10-K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

(Mark One)

☑ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019

OR

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from              to

Commission file number 001-35042

Nielsen Holdings plc

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

England and Wales	98-1225347
(State of incorporation)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
85 Broad Street New York, New York 10004 (646) 654-5000	Nielsen House John Smith Drive Oxford Oxfordshire, OX4 2WB United Kingdom +1 (646) 654-5000

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of the registrant’s principal executive offices)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Ordinary shares, par value €0.07 per share	NLSN	New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ☑    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ☐    No  ☑

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ☑    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes  ☑    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer	☑	Accelerated filer	☐
Non-accelerated filer	☐	Smaller reporting company	☐
		Emerging Growth Company	☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ☐    No   ☑

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2019, the last day of business of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was $8,033 million, based on the closing sale price of the registrant’s common stock as reported on the New York Stock Exchange on such date of $20.60 per share.

There were 356,368,888 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock outstanding as of January 31, 2020.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement of the registrant to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the general rules and regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, for the 2020 annual meeting of shareholders of the registrant are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Table of Contents

		PAGE
PART I
Item 1.	Business	3
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	17
Item 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments	30
Item 2.	Properties	30
Item 3.	Legal Proceedings	30
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	30
PART II
Item 5.	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	31
Item 6.	Selected Financial Data	33
Item 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	34
Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	60
Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	63
Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	133
Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures	133
Item 9B.	Other Information	133
PART III
Item 10.	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	134
Item 11.	Executive Compensation	134
Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters	134
Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence	134
Item 14.	Principal Accounting Fees and Services	134
PART IV
Item 15.	Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules	135
Item 16.	Form 10-K Summary	135
Signatures		145

1

The terms “Company,” “Nielsen,” “we,” “our” or “us,” as used herein, refer to Nielsen Holdings plc (formerly known as Nielsen N.V.) and our consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise stated or indicated by context. The term “TNC B.V.,” as used herein, refers to The Nielsen Company B.V., the principal subsidiary of Nielsen.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Annual Report on Form 10-K includes forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “plan,” “could,” “may,” “will,” “believe,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “intend,” and other words of similar meaning. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve potential risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are based on our current plans and expectations and are subject to a number of known and unknown uncertainties and risks, many of which are beyond our control, which could significantly affect current plans and expectations and our future financial position and results of operations. These factors include, but are not limited to the factors discussed in Item 1A. Risk Factors of this Form 10-K.

We caution you that the factors discussed in Item 1A. Risk Factors may not contain all of the material factors that are important to you. In addition, in light of these risks and uncertainties, the matters referred to in the forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K may not in fact occur or may prove to be materially different from the expectations expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.

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PART I

Item 1. Business.

Background and Business Overview

We are a leading global measurement and data analytics company. We provide clients with a comprehensive understanding of what consumers watch and what they buy and how those choices intersect.  We deliver critical media and marketing information, analytics and manufacturer and retailer expertise about what and where consumers buy and what consumers read, watch and listen to (consumer interaction across the television, radio, print, online, digital, mobile viewing and listening platforms) on a local and global basis. Our measurement and analytical services help our clients maintain and strengthen their market positions and identify opportunities for profitable growth. We have a presence in more than 100 countries and our services cover more than 90 percent of the globe’s GDP and population.  We have significant investments in resources and associates all over the world, including in many emerging markets, and hold leading market positions in many of our services and geographies. Based on the strength of the Nielsen brand, our scale and the breadth and depth of our solutions, we believe we are the global leader in measuring and analyzing consumer behavior in the segments in which we operate.

Our Company was founded in 1923 by Arthur C. Nielsen, Sr., who invented an approach to measuring competitive sales results that made the concept of “market share” a practical management tool. For nearly a century, we have advanced the practice of market research and media audience measurement to provide our clients a better understanding of their consumers. In January 2011, our Company consummated an initial public offering of our common stock and our shares started trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NLSN”. On August 31, 2015, Nielsen N.V., a Dutch public company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, merged with Nielsen Holdings plc, by way of a cross-border merger under the European Cross-Border Merger Directive, with Nielsen Holdings plc being the surviving company (the “Merger”). The Merger effectively changed the place of incorporation of Nielsen’s publicly traded parent holding company from the Netherlands to England and Wales, with no changes made to the business being conducted by Nielsen prior to the Merger.

Prior to February 2019, we were aligned into two reporting segments: what consumers buy (“Buy”) and what consumers read, watch and listen to (“Watch”). In February 2019, we realigned our business segments from Buy and Watch to Nielsen Global Connect (“Connect”) and Nielsen Global Media (“Media”). Each segment operates as a complete unit—from the conception of a product, through the collection of the data, into the technology and operations, all the way to the data being sold and delivered to the client. Our Connect and Media segments are built on a foundation of proprietary data assets that are designed to yield essential insights for our clients to successfully measure, analyze and grow their businesses. Our segments each consist of two categories: Measure and Predict / Activate in Connect and Audience Measurement and Plan / Optimize in Media.  These categories are based on our core measurement platforms in both Connect and Media, while Predict / Activate and Plan / Optimize are designed to build on our measurement capabilities to enhance client decision-making. These changes better align our external view to our go-forward internal view. Our reportable segments are stated on the new basis and such changes were applied retrospectively. The impact of these changes did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or segment results.

We help our clients enhance their interactions with consumers and make critical business decisions that we believe positively affect their sales and profitability. Our data and analytics solutions, which have been developed through substantial investment over many decades, are deeply embedded into our clients’ workflow. Our long-term client relationships are made up largely of multi-year contracts and high contract renewal rates. The average length of relationship with our top ten clients, which include NBC Universal/ Comcast Corporation, The Coca-Cola Company, Nestle S.A., The Procter & Gamble Company and CBS, is more than 30 years. Typically, before the start of each year, more than 70% of our annual revenue has been committed under contracts in our combined Connect and Media segments.

Our Connect segment provides measurement services, which include our core tracking and scan data (primarily transactional measurement data and consumer behavior information), and analytical services to businesses in the consumer packaged goods (“CPG”) industry. According to Deloitte, the aggregate retail revenue of the Top 250 global retailers approached $4.5 trillion in 2017.  Our Connect services also enable our clients to better manage their brands, uncover new sources of demand, manage their supply chain issues, launch and grow new services, analyze their sales, drive merchandising efficiency and effectiveness in-store and improve their marketing mix and establish more effective consumer relationships. Our data is used by our clients to measure their market share, tracking billions of sales transactions per month in retail outlets around the world. Our extensive database of retail and consumer information, combined with our advanced analytical capabilities, helps generate strategic insights that influence our clients’ key business decisions. Our broad coverage focuses not only on this modern class of global retailer but also the thousands of traditional trade retailers that have significant presence in emerging markets. Within our Connect segment, we have two primary geographic groups, developed and emerging markets. Developed markets primarily include the United States (“U.S.”), Canada, Western Europe, Japan, South Korea and Australia while emerging markets primarily include Africa, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Russia, China, India and Southeast Asia. Our Connect segment represented approximately 47% of our consolidated revenues in 2019.

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Our Media segment provides viewership and listening data and analytics primarily to the media and advertising industries for television, radio, digital and mobile viewing and listening platforms. Our Media data is used by our media clients to understand their audiences, establish the value of their advertising inventory and maximize the value of their content, and by our advertising clients to plan and optimize their spending. Only Nielsen provides a fair playing field for the business of media. Our unbiased metrics create the shared understanding of the industry required for markets to function. We are the One Media Truth. According to ZenithOptimedia, a leading global media services agency, total global spending on advertising, including Linear TV, print, radio, out-of-home, cinema, and digital (i.e, search, online video, social media, and mobile platforms) is projected to reach $670 billion by 2020. Our Media data is used by our media clients to understand their audiences, establish the value of their advertising inventory and maximize the value of their content and by our advertising clients to plan, transact, and optimize their media spending. In our Media segment, our ratings are the primary metrics used to determine the value of programming and advertising in the U.S. television advertising marketplace. According to eMarketer, U.S. TV ad spending is expected to be $70 billion in 2019. Including the U.S., our technology is used to measure television viewing in 34 countries. We also measure markets that account for approximately 70% of global TV ad spend and offer measurement and analytic services in 57 countries, including the U.S., where we are the market leader. Our ratings are also the primary metrics used to determine the value of programming and advertising in the U.S. radio advertising marketplace.  According to eMarketer, U.S. Radio ad spend is expected to be $13.9 billion in 2019. Lastly, our ratings are used by 23 of the top 25 Global Advertisers for digital campaigns to help determine the value of advertising in the premium Digital Video Marketplace. According to eMarketer, U.S. Digital ad revenues rose to approximately $129 billion in 2019. Our Media segment represented approximately 53% of our consolidated revenue in 2019.      

On November 3, 2019, our Board of Directors completed its strategic review and approved a plan to spin-off Connect, creating two independent, publicly traded companies. As independent, publicly traded companies, each business will be smaller and less diversified with a narrower business focus and may be more vulnerable to changing market conditions. The proposed spin-off is subject to certain conditions, including, among others, the receipt of final Board of Directors approval, receipt of an opinion from counsel and/or ruling regarding the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the distribution, the effectiveness of a Form 10 registration statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the approval of the Company’s shareholders and works council consultations.

Services and Solutions

What Consumers Buy

Our Connect segment provides retail transactional measurement data, consumer behavior information and analytics primarily to businesses in the CPG industry. Within our Connect segment, in 2019, 62% of revenues came from Developed markets and 38% came from Emerging markets. For the year ended December 31, 2019, revenues from our Connect segment represented approximately 47% of our consolidated revenues. This segment has historically generated stable revenue streams that are characterized by multi-year contracts and high contract renewal rates. At the beginning of each year, approximately 60% of the segment’s revenue base for the upcoming year is typically committed under existing agreements. Our top five segment clients represented approximately 16% of our segment revenues for the year ended December 31, 2019 and the average length of relationship with these same clients is over 30 years. No single client accounted for 5% or more of our Connect segment revenues in 2019.

Our retail and manufacturing clients face a business environment that is constantly evolving. New channels are emerging and innovative, nimble competitors are taking advantage of new consumer trends to capture market share. Consumers have better access to information on products and pricing than ever before. Assets that were previously barriers to entry and sources of competitive advantage like scale, global reach and an estate of physical stores can turn into liabilities that hamper the ability to compete with new models.

The advancements in technology that underpin these changes also hold opportunities. There has been a proliferation in the amount of data to help understand consumers better, reach them in a more personal way and make smarter, more actionable decisions. Harnessing this complex and varied amount of data demands new approaches and connectivity. Our clients need to:

• know their consumers and shoppers even better

• move faster

• align their teams and vendors

• win in omni-channel

• make smarter decisions and investments

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To help our clients meet these challenges, we launched Nielsen Connect, to connect the most comprehensive measurement of consumer behavior with built-in analytics that feed an ecosystem of applications to drive activation. We believe that Nielsen Connect will help our clients move quickly from understanding what is happening in their markets and why to knowing what next steps will improve performance. Nielsen Connect will be:

• Open: The system makes it easy to integrate data from any source and equally easy to extract data to be used in other systems. The system also supports a Connected Partner Program - an ecosystem of companies serving CPG/retail and incorporating Nielsen data in their solutions which makes it easy for clients to connect their network of partners.

• Simple: Intuitive design and alerts makes the system simple to use while focusing on the user’s key performance indicators. Analytics are presented to the user in a way that is easy to interpret.

• Flexible: Utilities in the platform allow clients to enrich data, produce customized views and plug in their own tools and applications.

• Actionable: Supporting an ecosystem of applications from Nielsen and partners so that clients can focus on execution. Guided workflows make collaboration across teams (and suppliers) quicker and smoother.

For our clients this means:

• One version of the truth across the enterprise through integrated data

• Teams that are connected and informed of the actions of other teams

• Access to analytics that are at the center of everyday decisions

• A cost-efficient approach that delivers profitable growth

Retail Measurement Services

We are a global leader in retail measurement services. Our retail sales data provides market share, competitive sales volumes, and insights into such activities as distribution, pricing, merchandising and promotion. By combining this detailed information with our in-house expertise (including world class data science methodologies and granular product and location reference data) and professional consultative services, we produce valuable insights that help our clients improve their manufacturing, marketing, distribution and sales decisions and grow their market share.

Depending on the sophistication of each country’s retailer systems, we collect retail sales information from stores using electronic point-of-sale technology and/or teams of local field auditors. Stores within our worldwide retail network include grocery, drug, convenience, discount, some wholesalers, specialty and eCommerce retailers, who, through various cooperation arrangements, share their sales data with us. The electronic retail sales information collected by stores through checkout scanners is transmitted directly to us. In certain emerging markets where electronic retail sales information is unavailable, we utilize field auditors to collect information through in-store inventory and price checks. For eCommerce retailers where electronic retail sales information is unavailable, we are increasingly using consumer sourced data to collect information by leveraging proven expertise developed in our Consumer Panel business. For all information we collect, our stringent quality control systems validate and confirm the source data. The data is then processed into databases that clients access using our proprietary software that allows them to query the information, conduct customized analysis and generate reports and alerts.

Consumer Panel Measurement

We maintain consumer panels around the world that help our clients understand consumer purchasing dynamics at the household level. Among other things, this information offers insight into shopper behavior such as trial and repeat purchase for new products, brand or retailer loyalty, and customer segmentation. In addition, our panel data augments our retail measurement information, providing blinded but detailed household demographics and can provide data in circumstances where we do not collect data from certain retailers.

Our consumer panels collect data from more than 250,000 household panelists across 24 countries, using a combination of in-home scanners and a mobile application to record purchases from each shopping trip. In the U.S., for example, a demographically balanced set of approximately 100,000 households participate in the panel. Data received from household panels undergo a quality control process including UPC verification and validation, before being processed into databases and reports.  Clients may access these databases to perform analyses.

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Analytical Services

Utilizing our foundation of consumer purchasing information, we provide a wide and growing selection of consumer intelligence and analytical services that help clients make smarter business decisions throughout their product development and marketing cycles. We draw actionable insights from our retail and consumer panel measurement data sets, our online behavioral information, as well as a variety of other proprietary data sets.

Using our comprehensive and granular data, along with advanced modeling techniques and propriety AI, Nielsen provides our clients with the analysis that can identify trends, provide real-time insights and even predict the future. We answer our clients most pressing questions - including what innovative products to build, where to place, how to price and when to promote. With these answers, we help clients influence purchase decisions that shoppers make whether it be pre-store, in-store or online, and provide insights on how to market effectively along a shopper’s path to purchase. We also help clients drive profitable brand and store growth using demand-driven strategies that close the gap between consumer demand and sales.

What Consumers Watch

Our Media segment provides viewership and listening data and analytics primarily to the media and advertising industries across the television, radio, print, online, digital and mobile viewing and listening platforms. For the year ended December 31, 2019, revenues from our Media segment represented approximately 53% of our consolidated revenues. This segment has historically generated stable revenue streams that are characterized by multi-year contracts and high contract renewal rates. At the beginning of each year, approximately 80% of the segment’s revenue base for the upcoming year is committed under existing agreements. Our top five clients represented approximately 20% of segment revenues for the year ended December 31, 2019 and the average length of relationship with these same clients is more than 30 years. No customer accounted for 5% or more of our Media segment revenues in 2019.

We have aligned our Media solutions across the key activities of Content Discovery, Planning, Activation, and Audience and Outcomes Measurement.

Content Discovery

Gracenote, a Nielsen company, is a leading entertainment data and technology provider. At its core, Gracenote helps connect people with the digital entertainment they love. Its deep descriptive metadata across music, video and sports helps power advanced navigation, search and discovery experiences for media companies, consumer electronics manufacturers, automakers, cable and satellite TV operators and OTT services.

Gracenote’s best-in-class metadata, services and technologies let customers make media more accessible to and discoverable by audiences across all platforms, products and services. Applying a balance of AI-powered techniques and human editors, Gracenote creates, collects, normalizes and intelligently organizes the world’s entertainment data across TV shows, movies, celebrities, sports, teams, athletes, artists, albums and tracks. Its global entertainment data portfolio features descriptions of more than 100 million music tracks, TV listings across 87 countries plus factual data and imagery for tens of millions of video programs, as well as statistics for 4,500 sport leagues and competitions. Additionally, Gracenote powers the infotainment experience in more than 120 million automobiles around the world.

Planning

Nielsen has a portfolio of solutions that enable clients to create optimized media plans to reach their desired audiences.

Nielsen Ad Intel provides competitive advertising intelligence across traditional and digital media in 35 markets around the globe and can provide information for more than 80 markets globally.  By providing ad campaign brand details, audience exposure and estimated advertising spend data, we furnish clients with unique insights for competitive brand and advertising creative activity, for shifts in advertising spend among media types, channels and brands, and for advertising sales lead generation.  In the U.S., Ad Intel determines the commercial minutes for the national television currency.  Internationally, clients utilize Ad Intel’s ad spend as a secondary measure to the television currency.  Furthermore, Ad Intel’s brand schedules form the basis for many other Nielsen products and services.

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Nielsen Media Impact is an omni-channel planning system, providing insights about target audiences across platforms and devices, to optimize media plans to achieve advertising campaign objectives.  Nielsen Media Impact is a tool for understanding how various media can be used together most effectively in a media plan to achieve reach, frequency and brand or sales impact.   With Media Impact, clients can identify the most effective channels for messaging to consumers, optimize channel mix with reach and impact, quantify impact by media channel and leverage impact data to improve tactical planning.  In the U.S., Nielsen Media Impact is fueled by Total Media Fusion, a granular, comprehensive data set of audiences and media behaviors across TV, digital, radio, print, digital place based and cinema, designed specifically for media planning and analytics.  Nielsen Media Impact is a tool for media agencies, advertisers and media owners and is currently available in 11international markets, with more planned for 2020. Local Nielsen Media Impact, a local planning system, is available in 44 markets within the U.S. with additional U.S. markets planned for 2020. Local Nielsen Media Impact utilizes Local Media Fusion, a respondent level data set of audiences and media behaviors across TV and radio at the local market level.

In addition to the services described above, we also provide qualitative information about consumers, including their lifestyles, shopping patterns, and use of media in local markets and across the U.S. We market these services to customers of our syndicated radio and television ratings services who wish to demonstrate the target ability and value of their audience. We also market our quantitative and qualitative audience and consumer information to customers outside of our traditional base, including newspapers; advertising agencies; the advertising sales organizations of local cable television companies; national cable and broadcast television networks; out-of-home media sales organizations; sports teams and leagues; marketers and advertisers.  

Qualitative media insights applications include marketing, cross-platform, prospecting, planning/buying, sales, news, promotions, programming and editorial.  Beyond demonstrating audience targeting, value and media planning, qualitative information provides advertiser insights into the areas of promotions, marketing, brand management, multiculturalism, product development, shopper insights and sponsorship.

We currently provide syndicated local qualitative measurement in 208 U.S. markets, as well as Puerto Rico.

Activation

We offer over 25,000 syndicated segments representing different demographics, psychographics, media consumption and buying behavior along with thousands of additional custom segments.  From top funnel insights, describing demographics, economic and job related parameters, to mid funnel insights describing content that viewers have expressed interest in, such as TV shows watched, restaurants dined at, stores shopped, etc. to insights on expressed intent.  These audiences describe individuals with high propensity of exhibiting future behaviors such as purchasing a specific car model, a financial product, airline tickets, and more.  

We enable these segments in a vast array of buying platforms currently connected to Nielsen’s Data Management Platform.  The Nielsen Marketing Cloud is Nielsen’s platform for the custom creation of audiences and activation of those audiences for campaign delivery.  The Nielsen Marketing Cloud empowers brands, agencies and media companies to connect more deeply with customers by combining Nielsen’s world-class data, analytics, media planning, marketing activation and data management platform (DMP) capabilities in a single cloud platform.  

Our clients can connect directly to our Nielsen Marketing Cloud to identify desired syndicated targeting or created custom targets using their own first party data, unlocking the unique target combinations and using our insights as analytics and ROI tools.  Nielsen Marketing Cloud clients gain exclusive access to granular Nielsen data, which powers audience insights at a much higher degree of detail than is available anywhere else.  

Audience Measurement

Television Audience Measurement

We are the global leader in television audience measurement. In the U.S., which is by far the world’s largest market for television programming, broadcasters and cable networks use our television audience ratings as the primary currency to establish the value of their airtime and more effectively schedule and promote their programming. Advertisers use this information to plan television advertising campaigns, evaluate the effectiveness of their commercial messages and negotiate advertising rates.

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We provide two principal television ratings services in the U.S.: measurement of national television audiences and measurement of local television audience’s local television markets. We use various methods to collect the data from households including set-top-box data and electronic meters, which provide minute-by-minute viewing information for next day consumption by our clients. These households with electronic meters are meticulously identified using the U.S. Census as a model in order to properly and accurately model our national and local ratings. These methods enable us to collect not only television device viewing data but also the demographics of the audience (i.e., who in the household is watching), from which we calculate statistically reliable and accurate estimates of total television viewership. We have made significant investments over decades to build an infrastructure that can accurately and efficiently track television audience viewing, a process that has become increasingly complex as the industry has converted to digital transmission and integrated new technologies allowing for developments such as time-shifted viewing.

Our measurement techniques are constantly evolving to account for new television viewing behavior, increased fragmentation and new media technologies. For example, to help advertisers and programmers understand time-shifted viewing behavior, we created the Average Commercial Minute (ACM) ratings, which is a measure of how many people watch commercials during live and time-shifted viewing, through 3 days ("C3"), 7 days ("C7"), and up to 35 days (“C35”). The C3 and C7 ratings are the primary metrics for buying and selling advertising on national broadcast television.

Our technology is used to measure television viewing in 34 countries outside the U.S., including Sweden, Mexico, South Korea, Thailand, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Italy and Poland. The international television audience measurement industry operates on a different model than in the U.S. In many international markets, a joint industry committee of broadcasters in each individual country selects a single official audience measurement provider, which is designated the “currency” through an organized bidding process that is typically revisited every several years. We have strong relationships in these countries and see a significant opportunity to expand our presence into additional countries around the world.

Audio Audience Measurement

We provide independent measurement and consumer research primarily servicing radio, advertisers and advertising agencies in the audio industry. We estimate the size and composition of radio audiences in local markets and of audiences to network radio programming and commercials in the U.S. We refer to our local and network radio audience ratings services, collectively, as our “syndicated radio ratings services.” We provide our syndicated radio ratings services in local markets in the U.S. to radio broadcasters, advertising agencies, and advertisers. Our national services estimate the size and demographic composition of national radio audiences and the size and composition of audiences of network radio programs and commercials. Broadcasters use our data primarily to price and sell advertising time, and advertising agencies and advertisers use our data in purchasing advertising time.

We have developed our electronic Portable People MeterTM (“PPM®”) technology, which we deploy across many of our customer offerings and have licensed to other media information services companies to use in their media audience ratings services in countries outside of the U.S. We have commercialized our PPM ratings service in 48 of the largest radio markets in the U.S. Nielsen's PPM technology is also used commercially for National TV Out-of-Home, as well as integrated into Local TV measurement in 2019 in 44 local markets.

Digital Audience Measurement

We are a global provider of digital media and market research, audience analytics and social media measurement. We employ a variety of measurement offerings in the various markets in which we operate to provide digital publishers, internet and media companies, marketers and retailers with metrics to better understand the behavior of online audiences. Through a combination of patented panel and census data collection methods, we measure and study the internet surfing, online buying, and video viewing (including television content) of digital audiences. In addition to measuring overall internet usage, Nielsen is the only company that has a Media Ratings Council (“MRC”) accredited age and gender people measurement across its U.S. Digital Ad Ratings and U.S. Digital in TV Ratings Services; Digital Content Ratings leverages the same privacy-protected MRC-accredited methodology as Nielsen Digital Ad Ratings. Nielsen’s Digital Ad Ratings are now in 35 countries, with Israel being the latest market to launch.

Since 2010, Nielsen has been providing innovative census measurement in cooperation with third party data enrichment providers such as Facebook. Digital Ad Ratings provides age and gender audience demographics, with key metrics such as reach, frequency, GRPs and on-target percentage. Our digital content metrics are consistent with TV and cover audience metrics such as reach and average audience, views, time spent and frequency.

