Nielsen Posts Downbeat Q1 Results, Lifts Dividend

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Nielsen NV
NLSN
reported weaker-than-expected results for the first quarter on Wednesday. However, the company lifted its quarterly dividend by 12 percent to $0.28 per share. The company posted a quarterly profit of $63 million, or $0.17 per share, versus a year-ago profit of $58 million, or $0.15 per share. Adjusted profit increased to $0.46 per share from $0.43 per share. Its revenue declined 2.1 percent to $1.46 billion, while revenue on a constant currency basis gained 4.4 percent. Analysts were expecting earnings of $0.47 per share on revenue of $1.49 billion. Revenue in Nielsen's Buy segment slipped 4.7 percent, or climbed 5.1 percent on a constant currency basis, to $798 million, while revenue in the Watch segment gained 1.2 percent, or 3.6 percent on a constant currency basis, to $660 million. Adjusted EBITDA rose 1.1 percent year-over-year to $380 million. Free cash flow slipped to $(1) million for the first quarter, versus $13 million in the year-ago quarter. During the quarter, Nielsen repurchased $141 million of its stock. As of March 31, 2015, the company's cash balances were $343 million, while gross debt was $7,347 million. The average estimate among 5 Estimize users was for earnings of $0.48 per share and revenue of $1.5 billion. "Nielsen's first quarter results again illustrate the consistency of our business model and strong execution, with 4.4% total company and 10.0% emerging markets revenue growth on a constant currency basis. These results reflect the 35th consecutive quarter of constant currency revenue growth. In addition, we were pleased to raise our quarterly dividend 12%, as we continue to deliver on our commitment to drive ongoing shareholder value," said Mitch Barns, Chief Executive Officer of Nielsen. Nielsen shares rose 1.73 percent to close at $45.83 yesterday.
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Posted In: EarningsNewsprofit
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