Revenue Up for Nielsen, but IPO Costs Lead to Loss

Nielsen has seen an 8.9% increase in revenue to $1.3bn for the first quarter of 2011. Net income rose from $16m to $64m but the firm reported a $181m loss in Q1 due to $206m costs relating to its recent initial public offering (IPO).

The IPO, priced in January at around $23.00 per share, raised about $2.1bn from the sale of 82.1m shares, to pay down debt and for 'general corporate purposes'.

Revenues for the first quarter 2011 were driven by a 9.8% increase in the firm's Buy consumer purchase behavior segment to $815m, with a $2m rise in operating income to $64m.

Its Watch media research division reported a 6.4% increase in revenues to $431m, while operating income increased 15% to $82m.

CEO David Calhoun comments: 'Nielsen delivered solid operating and financial performance in the first quarter. We achieved positive results across all segments and continue to benefit from our global platform and strength within developing markets.'

Web site: www.nielsen.com .