Mobile Measurement

We provide independent measurement and consumer research for telecom and media companies in the mobile telecommunications industry. Clients, principally mobile carriers and device manufacturers, rely upon our data to make consumer marketing, competitive strategy and resource allocation decisions. In the U.S., our metrics are a leading indicator for mobile behaviors and attitudes, customer satisfaction, device share, service network quality, revenue share, and other key performance indicators. We also benchmark the end-to-end consumer experience to pinpoint problem areas in the service chain, track key performance metrics for mobile devices and identify key market opportunities.

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To address the rapid growth of mobile internet consumption, we have deployed a combination of panel and census based measurement to capture internet, video and other media on mobile, smartphone, and tablet devices. In the U.S., Nielsen has deployed our mobile software development kit (SDK) to offer a comprehensive mobile advertising and content measurement for our media clients. In addition, our census demographic measurement uses the world's largest mobile demographic data set through our data enrichment providers. We offer mobile measurement and analytic services in 35 countries worldwide, including the U.S., where we are a leader in the market for mobile audience measurement, and are focused on expanding our presence in other markets.

Nielsen Total Audience Measurement

Consumer choice is driving how content is viewed, and it is fundamentally changing the business of TV, advertising, and measurement. We are connecting all of our video measurement capabilities together in a comprehensive solution covering clients “total audience” for content and campaigns across all consumer access points.  We are also providing the industry’s first comparable metrics, which provides true comparability across TV & Digital.  These metrics have been developed to enable more flexible business models that support both linear and dynamic models of delivering ads and content in which the industry can choose on how best to leverage to transact billions of advertising transactions against.  Total Content Ratings combines the total audience for a program or content across platforms and ad loads, including Subscription Video on Demand (“SVOD”).  Total Ad Ratings includes ratings for ads across TV and digital platforms, coupling Digital Ad Ratings data with Nielsen TV Ratings data to deliver accurate reporting of audiences across screens.  

Advanced Video Advertising

At a time when linear TV viewership is experiencing seismic shifts, Nielsen intends to bring a complete addressable advanced video advertising platform to market, enabling real time targeted ad replacement in live linear TV across connected, enabled Smart TVs. Nielsen is currently in the beta phase of its Addressable TV Ad platform roll-out. This is a first step towards unlocking the potential of linear addressable TV advertising with programmer clients who will help us gather valuable feedback to allow for continued developments and enhancements of the solution, and prepare for commercial launch in the second half of 2020.  

We believe Nielsen’s Addressable TV Ad platform will provide benefits across the entire media chain, from ad detection and replacement, to campaign and inventory management and ad decisioning and forecasting tools aimed at yield optimization. The Nielsen Addressable TV Ad platform is intended to be integrated across all Smart TV brands and into all existing broadcast infrastructures and agency workflows to unlock the full value of linear.  

By unlocking addressable inventory, we believe media sellers will enable maximum delivery of ROI to advertisers across both linear and addressable TV impressions. Programmers should be able to establish whether certain addressable ad loads are open to single or multiple advertisers, and manage campaign pacing. Our open and flexible approach is intended to also allow brands and agencies to ingest various third-party data sets to create target audiences, upload ad creative and manage ad budgets, pricing, pacing and frequency capping through the platform.  

Nielsen Brand Effect

Nielsen Digital Brand Effect allows the entire digital media ecosystem, including advertisers, agencies and media owners, to collaborate to validate and optimize advertising spend in real time. We use brand lift metrics to quantify the effectiveness of advertising and determine “resonance” or the extent to which a specific campaign has shifted consumer perception against its primary marketing objective, including awareness, attitudes, favorability, intent and preference. Additionally, our Expanded View module provides in-depth creative diagnostics to understand the “why” behind the “what.” These services provide clients with a holistic assessment of their digital marketing and strategic insight into how to improve it.

Nielsen Social Content Ratings

Nielsen Social Content Ratings® (“SCR”) is the leading provider of social engagement and video performance measurement for TV networks, agencies and advertisers. With social media transforming the traditional TV viewing experience, SCR provides the most complete view of consumer trends and habits, helping the industry measure, understand and act on social TV. In addition to measuring Facebook, Instagram and Twitter interactions around series, specials and televised sports events, SCR also includes always-on measurement of social conversations about sports. With this solution, clients can leverage fully syndicated metrics for benchmarking and social performance insights across networks, programs, teams, and leagues. Metrics are available via a syndicated dashboard in the US, Italy, Australia, and Mexico. Measurement includes all televised programming from the most popular broadcast and cable networks, original programming from SVOD providers and TV insights related to consumer brands and theatrically released movies. In 2019, SCR introduced View Count metrics, expanded measurement of Instagram talent accounts and became the industry's exclusive provider of social performance insights for sports around televised games and outside the linear window.

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NCSolutions & Nielsen Buyer Insights

Nielsen has the most comprehensive Advertising Effectiveness Measurement in the industry.  We have pioneered the transition of demographic only insights to purchase behavior enhanced metrics.  Through these industry leading ventures, Nielsen delivers the broadest and deepest coverage of ROI and Media Planning across various industries, including, but not limited to, CPG, Restaurant, Retail, Travel and Pharmacy. Nielsen delivers on the deepest granular insights down to the merchant and UPC level (where applicable) against single source matched, demographically accurate viewership data.  NCSolutions (“NCS”), our joint venture with Catalina Marketing Corporation (“Catalina”), and Nielsen Buyer Insights product suites are utilized by every major media company in the U.S. for Upfronts, research, industry events and everyday negotiations.  

NCS measures the effectiveness of advertising across all media.  NCS helps advertisers and agencies define their customer once and find them everywhere.  NCS enables the CPG industry to activate on their best customers based on actual prior purchases data and match that to the very same shopper's media exposure, then measure the sales impact of the campaign. NCS has conducted several thousand studies for 200 advertisers and 450+ brands to optimize ad performance and drive revenue growth and increase return on ad spend. In December 2018, Catalina and certain of its affiliates (the “Catalina debtors”) commenced a “prepackaged” case under chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. On January 30, 2019, the Bankruptcy Court confirmed the joint chapter 11 plan of the Catalina debtors.  On February 15, 2019, the Catalina debtors emerged from bankruptcy following the amendment of the NCS Joint Venture agreement, which amendment reaffirms both parents’ commitment to NCS and also enhances both parents’ flexibility in going to market with effectiveness products and services.

Outcomes Measurement

Nielsen’s outcome measurement solutions deliver the ROI metrics marketers need to improve strategic planning decisions and optimize tactics with data driven insights. Working across industries like CPG, Retail, Automotive, Travel, Financial Services, and more, Nielsen delivers the broadest and deepest coverage of ROI in the industry with unmatched speed, data access and channel coverage.

Nielsen Marketing Mix Modeling enables companies of all sizes to understand past trends, predict the future effect of marketing tactics on sales and optimize budget allocation across channels, brands and regions.

Nielsen Attribution collects person-level performance data from addressable marketing channels and devices. Advanced analytic models measure the influence of every addressable channel and granular tactic on multiple success metrics and key audience segments. With some models updated as often as daily, marketers use near real-time data to optimize marketing tactics and media spend allocation while campaigns are still in-flight.

Nielsen Campaign Lift makes a direct connection between the media people consume and the products they buy. We offer the only solution on the market that uses credit and debit sales data, loyalty card data and/or store data to measure campaign performance. Campaign Lift allows marketers to measure how exposure to advertising impacts consumer purchase behavior, including average spend, trip frequency and more, to maximize the revenue outcome of advertising initiatives.

Competitive Advantages

We are faced with a number of competitors in the markets in which we operate. Some of our competitors in each market may have substantially greater financial, marketing and other resources than we do and may benefit from other competitive advantages. See “Competitive Landscape” and “Risk Factors.” We face increasing competition, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.  Notwithstanding the challenges presented by the competitive landscape, we believe that we have several competitive advantages, including the following:

Global Scale and Brand. We provide a breadth of information and insights about consumers covering approximately 90 percent of all population and GDP globally.  In our Connect segment, we track billions of sales transactions per month in retail outlets in more than 100 countries around the world. We also have approximately 250,000 household panelists across 25 countries. In our Media segment, our ratings are the primary metrics used to determine the value of programming and advertising in the U.S. television advertising marketplace. According to eMarketer, U.S. TV ad spend is expected to be $70 billion in 2019. We believe our footprint, independence, credibility and leading market positions will continue to contribute to our long-term growth and strong operating margins as the number and role of multinational companies expand. Our scale is supported by our global brand, which is defined by the original Nielsen code created by our founder, Arthur C. Nielsen, Sr.: impartiality, thoroughness, accuracy, integrity, economy, price, delivery and service.

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Strong, Diversified Client Relationships. Many of the world’s largest brands rely on us as their information and analytics provider to create value for their business. We maintain long-standing relationships and multi-year contracts with high renewal rates due to the value of the services and solutions we provide. In our Connect segment, our clients include the largest CPG and merchandising companies in the world such as The Coca-Cola Company, Nestle S.A., and The Procter & Gamble Company, as well as leading retail chains such as Carrefour, Tesco, and Walmart. In our Media segment, our client base includes leading broadcast, radio, cable and internet companies such as CBS, Discover Inc., Disney/ABC/Fox, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, NBC Universal/Comcast, Fox Corporation, Time Warner, Univision and Yahoo!; leading advertising agencies such as WPP, IPG, Omnicom, and Publicis; leading telecom companies such as AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint; and leading automotive companies such as Ford, Toyota and Renault. The average length of relationship with our top 10 clients across both our Connect and Media segments is more than 30 years. In addition, due to our growing presence in emerging markets, we have cultivated strong relationships with local market leaders that can benefit from our services as they expand globally. Our strong client relationships provide both a foundation for recurring revenues as well as a platform for growth.

Enhanced Data Assets and Measurement Science. Our extensive portfolio of transactional and consumer behavioral data across our Connect and Media segments enables us to provide critical information to our clients. For decades, we have employed advanced measurement methodologies that yield statistically accurate information about consumer behavior while having due regard for their privacy. Our particular expertise in panel measurement includes a proven methodology to create statistically accurate research insights that are statistically representative of designated audiences. This expertise is a distinct advantage as we extrapolate more precise insights from emerging large-scale census databases to provide greater granularity and segmentation for our clients. We continue to enhance our core competency in measurement science by improving research approaches and investing in new methodologies. We have also invested significantly in our data architecture to enable the integration of distinct large-scale census data sets including those owned by third parties. We believe that our expertise, established standards and increasingly granular and comprehensive data assets provide us with a distinct advantage as we deliver more precise insights to our clients.

Innovation. We have focused on innovation to deepen our capabilities, expand in new and emerging forms of measurement, enhance our analytical offerings and capitalize on industry trends across our Connect and Media businesses.  

In Media, we are investing in our total audience measurement framework, connecting all of our video, audio, and text measurement capabilities across digital and television platforms for both ad campaigns (Total Ad Ratings) and content (Total Content Ratings) across all consumer access points.  These measurement offerings allow content providers and advertisers to understand their true reach across and among all platforms using a combination of Nielsen's gold standard panels and census-based measurement.  We have also taken a “total” approach to Ad Intel by partnering with a global data provider to add digital data into the service alongside TV, radio and print.  We are working with our clients to help maximize the value of the data we give to them by allowing them to evaluate new distribution options (e.g., the Apple TV, Roku, Game Console breakout) as well as understanding the true impact and audiences of their content when sent to SVOD. The continued expansion of our Nielsen campaign ratings service provides “reach” metrics for TV and digital campaign ratings, and can offer advertisers and media companies a unique measurement of unduplicated audiences for their advertising and programming across television and online viewing.

Nielsen is also incorporating large census-level data into all of its services and products.  We have been using Return Path Data in different areas of Nielsen over the last five years, for example, in Digital Ad Ratings and Digital Content Ratings along with our marketing effectiveness/ROI services.  Nielsen has incorporated Return Path Data for Local Television in 164 local markets, as well as the inclusion of PPM in 44 markets. This resulted in the retirement of the use of paper diaries for TV audience measurement in 2018. In 2019 Nielsen completed a multi-year effort to transform local TV measurement in all 208 markets. Due to the significant deficiencies in this data, Nielsen’s Data Science teams have created a number of statistical models to correct for all of the limitations of this data, including how to calibrate and validate against it which enables us to continue to produce quality person’s based ratings for the marketplace.

On the planning side, Nielsen Media Impact, a state of the art cross media planning system that integrates reach and effectiveness data, which provides the analytics capability tied to our total audience measurement data to enable buyers and sellers to more effectively transact on advertising sales.  It helps agencies, media owners, and advertisers to better plan, activate and optimize the value of their media investments.  It is also the first solution in the industry that has created the first currency-quality, respondent level planning dataset and software solution that is configurable from top to bottom for clients that want proprietary solutions.  

Nielsen is the premier global provider of analytics and insights in sport sponsorships.  Nielsen Sports America provides critical data about the value of sponsorships to help clients make better, smarter business decisions.  

While technology is changing the path to purchase and generating massive volumes of data to sift through, Nielsen is helping our clients navigate this changing landscape and answer critical questions through Nielsen Connect. Nielsen Connect is an open, cloud-based platform which allows clients to quickly determine what’s happened to their business, the reason behind sales and share changes and then what they should do next through analytic apps that support everyday decisions around innovation, distribution, price, promotion and media.  Retail and manufacturer clients will both have access to Nielsen Connect enabling a high degree of collaboration.  We have also further enhanced our information and analytics delivery platform, Nielsen Answers On Demand, to enable the management of consumer loyalty programs for retail clients.

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Nielsen is also on a path to measure the “Total Consumer,” which means offline and online purchases, all outlets, retail, and out of home consumption.  Nielsen’s e-commerce measurement solution is a combination of Nielsen retail data cooperators; multiple consumer-sourced data sets and demand related analytics that will provide the industry a leading measure of e-commerce channel performance for both retailers and manufacturers.  These data sources, married with Nielsen’s best in class data science will enable an integrated, calibrated and projectable measurement solution.  The retail data cooperators are across a spectrum of channels ranging from pure play, club, mass, specialty, drug, and food.  This solution will provide an integrated view of consumer insights, in addition to the market measurement, through consumer level purchase data.

Scalable Operating Model. Our global presence and operating model allow us to scale our services and solutions rapidly and efficiently. We have a long track record of establishing leading services that can be quickly expanded across clients, markets and geographies. Our global operations and technology organization enables us to achieve faster, higher quality outcomes for clients in a cost-efficient manner. Our flexible architecture allows us to incorporate leading third-party technologies as well as data from external sources, and enables our clients to use our technology and solutions on their own technology platforms. In addition, we work with leading technology partners such as Microsoft, IBM, Tata Consultancy Services and other technology providers, which allows for greater quality in client offerings and efficiency in our global operations.

Industry Trends

We believe companies, including our clients, require an increasing amount of data and analytics to set strategy and direct operations. This has resulted in a large market for business information and insight which we believe will continue to grow. Our clients are media, advertising and CPG companies in the large and growing markets. We believe that significant economic, technological, demographic and competitive trends facing consumers and our clients will provide a competitive advantage to our business and enable us to capture a greater share of our significant market opportunity. We may not be able to realize these opportunities if these trends do not continue or if we are otherwise unable to execute our strategies. See “Risk Factors – We may be unable to adapt to significant technological changes which could adversely affect our business” and “Risk Factors – Our international operations are exposed to risks which could impede growth in the future.”

Emerging markets present significant expansion opportunities. Brand marketers are focused on attracting new consumers in emerging countries as a result of the fast-paced population growth of the middle class in these regions. In addition, the retail trade in these markets is quickly evolving from small, local formats toward larger, more modern formats with electronic points of sale, a similar evolution to what occurred in developed markets over the last several decades. We provide established measurement methodologies to help give CPG companies, retailers and media companies an accurate understanding of local consumers to allow them to harness growing consumer buying power in markets like Brazil, India and China.

Demographic shifts and changes in spending behavior are altering the consumer landscape. Consumer demographics and related trends are constantly evolving globally, leading to changes in consumer preferences and the relative size and buying power of major consumer groups. Shifts in population size, age, racial composition, family size and relative wealth are causing marketers continuously to re-evaluate and reprioritize their consumer marketing strategies. We track and interpret consumer demographics that help enable our clients to engage more effectively with their existing consumers as well as forge new relationships with emerging segments of the population.

The media landscape is dynamic and changing. Consumers are rapidly changing their media consumption patterns. The growing availability of the internet, and the proliferation of new formats and channels such as mobile devices, social networks and other forms of user-generated media have led to an increasingly fragmented consumer base that is more difficult to measure and analyze. In addition, simultaneous usage of more than one screen is becoming a regular aspect of daily consumer media consumption. We have effectively measured and tracked media consumption through numerous cycles in the industry’s evolution – from broadcast to cable, from analog to digital, from offline to online and from live to time-shifted, from in-home to out-of-home, and Video On Demand/Subscription Video On Demand. We believe our distinct ability to provide independent audience measurement and metrics across television, radio, online and mobile platforms helps clients better understand, adapt to and profit from the continued transformation of the global media landscape.

Consumers are more connected, informed and in control. More than three-quarters of the world’s homes have access to television and there are approximately 3.5 billion internet users around the globe. Advances in technology have given consumers a greater level of control of when, where and how they consume information and interact with media and brands. They can compare products and prices instantaneously and have new avenues to learn about, engage with and purchase products and services. These shifts in behavior create significant complexities for our clients. Our broad portfolio of measurement and analytical services enables our clients to engage consumers with more impact and efficiency, influence consumer purchasing decisions and actively participate in and shape conversations about their brands.

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Increasing amounts of consumer information are leading to new marketing approaches. The advent of the internet and other digital platforms has created rapid growth in consumer data that is expected to intensify as more entertainment and commerce are delivered across these platforms. As a result, companies are looking for real-time access to more granular levels of data to understand growth opportunities more quickly and more precisely. This presents a significant opportunity for us to work with companies to effectively manage, integrate and analyze large amounts of information and extract meaningful insights that allow marketers to generate profitable growth.

Consumers are looking for greater value. When it comes to the products consumers choose to buy, the consideration set has grown. Access to information and technology have transformed the way brands can build trust with and appeal to consumers, as exemplified by the rise in omnichannel shopping and the demand for personalized shopper experiences.. Today, consumers desire products that meet very specific needs. This increased focus on product attributes is causing manufacturers, retailers and media companies to re-evaluate brand positioning, value propositions and factors that drive loyalty. We believe companies will increasingly look to our broad range of consumer purchasing insights and analytics to more precisely and effectively measure consumer behavior and target their products and marketing offers to meet the right combination of needs.

The Rise of Online Brand Loyalists. The growth of online commerce has driven the need for fast-moving consumer goods to reshape consumers’ actual online experience around their online behavior.  The real promise in digital retail is the chance to go “beyond the self” to build brand loyalty with consumers.  It is the first time that brands and retailers can fulfill consumers’ needs for convenience and an overall good experience along the entire path to purchase, including clear, helpful production information, ensuring there is a place for customer reviews by product, easy checkout, simple returns, and quick responses to consumer feedback.  Getting the experience right and building those relationships with consumers now will be vital to securing subscriptions and automatic fulfillment, which will very soon become the norm.  

Clients are Under Pressure to Reduce Costs and Move Faster.  Global CPGs are challenged to achieve growth in certain markets with growing fragmentation in consumer demand, more competition from smaller and local players and increased commodity pricing. In addition, the growth of discount retailers, eCommerce players and subscription models is creating competitive pressure for CPGs and retailers. These factors have led clients to seek efficiencies in their business including reducing costs via zero-based budgeting to offset revenue pressure.  We believe clients are looking for decisions to be made in much shorter periods of time and the pace at which market share data and the linked explanatory analytics are delivered needs to increase. We see a growing opportunity to provide clients with fast and nimble data solutions to drive smarter decision-making.

Our Growth Strategy

We believe we are well-positioned for growth worldwide and have a multi-faceted strategy that builds upon our brand, strong client relationships and integral role in measuring and analyzing the global consumer. Our growth strategy is also subject to certain risks. For example, we may be unable to adapt to significant technological changes such as changes in the technology used to collect and process data or in methods of television viewing. In addition, consolidation in our customers’ industries may reduce the aggregate demand for our services. See “Risk Factors.”

Continue to grow in emerging markets

Emerging markets (measured in our Connect segment) comprised approximately 38% of our 2019 Connect segment revenues (18% of our 2019 consolidated revenues) and we believe represent a significant long-term opportunity for us given the growth of the middle class and the rapid evolution and modernization of the retail trade in these regions. Key elements of our strategy include:

• Continuing to grow our existing services in local markets while simultaneously introducing into emerging markets new services drawn from our global portfolio;

• Partnering with existing clients as they expand their businesses into emerging markets and providing the high-quality measurement and insights to which they are accustomed; and

• Building relationships with local companies that are expanding beyond their home markets by capitalizing on the global credibility and integrity of the Nielsen brand.

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Continue to develop innovative services

We intend to continue evolving our service portfolio to provide our clients with comprehensive and advanced solutions. The key elements of our strategy are as follows:  Open, Connected, Useful, and Personal:

• Open

○ Expanding third party data partnerships to provide broader coverage and deeper granularity

○ Making Nielsen market data available to authorized users via Application Programming Interface

○ Enabling third party development of apps that leverage Nielsen data across our Nielsen Marketing Cloud and Nielsen Connect

• Connected

○ Integrating Nielsen data and tools into client workflows and tech stacks

○ Enabling the inclusion of client datasets

• Useful

○ Moving from custom/manual analytics and canned reports toward “always on” analytics that enable clients to make decisions closer to real time

○ Ensuring that our tools are intuitive and effective in executing the client’s work

○ Becoming a leader in software usability

• Personal

○ Designing solutions that solve for specific client personas and use cases

○ Connecting Nielsen and third party datasets to provide a 360 degree view of the consumer

○ Delivering capabilities that enable our clients to personalize their own products and services

These strategies are directly reflected in the Nielsen Total Audience, Nielsen Marketing Cloud and Nielsen Connect.

Continue to attract new clients and expand existing relationships

We believe that substantial opportunities exist to both attract new clients and to increase our revenue from existing clients. Building on our deep knowledge and the embedded position of our Connect and Media segments, we expect to sell new and innovative solutions to our new and existing clients, increasing our importance to their decision making processes.

Continue to pursue strategic acquisitions to complement our leadership positions

We have increased our capabilities through investments and acquisitions in the areas of retail measurement, U.S. and international audience measurement, and advertising effectiveness for digital and social media campaigns. Going forward, we will consider select acquisitions of complementary businesses that enhance our product and geographic portfolio and can benefit from our scale, scope and status as a global leader.

Technology Infrastructure

We operate with an extensive data and technology infrastructure utilizing six primary data centers in four countries around the world. We also use Amazon Web Services from Amazon and Azure from Microsoft for cloud based infrastructure. Our global database has unlimited capacity and we are currently housing approximately 1.4 petabytes of information, with our Connect segment processing approximately 125 billion purchasing data points each month in 2019, our Media segment processing approximately 200 billion tuning and viewing records (across panel and census data) each month in 2019 and our Nielsen Marketing Cloud platform processing 5 trillion events each month in 2017. Our technology infrastructure plays an instrumental role in meeting service commitments to global clients and allows us to quickly scale our services across practice areas and geographies. Our technology platform utilizes an open approach that facilitates integration of distinct data sets, interoperability with client data and technology, and partnerships with leading technology companies such as Tata Consulting Services and other technology providers.

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Intellectual Property

Our patents, trademarks, trade secrets, copyrights and all of our other intellectual property are important assets that afford protection to our business. Our success depends to a degree upon our ability to protect and preserve certain proprietary aspects of our technology and our brand. To ensure that objective, we control access to our proprietary technology. Our employees and consultants enter into confidentiality, non-disclosure and invention assignment agreements with us. We protect our rights to proprietary technology and confidential information in our business arrangements with third parties through confidentiality and other intellectual property and business agreements.

We hold a number of third-party patent and intellectual property license agreements that afford us rights to third-party patents, technology and other intellectual property. Such license agreements most often do not preclude either party from licensing our patents and technology to others. Such licenses may involve one-time payments or ongoing royalty obligations, and we cannot ensure that future license agreements can or will be obtained or renewed on acceptable terms, or at all.

