity measurement – led the way, with the Watch Segment – radio/TV/online audience measurement – was up only modestly.
Watch revenues increased 1.1% to $418 million, or 3.0% on a constant currency basis. The increase was driven by 13.7% growth in Online and Mobile (14.5% on a constant currency basis) driven by increases in both new and existing customer spending and 10.4% growth in film studio revenues driven by increased volume from existing customers. Television measurement was flat year over year as increases in spending from existing customers were offset by the timing of certain service offerings and planned market closures, the company said.
Buy revenues increased 7.0% to $808 million, or 8.8% on a constant currency basis driven by a 20.3% increase in Developing markets (19.2% on a constant currency basis) and a 1.9% increase in Developed markets (4.6% on a constant currency basis). Nielsen attributed the growth to its customers continuing to expand geographically and increasing their spending on analytical services.
The small Expositions Segment saw revenues grow 8.2% to $63 million, with most of that attributed to trade show timing.
Nielsen reported operating income of $201 million, or $212 million excluding restructuring and impairment charges. That compared to a loss of $326 million a year ago, but a positive $198 million excluding those special charges.
Buy led the company in operating income, with $107 million, while Watch had $81 million and Expositions $29 million.