Employees

As of December 31, 2019, we employed approximately 46,000 people worldwide. Approximately 15% of our employees are covered under collective bargaining agreements and an additional 12% are covered under works council agreements in Europe. We may become subject to additional agreements or experience labor disruptions which may result in higher operating costs over time. We actively invest in our employee relations and believe they are solid. We are committed to treating employees in a way that respects and protects their human rights everywhere we operate around the world.

Competitive Landscape

There is no single competitor that offers all of the services we offer in all of the markets in which we offer them. We have many competitors worldwide that offer some of the services we provide in selected markets. While we maintain leading positions in many markets in which we operate, our future success will depend on our ability to enhance and expand our suite of services, provide reliable and accurate measurement solutions and related information, drive innovation that anticipates and responds to emerging client needs, strengthen and expand our geographic footprint, and protect consumer privacy. See “Risk Factors – We face increasing competition, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.” We believe our global presence and integrated portfolio of services are key assets in our ability to effectively compete in the marketplace. A summary of the competitive landscape for each of our segments is included below:

What Consumers Buy

While we do not have one global competitor in our Connect segment, we face numerous competitors in various areas of our service in different markets throughout the world. Competition includes companies specializing in marketing research, in-house research departments of manufacturers and advertising agencies, retailers that sell information directly or through brokers, information management and software companies, and consulting and accounting firms. In retail measurement, our principal competitor in the U.S. is Information Resources, Inc., which is also present in some European and Asia/Pacific markets. Our retail measurement service also faces competition in individual markets from local companies. Our consumer panel services and analytics services have many direct and/or indirect competitors in all markets around the world including in selected cases, GfK, Ipsos, Kantar and local companies in individual countries.

What Consumers Watch

While we do not have one global competitor in our Media segment, we face numerous competitors in various areas of our operations in different markets throughout the world. We are the clear market leader in U.S. television audience measurement; however, there are many emerging players and technologies that will increase competitive pressure. Numerous companies such as, comScore are attempting to provide alternative forms of television audience measurement using, inter alia, set-top box data and panel-based measurement. Our principal competitor in television audience measurement outside the U.S. is Kantar, with companies such as GfK and Ipsos also providing competition in select individual countries.

Our primary competitor in the digital audience and campaign measurement solutions in the U.S. is comScore. Globally (including the U.S.), we face competition from additional companies that provide analytics services such as Oracle, Google Analytics, and Adobe Analytics. In 2016 one of our former competitors, Rentrak merged into a wholly-owned subsidiary of comScore and the combined companies focus on cross platform measurement.  We are the market leader in U.S. audio audience measurement. Our principal competitors globally are Kantar and GFK, and in the U.S. our principal competitor is Eastlan. Kantar developed technologies similar to our PPM ratings service outside the U.S. Additionally Triton, is a U.S.-based digital competitor which has developed a streaming Audio measurement service that uses server log technology.

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Regulation

Our operations are subject to and affected by data protection laws in many countries. These laws pertain primarily to personal data (i.e., information relating to an identified or identifiable individual), constrain whether and how we collect personal data, how that data may be used and stored, and whether, to whom and where that data may be transferred. What constitutes “personal data” varies from country to country and region to region and continues to evolve. Data collection methods that may not always be obvious to the data subject, like the use of cookies online, or that present a higher risk of abuse, such as collecting data directly from children, tend also to be more highly regulated, and products that rely on these technologies may require re-engineering to comply with new laws. In addition, these data transfer constraints can impact multinational access to a central database and cross-border data transfers.

Some of the personal data we collect may be considered “sensitive” by the laws of many jurisdictions because they may include certain demographic information and consumption preferences. Sensitive personal data typically are more highly regulated than non-sensitive data. Generally, this means that for sensitive data, the data subject’s consent should be more explicit and fully informed and security measures surrounding the storage of the data should be more rigorous. The greater constraints that apply to the collection and use of sensitive personal data increase the administrative and operational burdens and costs of panel recruitment and management.

Despite these challenges, our commitment to privacy and data protection issues can offer us a competitive advantage. Because we recognize the importance of privacy to our panelists, our customers, consumers in general, and regulators, we devote dedicated resources to enhancing our privacy and security practices in our product development plans and other areas of operation, and participate in privacy policy organizations and “think tanks.” We do this to improve both our practices and the perception of Nielsen as a leader in this area.

Global Responsibility and Sustainability

Through responsible, sustainable business practices and our commitment to giving back, we care for the communities and markets where we live and operate our business. Our Global Responsibility and Sustainability strategy includes all environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues that affect our business, operations, supply chain, and all internal and external stakeholders.

The Board of Directors’ Nomination and Corporate Governance Committee oversees these issues. In addition to our Global Responsibility and Sustainability team, we also manage relevant risks and opportunities through various internal engagement channels, including Global Citizenship and Sustainability Council, our Human Resources Sustainability Council and our Technology and Operations Sustainability Council. As part of our commitment to ongoing stakeholder engagement, Nielsen conducts a non-financial materiality assessment once every two years. This process is a critical part of our ESG strategy management to identify the ESG issues that are most critical to our stakeholders and business, as well as understand their impact on our economic, environmental and social value.

Available Information

We file our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, proxy and information statements and any amendments to these reports and statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information at http://www.sec.gov. Our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to these reports are made available free of charge on our website at http://www.nielsen.com as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such reports with, or furnish them to, the SEC. Information on our website is not incorporated by reference herein and is not a part of this report.

From time to time, Nielsen may use its website and social media outlets as channels of distribution of material company information.  Financial and other material information regarding the company is routinely posted and accessible on our website at http://www.nielsen.com/investors, our Twitter account at http://twitter.com/NielsenIR and our iPad App, NielsenIR, available on the App Store.

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Item 1A. Risk Factors

The risks described below are not the only risks facing us. Any of the following risks could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or those we currently view to be immaterial may also materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Risks Related to Our Proposed Separation

The proposed separation of Nielsen Global Connect is contingent upon the satisfaction of a number of conditions, will require significant time and attention of our management, and may not be completed in accordance with the expected plans or anticipated timeline, or not at all, and will involve significant time, expense and distraction, which could adversely affect our business.

On November 3, 2019, our Board of Directors completed its strategic review and approved a plan to separate into two independent, publicly traded companies by means of a proposed spin-off of our Global Connect business (the “Spin-Off”). In the Spin-Off, we will distribute shares of a company holding our Global Connect business to our shareholders.

The Spin-Off is subject to certain conditions, including, among others, the receipt of final Board of Directors approval, the receipt of a Private Letter Ruling from the Internal Revenue Service and an opinion from our outside tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax treatment of the distribution to Nielsen as well as to its shareholders, the effectiveness of a Form 10 registration statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the approval of the Company’s shareholders, the absence of any legal restraint or prohibition preventing the consummation of the Spin-Off, and the satisfaction or waiver of certain other conditions. These conditions, among other factors, could delay or prevent the completion of the Spin-Off on the terms or the timeline that we announced, if at all. 

Unanticipated developments, including changes in the competitive conditions of our markets, possible delays in obtaining various tax rulings or opinions, negotiating challenges, the uncertainty of financial markets, changes in the law and challenges in executing the Spin-Off could delay or prevent the completion of the Spin-Off, or cause the Spin-Off to occur on terms or conditions that are different or less favorable than expected. Any changes to the Spin-Off or delay in completing the Spin-Off could cause us not to realize some or all of the expected benefits, or realize them on a different timeline than expected. Further, our Board of Directors could decide, either because of a failure of conditions or because of market or other factors, to abandon the Spin-Off. No assurance can be given as to whether and when the Spin-Off will occur.

We will continue to incur significant expenses in connection with the Spin-Off, and expect that the process of completing the Spin-Off will be time consuming and involve significant additional costs and expenses, which may not yield a discernible benefit if the Spin-Off is not completed. Executing the Spin-Off will require significant amounts of management’s time and effort which may divert management’s attention from other aspects of our business operations and other initiatives. We may also experience increased difficulties in attracting, retaining and motivating key employees during the pendency of the Spin-Off and following its completion, which could harm our businesses. We may experience negative reactions from the financial markets if we do not complete the Spin-Off in a reasonable time period. In addition, if the Spin-Off is not completed, we will still be required to pay certain costs and expenses incurred in connection therewith, such as legal, accounting and other professional fees. Any of the above factors could cause the Spin-Off (or the failure to execute the Spin-Off) to have a material adverse effect on our business, our financial condition and the price of our shares.

The Spin-Off may not achieve the anticipated benefits and will expose us to additional risks.

Even if the proposed Spin-Off is completed, we may not realize some or all of the anticipated strategic, financial, operational or other benefits from the Spin-Off.  We cannot predict with certainty when the benefits expected from the Spin-Off will occur or the extent to which they will be achieved.  If the Spin-Off is completed, our operational and financial profile will change and we will face new risks.  As independent, publicly traded companies, Nielsen and our Global Connect business will each be smaller, less-diversified companies and may be more vulnerable to changing market conditions.  There is no assurance that, following the Spin-Off, the separate companies will be successful.  The announcement or completion of the Spin-Off may cause disruptions with our customers, partners, suppliers and employees, which may negatively impact these relationships or our operations.  The Spin-Off may cause some investors to sell Nielsen shares or of one or both of the resulting companies following the Spin-Off, creating greater volatility in the trading of the shares and potentially causing their market prices to decline.  We expect the trading price of our shares immediately following the Spin-Off to be significantly lower than immediately preceding the Spin-Off, as the trading price of our shares will no longer reflect the value of the Global Connect business. Further, there can be no assurance that the combined value of the shares of the two resulting companies will be equal to or greater than what the value of our shares would have been had the proposed Spin-Off not occurred.

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Risks Related to Our Business

We may be unable to adapt to significant technological changes, which could adversely affect our business.  

We operate in businesses that require sophisticated data collection, processing systems, software and other technology. Some of the technologies supporting the industries we serve are changing rapidly. We have been and will be required to adapt to changing technologies and industry standards, either by developing and marketing new services investing in new services or by enhancing our existing services to meet client demand.

Moreover, accelerating technology turn-over in businesses, the introduction of new services embodying new technologies and the emergence of new industry standards could render existing services technologically or commercially obsolete. Our continued success will depend on our ability to adapt to changing technologies, manage and process ever-increasing amounts of data and information and improve the performance, features and reliability of our existing services in response to changing client and industry demands. We may experience difficulties that could delay or prevent the successful design, development, testing, introduction or marketing of our services. New services, or enhancements to existing services, may not adequately meet the requirements of current and prospective clients or achieve any degree of significant market acceptance.

Traditional methods of television viewing continue to change as a result of fragmentation of channels and digital and other new television and video technologies; devices such as video-on-demand, digital video recorders, game consoles, tablets, other mobile devices; and the increasing prevalence of alternative distribution systems, such as Internet viewing/OTT (“over-the-top”) delivery. In addition, consumption of consumer packaged goods is growing in new and different channels such as discount stores and e-commerce. Traditional methods of shopping are evolving and the emergence and growth of Omni-Channel ecommerce as well as direct to consumer continues to grow. This fragmentation requires us to develop new methodologies to procure, cleanse, enrich, and connect data at the individual level.

If we are unable to continue to successfully adapt our media and consumer measurement systems to new viewing and consumption habits, our business, financial position and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Consolidation in the industries in which our clients operate could put pressure on the pricing of our services, thereby leading to decreased earnings and cash flows.

Consolidation in the industries in which our clients operate could reduce aggregate demand for our services in the future and could limit the amounts we earn for our services. When companies merge, the services they previously purchased separately are often purchased by the combined entity in the aggregate in a lesser quantity than before, leading to volume and price compression and loss of revenue. While we are attempting to mitigate the revenue impact of any consolidation by expanding our range of services, there can be no assurance as to the degree to which we will be able to do so as industry consolidation continues, which could adversely affect our business, financial position and results of operations.  In addition, retailer consolidation might put pressure on our cost of data acquisition.

Client procurement strategies could put additional pressure on the pricing of our services, thereby leading to decreased earnings and cash flows.  

Certain of our clients may seek price concessions from us. This puts pressure on the pricing of our services, which could limit the amounts we earn. While we attempt to mitigate the revenue impact of any pricing pressure through effective negotiations and by providing services to individual businesses within particular groups, there can be no assurance as to the degree to which we will be able to do so, which could adversely affect our business, financial position and results of operations.

Adverse economic conditions, a reduction in client spending particularly in the consumer packaged goods and retailing industries, a deterioration in the credit markets or a delay in client payments could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial position.

Adverse economic conditions could affect markets both in the U.S. and internationally, impacting the demand for our customers’ products and services. Those reduced demands could adversely affect the ability of some of our customers to meet their current obligations to us, hinder their ability to incur new obligations until the economy and their businesses strengthen or cause them to reduce or cease using our services. The inability of our customers to pay us for our services and/or decisions by current or future customers to forego or defer purchases may adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations, profitability and cash flows and may present risks for an extended period of time. We cannot predict the impact of economic slowdowns on our future financial performance.

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To the extent that the businesses we service, especially our clients in the consumer packaged goods, media, entertainment, telecommunications and technology industries, are subject to the financial pressures of, for example, increased costs or reduced demand for their products, the demand for our services, or the prices our clients are willing to pay for those services, may decline.

We expect that revenues generated from our measurement and analytical services will continue to represent a substantial portion of our overall revenue for the foreseeable future. During challenging economic times, clients, typically advertisers, within our Media segment may reduce their discretionary advertising expenditures and may be less likely to purchase our analytical services, which would have an adverse effect on our revenue.

Clients within our Media segment derive a significant amount of their revenue from the sale or purchase of advertising. During challenging economic times, advertisers may reduce advertising expenditures and advertising agencies and other media may be less likely to purchase our media information services, which would have an adverse effect on our revenue.

Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial health.

We have and will continue to have a significant amount of indebtedness. As of December 31, 2019, we had total indebtedness of $8,309 million.

• Our substantial indebtedness could have important consequences. For example, it could:

• increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;

• require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to interest and principal payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures, service development efforts, dividends, share repurchases and other general corporate purposes;

• limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate;

• expose us to the risk of increased interest rates as certain of our borrowings are at variable rates of interest;

• restrict us from making strategic acquisitions or cause us to make non-strategic divestitures;

• limit our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, service development, debt service requirements, dividends, share repurchases, acquisitions and general corporate or other purposes;

• limit our ability to adjust to changing market conditions;

• place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt; and

• potentially limit our ability to service future dividends and/or stock repurchases due to covenant restrictions.

In addition, the indentures governing our outstanding notes and our secured credit facility contain financial and other restrictive covenants that could limit the ability of our operating subsidiaries to engage in activities that may be in our best interests, including by limiting the ability to make acquisitions, pay dividends or repurchase shares.  Moreover, the failure to comply with any of those covenants could result in an event of default which, if not cured or waived, could result in the acceleration of all of our debt. See Note 12 to our consolidated financial statements – “Long Term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements,” for a description of our debt arrangements and related covenants.

Despite our current indebtedness levels, we and our subsidiaries may still be able to incur substantially more debt. If new debt is added to our and our subsidiaries’ current debt levels, the related risks that we and they now face could intensify.

We require a significant amount of cash as well as continued access to the capital markets to service our indebtedness, fund capital expenditures and meet our other liquidity needs. Our ability to generate cash and our access to the capital markets depend on many factors beyond our control.

Our ability to make payments on our indebtedness (both interest and principal) and to fund planned capital expenditures and other liquidity needs will depend on our ability to generate cash in the future and our ability to refinance our indebtedness. This, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.

We may not be able to generate sufficient cash flow from operations to pay our indebtedness or to fund our other liquidity needs. We may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before maturity. We may not be able to refinance any of our indebtedness, including our senior secured credit facilities, on commercially reasonable terms or at all. See Note 12 to our consolidated financial statements – “Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements,” for a description of our debt arrangements and related maturities.

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A substantial portion of our indebtedness is at variable rates, and we are exposed to the risk of increased interest rates.

Our cash interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $386 million, $380 million and $352 million, respectively. On December 31, 2019, we had $3,952 million of floating-rate debt under our senior secured credit facilities of which $2,050 million was subject to effective floating-fixed interest rate swaps. A one percent increase in interest rates applied to our floating rate indebtedness would therefore increase annual interest expense by approximately $19 million ($40 million without giving effect to any of our interest rate swaps). We periodically review our fixed/floating debt mix, and the volume, rates and duration of our interest rate hedging portfolio are subject to changes, which could adversely affect our results of operations.

The success of our business depends on our ability to recruit sample participants to participate in our research samples.

Our business uses scanners and diaries to gather consumer data from sample households as well as meters (e.g., Set Meters, People Meters, Active/Passive Meters, PPM’s) and other technologies to gather television and audio audience measurement data from sample households. It is increasingly difficult and costly to obtain consent from households to participate in the surveys, and increased focus by consumers on privacy could result in a greater reluctance to participate in research, which could impact our continued ability to recruit participants. Further, it is increasingly difficult and costly to ensure that the selected sample of households mirrors the behaviors and characteristics of the entire population and covers all of the demographic segments requested by our clients. Political changes and trends such as populism, economic nationalism, immigration and sentiment towards multinational companies have made recruiting a sample that mirrors the entire population more difficult.  In addition, if the 2020 U.S. Census is not reliable due to underfunding, under participation, new technologies being used, or otherwise, the data we rely on for our panels and statistical breakdowns in the U.S. may not be accurate.  Additionally, as consumers adopt modes of telecommunication other than traditional telephone service, such as mobile, cable and internet calling, it may become more difficult for our services to reach and recruit participants for consumer purchasing and audience measurement services. If we are unsuccessful in our efforts to recruit appropriate participants, maintain the integrity of our panels, maintain adequate participation levels or properly model the sample data, our clients may lose confidence in our ratings services and we could lose the support of the relevant industry groups. If this were to happen, our consumer purchasing and audience measurement services may be materially and adversely affected.

Data protection laws and self-regulatory codes may restrict our activities and increase our costs.

Various statutes and rules regulate conduct in areas such as privacy and data protection which may affect our collection, use, storage and transfer of information both abroad and in the U.S. The definitions of “personally identifiable information” and “personal data” continue to evolve and broaden, and new laws and regulations are being enacted (for example, recently passed data protection laws in Brazil and California, U.S., and proposed laws in India and Indonesia), so that this area remains in a state of flux. Changes in these laws (including newly released interpretations of these laws by courts and regulatory bodies) may limit our data access, use and disclosure, and may require increased expenditures by us or may dictate that we may not offer certain types of services. In addition, some of our products and services are subject to self-regulatory programs relating to digital advertising. Compliance with these laws and self-regulatory codes may require us to make certain investments or may dictate that we not offer certain types of services or only offer such services after making necessary modifications. Failure to comply with these laws and self-regulatory codes may result in, among other things, civil and criminal liability, negative publicity, restrictions on further use of data and/or liability under contractual warranties.

The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), took effect in May 2018 and imposed new and more stringent requirements regarding the handling of personal data of persons in the EU.  Failure to meet the GDPR requirements could result in penalties of up to 4% of worldwide revenue. Many jurisdictions considering new data protection laws are looking to GDPR as a starting point.

The California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (“CCPA”) took effect on January 1, 2020, and imposed new and more stringent requirements regarding the handling of personal data of persons in California. Because Nielsen does not typically segregate products and services on a state-by-state basis, Nielsen must generally adopt the requirements of CCPA across its US business operations. Failure to meet CCPA requirements could result in penalties of up to $7,500 per violation. CCPA also provides individuals with a limited private right of action in the case of certain breaches of personal data.

The proposed EU “ePrivacy” Regulation, if adopted, is expected to have potentially significant impacts for the online/mobile advertising industry as a whole. Nielsen is continuing to monitor the development of the ePrivacy Regulation and industry response and will determine whether to take further action, as needed, following its final adoption. Nielsen is working with industry groups on the implementation of a transparency and consent framework mechanism that would facilitate users providing and companies passing consent to the advertising supply chain in case of a strict interpretation of the GDPR consent requirements by authorities and to address possible ePrivacy requirements.

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We are exposed to risks related to cybersecurity and protection of confidential information.  

In the ordinary course of our business, we rely extensively on our people, technology and business operations as well as trusted strategic partners and vendors to provide us with access to data and technology as well as related professional services.  We use several third-party service providers, including cloud providers, to access, store, transmit and process sensitive data. We receive, store and transmit large volumes of proprietary information and data that may contain personal information of our customers, employees, consumers and suppliers or sensitive client data entrusted to us. Our sensitive data may include our or a client’s intellectual property, financial information and business operations data.

An actual or perceived security or privacy breach may affect us in many ways, including:

• risk of loss of Nielsen and/or client proprietary data or data protected by law, statute or regulation;

• loss of control of how Nielsen and/or client proprietary data or data protected by law, statute or regulation is re-purposed, shared or disseminated;

• expose us to potential litigation;

• expose us to liability;

• harm our reputation;

• loss of confidence in security and accuracy of products;

• deter customers from using our products or services;

• deter retailers from sharing their sales data;

• make it more difficult and expensive to effectively recruit panelists and survey respondents;

• loss of investor confidence;

• official sanctions or statutory penalties; and

• significant increases in cyber security costs.

Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or stock price.

Owing to new and emerging technology risks, hackers or unauthorized users who successfully breach our network security, could misappropriate or misuse our proprietary information or cause interruptions in our services. Given the relatively fast pace of changes in new and emerging technology risks, we may not be able to effectively anticipate and/or respond in a timely manner to all foreseeable and/or unforeseeable cyber security risks and events, thereby resulting in a potentially significant loss of client and investor confidence.

Notwithstanding our due diligence for new hires and employee training initiatives, we are at risk for employee malfeasance, inadvertent employee errors and other “insider risks” that may breach one or more of our information security provisions or policies. Our response in remediation of these data breaches or interruptions of service may require substantial commitments of resources and we may incur additional, unbudgeted operating and/or capital expenses, such as for specialized cyber security vendors as part of our response.

Similar to other companies, we have been the subject of attempts at unauthorized access to our systems, however, none were material. We have taken and are taking reasonable steps to prevent future unauthorized access to our systems, including implementation of system security measures, information back-up and disaster recovery processes. However, these steps may not be effective and there can be no assurance that any such steps can be effective against all possible risks.

Our services involve the receipt, storage and transmission of proprietary information. If our security measures are breached and unauthorized access is obtained, our services may be perceived as not being secure and regulators, panelists and survey respondents may hold us liable for disclosure of personal data, and clients and venture partners may hold us liable or reduce their use of our services.

We receive, store and transmit large volumes of proprietary information and data, including data that contain personal information about individuals. Similar to other companies, Nielsen is a target of cyber attacks, however, none were material. We have continued to invest in tools, technology and people to safeguard the enterprise. Security breaches could expose us to a risk of loss or

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misuse of this information, regulatory fines and penalties, litigation and possible liability and our reputation could be damaged. It may also make it more difficult to recruit panelists and survey respondents.  For example, hackers or individuals who attempt to breach our network security could, if successful, misappropriate proprietary information or cause interruptions in our services. If we experience any breaches of our network security or sabotage, we might be required to expend significant capital and resources to protect against or to alleviate problems and to respond to regulators’ inquiries. We may not be able to remedy any problems caused by hackers or saboteurs in a timely manner, or at all. Techniques used to obtain unauthorized access or to sabotage systems change frequently and generally are not recognized until launched against a target and, as a result, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventive measures. If an actual or perceived breach of our security occurs, the perception of the effectiveness of our security measures could be harmed and we could lose current and potential clients. In addition, we may be subject to investigation and fines by jurisdictions that have data protection laws.

If we are unable to protect our intellectual property rights, our business could be adversely affected.

Our business relies on a combination of patented and patent-pending technologies, systems, processes, and methodologies; trademarks; copyrights; other proprietary rights; and contractual arrangements, including licenses, to establish and protect our technology and intellectual property. We believe our proprietary technologies and intellectual property rights are important to our continued success and our competitive position. Any impairment of any such intellectual property could adversely impact the results of our operations or financial condition.

We rely on a combination of contractual and confidentiality provisions and procedures, licensing arrangements, and the intellectual property laws of the U.S. and other countries to protect our intellectual property, as well as the intellectual property rights of third parties whose content, data and technology we license. These legal measures afford only limited protection and may not provide sufficient protection to prevent the infringement, misuse or misappropriation of our intellectual property. Although our employees, consultants, clients, and collaborators all enter into confidentiality agreements with us, our trade secrets, data and know-how could be subject to unauthorized use, misappropriation or unauthorized disclosure.

Our business success depends, in part, on:

• obtaining patent protection for our technology and services;

• enforcing and defending our patents, copyrights, trademarks, service marks and other intellectual property;

• preserving our trade secrets and maintaining the security of our know-how and data; and

• operating our business without infringing intellectual property rights held by third parties.

Our ability to establish, maintain and protect our intellectual property and proprietary rights against theft or infringement could be materially and adversely affected by insufficient and/or changing proprietary rights and intellectual property legal protections in some jurisdictions and markets. Intellectual property law in several foreign jurisdictions is subject to considerable uncertainty. Our pending patent and trademark applications may not be allowed in certain jurisdictions and inadequate intellectual property laws may limit our rights and ability to detect unauthorized uses or take appropriate, timely and effective steps to remedy unauthorized conduct, to protect or enforce our rights. Such limitations may allow competitors to design around our intellectual property rights, to independently develop non-infringing competing technologies, products, or services similar or identical to ours, thereby potentially eroding our competitive position, enabling competitors greater opportunity to capture market share, and consequently negatively impacting our revenues and operating results. The expiration of certain of our patents may also lead to increased competition. As such, our patents, copyrights, trademarks, and other intellectual property may not adequately protect our rights, provide significant competitive advantages, or prevent third parties from infringing or misappropriating our proprietary rights.

The growing need for global data, along with increased competition and technological advances, puts increasing pressure on us to share our intellectual property for client applications with others. In this way, competitors may gain access to our intellectual property and proprietary information. Third parties that license our intellectual property and proprietary rights may take actions or create incidents that may diminish the value of our rights, harm our business, reduce revenue, increase expenses, and/or harm our reputation.  

To prevent or respond to unauthorized uses of our intellectual property, we may be required to enforce our intellectual property rights to protect our confidential and proprietary information by engaging in costly and time-consuming litigation or other proceedings that may be distracting to management, could result in the impairment or loss of portions of our intellectual property rights, and we may not ultimately prevail.  

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Third parties may claim that we are infringing their intellectual property and we could suffer significant litigation or licensing expenses, or be prevented from selling products or services, which may adversely impact our operating profits.

We cannot be certain that we do not and will not infringe the intellectual property rights of others in operating our business. In the ordinary course of business, third parties may claim, with or without merit, that one or more of our products or services infringe their intellectual property rights and may engage in legal proceedings against us. In some jurisdictions, plaintiffs can also seek injunctive relief that may limit the operation of our business or prevent the marketing and selling of our services that allegedly infringe a plaintiff’s intellectual property rights.

Certain agreements with suppliers or clients contain provisions where we indemnify, subject to certain limitations, the counterparty for damages suffered as a result of claims related to intellectual property infringement based on our data or technology. Infringement claims covered by such indemnity provisions could be expensive to litigate and may result in significant settlement payments. In certain businesses, we rely on third-party intellectual property licenses, and depending upon the outcome of any intellectual property dispute, we cannot ensure that these licenses will be available to us in the future on favorable terms or at all.

• Any such claims of intellectual property infringement, even those without merit, could:

• be expensive and time-consuming to defend;

• result in our being required to pay possibly significant damages;

• cause us to cease providing our products or services that allegedly incorporate a third party’s intellectual property;

• require us to redesign or rebrand our services;

• require us to enter into potentially costly royalty or licensing agreements in order to obtain the right to use a third party’s intellectual property, although royalty or licensing agreements may not be available to us on acceptable terms or at all.

Any of the above could have a negative impact on our operating results and could harm our financial condition and prospects.

We analyze and take action in response to such claims on a case-by-case basis. Any dispute or litigation regarding patents or other intellectual property could be costly and time-consuming due to the complexity of our business and technology and the uncertainty of intellectual property litigation and could divert our management and key personnel from our business operations.  

If we do not resolve these claims in advance of a trial, there is no guarantee that we will be successful in court.  A claim of intellectual property infringement could compel us to enter into a license agreement with restrictive terms and/or significant fees, which may or may not be available under acceptable terms or at all, and an adverse judgment could subject us to significant damages or to an injunction against development and/or sale of certain of our products or services. We may be required to implement costly redesigns to the affected product or services, or pay damages to satisfy contractual obligations to others.

Currency exchange rate fluctuations may negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial position.

We operate globally, deriving approximately 42% of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2019 in currencies other than U.S. dollars, with approximately 10% of revenues deriving in Euros. Our U.S. operations earn revenues and incur expenses primarily in U.S. dollars, while our European operations earn revenues and incur expenses primarily in Euros. Outside the U.S. and the Euro Zone, we generate revenues and expenses predominantly in local currencies. Because of fluctuations (including possible devaluations) in currency exchange rates, we are subject to currency translation exposure on the revenues and profits of these operations, as well as on the value of balance sheet items (including cash) not denominated in U.S. dollars. In addition, we are subject to currency transaction exposure in those instances where transactions are not conducted in the relevant local currency. In certain instances, we may not be able to freely convert foreign currencies into U.S. dollars due to governmental limitations placed on such conversions.

Of our $454 million in cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2019, approximately $383 million was held in jurisdictions outside the U.S. We regularly review the amount of cash and cash equivalents held outside of the U.S. to determine the amounts necessary to fund the current operations of our foreign operations and their growth initiatives and amounts needed to service our U.S. indebtedness and related obligations.

Our international operations are exposed to risks which could impede growth in the future.

We continue to explore opportunities in major international markets around the world, including China, Russia, India and Brazil. International operations expose us to various additional risks, which could adversely affect our business, including:

• costs of customizing services for clients outside of the U.S.;

• reduced protection for intellectual property rights in some countries;

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• the burdens of complying with a wide variety of foreign laws;

• difficulties in managing international operations;

• longer sales and payment cycles;

• exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuation;

• exposure to local economic conditions;

• limitations on the repatriation of funds from foreign operations;

• exposure to local political conditions, including adverse tax and other government policies and positions, civil unrest and seizure of assets by a foreign government;

• the risks of an outbreak of war, the escalation of hostilities and acts of terrorism in the jurisdictions in which we operate and;

• the risks of outbreaks of pandemic or contagious diseases, such as Ebola, measles, avian flu, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), H1N1 (swine) flu, Zika virus and coronavirus.

In countries where there has not been a historical practice of using consumer packaged goods retail information or audience measurement information in the buying and selling of advertising time, it may be difficult for us to maintain subscribers.

Additionally, we are subject to complex U.S., European and other regional and local laws and regulations that are applicable to our operations abroad, including trade sanctions laws, anti-corruption laws such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the U.K. Bribery Act 2010, anti-bribery laws, anti-money laundering laws, and other financial crimes laws.  Although we have implemented a compliance program that includes internal controls, policies and procedures and employee training to deter prohibited practices, such measures may not be effective in preventing employees, contractors or agents from violating or circumventing such internal policies and violating applicable laws and regulations. Given our operations in the United Kingdom and Continental Europe, we face uncertainty surrounding the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union in January 2020, commonly referred to as “Brexit.” It is likely that Brexit will cause increased regulatory and legal complexities and create uncertainty surrounding our business, including our relationships with existing and future clients, suppliers and employees, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial results and operations.

Criticism of our audience measurement service by various industry groups and market segments could adversely affect our business.

Due to the high-profile nature of our services in the media, internet and entertainment information industries, we could become the target of criticism in the media and in other venues by various industry groups and market segments. We strive to be fair, transparent and impartial in the production of audience measurement services, and the quality of our U.S. ratings services is voluntarily subject to review and accreditation by the Media Rating Council, a voluntary trade organization whose members include many of our key client constituencies. However, criticism of our business by special interests, and by clients with competing and often conflicting demands on our measurement service, could result in government regulation. While we believe that government regulation is unnecessary, no assurance can be given that legislation will not be enacted in the future that would subject our business to regulation, which could adversely affect our business.

A loss or decrease in business of one or more of our largest clients could adversely impact our results of operations.

Our top ten clients collectively accounted for approximately 20% of our total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2019. We cannot assure you that any of our largest clients will continue to use our services to the same extent, or at all, in the future. A loss or decrease in business of one or more of our largest clients, if not replaced by a new client or an increase in business from existing clients, would adversely affect our prospects, business, financial condition and results of operations.

We rely on third parties to provide or allow us to access certain data and services in connection with the provision of our current services. The loss or limitation of access to that data could harm our ability to provide our products and services.

We rely on third parties to provide certain data and services for use in connection with the provision of our current services and our reliance on third-party data providers is growing. For example, both our Media and Connect segments enter into agreements with third parties to obtain data or facilitate the access to data from which we create products and services.

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In the digital measurement business, publishers, browsers and platforms are making changes, often citing the increased attention on consumer privacy, which may result in our inability to collect the data we need to create our services. This may impact our ability to measure the Web and provide our clients with reporting at the rate of granularity that we do so today, in which case our business and/or potential growth may be affected adversely.  We may need to enter into agreements with third parties directly to continue to measure certain types of media. In the event we are unable to use such third party data and services, access the necessary data, or if we are unable to enter into agreements with third parties, when necessary, our business and/or our potential growth could be adversely affected. In the event that such data and services are unavailable for our use or the cost of acquiring such data and services increases, our business could be adversely affected.

Other suppliers of data may increase restrictions on our use of such data due to factors such as the increasing attention on consumer privacy, rigor of privacy regulation or cybersecurity risk, fail to adhere to our quality control standards or otherwise satisfactorily perform services, increase the price they charge us for this data or refuse altogether to license the data to us (in some cases because of exclusive agreements they may have entered into with our competitors). Supplier consolidation could put pressure on our cost structure.

We rely on third parties for the performance of a significant portion of our worldwide information technology and operations functions. A failure to provide these functions in a satisfactory manner could have an adverse effect on our business.

We are dependent upon third parties for the performance of a significant portion of our information technology and operations functions worldwide. The success of our business depends in part on maintaining our relationships with these third parties and their continuing ability to perform these functions in a timely and satisfactory manner. If we experience a loss or disruption in the provision of any of these functions, or they are not performed in a satisfactory manner, we may have difficulty in finding alternate providers on terms favorable to us, or at all, and our business could be adversely affected.

Long-term disruptions in the mail, telecommunication infrastructure and/or air service could adversely affect our business.

Our business is dependent on the use of the mail, telecommunication infrastructure and air service. Long-term disruptions in one or more of these services, which could be caused by events such as natural disasters, the outbreak of war, the escalation of hostilities, civil unrest and/or acts of terrorism, could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our operations are vulnerable to the effects of epidemics, such as the coronavirus, which could materially disrupt our business.

We are vulnerable to the general economic effects of epidemics and other public health crises, including the ongoing coronavirus outbreak that has surfaced in China and is spreading throughout the world. Due to the recent outbreak of the coronavirus, there has been a substantial curtailment of business activities, particularly to and from China, which may potentially affect our ability to conduct fieldwork. The risk is particularly pronounced where our teams need to visit traditional stores to collect information where electronic data transmission is not possible, and where we need to conduct face to face consumer research interviews. Further, the virus could have a negative impact on our business if clients decide to cut back their research spend in China or other countries in light of poor performance due to the virus, and if it is not contained or otherwise continues, the impact of the epidemic could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Hardware and software failures, delays in the operations of our data gathering procedures, our computer and communications systems or the failure to implement system enhancements may harm our business.  

Our success depends on the efficient and uninterrupted operation of our computer and communications systems and our data gathering procedures. A failure of our network or data gathering procedures could impede the processing of data, delivery of databases and services, client orders and day-to-day management of our business and could result in the corruption or loss of data. While many of our services have appropriate disaster recovery plans in place, we currently do not have full backup facilities everywhere in the world to provide redundant network capacity in the event of a system failure. Despite any precautions we may take, damage from fire, floods, hurricanes, power loss, telecommunications failures, computer viruses, break-ins and similar events at our various computer facilities, or delays in our data gathering or panel maintenance operations due to weather events, including those related to climate change, other acts of nature, or public health crises, such as pandemics and epidemics, could result in interruptions in the flow of data to our servers and to our clients. In addition, any failure by our computer environment to provide our required data communications capacity could result in interruptions in our service. In the event of a delay in the delivery of data, we could be required to transfer our data collection operations to an alternative provider. Such a transfer could result in significant delays in our ability to deliver our services to our clients and could be costly to implement. Additionally, significant delays in the planned delivery of system enhancements and improvements, or inadequate performance of the systems once they are completed, could damage our reputation and harm our business. Finally, long-term disruptions in infrastructure caused by events such as natural disasters, the outbreak of war,

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the escalation of hostilities, civil unrest and/or acts of terrorism (particularly involving cities in which we have offices) could adversely affect our services. Although we carry property and business interruption insurance, our coverage may not be adequate to compensate us for all losses that may occur.

The presence of our Global Technology and Information Center in Florida, as well as the global nature of our panels, heightens our exposure to climate-change related risks, including hurricanes and tropical storms, which could disrupt our business.  

The technological data processing functions for certain of our U.S. operations are concentrated at our Global Technology and Information Center (“GTIC”) at a single location in Florida. Our geographic concentration in Florida heightens our exposure to a hurricane, tropical storm or other severe weather events specific to this region. These weather events, in Florida and elsewhere, could cause severe damage to our property and technology and could cause major disruptions to our operations, including our ability to produce and deliver ratings information and Answers on Demand data. For example, a hurricane or other similar event could lead to business interruption and other adverse consequences such as penalty fees, business interruption claims, or lost business.   Although our GTIC was built in anticipation of severe weather events and we have insurance coverage, if we were to experience a catastrophic loss, we may exceed our policy limits and/or we may have difficulty obtaining similar insurance coverage in the future. As such, a hurricane or tropical storm could have an adverse effect on our business. In addition, our panels rely on field staff traveling to panelists’ homes for onboarding and troubleshooting; therefore, worsening or more frequent climate change-related weather events could disrupt the size and quality of our panels. With the increased occurrence of climate change-related natural disasters globally, such as droughts, record snowfalls, heat waves and fires, we recognize the wide-ranging risks this poses to our business continuity in certain locations as well as on a global scale.

Changes in tax laws and the continuing ability to apply the provisions of various international tax treaties may adversely affect our financial results and increase our tax expense.

We operate in over 100 countries, and changes in tax laws, international tax treaties, regulations, related interpretations and tax accounting standards in the United States, the United Kingdom and other countries in which we operate may adversely affect our financial results, particularly our income tax expense, liabilities and cash flow. Our effective tax rate could also be affected by changes in our business (including acquisitions or dispositions), intercompany transactions, the applicability of special tax regimes, and the relative amount of foreign earnings in jurisdictions with high statutory tax rates or where losses are incurred for which we are not able to realize tax benefits.

Governments are resorting to more aggressive tax audit tactics and are increasingly considering changes to tax law regimes or policies as a means to cover budgetary shortfalls resulting from the current economic environment.  We are subject to direct and indirect taxes in numerous jurisdictions and the amount of tax we pay is subject to our interpretation of applicable tax laws in the jurisdictions in which we file. We have taken and will continue to take tax positions based on our interpretation of tax laws, but tax accounting often involves complex matters and judgment.  Although we believe that we have complied with all applicable tax laws, we have been and expect to continue to be subject to ongoing tax audits in various jurisdictions and tax authorities have disagreed, and may in the future disagree, with some of our interpretations of applicable tax law. We regularly assess the likely outcomes of these audits to determine the appropriateness of our tax provisions. However, our judgments may not be sustained on completion of these audits, and the amounts ultimately paid could be different from the amounts previously recorded, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

We face competition, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.

We are faced with a number of competitors worldwide in the markets in which we operate. Some of our competitors in our markets may have substantially greater financial, marketing, technological and other resources than we do and may in the future engage in aggressive pricing action to compete with us or develop products and services that are superior to or that achieve greater market acceptance than our products and services. Although we believe we are currently able to compete effectively in each of the various markets in which we participate, we may not be able to do so in the future or be capable of maintaining or further increasing our current market share. Our failure to compete successfully in our various markets could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.

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We are currently subject to shareholder litigation, and may become subject to additional shareholder litigation, antitrust litigation or government investigations in the future, any of which may result in an award of money damages or force us to change the way we do business.

In the past, certain of our business practices have been investigated by government antitrust or competition agencies, have been the subject of shareholder litigation, and we have been sued by private parties for alleged violations of the antitrust and competition laws of certain jurisdictions. We have changed certain of our business practices to reduce the likelihood of future litigation. Although each of these material prior legal actions have been resolved, there is a risk based upon the leading position of certain of our business operations that we could, in the future, be the target of investigations by government entities or actions by private parties challenging the legality of our business practices. We are subject to allegations, claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business.  In addition, we are currently subject to securities litigation, which we discuss in greater detail below under “Item 3. Legal Proceedings” and Note 17–Commitments and Contingencies to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The outcome of many of these proceedings cannot be predicted.  If any proceedings, inspections or investigations were to be determined adversely against us or result in legal actions, claims, regulatory proceedings, enforcement actions, or judgments, fines, or settlements involving a payment of material sums of money, or if injunctive relief were issued against us, we may be required to change the way we do business and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.  Even the successful defense of legal proceedings may cause us to incur substantial legal costs and may divert management’s attention and resources.

Our ability to successfully manage ongoing organizational changes could impact our business results.  

As we have in prior years, we continue to execute a number of significant business and organizational changes, including operating reorganizations, acquisition integration and divestitures to improve productivity and create efficiencies to support our growth strategies. We expect these types of changes, which may include many staffing adjustments as well as employee departures, to continue for the foreseeable future. Successfully managing these changes, including the identification, engagement and development and retention of key employees to provide uninterrupted leadership and direction for our business, is critical to our success. This includes developing organization capabilities in specific markets, businesses and functions where there is increased demand for specific skills or experiences. Finally, our financial targets assume a consistent level of productivity improvement. If we are unable to deliver expected productivity improvements, while continuing to invest in business growth, our financial results could be adversely impacted.

If we are unable to attract, retain and engage employees, we may not be able to compete effectively and will not be able to expand our business.  

Our success and ability to grow is dependent, in part, on our ability to hire, retain and engage sufficient numbers of talented people, with the increasingly diverse skills needed to serve clients and expand our business, in many locations around the world. Competition for highly qualified, specialized technical, managerial, and particularly consulting personnel is intense. Changes to U.S. or other immigration policies that restrain the flow of professional talent may also inhibit our ability to staff our offices or projects. Further, as a result of our review of strategic alternatives, we may suffer increased attrition.  Recruiting, training and retention costs and benefits place significant demands on our resources. The inability to attract qualified employees in sufficient numbers to meet particular demands or the loss of a significant number of our employees could have an adverse effect on us, including our ability to execute on growth initiatives as well as obtain and successfully complete important client engagements and partnerships and thus maintain or increase our revenues

We have suffered losses due to goodwill impairment charges in the past and could do so in the future.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are subject to annual review for impairment (or more frequently should indications of impairment arise). In addition, other intangible assets are also reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. During the third quarter of 2019, we recorded a goodwill impairment charge of approximately $1.0 billion. As of December 31, 2019, we had goodwill and intangible assets of $10,874 million. Any downward revisions in the fair value of our reporting units or our intangible assets could result in impairment charges for goodwill and intangible assets that could materially affect our financial performance.

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We rely, in part, on acquisitions, joint ventures and other alliances to grow our business and expand our access to technology. If we are unable to complete or integrate acquisitions into our existing operations or successfully develop and maintain joint ventures and other alliances, our growth may be adversely impacted. In addition, the acquisition, integration or divestiture of businesses by us may not produce the expected financial or operating results.

• We have made and expect to continue to make acquisitions or enter into other strategic transactions to strengthen our business and grow our Company. Such transactions present significant challenges and risks.

• The market for acquisition targets and other strategic transactions is highly competitive, especially in light of industry consolidation, which may affect our ability to complete such transactions.

• If we are unsuccessful in completing such transactions at all or within the anticipated time frame or if such opportunities for expansion do not arise, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

• If such transactions are completed, the anticipated growth and other strategic objectives of such transactions may not be fully realized, and a variety of factors may adversely affect any anticipated benefits from such transactions. For instance, the process of integration may require more resources than anticipated, we may assume unintended liabilities, there may be unexpected regulatory and operating difficulties and expenditures, we may fail to retain key personnel of the acquired business, we may fail to combine our businesses with the business of the acquired company in a manner that permits cost savings to be realized and such transactions may divert management’s focus from base strategies and objectives.

• Acquisitions outside of the U.S. increase our exposure to risks associated with foreign operations, including fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and compliance with foreign laws and regulations.

• The anticipated benefits from an acquisition or other strategic transaction may take longer to realize than expected or may not be realized fully. As a result, the failure of acquisitions and other strategic transactions to perform as expected could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

• Despite our past experience, opportunities to grow our business through acquisitions, joint ventures and other alliances may not be available to us in the future.  In addition, as a result of our proposed separation of Nielsen Global Connect and the resources and management attention required in connection therewith, there may be more limited resources available for acquisitions and management’s attention is likely to be diverted away from sourcing and developing potential acquisitions and joint venture opportunities, resulting in decreased growth.

Our results of operations and financial condition could be negatively impacted by our U.S. and non-U.S. pension plans.

The performance of the financial markets and interest rates impact our plan expenses, plan assets and funding obligations.  Changes in market interest rates, decreases in our pension trust assets or investment losses could increase our funding obligations, which would negatively impact our operations and financial condition. In addition we may be subject to potential pressure from pension regulators to accelerate contribution funding in light of the proposed separation of our Global Connect business.

Ineffective internal controls could impact our business and operating results.

Our internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements because of its inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error, the circumvention or overriding of controls, or fraud. Even effective internal controls can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, including any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or if we experience difficulties in its implementation, our business and operating results could be harmed and we could fail to meet our financial reporting obligations.

Future legislation, regulations, or policy changes under the current U.S. administration and new Congress could have a material effect on our business and results of operations.

Future legislation, regulatory changes or policy shifts under the current U.S. administration, could impact our business. Trade issues between the U.S. and several countries could provide a changing and sometimes challenging landscape. In December 2019, the United States, Mexico and Canada signed the amended United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (the “USMCA”), which, once ratified by all three countries, will replace NAFTA. While the USMCA is generally a positive development for Nielsen, it is currently difficult to predict what affect the USMCA will have on us and if the transition to the new trade agreement will have any negative effects to our business. Existing trade tensions with China and other countries will also provide challenges and marketplace uncertainty to Nielsen and Nielsen’s clients. Nielsen has been granted an exclusion from tariffs on certain products by the Office of the United States Trade Representative, but cannot guarantee the continuation of such exemptions or additional grants of exemptions based on future legislation, regulatory changes or policy shifts in the United States or abroad.  

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Other possible U.S. legislation and regulation that could have an impact on Nielsen includes comprehensive state and federal privacy legislation and regulation, artificial intelligence policy, the reauthorization of the Satellite Home Viewer Act, government restrictions on manufacturers within Nielsen’s existing supply chain, and the alteration of questions in the U.S. Census and the American Community Survey, which provides a touchstone for Nielsen’s demographics,

The U.S. Treasury will continue to develop rules and regulations emanating from the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”).  It is still uncertain to the extent how many of its provisions could affect Nielsen.  Many members of Congress and Presidential candidates have indicated a desire to roll back the recently reduced corporate rate.

France has passed a proposal to tax digital services. It’s impact to Nielsen's services remain unclear.  We believe it is likely other countries will follow suit and also introduce such tax. At this time we cannot predict the scope or nature of these changes or assess what the overall effect of such potential changes could be on our results of operations or cash flows.

Some policy issues, such as tax, privacy and trade, will be risks that span the globe.  At this time we cannot predict the scope or nature of these changes or assess what the overall effect of such potential changes could be on our results of operations or cash flows.

Inadvertent use of certain open source software could impose unanticipated limitations upon our ability to commercialize our products and services or subject our proprietary code to public disclosure if not properly managed.

We use certain open source software in our technologies, most often as small components supporting a larger product or service and it is also contained in some third-party software that we license. We also contribute to the open source community in certain circumstances, which then may make it difficult or impossible to maintain proprietary rights in such contributions. There are many types of open source licenses, some of which are quite complex, and most have not been interpreted or adjudicated by U.S. or other courts. Although we do have an open source use policy and practice, inadvertent use of certain open source licenses could impose unanticipated limitations upon our ability to commercialize our products and services or subject our proprietary code to public disclosure if not properly managed. Remediation of such issues may involve licensing the software on less than unfavorable terms or require remedial actions including a need to re-engineer our products and services, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

If our clients experience financial distress, or seek to change or delay payment terms, it could negatively affect our own financial position and results.

We have a large and diverse client and partner base and, at any given time, one or more of our clients or partners may experience financial difficulty, file for bankruptcy protection or go out of business. Unfavorable economic and financial conditions could result in an increase in client financial difficulties that affect us. The direct impact on us could include reduced revenues and write-offs of accounts receivable and expenditures billable to clients, and if these effects were severe, the indirect impact could include impairments of intangible assets, credit facility covenant violations and reduced liquidity.

Failure to meet the financial performance guidance or other forward-looking statements we have provided to the public could result in a decline in our stock price.  

We may provide public guidance on our expected financial results or other forward-looking information for future periods. Although we believe that this guidance provides investors and analysts with a better understanding of management's expectations for the future and is useful to our existing and potential shareholders, such guidance is comprised of forward-looking statements subject to the risks and uncertainties described in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in our other public filings and public statements. Our actual results may not be in line with the guidance we provide. If our financial results for a particular period do not meet our guidance or the expectations of market participants or if we reduce our guidance for future periods, the market price of our common stock may decline.

Design defects, errors, failures or delays associated with our products or services, could negatively impact our business.

Despite testing, software, products and services that we develop, license or distribute may contain errors or defects when first released or when major new updates or enhancements are released that cause the product or service to operate incorrectly or less effectively. Many of our products and services also rely on data and services provided by third-party providers over which we have no control and may be provided to us with defects, errors or failures. In addition, our data integrity and quality relies on human-led, manual data collection and management processes which may be vulnerable due to human error and complexity of systems, resulting in the need for increased field support to ensure sample representation and prevent unauthorized or excessive access. We may also experience delays while developing and introducing new products and services for various reasons, such as difficulties in licensing data inputs or adapting to particular operating environments. Defects, errors or delays in our products or services that are significant, or are perceived to be significant, could result in rejection or delay in market acceptance, damage to our reputation, loss of revenue, a

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lower rate of license renewals or upgrades, diversion of development resources, product liability claims or regulatory actions, or increases in service and support costs. We may also need to expend significant capital resources to eliminate or work around defects, errors, failures or delays. In each of these ways, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely impacted.

USD-Libor, which today is an important interest rate determinant for the majority of our debt under our credit facility and our interest rate swaps, will likely not exist as a market reference rate after 2021.  

In July 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority (the authority that regulates LIBOR) announced it intends to stop compelling banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR after 2021. The Alternative Reference Rates Committee ("ARRC") has proposed that the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") is the rate that represents best practice as the alternative to USD-LIBOR for use in derivatives and other financial contracts that are currently indexed to USD-LIBOR. ARRC has proposed a market transition to SOFR from USD-LIBOR and organizations are currently working on industry wide transition plans. The Company has material debt and interest rate hedging contracts that are indexed to USD-LIBOR and is monitoring this activity and evaluating the related risks.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2. Properties

We lease property in over 400 locations worldwide. We also own three properties worldwide presently consisting of (vacant land in Oldsmar, Florida); Sao Paulo Brazil; and Athens, Greece. Our leased property includes offices in New York, New York; Oldsmar, Florida; Chicago, Illinois; and Markham, Canada. We are subject to certain covenants including the requirement that we meet certain conditions in the event we merge into or convey, lease, transfer or sell our properties or assets as an entirety or substantially as an entirety to, any person or persons, in one or a series of transactions.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

In August 2018, a putative shareholder class action lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of New York, naming as defendants Nielsen, former Chief Executive Officer Dwight Mitchell Barns, and former Chief Financial Officer Jamere Jackson. Another lawsuit, which alleged similar facts but also named other Nielsen officers, was filed in the Northern District of Illinois in September 2018 and transferred to the Southern District of New York in December 2018. The actions were consolidated on April 22, 2019, and the Public Employees’ Retirement System of Mississippi was appointed lead plaintiff for the putative class. The operative complaint was filed on September 27, 2019, and asserts violations of certain provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, based on allegedly false and materially misleading statements relating to the outlook of Nielsen’s Buy (now “Connect”) segment, the Company’s preparedness for changes in global data privacy laws and Nielsen’s reliance on third-party data. The Company moved to dismiss the operative complaint on November 26, 2019. Briefing of the Company’s motion is scheduled to conclude on February 26, 2020. In addition, in January 2019, a shareholder derivative lawsuit was filed in New York Supreme Court against a number of Nielsen’s current and former officers and directors. The derivative lawsuit alleges that the named officers and directors breached their fiduciary duties to Nielsen in connection with factual assertions substantially similar to those in the putative class action complaints. The derivative lawsuit further alleges that certain officers and directors engaged in trading Nielsen stock based on material, nonpublic information. By agreement dated June 26, 2019, the derivative lawsuit has been stayed pending resolution of the Company’s motion to dismiss the aforementioned securities litigation. Nielsen intends to defend these lawsuits vigorously. Based on currently available information, Nielsen believes that the Company has meritorious defenses to these actions and that their resolution is not likely to have a material adverse effect on Nielsen’s business, financial position, or results of operations.

Nielsen is subject to litigation and other claims in the ordinary course of business, some of which include claims for substantial sums. Accruals have been recorded when the outcome is probable and can be reasonably estimated. While the ultimate results of claims and litigation cannot be determined, the Company does expect that the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on its operations or financial condition. However, depending on the amount and the timing, an unfavorable resolution of some or all of these matters could materially affect the Company’s future results of operations or cash flows in a particular period.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable.

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PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and is traded under the symbol “NLSN.” At the close of business on February 1, 2020, there was one shareholder of record. We believe that the number of beneficial owners is substantially greater than the number of record holders because a large portion of our common stock is held in “street name” by brokers.

Dividends

In January 2013, our Board of Directors (the “Board”) adopted a cash dividend policy with the intent to pay quarterly cash dividends on our outstanding common stock. Any decision to declare and pay dividends is made at the discretion of our Board and is subject to the Board’s continuing determination that the dividend policy and the declaration of dividends thereunder are in the best interests of our shareholders and are in compliance with all laws and agreements to which we are subject.

On November 3, 2019 the Board approved a plan to reduce the quarterly cash dividend, with the goal of strengthening Nielsen’s balance sheet and providing added flexibility to invest for growth. On February 20, 2020, the Board declared a cash dividend of $0.06 per share on our common stock. The dividend is payable on March 19, 2020 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 5, 2020.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer

Our Board has approved a share repurchase program, as included in the below table, for up to $2 billion in the aggregate of our outstanding common stock. The primary purpose of the program is to return value to shareholders and to mitigate dilution associated with our equity compensation plans.

Board Approval	Share Repurchase Authorization ($ in millions)
July 25, 2013	$	500
October 23, 2014	$	1,000
December 11, 2015	$	500
Total Share Repurchase Authorization	$	2,000

Repurchases under this program will be made in accordance with applicable securities laws from time to time in the open market or otherwise depending on our evaluation of market conditions and other factors. This program has been executed within the limitations of the authority granted by our shareholders.

During the fourth quarter 2019, there was no activity for share repurchases:

Unregistered Sales of Company Securities

None

United Kingdom tax consequences for holders of common stock

The United Kingdom tax consequences discussed below do not reflect a complete analysis or listing of all the possible United Kingdom tax consequences that may be relevant to holders of our common stock. Furthermore, the statements below only apply to holders of our common stock who are resident for tax purposes outside of the United Kingdom.

Investors should consult their own tax advisors in respect of the tax consequences related to receipt, ownership, purchase or sale or other disposition of our common stock.

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United Kingdom withholding tax

Under current law, the Company is not required to make any deduction or withholding for or on account of United Kingdom tax from dividends distributed on our common stock, irrespective of the tax residence or individual circumstances of the recipient shareholder.

United Kingdom income tax on dividends

A non-United Kingdom tax resident holder of our common stock will not be subject to United Kingdom income taxes on dividend income and similar distributions in respect of our shares, unless the shares are attributable to a permanent establishment or a fixed place of business maintained in the United Kingdom by such non-U.K. holder.

Disposition of Nielsen Shares

Holders of our common stock who are neither resident for tax purposes in the United Kingdom nor holding the common stock in connection with a trade carried on through a permanent establishment in the United Kingdom will not be subject to any United Kingdom taxes on chargeable gains as a result of any disposals of their common stock.

Common stock held outside the facilities of The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") should be treated as U.K. situs assets for the purpose of U.K. inheritance tax.

Stamp duty and stamp duty reserve tax ("SDRT")

Stamp duty and/or SDRT are imposed in the United Kingdom on certain transfers of securities (including shares in companies which, like us, are incorporated in the United Kingdom) at a rate of 0.5% of the consideration paid for the transfer. Certain transfers of shares to depositaries or into clearance systems are charged a higher rate of 1.5%. Transfers of interests in shares within a depositary or clearance system, and from a depositary to a clearance system, are generally exempt from stamp duty and SDRT.

Transfers of our common stock held in book entry form through the facilities of DTC will not attract a charge to stamp duty or SDRT in the United Kingdom provided no instrument of transfer is entered into (which should not be necessary).

Any transfer of, or agreement to transfer, our common stock that occurs outside the DTC system, including repurchases by us, will ordinarily attract stamp duty or SDRT at a rate of 0.5%. This duty must be paid (and where applicable the transfer document stamped by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (“HMRC”)) before the transfer can be registered in our books. Typically this stamp duty or SDRT would be paid by the purchaser of the common stock.

A transfer of title in our common stock from within the DTC system out of the DTC system will not attract stamp duty or SDRT if undertaken for no consideration. If that common stock is redeposited into DTC (which may only be done via a deposit of the common stock first with an appropriate offshore depositary followed by a transfer of the common stock from the offshore depositary into DTC), however, the redeposit will attract stamp duty or SDRT at a rate of 1.5%.

Investors should therefore note that the withdrawal of our common stock from the DTC system, or any transfers outside the DTC system, are likely to cause additional costs and delays in disposing of their common stock than would be the case if they hold our common stock in book entry form through the DTC system.

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Item 6. Selected Financial and Other Data

The following table sets forth selected historical consolidated financial data as of the dates and for the periods indicated. The selected consolidated statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, and selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The selected consolidated statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 and selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, which are not included in this annual report on Form 10-K.

The results of operations for any period are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any future period. The audited consolidated financial statements, from which the historical financial information for the periods set forth below have been derived, were prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The selected historical consolidated financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with, and are qualified by reference to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K.

(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)	Year Ended December 31,
	2019(1)			2018(2)			2017(3)		2016(4)		2015(5)
Statement of Operations Data:
Revenues	$	6,498		$	6,515		$	6,572	$	6,309	$	6,172
Depreciation and amortization(6)		756			675			640		603		574
Operating income/(loss)		(93	)		(475	)		1,214		1,130		1,098
Interest expense		397			394			374		333		311
Income/(loss) from continuing operations		(403	)		(700	)		440		507		575
Income/(loss) from continuing operations per common share (basic)		(1.17	)		(2.00	)		1.20		1.40		1.55
Income/(loss) from continuing operations per common share (diluted)		(1.17	)		(2.00	)		1.20		1.39		1.54
Cash dividends declared per common share		1.11			1.39			1.33		1.21		1.09

	December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019		2018		2017		2016		2015
Balance Sheet Data:
Total assets	$	14,319	$	15,179	$	16,866	$	15,730	$	15,303
Long-term debt including finance leases		8,309		8,387		8,441		7,926		7,338

(1) Loss for the year ended December 31, 2019 included $1,004 million in impairment charges associated with our Connect reporting unit, a non-cash expense of $170 for the settlement of certain pension plans and $80 million in restructuring charges. See Item 7.  “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Asset”. See Note 11 “Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits” for further discussion on the pension settlement charge.

(2) Loss for the year ended December 31, 2018 included $1,411 million in impairment charges associated with our Connect reporting unit and $139 million in restructuring charges. See Item 7.  “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets”.

(3) Income for the year ended December 31, 2017 included $80 million in restructuring charges.

(4) Income for the year ended December 31, 2016 included $105 million in restructuring charges.

(5) Income for the year ended December 31, 2015 included $51 million in restructuring charges, a gain of $158 million recorded from the step acquisition of Nielsen Catalina Solutions and an $8 million charge associated with the change to the Venezuelan currency exchange rate mechanism.

(6) Depreciation and amortization expense included charges for the depreciation and amortization of tangible and intangible assets acquired in business combinations of $205 million, $220 million, $219 million, $210 million and $205 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Introduction

The following discussion and analysis should be read together with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto. Further, this report may contain material that includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that reflect, when made, Nielsen’s current views with respect to current events and financial performance. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those described in “Item 1A. Risk Factors.” Statements, other than those based on historical facts, which address activities, events or developments that we expect or anticipate may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are and will be, as the case may be, subject to many risks, uncertainties and factors relating to Nielsen’s operations and business environment that may cause actual results to be materially different from any future results, express or implied, by such forward-looking statements. See “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The terms “Company,” “Nielsen,” “we,” “our” or “us,” as used herein, refer to Nielsen Holdings plc and each of its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise stated or indicated by context.

Background and Executive Summary

We are a leading global measurement and data analytics company that provides clients with a comprehensive understanding of consumers and consumer behavior. Our approach marries our proprietary data with other data sources to help clients around the world understand what's happening now, what's happening next, and how to best act on this knowledge. For more than 90 years we have provided data and analytics based on scientific rigor and innovation, continually developing new ways to answer the most important questions facing the media, advertising, retail and fast-moving consumer goods industries. We have a presence in more than 100 countries, including many emerging markets, and hold leading market positions in many of our services and geographies.

We believe that important measures of our results of operations include revenue, operating income/(loss) and Adjusted EBITDA (defined below). Our long-term financial objectives include consistent revenue growth and expanding operating margins. Accordingly, we are focused on geographic market and service offering expansion to drive revenue growth and improve operating efficiencies, including effective resource utilization, information technology leverage and overhead cost management.

Our business strategy is built upon a model that has traditionally yielded consistent revenue performance. Typically, before the start of each year, more than 70% of our annual revenue has been committed under contracts in our combined Nielsen Global Connect (“Connect”) and Nielsen Global Media (“Media”) segments, which provides us with a greater degree of stability for our revenue and allows us to more effectively manage our profitability and cash flows. See “Business Segment Overview” below for further discussion. We continue to look for growth opportunities through global expansion, specifically within emerging markets, as well as through the cross-platform expansion of our analytical services and measurement services.

On November 3, 2019, our Board of Directors completed its strategic review and approved a plan to spin-off our Global Connect business, creating two independent, publicly traded companies - the Global Media business and the Global Connect business - each of which will have sharper strategic focus and greater opportunity to leverage its unique competitive advantages.

Our restructuring and other productivity initiatives have been focused on a combination of improving operating leverage through targeted cost-reduction programs, business process improvements and portfolio restructuring actions, while at the same time investing in key programs to enhance future growth opportunities.

Achieving our business objectives requires us to manage a number of key risk areas. Our growth objective of geographic market and service expansion requires us to maintain the consistency and integrity of our information and underlying processes on a global scale, and to invest effectively our capital in technology and infrastructure to keep pace with our clients’ demands and our competitors. Core to managing these key risk areas is our commitment to data privacy and security as it drives our ability to deliver quality insights for our clients in line with evolving regulatory requirements and governing standards across all the geographies and industries in which we operate. Our operating footprint across more than 100 countries requires disciplined global and local resource management of internal and third party providers to ensure success. In addition, our high level of indebtedness requires active management of our debt profile, with a focus on underlying maturities, interest rate risk, liquidity and operating cash flows.

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Business Segment Overview

Prior to February 2019, we were aligned into two reporting segments: what consumers buy (“Buy”) and what consumers read, watch and listen to (“Watch”). In February 2019, we realigned our business segments from Buy and Watch to Connect and Media. Each segment operates as a complete unit—from the conception of a product, through the collection of the data, into the technology and operations, all the way to the data being sold and delivered to the client. Our Connect and Media segments are built on a foundation of proprietary data assets that are designed to yield essential insights for our clients to successfully measure, analyze and grow their businesses. Our segments each consist of two categories: Measure and Predict / Activate in Connect and Audience Measurement and Plan / Optimize in Media.  These categories are based on our core measurement platforms in both Connect and Media, while Predict / Activate and Plan / Optimize are designed to build on our measurement capabilities to enhance client decision-making. These changes better align our external view to our go-forward internal view. Our reportable segments are stated on the new basis and such changes were retrospectively applied. The impact of these changes did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements or segment results.

Our Connect segment provides measurement services, which include our core tracking and scan data (primarily transactional measurement data and consumer behavior information), and analytical services to businesses in the consumer packaged goods industry. Our services also enable our clients to better manage their brands, uncover new sources of demand, launch and grow new products, analyze their sales and establish more effective consumer relationships. Our data is used by our clients to measure their market share, tracking billions of sales transactions per month in retail outlets around the world. Our extensive database of retail and consumer information, combined with our advanced analytical capabilities, helps generate strategic insights that influence our clients’ key business decisions.

Our Media segment provides viewership and listening data and analytics primarily to the media and advertising industries for television, radio, digital and mobile viewing and listening platforms. Our Media data is used by our media clients to understand their audiences, establish the value of their advertising inventory and maximize the value of their content, and by our advertising clients to plan and optimize their spending.

Certain corporate costs, including those related to selling, finance, legal, human resources, and information technology systems, are considered operating costs and are allocated to our segments based on either the actual amount of costs incurred or on a basis consistent with the operations of the underlying segment.

Critical Accounting Policies

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses and the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The most significant of these policies relate to: revenue recognition; business combinations including purchase price allocations; accruals for pension costs and other post-retirement benefits; accounting for income taxes; and valuation of long-lived assets including goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, computer software and share-based compensation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the valuation of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. We evaluate these estimates on an ongoing basis. Actual results could vary from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. For a summary of the significant accounting policies, including the critical accounting policies discussed below, see Note 1 – “Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies” – to our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

On January 1, 2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, using the modified retrospective method. The ASC has been applied to all contracts as of the date of adoption. There was no impact on our financial statements as a result of this adoption.

Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer.  We recognizes revenue when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control of a product or service to a customer, which generally occurs over time. Substantially all of our customer contracts are non-cancelable and non-refundable.

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The following is a description of principal activities, by reportable segment, from which we generate its revenues.

Revenue from the Connect segment consists primarily of measurement services, which include our core tracking and scan data (primarily transactional measurement data and consumer behavior information) to businesses in the consumer packaged goods industry. Our data is used by its clients to measure their market share, tracking billions of sales transactions per month in retail outlets around the world. Revenues for these services are recognized over the period during which the performance obligations are satisfied as the customer receives and consumes the benefits provided us and control of the services are transferred to the customer.

We also provide consumer intelligence and analytical services that help clients make smarter business decisions throughout their product development and marketing cycles. Our performance under these arrangements do not create an asset with an alternative use to us and generally include an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date, as such, revenue for these services is typically recognized over time. Revenue for contracts that do not include an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date is recognized at a point in time when the performance obligation is satisfied, generally upon delivery of the services, and when control of the service is transferred to the customer.

Revenue from our Media segment is primarily generated from television, radio, digital and mobile audience measurement services and analytics which are used by our media clients to establish the value of airtime and more effectively schedule and promote their programming and our advertising clients to plan and optimize their spending. As the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by our performance, revenues for these services are recognized over the period during which the performance obligations are satisfied and control of the service is transferred to the customer.

We enter into cooperation arrangements with certain customers, under which the customer provides us with its data in exchange for our services. We record these transactions at fair value, which is determined based on the fair value of goods or services received, if reasonably estimable. If not reasonably estimable, we consider the fair value of the goods or services surrendered.

Share-based Compensation

Expense Recognition

Our share-based compensation programs are comprised of stock options, performance-based stock options, restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and performance restricted stock units. We measure the cost of all share-based payments, including stock options, at fair value on the grant date and recognize such costs within the consolidated statements of operations; however, no expense is recognized for share-based payments that do not ultimately vest. We recognize expense associated with share-based payments that vest upon a single date using the straight-line method. For those that vest over time, an accelerated graded vesting is used. We recorded $50 million, $35 million and $45 million of expense associated with share-based compensation for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. As of December 31, 2019, the aggregate grant date fair value of all outstanding vested and unvested options was $20 million and $3 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2019, the aggregate grant date fair value of all outstanding vested and unvested performance stock options was $2 million and $2 million, respectively.

As of December 31, 2019, the following amounts of unearned share-based compensation (net of estimated forfeitures) are expected to be recognized: approximately $1 million related to stock options over the next two years, approximately $1 million related to performance stock options over the next two years, approximately $51 million related to unvested RSUs over a weighted average period of 2.8 years and approximately $6 million related to performance restricted stock units over the next two years.

Fair Value Measurement

Determining the fair value of share-based awards at the grant date requires considerable judgment. Share-based compensation expense for time-based stock options is primarily based on the estimated grant date fair value using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which considers factors such as estimating the expected term of stock options, expected volatility of our stock, and the number of share-based awards expected to be forfeited due to future terminations. Some of the critical assumptions used in estimating the grant date fair value are presented in the table below:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018			2017
Expected life (years)		—		6.00			4.50
Risk-free interest rate		—		2.87	%		2.02	%
Expected dividend yield		—		4.97	%		3.76	%
Expected volatility		—		25.96	%		22.01	%
Weighted-average volatility		—		25.96	%		22.01	%

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Under the Nielsen 2010 Stock Incentive Plan, we granted time and performance based stock options to purchase shares during the year ended December 31, 2018. Share-based compensation expense for the time and performance based stock options is based on the Monte Carlo simulation model which considers factors such as estimating the expected term of stock options, expected volatility of our stock, and the number of share-based awards expected to be forfeited due to future terminations. Some of the critical assumptions used in estimating the grant date fair value are presented in the table below:

	Year Ended December 31, 2018
Expected life (years)		5.00
Risk-free interest rate		2.83-2.92	%
Expected dividend yield		4.85-5.54	%
Expected volatility		27.11-27.27	%
Weighted-average volatility		27.13	%

We consider the historical option exercise behavior of our employees in estimating the expected life of our options granted, which we believe are representative of future behavior. For 2018, expected volatility was based on our historical volatility. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2017, there were no time and performance based stock options issued.

In addition, for share-based awards where vesting is dependent upon achieving certain operating performance goals, we estimate the likelihood of achieving the performance goals. The total number of performance restricted share units to be earned is subject to achievement of cumulative performance goals for the three year period. For the 2019 award, fifty percent of the target award will be determined based on the Company’s revenue compounded annual growth rate achievements and fifty percent of the award will be determined based on adjusted earnings per share achievements. There is a relative total shareholder return modifier that can increase or decrease the payout. For the 2018 award, twenty five percent of the target award will be determined based on the Company’s revenue compounded annual growth rate achievements, twenty five percent of the target award will be based on the Company’s relative total shareholder return and fifty percent of the award will be determined based on free cash flow achievements. For the 2017 awards, forty percent of the target award will be determined based on the Company’s relative total shareholder return and sixty percent of the target award will be determined based on free cash flow achievements.  The maximum payout is 200% of target. Differences between actual results and these estimates could have a material effect on our financial results.

The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of share-based awards represent our best estimates and, although we believe them to be reasonable, these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment. If factors change and we employ different assumptions in the application of our option-pricing model in future periods or if we experience different forfeiture rates, the compensation expense that is derived may differ significantly from what we have recorded in the current year.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and short-term, highly liquid investments with an original maturity date of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents are carried at fair value.

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are stated at historical cost less accumulated impairment losses, if any.

Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, consisting of certain trade names and trademarks, are each tested for impairment on an annual basis and whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such asset may not be recoverable. We review the recoverability of our goodwill by comparing the estimated fair values of reporting units with their respective carrying amounts. We have designated October 1st as the date in which the annual assessment is performed as this timing corresponds with the development of the Company’s formal budget and business plan review.

We established, and continue to evaluate, our reporting units based on our internal reporting structure and define such reporting units at our operating segment level or one level below. The estimates of fair value of a reporting unit are determined using a combination of valuation techniques, primarily by an income approach using a discounted cash flow analysis and supplemented by a market-based approach.

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A discounted cash flow analysis requires the use of various assumptions, including expectations of future cash flows, growth rates, discount rates and tax rates in developing the present value of future cash flow projections. Many of the factors used in assessing fair value are outside of the control of management, and these assumptions and estimates can change in future periods. Changes in assumptions or estimates could materially affect the determination of the fair value of a reporting unit, and therefore could affect the amount of potential impairment. The following assumptions are significant to our discounted cash flow analysis:

• Business projections – expected future cash flows and growth rates are based on assumptions about the level of business activity in the marketplace as well as applicable cost levels that drive our budget and business plans. The budget and business plans are updated at least annually and are frequently reviewed by management and our Board of Directors. Actual results of operations, cash flows and other factors will likely differ from the estimates used in our valuation, and it is possible that differences and changes could be material. A deterioration in profitability, adverse market conditions and a slower or weaker economic recovery than currently estimated by management could have a significant impact on the estimated fair value of our reporting units and could result in an impairment charge in the future. Should such events or circumstances arise, management would evaluate other options available at that time that, if executed, could result in future profitability.

• Long-term growth rates – the assumed long-term growth rate representing the expected rate at which a reporting unit’s earnings stream, beyond that of the budget and business plan period, is projected to grow. These rates are used to calculate the terminal value, or value at the end of the future earnings stream, of our reporting units, and are added to the cash flows projected for the budget and business plan period. The long-term growth rate for each reporting unit is influenced by general market conditions as well as factors specific to the reporting unit such as the maturity of the underlying services. The long-term growth rates we used for each of our reporting units in our 2019 evaluation were between 1.5% and 2.5%.

• Discount rates – the reporting unit’s combined future cash flows are discounted at a rate that is consistent with a weighted-average cost of capital that is likely to be used by market participants. The weighted-average cost of capital is our estimate of the overall after-tax rate of return required by equity and debt holders of a business enterprise. The discount rate for each reporting unit is influenced by general market conditions as well as factors specific to the reporting unit. The discount rates we used in our 2019 evaluation of our reporting units were between 10.25% and 11.25%.

These estimates and assumptions vary between each reporting unit depending on the facts and circumstances specific to that unit. We believe that the estimates and assumptions we made are reasonable, but they are susceptible to change from period to period.

We also use a market-based approach in estimating the fair value of our reporting units. The market-based approach utilizes available market comparisons such as indicative industry multiples that are applied to current year revenue and earnings, next year’s revenue and earnings as well as recent comparable transactions.

To validate the reasonableness of the reporting unit fair values, we reconcile the aggregate fair values of our reporting units to our enterprise market capitalization. Enterprise market capitalization includes, among other factors, the market value of our common stock and the appropriate redemption values of our debt.

During the first quarter of 2019, we updated our reporting structure in a manner that changed the composition of our reporting units. The result of this change was combining two of our reporting units into one. Both of these reporting units were in the former Watch reportable segment.  The current reporting units are Media and Connect (formerly Watch and Buy), which is the same as our reportable segments. As a result of this change in reporting units, we performed an interim goodwill impairment analysis during the first quarter immediately prior to the change and after the change, and determined that the estimated fair values of the reporting units exceeded their carrying values (including goodwill). As such, there was no impairment as a result of this change.

In connection with our strategic review, we considered various alternatives for us including the potential sale of the Connect business. During this process, there were indications that the fair value of the Connect reporting unit was lower than the carrying value.  We considered this as well as other factors to be interim indicators of impairment and determined that it was more likely than not that the Connect reporting unit was impaired.  Management performed an updated impairment analysis of Connect as of September 30, 2019.  As a result of this analysis, we concluded that the fair value was less than the carrying value and recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $1,004 million for the Connect reporting unit. The primary inputs for determining the estimated fair value were inputs from the strategic review process, market values for comparable entities and updated intrinsic values.

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The following table summarizes the results of the two reporting units that were subject to the October 1, 2019 annual impairment testing and the related goodwill value associated with the reporting units for (a) fair values exceeding carrying values by less than 10%, (b) fair values exceeding carrying values between 10% and 20%, and (c) fair values exceeding carrying values by more than 20%. There was no impairment or indicators of impairment noted in the October 1, 2019 assessment. The table below represents the reporting units goodwill balances as of December 31, 2019.

Fair value exceeds carrying value by:	Number of reporting units		Reporting units goodwill (in millions)
Less than 10%		—	$	—
10% to 20%		1		331
Greater than 20%		1		5,662
Total		2	$	5,993

We perform sensitivity analyses on our assumptions, primarily around both long-term growth rate and discount rate assumptions. Our sensitivity analyses include several combinations of reasonably possible scenarios with regard to these assumptions, including a one percent movement in both our long-term growth rate and discount rate assumptions. When applying these sensitivity analyses, we noted that the fair value was greater than the carrying value for both of our reporting units. While management believes that these sensitivity analyses provide a reasonable basis on which to evaluate the recovery of our goodwill, other facts or circumstances may arise that could impact the impairment assessment and therefore these analyses should not be used as a sole predictor of impairment.

The impairment test for other indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The estimates of fair value of trade names and trademarks are determined using a “relief from royalty” discounted cash flow valuation methodology. Significant assumptions inherent in this methodology include estimates of royalty rates and discount rates. Discount rate assumptions are based on an assessment of the risk inherent in the respective intangible assets. Assumptions about royalty rates are based on the rates at which comparable trade names and trademarks are being licensed in the marketplace. There was no impairment noted in any period presented with respect to the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets. As of the October 1, 2019 assessment, one of our indefinite-lived intangible assets had a fair value that exceeded its carrying value by less than 10%.

Pension Costs

We provide a number of retirement benefits to our employees, including defined benefit pension plans and post-retirement medical plans. Pension costs, in respect of defined benefit pension plans, primarily represent the increase in the actuarial present value of the obligation for pension benefits based on employee service during the year and the interest on this obligation in respect of employee service in previous years, net of the expected return on plan assets. Differences between this expected return and the actual return on these plan assets and actuarial changes are not recognized in the statement of operations, unless the accumulated differences and changes exceed a certain threshold. The excess is amortized and charged to the statement of operations over, at the maximum, the average remaining term of employee service. We recognize obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension plans as expenses in the statement of operations as they are incurred.

The determination of benefit obligations and expenses is based on actuarial models. In order to measure benefit costs and obligations using these models, critical assumptions are made with regard to the discount rate, the expected return on plan assets and the assumed rate of compensation increases. We provide retiree medical benefits to a limited number of participants in the U.S. Therefore, retiree medical care cost trend rates are not a significant driver of our post retirement costs. Management reviews these critical assumptions at least annually. Other assumptions involve demographic factors such as turnover, retirement and mortality rates. Management reviews these assumptions periodically and updates them as necessary.

The discount rate is the rate at which the benefit obligations could be effectively settled. For our U.S. plans, the discount rate is based on a bond portfolio that includes only long-term bonds with an Aa rating, or equivalent, from a major rating agency. For the Dutch and other non-U.S. plans, the discount rate is set by reference to market yields on high-quality corporate bonds. We believe the timing and amount of cash flows related to the bonds in these portfolios are expected to match the estimated payment benefit streams of our plans.

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To determine the expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets, we consider, for each country, the structure of the asset portfolio and the expected rates of return for each of the components. For our U.S. plans, a 50 basis point decrease in the expected return on assets would increase pension expense on our principal plans by approximately $1 million per year. A similar 50 basis point decrease in the expected return on assets for the Company’s Dutch plan would also increase pension expense by approximately $1 million per year. We assumed that the weighted-averages of long-term returns on our pension plans were 4.3% for the year ended December 31, 2019, 4.4% for the year ended December 31, 2018 and 4.6% for the year ended December 31, 2017. The expected long-term rate of return is applied to the fair value of pension plan assets. The actual return on plan assets will vary year to year from this assumption. Although the actual return on plan assets will vary from year to year, it is appropriate to use long-term expected forecasts in selecting our expected return on plan assets. As such, there can be no assurance that our actual return on plan assets will approximate the long-term expected forecasts.

During 2019, certain of our pension plans contracted with insurance companies and transferred $632 million of outstanding defined benefit pension obligations and related pension assets for approximately 6,000 retirees and beneficiaries in the Netherlands and UK to these insurance companies. These insurance companies are now required to pay and administer the retirement benefits owed to these retirees and beneficiaries. These transactions have no impact on the amount, timing, or form of the monthly retirement benefit payments to the covered retirees and beneficiaries. These transactions resulted in a non-cash charge to other income/expense of $170 million in our consolidated statements of operations and did not impact cash flows in 2019.

Income Taxes

We have a presence in more than 100 countries, and our effective tax rate is subject to significant variation due to several factors including variability in our pre-tax and taxable income or loss and the mix of jurisdictions to which they relate, intercompany transactions, the applicability of special tax regimes, changes in where or how we do business, acquisitions or dispositions, audit-related developments, and interpretations related to tax, including changes to the global tax framework, competition, and other laws and accounting rules in various jurisdictions. Additionally, our effective tax rate can fluctuate based on the level of pre-tax income or loss. For example, the impact of non-deductible expenses on our effective tax rate is greater when our pre-tax income is lower.

We have completed a number of material acquisitions and divestitures which have generated complex tax issues requiring management to use its judgment to make various tax determinations. We have sought to organize the affairs of our subsidiaries in a tax efficient manner, taking into consideration the jurisdictions in which we operate. Although we are confident that tax returns have been appropriately prepared and filed, there is risk that additional tax may be assessed on certain transactions or that the deductibility of certain expenditures may be disallowed for tax purposes. Our policy is to estimate tax risk to the best of our ability and provide accordingly for those risks and take positions in which a high degree of confidence exists that the tax treatment will be accepted by the tax authorities. The policy with respect to deferred taxation is to provide in full for temporary differences using the liability method.

Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are computed by assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. The carrying value of deferred tax assets is adjusted by a valuation allowance to the extent that these deferred tax assets are not considered to be realized on a more likely than not basis. Realization of deferred tax assets is based, in part, on our judgment and various factors including reversal of deferred tax liabilities, our ability to generate future taxable income in jurisdictions where such assets have arisen and potential tax planning strategies. Valuation allowances are recorded in order to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized in the future.

We record a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Such tax positions are, based solely on their technical merits, more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities and reflect the largest amount of benefit, determined on a cumulative probability basis, which is more likely than not to be realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority with full knowledge of all relevant information. We recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.

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Long-Lived Assets

We are required to assess whether the value of our long-lived assets, including our buildings, improvements, technical and other equipment, and amortizable intangible assets have been impaired whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets might not be recoverable. We do not perform a periodic assessment of assets for impairment in the absence of such information or indicators. Conditions that would necessitate an impairment assessment include a significant decline in the observable market value of an asset, a significant change in the extent or manner in which an asset is used or a significant adverse change that would indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets is not recoverable. Recoverability of assets that are held and used is measured by comparing the sum of the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be derived from an asset (or a group of assets) to their carrying value. If the carrying value of the asset (or the group of assets) exceeds the sum of the future undiscounted cash flows, impairment is considered to exist. If impairment is considered to exist based on undiscounted cash flows, the impairment charge is measured using an estimation of the assets’ fair value, typically using a discounted cash flow method. The identification of impairment indicators, the estimation of future cash flows and the determination of fair values for assets (or groups of assets) requires us to make significant judgments concerning the identification and validation of impairment indicators, expected cash flows and applicable discount rates. These estimates are subject to revision as market conditions and our assessments change.

We capitalize software development costs with respect to major internal use software initiatives or enhancements. The costs are capitalized from the time that the preliminary project stage is completed, and we consider it probable that the software will be used to perform the function intended until the time the software is placed in service for its intended use. Once the software is placed in service, the capitalized costs are generally amortized over periods of three to seven years. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of software may not be recovered, a recoverability analysis is performed based on estimated undiscounted cash flows to be generated from the software in the future. If the analysis indicates that the carrying value is not recoverable from future cash flows, the software cost is written down to estimated fair value and an impairment is recognized. These estimates are subject to revision as market conditions and as our assessments change.  No impairment indicators were noted for other long-lived assets for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. The Company’s impairment assessments resulted in the recognition of a non-cash self-developed software asset impairment charge of $2 million during the fourth quarter of 2018.

Factors Affecting Nielsen’s Financial Results

Acquisitions, Dispositions and Investments in Affiliates

Acquisitions

For the year ended December 31, 2019, we paid cash consideration of $61 million associated with current period acquisitions, net of cash acquired. Had these 2019 acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2019, the impact on our consolidated results of operations would not have been material.

For the year ended December 31, 2018, we paid cash consideration of $43 million associated with both current period and previously executed acquisitions, net of cash acquired. Had these 2018 acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2018, the impact on our consolidated results of operations would not have been material.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, including Gracenote, we paid cash consideration of $778 million associated with both current period and previously executed acquisitions, net of cash acquired. Had these 2017 acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2017, the impact on our consolidated results of operations would not have been material.

Foreign Currency

Our financial results are reported in U.S. dollars and are therefore subject to the impact of movements in exchange rates on the translation of the financial information of individual businesses whose functional currencies are other than U.S. dollars. Our principal foreign exchange revenue exposure is spread across several currencies, primarily the Euro. The table below sets forth the profile of our revenue by principal currency.

	Year ended December 31, 2019			Year ended December 31, 2018			Year ended December 31, 2017
U.S. Dollar		58	%		57	%		59	%
Euro		10	%		11	%		10	%
Other Currencies		32	%		32	%		31	%
Total		100	%		100	%		100	%

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As a result, fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. dollar impact our operating results. Impacts associated with fluctuations in foreign currency are discussed in more detail under “Item 7A.—Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.” In countries with currencies other than the U.S. dollar, assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using end-of-period exchange rates; revenues, expenses and cash flows are translated using average rates of exchange. The average U.S. dollar to Euro exchange rate was $1.12 to €1.00, $1.18 to €1.00 and $1.13 to €1.00 for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Constant currency growth rates used in the following discussion of results of operations eliminate the impact of year-over-year foreign currency fluctuations.

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 financial measure, excludes the impact of year-over-year 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. This calculation may differ from similarly-titled measures used by others and, accordingly, the constant currency presentation is not meant to be a substitution for recorded amounts presented in conformity with GAAP nor should such amounts be considered in isolation.

Operations in Argentina

We have operations in both the Connect and Media segments in Argentina and the functional currency for those operations is the Argentine Peso. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, Argentina’s currency has been considered hyperinflationary since July 1, 2018, and, accordingly, local currency transactions have been denominated in U.S. dollars since July 1, 2018, and will continue to be denominated in U.S. dollars until Argentina’s currency is no longer deemed to be hyperinflationary. We will continue to assess the appropriate conversion rate based on events in Argentina and our Argentina operations. This event has had an immaterial impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.  

Results of Operations – Years Ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the amounts included in our consolidated statements of operations:

	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Revenues	$	6,498		$	6,515		$	6,572
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		2,822			2,805			2,765
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		1,929			1,958			1,873
Depreciation and amortization		756			675			640
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets		1,004			1,413			—
Restructuring charges		80			139			80
Operating income/(loss)		(93	)		(475	)		1,214
Interest income		6			8			4
Interest expense		(397	)		(394	)		(374	)
Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net		(10	)		(16	)		(10	)
Other income/(expense), net		(169	)		(5	)		(6	)
Income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates		(663	)		(882	)		828
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes		260			182			(388	)
Net income/(loss)		(403	)		(700	)		440
Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		12			12			11
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$	(415	)	$	(712	)	$	429

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Net Income to Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation

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, restructuring charges, impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets, share-based compensation expense and other non-operating items from our consolidated statements of operations as well as certain other items considered outside the normal course of our operations specifically described below.

Restructuring charges: We exclude restructuring expenses, which primarily include employee severance, office consolidation and contract termination charges, from our Adjusted EBITDA to allow more accurate comparisons of the financial results to historical operations and forward-looking guidance. By excluding these expenses from our non-GAAP measures, we are better able to evaluate our ability to utilize our existing assets and estimate the long-term value these assets will generate for us. Furthermore, we believe that the adjustments of these items more closely correlate with the sustainability of our operating performance.

Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets: We exclude the impact of charges related to the impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets. Given the significance of the impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets, we reported it separately in the consolidated statements of operations. We believe that the exclusion of these impairments, which are non-cash, allows for meaningful comparisons of operating results to peer companies. We believe that this increases period-to-period comparability and is useful to evaluate the performance of the total company.

Share-based compensation expense: We exclude the impact of costs relating to share-based compensation. Due to the subjective assumptions and a variety of award types, we believe that the exclusion of share-based compensation expense, which is typically non-cash, allows for more meaningful comparisons of our operating results to peer companies. Share-based compensation expense can vary significantly based on the timing, size and nature of awards granted.

Other non-operating income/(expense), net: We exclude foreign currency exchange transaction gains and losses, primarily related to intercompany financing arrangements, as well as other non-operating income and expense items, such as gains and losses recorded on business combinations or dispositions, sales of investments, pension settlements, net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests and early redemption payments made in connection with debt refinancing. We believe that the adjustments of these items more closely correlate with the sustainability of our operating performance.

Other items: To measure operating performance, we exclude certain expenses and gains that arise outside the ordinary course of our operations. Such costs primarily include legal settlements, acquisition related expenses, business optimization costs and other transactional costs. We believe the exclusion of such amounts allows management and the users of the financial statements to better understand our financial results.

Adjusted EBITDA is not a presentation made in accordance with GAAP, and our use of the term Adjusted EBITDA 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. Adjusted EBITDA margin is Adjusted EBITDA for a particular period expressed as a percentage of revenues for that period.

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. In addition to Adjusted EBITDA being a significant measure of performance for management purposes, we also believe that this presentation provides useful information to investors regarding financial and business trends related to our results of operations and that when non-GAAP financial information is viewed with GAAP financial information, investors are provided with a more meaningful understanding of our ongoing operating performance.

Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net income or loss, operating income/(loss), cash flows from operating activities or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP as measures of operating performance or cash flows as measures of liquidity. Adjusted EBITDA has important limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. In addition, our definition of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies and may, therefore, have limitations as a comparative analytical tool.

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The below table presents a reconciliation from net income/(loss) to Adjusted EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017:

	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$	(415	)	$	(712	)	$	429
Interest expense, net		391			386			370
(Benefit)/provision for income taxes		(260	)		(182	)		388
Depreciation and amortization		756			675			640
EBITDA		472			167			1,827
Other non-operating (income)/expense, net(b)		191			33			27
Restructuring charges		80			139			80
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets		1,004			1,413			-
Share-based compensation expense		50			35			45
Other items(a)		56			63			45
Adjusted EBITDA	$	1,853		$	1,850		$	2,024

(a) For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 other items primarily consists of business optimization costs, including strategic review costs and transaction related costs. For the year ended December 31, 2017, other items primarily consists of transaction related costs and business optimization costs.

(b) For the year ended December 31, 2019, other non-operating (income)/expense, net, included non-cash expenses of $170 million for  pension settlements which included plan transfers to third parties in the Netherlands and UK, where we terminated our responsibility for future defined benefit obligations and transferred that responsibility to the third parties. See Note 11 “Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits” for more information.

Consolidated Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2019 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2018

Revenues

Revenues decreased 0.3% to $6,498 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 from $6,515 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, or an increase of 1.7% on a constant currency basis. Revenues within our Connect segment decreased 2.6%, or an increase of 0.7% on a constant currency basis. Revenues within our Media segment increased 1.9%, or an increase of 2.6% on a constant currency basis. Refer to the “Business Segment Results” section for further discussion of our revenue performance.

Cost of Revenues, Exclusive of Depreciation and Amortization

Cost of revenues increased 0.6% to $2,822 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 from $2,805 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, or an increase of 2.6% on a constant currency basis.

Costs within our Connect segment decreased 0.1%, or an increase of 2.9% on a constant currency basis, primarily due to global investments in our services, partially offset by our productivity initiatives.

Costs within our Media segment increased 0.5%, or an increase of 1.3% on a constant currency basis, primarily due to the impact of our investments and higher spending on product portfolio management initiatives, partially offset by productivity initiatives.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, Exclusive of Depreciation and Amortization

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 1.5% to $1,929 for the year ended December 31, 2019 from $1,958 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, or an increase of 1.0% on a constant currency basis.

Costs within our Connect segment decreased 7.0%, or a decrease of 3.8% on a constant currency basis primarily due to productivity initiatives.

Costs within our Media segment increased 8.3%, or an increase of 9.7% on a constant currency basis. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased on a constant currency basis primarily due to the impact of our investments.

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Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense was $756 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to $675 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. This increase was primarily due to higher depreciation and amortization expense associated with capital expenditures, partially offset by lower depreciation and amortization expense associated with assets acquired in business combinations.

Depreciation and amortization expense associated with tangible and intangibles assets acquired in business combinations decreased to $205 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 from $220 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.  

Impairment of Goodwill and other Long-Lived Assets

During 2019, we recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $1,004 million. This charge was recorded within our Connect reporting unit. During 2018, we recorded an impairment of goodwill and other long-lived asset charge of $1,413 million, primarily related to a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $1,411 million. This charge was recorded primarily within our Connect reporting unit.

Restructuring Charges

We recorded $80 million and $139 million in restructuring charges, primarily related to employee severance costs associated with our plans to reduce selling, general and administrative expenses and consolidate operations centers, as well as automation initiatives for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Operating Income/(loss)

Operating loss for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $93 million compared to operating loss of $475 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. Operating loss within our Connect segment was $877 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to operating loss of $1,329 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. Operating income within our Media segment decreased to $930 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 from $998 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. Corporate operating expenses increased to $146 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 from $144 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Interest Expense

Interest expense was $397 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to $394 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. This increase was primarily due to slightly higher USD LIBOR interest rates on our senior secured term loans without hedged positions and a higher EURO denominated debt balance.

Foreign Currency Exchange Transaction Gains/(Losses), Net

Foreign currency exchange transaction losses, net, represent the net loss on revaluation of certain cash, external debt, intercompany loans and other receivables and payables. Fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. Dollar, particularly the Euro, have a significant effect on our operating results. The average U.S. Dollar to Euro exchange rate was $1.12 to €1.00 and $1.18 to €1.00 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.  

We realized net losses of $10 million and $16 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, resulting primarily from fluctuations in certain foreign currencies associated with intercompany transactions.

Other Income/(Expense), Net

Other expense, net of $169 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 was primarily related to a non-cash expense of $170 million for pension settlements which included plan transfers to third parties in the Netherlands and UK, where we terminated our responsibility for future defined benefit obligations and transferred that responsibility to the third parties. See Note 11 “Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits” for more information.

Other expense, net of $5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 was primarily related to certain costs incurred in connection with the September 2018 debt refinancing as well as the write-off of certain previously capitalized deferred financing fees in conjunction with the refinancing, partially offset by certain non-service related pension amounts.

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Income/(Loss) Before Income Taxes and Equity in Net Income of Affiliates

Loss was $663 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to a loss of $882 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 due primarily to the consolidated results mentioned above.

Income Taxes

The effective tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were 39% and 21%, respectively.

Our effective tax rate benefit of 39% for the year ended December 31, 2019 was higher than the UK statutory rate as a result of the impact of goodwill impairment, tax rate differences in other jurisdictions where the Company files tax returns, post-retirement settlements,  and withholding and foreign taxes as well as state and local income taxes offset by the favorable impact of changes in estimates for uncertain tax positions and audit settlements, decreases in valuation allowances, the effect of global licensing activities, and certain financing activities. Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2018 was higher than the UK statutory rate as a result of the impact of goodwill impairment, tax rate differences in other jurisdictions where the Company files tax returns, the effect of global licensing activities, withholding and foreign taxes as well as state and local income taxes, changes in estimates for uncertain tax positions, and increases in valuation allowances offset by the favorable impact of the TCJA adjustments, certain financing activities, and intercompany restructuring.

At December 31, 2019 and 2018, we had gross uncertain tax positions of $164 million and $572 million, respectively. We also have accrued interest and penalties associated with these uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 of $25 million and $70 million, respectively.

Estimated interest and penalties related to the underpayment of income taxes is classified as a component of our provision or benefit for income taxes. It is reasonably possible that within the next 12 months certain tax examinations will close, which could result in a change in unrecognized tax benefits, along with related interest and penalties. Furthermore, the amounts ultimately paid may differ from the amounts accrued. An estimate of any possible change cannot be made at this time.

Our future effective tax rates could be adversely affected by earnings being lower than anticipated in countries where statutory rates are lower and earnings being higher than anticipated in countries where statutory rates are higher, or by changes in tax laws, regulations, accounting principles, or interpretations thereof. Other factors that may affect our effective income tax rate include, but are not limited to, losses in jurisdictions where no income tax benefit can be recognized, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, the establishment of valuation allowances against deferred income tax assets if we determined that it is more likely than not that future income tax benefits will not be realized, and audits by taxing authorities.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA increased 0.2% to $1,853 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 from $1,850 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, or an increase of 1.4% on a constant currency basis. Our Adjusted EBITDA margin increased to 28.52% for the year ended December 31, 2019 from 28.40% for the year ended December 31, 2018. See “Results of Operations – Years Ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017” for the reconciliation of net income/(loss) to Adjusted EBITDA.

Consolidated Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2018 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2017

Revenues

Revenues decreased 0.9% to $6,515 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 from $6,572 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, or a decrease of 0.7% on a constant currency basis. Revenues within our Connect segment decreased 4.3%, or a decrease of 3.8% on a constant currency basis. Revenues within our Media segment increased 2.5%, or an increase of 2.4% on a constant currency basis. Refer to the “Business Segment Results” section for further discussion of our revenue performance.

Cost of Revenues, Exclusive of Depreciation and Amortization

Cost of revenues increased 1.4% on reported and constant currency basis to $2,805 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 from $2,765 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Costs within our Connect segment increased 3.5% on a reported and constant currency basis, primarily due to the continued global investment in our services, including retailer investments.

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Costs within our Media segment increased 0.4%, or an increase of 0.2% on a constant currency basis. Cost of revenues increased primarily due to the impact of our investments and higher spending on product portfolio management initiatives, including our digital and Marketing Effectiveness product offerings, partially offset by productivity initiatives.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses, Exclusive of Depreciation and Amortization

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased 4.5% to $1,958 for the year ended December 31, 2018 from $1,873 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, or an increase of 4.4% on a constant currency basis.

Costs within our Connect segment decreased 0.9% on a reported and constant currency basis. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased due to productivity initiatives.

Costs within our Media segment increased 12.1%, or an increase of 10.9% on a constant currency basis. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased primarily due to the impact of our investments.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense was $675 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to $640 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. This increase was primarily due to higher depreciation and amortization expense associated with higher capital expenditures.

Depreciation and amortization expense associated with tangible and intangibles assets acquired in business combinations increased to $220 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 from $219 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.  

Impairment of Goodwill and other Long-Lived Assets

During 2018, we recorded an impairment of goodwill and other long-lived asset charge of $1,413 million, primarily related to a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $1,411 million in our Connect reporting unit.

Restructuring Charges

We recorded $139 million and $80 million in restructuring charges, primarily related to employee severance costs associated with our plans to reduce selling, general and administrative expenses and consolidate operations centers, as well as automation initiatives for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Operating Income/(loss)

Operating loss for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $475 million compared to operating income of $1,214 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Operating loss within our Connect segment was $1,329 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to operating income of $336 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Operating income within our Media segment decreased to $998 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 from $1,021 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Corporate operating expenses increased to $144 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 from $143 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Interest Expense

Interest expense was $394 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to $374 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. This increase was primarily due to higher USD LIBOR interest rates on our senior secured term loans without hedged positions.  

Foreign Currency Exchange Transaction Gains/(Losses), Net

Foreign currency exchange transaction losses, net, represent the net loss on revaluation of certain cash, external debt, intercompany loans and other receivables and payables. Fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies relative to the U.S. Dollar, particularly the Euro, have a significant effect on our operating results. The average U.S. Dollar to Euro exchange rate was $1.18 to €1.00 and $1.13 to €1.00 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.  

We realized net losses of $16 million and $10 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, receptively, resulting primarily from fluctuations in certain foreign currencies associated with intercompany transactions.

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Other Income/(Expense), Net

Other expense, net of $5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 was primarily related to certain costs incurred in connection with the June 2018 debt refinancing discussed below under “Liquidity and Capital Resources”, as well as the write-off of certain previously capitalized deferred financing fees in conjunction with the refinancing, partially offset by certain pension related amounts reclassified from operating expense as a result of our adoption of ASU “ Compensation — Retirement Benefits: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost.” See “Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements” below for more information.

Other expense, net of $6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 was primarily related to the finalization of working capital and other matters associated with dispositions, partially offset by certain pension related amounts reclassified from operating expense as a result of our adoption of ASU “Compensation — Retirement Benefits: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost.” See “Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements” below for more information.

Income/(Loss) Before Income Taxes and Equity in Net Income of Affiliates

Loss was $882 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to income of $828 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 due primarily to the consolidated results mentioned above.

Income Taxes

The effective tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were 21% and 47%, respectively.

Our effective tax rate benefit of 21% for the year ended December 31, 2018 was higher than the UK statutory rate as a result of the impact of goodwill impairment, tax rate differences in other jurisdictions where the Company files tax returns, the effect of global licensing activities, withholding and foreign taxes as well as state and local income taxes, changes in estimates for uncertain tax positions, and increases in valuation allowances offset by the favorable impact of the TCJA adjustments, certain financing activities, and intercompany restructuring. Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2017 was higher than the UK statutory rate as a result of the impact of the TCJA as well as tax rate differences in other jurisdictions where the Company files tax returns, the effect of global licensing activities, withholding and foreign taxes as well as state and local income taxes, offset by the favorable impact of certain financing activities and releases of valuation allowances.

At December 31, 2018 and 2017, we had gross uncertain tax positions of $572 million and $452 million, respectively. We also have accrued interest and penalties associated with these uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 of $70 million and $53 million, respectively.

Estimated interest and penalties related to the underpayment of income taxes is classified as a component of our provision or benefit for income taxes. It is reasonably possible that within the next 12 months certain tax examinations will close, which could result in a change in unrecognized tax benefits, along with related interest and penalties. Furthermore, the amounts ultimately paid may differ from the amounts accrued. An estimate of any possible change cannot be made at this time.

Our future effective tax rates could be adversely affected by earnings being lower than anticipated in countries where statutory rates are lower and earnings being higher than anticipated in countries where statutory rates are higher, or by changes in tax laws, regulations, accounting principles, or interpretations thereof. Other factors that may affect our effective income tax rate include, but are not limited to, losses in jurisdictions where no income tax benefit can be recognized, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, the establishment of valuation allowances against deferred income tax assets if we determined that it is more likely than not that future income tax benefits will not be realized, and audits by taxing authorities.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA decreased 8.6% to $1,850 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 from $2,024 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, or 7.9% on a constant currency basis. Our Adjusted EBITDA margin decreased to 28.40% for the year ended December 31, 2018 from 30.80% for the year ended December 31, 2017. See “Results of Operations – Years Ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016” for the reconciliation of net income/(loss) to Adjusted EBITDA.

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Business Segment Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2019 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2018

Revenues

The table below sets forth our segment revenue performance data for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018, both on an as-reported and constant currency basis.

(IN MILLIONS)	Year Ended December 31, 2019		Year Ended December 31, 2018		% Variance 2019 vs. 2018 Reported			Year Ended December 31, 2018 Constant Currency		% Variance 2019 vs. 2018 Constant  Currency
Measure	$	2,161	$	2,211		(2.3	)%	$	2,131		1.4	%
Predict/Activate		896		927		(3.3	)%		904		(0.9	)%
Connect Segment	$	3,057	$	3,138		(2.6	)%	$	3,035		0.7	%
Audience Measurement	$	2,471	$	2,411		2.5	%	$	2,399		3.0	%
Plan/Optimize		970		966		0.4	%		955		1.6	%
Media Segment		3,441		3,377		1.9	%		3,354		2.6	%
Total	$	6,498	$	6,515		(0.3	)%	$	6,389		1.7	%

Connect Segment Revenues

Revenues decreased 2.6% to $3,057 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 from $3,138 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, or an increase of 0.7% on a constant currency basis. Revenues from Measure decreased 2.3% to $2,161 million, or an increase of 1.4% on a constant currency basis. Revenue growth on a constant currency basis was driven by stronger performance in our retail measurement services and improved trends in Emerging Markets. Revenues from Predict/Activate decreased 3.3% to $896 million, or a decrease of 0.9% on a constant currency basis. Revenues decreased as a result of pressure in innovation and custom insights, partially offset by improvement in custom analytics.

Media Segment Revenues  

Revenues increased 1.9% to $3,441 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 from $3,377 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, or an increase of 2.6% on a constant currency basis. Revenue growth was primarily driven by growth in Audience Measurement, which increased 2.5%, or an increase of 3.0% on a constant currency basis, primarily due to continued client adoption of our Total Audience Measurement system, partly offset by pressure in local television measurement. Plan/Optimize revenues increased 0.4%, or an increase of 1.6% on a constant currency basis, primarily driven by growth in Gracenote and outcome-based solutions, partially offset by pressure in Telecom.

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Business Segment Profitability

We do not allocate items below operating income/(loss) to our business segments and therefore the tables below set forth a reconciliation of operating income/(loss) at the business segment level for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, adjusting for certain items affecting operating income/(loss), such as restructuring charges, depreciation and amortization, impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assts, share-based compensation expense and certain other items described below resulting in a presentation of our non-GAAP business segment profitability. Non-GAAP business segment profitability provides useful supplemental information to management and investors regarding financial and business trends related to our results of operations. When this non-GAAP financial information is viewed with our GAAP financial information, investors are provided with a meaningful understanding of our ongoing operating performance. It is important to note that the non-GAAP business segment profitability corresponds in total to our consolidated Adjusted EBITDA described within our consolidated results of operations above, which our chief operating decision maker and other members of management use 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. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered as an alternative to net income/(loss), operating income/(loss), cash flows from operating activities or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP as measures of operating performance or cash flows as measures of liquidity. These non-GAAP measures may differ from similarly-titled measures used by others and have important limitations as analytical tools. Accordingly, they should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP.

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019 (IN MILLIONS)	Operating Income/ (Loss)			Restructuring Charges		Depreciation and Amortization		Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets		Share-based Compensation Expense			Other Items(1)			Non-GAAP Business Segment Income/(Loss)
Connect	$	(877	)	$	49	$	231	$	1,004	$		15	$		—	$		422
Media		930			15		518		—			13			—			1,476
Corporate and Eliminations		(146	)		16		7		—			22			56			(45	)
Total Nielsen	$	(93	)	$	80	$	756	$	1,004	$		50	$		56	$		1,853
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018 (IN MILLIONS)	Operating Income/ (Loss)			Restructuring Charges		Depreciation and Amortization		Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets			Share-based Compensation Expense			Other Items(1)			Non-GAAP Business Segment Income/(Loss)
Connect	$	(1,329	)	$	101	$	223	$	1,411	$		14	$		—	$		420
Media		998			23		444		—			11			—			1,476
Corporate and Eliminations		(144	)		15		8		2			10			63			(46	)
Total Nielsen	$	(475	)	$	139	$	675	$	1,413	$		35	$		63	$		1,850

(1) For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 other items primarily consists of business optimization costs, including strategic review costs and transaction related costs.

(IN MILLIONS)	Year Ended December 31, 2019			Year Ended December 31, 2018			% Variance 2019 vs. 2018 Reported			Year Ended December 31, 2018 Constant Currency			% Variance 2019 vs. 2018 Constant Currency
Non-GAAP Business Segment Income/(Loss)
Connect	$	422		$	420			0.5	%	$	402			5.0	%
Media		1,476			1,476			0.0	%		1,470			0.4	%
Corporate and Eliminations		(45	)		(46	)		NA			(45	)		NA
Total Nielsen	$	1,853		$	1,850			0.2	%	$	1,827			1.4	%

Connect Segment Profitability

Operating loss was $877 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to operating loss of $1,329 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase was primarily driven by lower goodwill impairment as compared to prior year and lower restructuring costs, partially offset by the revenue performance discussed above, higher depreciation and amortization expense and our continued global investments in our services, including retailer investments. Non-GAAP business segment income increased 5.0% on a constant currency basis.

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Media Segment Profitability

Operating income was $930 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to $998 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease was driven by higher depreciation and amortization expense and investments in our services, partially offset by the revenue performance discussed above and lower restructuring costs. Non-GAAP business segment income increased 0.4% on a constant currency basis.

Corporate Expenses and Eliminations

Operating expenses were $146 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 as compared to $144 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, primarily due to an increase in share-based compensation expense, partially offset by lower business optimization costs and transaction related costs, lower depreciation and amortization expense and lower restructuring charges.    

Business Segment Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2018 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2017

Revenues

The table below sets forth our segment revenue performance data for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the year ended December 31, 2017, both on an as-reported and constant currency basis.

(IN MILLIONS)	Year Ended December 31, 2018		Year Ended December 31, 2017		% Variance 2018 vs. 2017 Reported			Year Ended December 31, 2017 Constant Currency		% Variance 2018 vs. 2017 Constant  Currency
Measure	$	2,211	$	2,233		(1.0	)%	$	2,221		(0.5	)%
Predict/Activate		927		1,045		(11.3	)%		1,040		(10.9	)%
Connect Segment	$	3,138	$	3,278		(4.3	)%	$	3,261		(3.8	)%
Audience Measurement	$	2,411	$	2,321		3.9	%	$	2,323		3.8	%
Plan/Optimize		966		973		(0.7	)%		975		(0.9	)%
Media Segment		3,377		3,294		2.5	%		3,298		2.4	%
Total	$	6,515	$	6,572		(0.9	)%	$	6,559		(0.7	)%

Connect Segment Revenues

Revenues decreased 4.3% to $3,138 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 from $3,278 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, or a decrease of 3.8% on a constant currency basis. Revenues from Measure decreased 1.0% to $2,211 million, or a decrease of 0.5% on a constant currency basis, primarily driven by pressure on spending from large multinational clients and competitive impacts in the U.S. Revenues from Predict/Activate decreased 11.3% to $927 million, or a decrease of 10.9% on a constant currency basis. Revenues decreased as a result of softness in areas such as innovation and custom analytics.

Media Segment Revenues  

Revenues increased 2.5% to $3,377 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 from $3,294 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, or an increase of 2.4% on a constant currency basis. Revenue growth was primarily driven by growth in Audience Measurement, which increased 3.9%, or an increase of 3.8% on a constant currency basis, primarily due to continued client adoption of our Total Audience Measurement system, partly offset by pressure in local television measurement. Plan/Optimize revenues decreased 0.7%, or a decrease of 0.9% on a constant currency basis.  Revenues decreased as a result of pressure in Telecom and a historical data sale related to an exited product category in the fourth quarter of 2017.  These were partially offset by investments including Gracenote and audience-based solutions that help advertisers and publishers measure the return on investment in media spend.  

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Business Segment Profitability

We do not allocate items below operating income/(loss) to our business segments and therefore the tables below set forth a reconciliation of operating income/(loss) at the business segment level for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, adjusting for certain items affecting operating income/(loss), such as restructuring charges, depreciation and amortization, impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets, share-based compensation expense and certain other items described below resulting in a presentation of our non-GAAP business segment profitability. Non-GAAP business segment profitability provides useful supplemental information to management and investors regarding financial and business trends related to our results of operations. When this non-GAAP financial information is viewed with our GAAP financial information, investors are provided with a meaningful understanding of our ongoing operating performance. It is important to note that the non-GAAP business segment profitability corresponds in total to our consolidated Adjusted EBITDA described within our consolidated results of operations above, which our chief operating decision maker and other members of management use 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. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered as an alternative to net income/(loss), operating income/(loss), cash flows from operating activities or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP as measures of operating performance or cash flows as measures of liquidity. These non-GAAP measures may differ from similarly-titled measures used by others and have important limitations as analytical tools. Accordingly, they should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP.

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2018 (IN MILLIONS)	Operating Income/ (Loss)			Restructuring Charges		Depreciation and Amortization		Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets		Share-based Compensation Expense		Other Items(1)		Non-GAAP Business Segment Income/(Loss)
Connect	$	(1,329	)	$	101	$	223	$	1,411	$	14	$	—	$	420
Media		998			23		444		—		11		—		1,476
Corporate and Eliminations		(144	)		15		8		2		10		63		(46	)
Total Nielsen	$	(475	)	$	139	$	675	$	1,413	$	35	$	63	$	1,850
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 (IN MILLIONS)	Operating Income/ (Loss)			Restructuring Charges		Depreciation and Amortization		Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets		Share-based Compensation Expense		Other Items(1)		Non-GAAP Business Segment Income/(Loss)
Connect	$	336		$	43	$	208	$	—	$	13	$	—	$	600
Media		1,021			13		425		—		11		—		1,470
Corporate and Eliminations		(143	)		24		7		—		21		45		(46	)
Total Nielsen	$	1,214		$	80	$	640	$	—	$	45	$	45	$	2,024

(1) For the year ended December 31, 2018, other items primarily consists of business optimization costs, including strategic review costs, and transaction related costs. For the year ended December 31, 2017, other items primarily consists of transaction related costs and business optimization costs. 

(IN MILLIONS)	Year Ended December 31, 2018			Year Ended December 31, 2017			% Variance 2018 vs. 2017 Reported			Year Ended December 31, 2017 Constant Currency			% Variance 2018 vs. 2017 Constant Currency
Non-GAAP Business Segment Income/(Loss)
Connect	$	420		$	600			(30.0	)%	$	585			(28.2	)%
Media		1,476			1,470			0.4	%		1,469			0.5	%
Corporate and Eliminations		(46	)		(46	)		NA			(46	)		NA
Total Nielsen	$	1,850		$	2,024			(8.6	)%	$	2,008			(7.9	)%

Connect Segment Profitability

Operating loss was $1,329 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to operating income of $336 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The decrease was driven by the revenue performance discussed above, the goodwill impairment, higher restructuring costs, higher depreciation and amortization expense and our continued global investments in our services, including retailer investments. Non-GAAP business segment income decreased 28.2% on a constant currency basis.

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Media Segment Profitability

Operating income was $998 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to $1,021 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The decrease was driven by higher restructuring costs, higher depreciation and amortization expense and investments in our services, partially offset by the revenue performance discussed above. Non-GAAP business segment income increased 0.5% on a constant currency basis.

Corporate Expenses and Eliminations

Operating expenses were $144 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to $143 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to an increase in transaction related costs and business optimization costs and depreciation and amortization expense partially offset by lower share-based compensation expense and lower restructuring charges.    

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash flows from operations provided a source of funds of $1,066 million, $1,058 million and $1,310 million during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. This increase was driven primarily by lower employee annual incentive payments, lower retailer investments and lower restructuring payments, partially offset by working capital timing and higher interest and tax payments during the year ended December 31, 2019.

We provide for additional liquidity through several sources, including maintaining an adequate cash balance, access to global funding sources and a committed revolving credit facility. The following table provides a summary of the major sources of liquidity for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017:

(IN MILLIONS)	2019		2018		2017
Net cash from operating activities	$	1,066	$	1,058	$	1,310
Cash and short-term marketable securities	$	454	$	524	$	656
Revolving credit facility	$	850	$	850	$	575

Of the $454 million in cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2019, approximately $383 million was held in jurisdictions outside the U.S. We regularly review the amount of cash and cash equivalents held outside of the U.S. to determine the amounts necessary to fund the current operations of our foreign operations and their growth initiatives and amounts needed to service our U.S. indebtedness and related obligations.

The below table illustrates our weighted average interest rate and cash paid for interest over the last three years.

	2019			2018			2017
Weighted average interest rate		4.40	%		4.67	%		4.32	%
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized (in millions)	$	386		$	380		$	352

Our contractual obligations, commitments and debt service requirements over the next several years are significant. We believe we will have available resources to meet both our short-term and long-term liquidity requirements, including our senior secured debt service. We expect the cash flow from our operations, combined with existing cash and amounts available under the revolving credit facility, will provide sufficient liquidity to fund our current obligations, projected working capital requirements, restructuring obligations, dividend payments and capital spending over the next year. In addition, we may, from time to time, purchase, repay, redeem or retire any of our outstanding debt securities (including any publicly issued debt securities) in privately negotiated or open market transactions, by tender offer or otherwise.

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Long-term borrowings

The following table provides a summary of our outstanding long-term borrowings as of December 31, 2019:

(IN MILLIONS)	Weighted Interest Rate			Carrying Amount
$1,125 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based variable rate of 3.46%) due 2023				$	1,086
$2,303 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based variable rate of 3.71%) due 2023					2,263
€545 million Senior secured term loan (Euro LIBOR based variable rate of 2.50%) due 2023					603
$850 million senior secured revolving credit facility (Euro LIBOR or LIBOR based variable rate) due 2023					—
Total senior secured credit facilities (with weighted average interest rate)		3.52	%	$	3,952
$800 million 4.50% senior debenture loan due 2020					799
$625 million 5.50% senior debenture loan due 2021					622
$2,300 million 5.00% senior debenture loan due 2022					2,293
$500 million 5.00% senior debenture loan due 2025					497
Total debenture loans (with weighted average interest rate)		5.22	%	$	4,211
Other loans					1
Total long-term debt		4.40	%	$	8,164
Finance lease and other financing obligations					145
Bank Overdrafts					—
Total debt and other financing arrangements				$	8,309
Less: Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease and other financing obligations and other short-term borrowings					914
Non-current portion of long-term debt and finance lease and other financing obligations				$	7,395

Our $800 million senior debenture loan matures in October 2020 and, as of December 31, 2019, there was approximately $808 million of outstanding principal and interest payable thereunder. We believe that it is probable that we will be able to refinance this debt prior to maturity.

Term Loan Facilities

In June 2018, we entered into an Amendment Agreement to amend and restate our Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Prior Credit Agreement”) in the form of the Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Amended Credit Agreement”). Among other things, the Amendment Agreement provided for: (i) the refinancing and replacement of the prior Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility with a new Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility having commitments in an aggregate principal amount of $850,000,000; (ii) the refinancing and replacement of the prior Class A Term Loans with new Class A Term Loans in an aggregate principal amount of $1,125,000,000; (iii) the refinancing and replacement of the prior Class B-2 Euro Term Loans with new Class B-2 Euro Term Loans in an aggregate principal amount of € 545,245,518; and (iv) incurring incremental term loans in the form of Class B-4 Term Loans in an aggregate principal amount of $75,000,000.

The proceeds of loans under each replacement facility were used to replace or refinance the entire outstanding principal amount of loans under the prior facility that was replaced, and the proceeds of the incremental Class B-4 Term Loans, together with a portion of the proceeds of the Class B-2 Euro Term Loans in excess of the amount of the prior Class B-2 Euro Term Loans that were replaced, were used to prepay the amount of prior Class A Term Loans in excess of the amount of new Class A Term Loans.

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The new Class A Term Loans will mature in full on July 9, 2023 and are required to be repaid in quarterly installments in an aggregate amount equal to 0.63% of the original principal amount of the Class A Term Loans for each of the first eight quarters following the effective date of the Amendment Agreement, 1.25% of the original principal amount of the Class A Term Loans for each of the subsequent eight quarters and 2.50% of the original principal amount of the Class A Term Loans for each of the subsequent three quarters, with the balance payable on July 9, 2023. The new Class B-2 Euro Term Loans will mature in full on October 4, 2023 and are required to be repaid in equal quarterly installments in an aggregate amount equal to 0.25% of the original principal amount of the Class B-2 Euro Term Loans, with the balance payable on October 4, 2023. The Class B-4 Term Loans will mature in full on October 4, 2023 and are required to be repaid in equal quarterly installments in an aggregate amount equal to 0.25% of the original principal amount of the Class B-4 Term Loans, with the balance payable on October 4, 2023. The new Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility matures on July 9, 2023.

The new Class A Term Loans and loans under the new Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at our election, (i) a base rate or eurocurrency rate, plus (ii) an applicable margin determined by reference to the Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement), which varies from 0.25% to 1.00%, in the case of base rate loans, and from 1.25% to 2.00%, in the case of eurocurrency rate loans. The Class B-2 Euro Term Loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to (i) a eurocurrency rate plus (ii) an applicable margin equal to 2.50%. The Class B-4 Term Loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at our election, (i) a base rate or eurocurrency rate, plus (ii) an applicable margin, which is equal to 2.00%, in the case of eurocurrency loans, or 1.00%, in the case of base rate loans.

The Amended Credit Agreement contains substantially the same affirmative and negative covenants as those of the Prior Credit Agreement, except the exceptions to the restrictions on restricted payments and investments that are determined by reference to the Total Leverage Ratio were amended to increase the applicable limits.

Obligations under the Amended Credit Agreement are guaranteed by TNC B.V., substantially all of the wholly-owned U.S. subsidiaries of TNC B.V. and certain of the non-U.S. wholly-owned subsidiaries of TNC B.V., and are secured by substantially all of the existing and future property and assets of the U.S. subsidiaries of TNC B.V. and by a pledge of substantially all of the capital stock of the guarantors, the capital stock of substantially all of the U.S. subsidiaries of TNC B.V., and up to 65% of the capital stock of certain of the non-U.S. subsidiaries of TNC B.V. Under a separate security agreement, substantially all of the assets of TNC B.V. are pledged as collateral for amounts outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement.

Covenants

The Amended Credit Agreement contains a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the ability of Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V. and its restricted subsidiaries (which together constitute most of our subsidiaries) to incur additional indebtedness or guarantees, incur liens and engage in sale and leaseback transactions, make certain loans and investments, declare dividends, make payments or redeem or repurchase capital stock, engage in certain mergers, acquisitions and other business combinations, prepay, redeem or purchase certain indebtedness, amend or otherwise alter terms of certain indebtedness, sell certain assets, transact with affiliates, enter into agreements limiting subsidiary distributions and alter the business they conduct. These entities are restricted, subject to certain exceptions, in their ability to transfer their net assets to us. Such restricted net assets amounted to approximately $2.1 billion at December 31, 2019. In addition, these entities are subject to a total leverage covenant. The leverage ratio requires that we not permit the ratio of total net debt (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) at the end of any calendar quarter to Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) for the four quarters then ended to exceed a specified threshold. The maximum permitted ratio is 5.50 to 1.00. Neither we nor TNC B.V. is currently bound by any financial or negative covenants contained in the Amended Credit Agreement. The Amended Credit Agreement also contains certain customary affirmative covenants and events of default. Certain significant financial covenants are described further below.

Failure to comply with this financial covenant would result in an event of default under our Amended Credit Agreement unless waived by certain of our term lenders and our revolving lenders. An event of default under our Amended Credit Agreement can result in the acceleration of our indebtedness under the facilities, which in turn would result in an event of default and possible acceleration of indebtedness under the agreements governing our debt securities as well. As our failure to comply with the financial covenant described above can cause us to go into default under the agreements governing our indebtedness, management believes that our Amended Credit Agreement and this covenant are material to us. As of December 31, 2019, we were in full compliance with the financial covenant described above.

Pursuant to our Amended Credit Agreement, we are subject to making mandatory prepayments on the term loans within our Amended Credit Agreement to the extent in any full calendar year we generate Excess Cash Flow (“ECF”), as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement. The percentage of ECF that must be applied as a repayment is a function of several factors, including our ratio of total net debt to Covenant EBITDA, as well other adjustments, including any voluntary term loan repayments made in the course of the calendar year. To the extent any mandatory repayment is required pursuant to this ECF clause; such payment must generally occur on or around the time of the delivery of the annual consolidated financial statements to the lenders. At December 31, 2019, our ratio of total net debt to Covenant EBITDA was less than 5.00 to 1.00 and therefore no mandatory repayment was required. Our next ECF measurement date will occur upon completion of the 2020 results, and although we do not expect to be required to issue any mandatory repayments in 2020 or beyond, it is uncertain at this time if any such payments will be required in future periods.

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Revolving Credit Facility

The Amended Credit Agreement contains a senior secured revolving credit facility with aggregate revolving credit commitments of $850 million and a final maturity of July 2023 under which Nielsen Finance LLC, TNC (US) Holdings, Inc., and Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V. can borrow revolving loans. The revolving credit facility can also be used for letters of credit, guarantees and swingline loans.

The senior secured revolving credit facility is provided under the Amended Credit Agreement and so contains covenants and restrictions as noted above with respect to the Amended Credit Agreement. Obligations under the revolving credit facility are guaranteed by the same entities that guarantee obligations under the Amended Credit Agreement.

As of December 31, 2019, we had zero borrowings outstanding and outstanding letters of credit of $17 million.  As of December 31, 2018, we had zero borrowings outstanding and outstanding letters of credit of $16 million. As of December 31, 2019, we had $833 million available for borrowing under the revolving credit facility.

Debenture Loans

The indentures governing certain of our debenture loans limit the majority of our subsidiaries’ ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase our capital stock, make certain investments, enter into certain types of transactions with affiliates, use assets as security in other transactions and sell certain assets or merge with or into other companies subject to certain exceptions. Upon a change in control, we are required to make an offer to redeem all of the Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to the 101% of the aggregate accreted principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Senior Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed by Nielsen Holdings plc, substantially all of the wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries of Nielsen Holdings plc, and certain of the non-U.S. wholly-owned subsidiaries of Nielsen Holdings plc.

Dividends and Share Repurchase Program

We continue to drive shareholder value through our quarterly cash dividend policy which was adopted by our Board of Directors ("Board" in 2013. Under this plan we have paid $395 million and $494 million in cash dividends during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. On November 3, 2019, the Board approved a plan to reduce the quarterly cash dividend, with the goal of strengthening our balance sheet and providing added flexibility to invest for growth.  Any decision to declare and pay dividends in the future will be made at the discretion of our Board and will be subject to the Board’s continuing determination that the dividend policy and the declaration of dividends thereunder are in the best interests of our shareholders, and are in compliance with all laws and agreements to which we are subject. The below table summarizes the dividends declared on our common stock during 2018 and 2019.

Declaration Date	Record Date		Payment Date		Dividend Per Share
February 21, 2018		March 7, 2018		March 21, 2018	$	0.34
April 19, 2018		June 6, 2018		June 20, 2018	$	0.35
July 19, 2018		August 22, 2018		September 5, 2018	$	0.35
October 18, 2018		November 21, 2018		December 5, 2018	$	0.35
February 21, 2019		March 7, 2019		March 21, 2019	$	0.35
April 18, 2019		June 5, 2019		June 19, 2019	$	0.35
July 18, 2019		August 22, 2019		September 5, 2019	$	0.35
November 3, 2019		November 21, 2019		December 5, 2019	$	0.06

On February 20, 2020, our Board declared a cash dividend of $0.06 per share on our common stock. The dividend is payable on March 19, 2020 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 5, 2020.

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Our Board approved a share repurchase program, as included in the below table, for up to $2 billion of our outstanding common stock. The primary purpose of the program is to return value to shareholders and to mitigate dilution associated with our equity compensation plans.

Board Approval	Share Repurchase Authorization ($ in millions)
July 25, 2013	$	500
October 23, 2014		1,000
December 11, 2015		500
Total Share Repurchase Authorization	$	2,000

Repurchases under these plans will be made in accordance with applicable securities laws from time to time in the open market or otherwise depending on our evaluation of market conditions and other factors. This program has been executed within the limitations of the authority granted by our shareholders.

As of December 31, 2019, there have been 39,426,521 shares of our common stock purchased at an average price of $44.95 per share (total consideration of approximately $1,772 million) under this program. There were no share repurchases for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Cash Flows 2019 versus 2018

Operating activities. Net cash provided by operating activities was $1,066 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to $1,058 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. This increase was driven primarily by lower employee annual incentive payments, lower retailer investments and lower restructuring payments, partially offset by working capital timing and higher interest and tax payments during the year ended December 31, 2019. Our key collections performance measure, days billing outstanding (DBO), decreased by 3 days as compared to the same period last year.

Investing activities. Net cash used in investing activities was $582 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to $506 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase was primarily driven by increased acquisition payments, a decrease in proceeds received from the sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, and the purchase of an equity investment during the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to 2018.

Financing activities. Net cash used in financing activities was $544 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, compared to $676 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease in cash used in financing activities was primarily due to lower dividend payments and share repurchasing, as described in the “Dividends and Share Repurchase Program” section above, partially offset by an increase in net payments from the repayment and issuance of debt during the year ended December 31, 2019, as compared to the same period of 2018.   

Cash Flows 2018 versus 2017

Operating activities. Net cash provided by operating activities was $1,058 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to $1,310 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. This decrease was driven primarily by the Adjusted EBITDA performance discussed above, higher interest payments during the year ended December 31, 2018 related to the full year impact of a 2017 bond issuance and higher USD LIBOR senior secured term loan interest rates, partially offset by lower tax payments. Our key collections performance measure, days billing outstanding (DBO), stayed consistent for the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.

Investing activities. Net cash used in investing activities was $506 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to $1,236 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The decrease was primarily driven by decreased acquisition payments, partially offset by an increase in capital expenditures during the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to 2017.

Financing activities. Net cash used in financing activities was $676 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to $215 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase in cash used in financing activities was primarily due to decreased net proceeds from the issuance and repayment of debt during the year ended December 31, 2018, higher dividend payments, as described in the “Dividends and Share Repurchase Program” section above, and an increase in finance lease financing, partially offset by lower share repurchasing, as described in the “Dividends and Share Repurchase Program” section above during the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to the same period of 2017.

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Capital Expenditures

Investments in property, plant, equipment, software and other assets totaled $519 million, $520 million and $489 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. In addition, the Company received zero, $4 million and $42 million of proceeds from the sale of certain property, plant and equipment and other assets during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Commitments and Contingencies

Outsourced Services Agreements

In July 2019, we amended our Second Amended and Restated Master Services Agreement (the “MSA”), dated as of October 1, 2017 and effective as of January 1, 2017 (the “Effective Date”), with Tata America International Corporation and Tata Consultancy Services Limited (jointly, “TCS”) by executing Amendment Number One (the “Amendment”) with TCS, dated as of July 1, 2019 and effective as of January 1, 2019 (the “Amendment Effective Date”). The Amendment reduces the amount of services we have committed to purchase from TCS from the Amendment Effective Date through the remaining term of the MSA (the “Minimum Commitment”) to $1.413 billion, including a commitment to purchase at least $275 million in services during 2019, at least $250 million in services during 2020, $184.3 million in services per year from 2021 through 2024, and $137.8 million in services in 2025 (in each of the foregoing cases, the “Annual Commitment”). TCS’s charges under existing and future statements of work (“SOW”) pursuant to the MSA will continue to be credited against the Minimum Commitment and the Annual Commitment and the occurrence of certain events, some of which also provide us with the right to terminate the Agreement or SOWs, as applicable, will continue to be available to reduce the Minimum and Annual Commitment Amounts as they occur. The parties also agreed to certain other commercial terms. However, the other material terms of the MSA as reflected in the MSA and as previously disclosed remain unchanged. As of December 31, 2019, the remaining TCS commitment was approximately $1.1 billion.

Other Contractual Obligations

Our other contractual obligations include finance lease obligations (including interest portion), facility leases, leases of certain computer and other equipment, agreements to purchase data and telecommunication services, the payment of principal and interest on debt and pension fund obligations.

At December 31, 2019, the minimum annual payments under these agreements and other contracts that had initial or remaining non-cancelable terms in excess of one year are as listed in the following table. Due to the uncertainty with respect to the timing of future cash flows associated with our unrecognized tax positions at December 31, 2019, we are unable to make reasonably reliable estimates of the timing of any potential cash settlements with the respective taxing authorities. Therefore, $189 million in uncertain tax positions (which includes interest and penalties of $25 million) have been excluded from the contractual obligations table below. See Note 15 – “Income Taxes” – to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion on income taxes.

	Payments due by period
(IN MILLIONS)	Total		2020		2021		2022		2023		2024		Thereafter
Finance lease obligations(a)	$	162	$	61	$	42	$	29	$	15	$	7	$	8
Operating leases(b)		574		136		99		75		53		40		171
Other contractual obligations(c)		1,639		627		295		203		190		185		139
Long-term debt, including current portion(a)		8,164		854		702		2,399		3,710		—		499
Interest(d)		1,038		354		315		216		115		25		13
Pension fund obligations(e)		28		28		—		—		—		—		—
Total	$	11,605	$	2,060	$	1,453	$	2,922	$	4,083	$	257	$	830

(a) Our short-term and long-term debt obligations are described in Note 12 – “Long-Term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements” and our short-term and long-term finance lease obligations are described in Note 5 “Leases”,– to our consolidated financial statements.

(b) Our operating lease obligations are described in Note 17 – “Commitments and Contingencies” – to our consolidated financial statements.

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(c) Other contractual obligations represent obligations under agreements, which are not unilaterally cancelable by us, are legally enforceable and specify fixed or minimum amounts or quantities of goods or services at fixed or minimum prices. We generally require purchase orders for vendor and third party spending. The amounts presented above represent the minimum future annual services covered by purchase obligations including data processing, building maintenance, equipment purchasing, photocopiers, land and mobile telephone service, computer software and hardware maintenance, and outsourcing. Our remaining commitments as of December 31, 2019, under the outsourced services agreement with TCS have been included above based on the Annual Commitment minimum required payments. As of December 31, 2019, the remaining TCS commitment was approximately $1.1 billion.

(d) Interest payments consists of interest on both fixed-rate and variable-rate debt based on LIBOR as of December 31, 2019.

(e) Our contributions to pension and other post-retirement defined benefit plans were $28 million, $29 million and $21 million during 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Future minimum pension and other post-retirement benefits contributions are not determinable for time periods after 2020. See Note 11 – “Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits” – to our consolidated financial statements for a discussion on plan obligations.

Guarantees and Other Contingent Commitments

At December 31, 2019, we were committed under the following significant guarantee arrangements:

Sub-lease guarantees. We provide sub-lease guarantees in accordance with certain agreements pursuant to which we guarantee     all rental payments upon default of rental payment by the sub-lessee. To date, we have not been required to perform under such arrangements, and do not anticipate making any significant payments related to such guarantees and, accordingly, no amounts have been recorded.

Letters of credit. Letters of credit issued and outstanding amount to $17 million at December 31, 2019.

Legal Proceedings and Contingencies

In August 2018, a putative shareholder class action lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of New York, naming as defendants Nielsen, former Chief Executive Officer Dwight Mitchell Barns, and former Chief Financial Officer Jamere Jackson. Another lawsuit, which alleged similar facts but also named other Nielsen officers, was filed in the Northern District of Illinois in September 2018 and transferred to the Southern District of New York in December 2018. The actions were consolidated on April 22, 2019, and the Public Employees’ Retirement System of Mississippi was appointed lead plaintiff for the putative class. The operative complaint was filed on September 27, 2019, and asserts violations of certain provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, based on allegedly false and materially misleading statements relating to the outlook of our Buy (now “Connect”) segment, our preparedness for changes in global data privacy laws and our reliance on third-party data. We moved to dismiss the operative complaint on November 26, 2019. Briefing of our motion is scheduled to conclude on February 26, 2020. In addition, in January 2019, a shareholder derivative lawsuit was filed in New York Supreme Court against a number of our current and former officers and directors. The derivative lawsuit alleges that the named officers and directors breached their fiduciary duties to us in connection with factual assertions substantially similar to those in the putative class action complaints. The derivative lawsuit further alleges that certain officers and directors engaged in trading our stock based on material, nonpublic information. By agreement dated June 26, 2019, the derivative lawsuit has been stayed pending resolution of our motion to dismiss the aforementioned securities litigation. We intend to defend these lawsuits vigorously. Based on currently available information, we believe that we have meritorious defenses to these actions and that their resolution is not likely to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, or results of operations.

We are subject to litigation and other claims in the ordinary course of business, some of which include claims for substantial sums. Accruals have been recorded when the outcome is probable and can be reasonably estimated. While the ultimate results of claims and litigation cannot be determined, we expect that the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our operations or financial condition. However, depending on the amount and the timing, an unfavorable resolution of some or all of these matters could materially affect our future results of operations or cash flows in a particular period.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Except as disclosed above, we have no off-balance sheet arrangements that currently have or are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our consolidated financial condition, changes in financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditure or capital resources.

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Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Leases

Effective January 1, 2019, we adopted the new lease accounting standard using the transition method approved by the FASB on July 30, 2018, which allows companies to apply the provisions of the new leasing standard as of January 1, 2019, without adjusting the comparative periods presented. In addition, we elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard. This allowed us to carry forward the historical lease classification. Adoption of this standard resulted in the recording of net operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets of $0.5 billion (amount is net of lease incentives and ASC 420 cease-use liabilities) and corresponding operating lease liabilities of $0.6 billion. Financial position for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 are presented under the new guidance, while prior periods amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with previous guidance. See Note 5 (“Leases”) for further discussion.

Income taxes

In February 2018, the FASB issued an ASU, “Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects From Accumulated Comprehensive Income”. The new standard gives companies the option to reclassify stranded tax effects caused by the TCJA from accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) to retained earnings. The new standard became effective for us on January 1, 2019. We are electing to not reclassify stranded income tax effects of the TCJA from AOCI to retained earnings.

Financial Instruments – Credit Losses

In June 2016, the FASB issued an ASU, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”. The standard significantly changes how entities will measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. The standard will replace today’s “incurred loss” approach with an “expected loss” model for instruments measured at amortized cost. For available-for-sale debt securities, entities will be required to record allowances rather than reduce the carrying amount, as they do today under the other-than-temporary impairment model. It also simplifies the accounting model for purchased credit-impaired debt securities and loans. The new standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. We do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, Compensation—Retirement Benefits—Defined Benefit Plans—General (Subtopic 715-20), which amends the current disclosure requirements regarding defined benefit pensions and other post retirement plans, and allows for the removal of certain disclosures, while adding certain new disclosure requirements. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and allows for early adoption. We do not expect this new standard to have a significant impact to our disclosures.

Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income taxes

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes which amends and aims to simplify accounting disclosure requirements regarding a number of topics including: intraperiod tax allocation, accounting for deferred taxes when there are changes in consolidation of certain investments, tax basis step up in an acquisition and the application of effective rate changes during interim periods, amongst other improvements. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and allows for early adoption. We are assessing the impact of this new standard on our consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations and our future disclosures.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and market prices such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, and changes in the market value of equity instruments. We are exposed to market risk, primarily related to foreign exchange and interest rates. We actively monitor these exposures. Historically, in order to manage the volatility relating to these exposures, we entered into a variety of derivative financial instruments, mainly interest rate swaps, cross-currency swaps and forward rate agreements. Currently we only employ basic contracts, that is, without options, embedded or otherwise. Our objective is to reduce, where it is deemed appropriate to do so, fluctuations in earnings, cash flows and the value of our net investments in subsidiaries resulting from changes in interest rates and foreign currency rates. It is our policy not to trade in financial instruments.

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Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

We operate globally and we predominantly generate revenues and expenses in local currencies. Because of fluctuations (including possible devaluations) in currency exchange rates or the imposition of limitations on conversion of foreign currencies into our reporting currency, we are subject to currency translation exposure on the profits of our operations, in addition to transaction exposure.

For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we recorded a net gain of $1 million and a net loss of $2 million, respectively, associated with foreign currency derivative financial instruments within foreign currency exchange transactions gains/(losses), net in our consolidated statements of operations. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the notional amounts of outstanding foreign currency derivative financial instruments were $125 million and $76 million, respectively.

The table below details the percentage of revenues and expenses by currency for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018:

	U.S. Dollars			Euro			Other Currencies
Year ended December 31, 2019
Revenues		58	%		10	%		32	%
Operating costs		56	%		11	%		33	%
Year ended December 31, 2018
Revenues		57	%		11	%		32	%
Operating costs		57	%		11	%		32	%

Based on the year ended December 31, 2019, a one cent change in the U.S. dollar/Euro exchange rate would have impacted revenues by approximately $6 million annually, with an immaterial impact on operating income/(loss).

Operations in Argentina

We have operations in both the Connect and Media segments in Argentina and the functional currency for those operations is the Argentine Peso. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, Argentina’s currency has been considered hyperinflationary since July 1, 2018, and, accordingly, local currency transactions have been denominated in U.S. dollars since July 1, 2018, and will continue to be denominated in U.S. dollars until Argentina’s currency is no longer deemed to be hyperinflationary. We will continue to assess the appropriate conversion rate based on events in Argentina and our Argentina operations. This event has had an immaterial impact on our consolidated financial statements.  

Interest Rate Risk

We continually review our fixed and variable rate debt along with related hedging opportunities in order to ensure our portfolio is appropriately balanced as part of our overall interest rate risk management strategy and through this process we consider both short-term and long-term considerations in the U.S. and global financial markets in making adjustments to our tolerable exposures to interest rate risk. At December 31, 2019, we had $3,952 million of floating-rate debt under our senior secured credit facilities, of which $2,050 million was subject to effective floating-fixed interest rate swaps. A one percent increase in interest rates applied to our floating rate indebtedness would therefore increase annual interest expense by approximately $19 million ($40 million without giving effect to any of our interest rate swaps).

In May 2019, the Company entered into a $150 million aggregate notional amount four-year forward interest rate swap agreement with a starting date of July 9, 2019. This agreement fixes the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate-debt at an average rate of 1.82%. This derivative has been designated as an interest rate cash flow hedge.

In March 2019, the Company entered into a $150 million aggregate notional amount four-year forward interest rate swap agreement with a starting date of April 9, 2019. This agreement fixes the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate-debt at an average rate of 2.26%. This derivative has been designated as an interest rate cash flow hedge.

In March 2019, the Company entered into a $250 million aggregate notional amount four-year forward interest rate swap agreement with a starting date of June 9, 2019. This agreement fixes the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate-debt at an average rate of 2.07%. This derivative has been designated as an interest rate cash flow hedge.

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In May 2018, the Company entered into $250 million aggregate notional amount of a five-year interest rate swap agreement with a starting date of May 9, 2018. This agreement fixes the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate debt at an average rate of 2.72%. This derivative has been designated as an interest rate cash flow hedge.

In August 2017, the Company entered into $250 million in aggregate notional amount of a four-year forward interest rate swap agreement with a starting date of October 10, 2017. This agreement fixes the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate debt at an average rate of 1.60%. This derivative has been designated as an interest rate cash flow hedge.

In July 2017, the Company entered into $250 million in aggregate notional amount of a three-year forward interest rate swap agreement with a starting date of October 10, 2017. This agreement fixes the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate debt at an average rate of 1.66%. This derivative has been designated as an interest rate cash flow hedge.

In April 2017, the Company entered into $250 million in aggregate notional amount of a three-year forward interest rate swap agreement with a starting date of July 10, 2017. This agreement fixes the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate debt at an average rate of 1.63%. This derivative has been designated as an interest rate cash flow hedge.

In March 2017, the Company entered into $250 million in aggregate notional amount of a five-year forward interest rate swap agreement with a starting date of July 10, 2017. This agreement fixes the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate debt at an average rate of 2.00%. This derivative has been designated as an interest rate cash flow hedge.

In February 2017, the Company entered into $250 million in aggregate notional amount of a three-year forward interest rate swap agreement with a starting date of July 10, 2017. This agreement fixes the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate debt at an average rate of 1.73%. This derivative has been designated as an interest rate cash flow hedge.

Derivative instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of non-performance, or credit risk. We do not believe that we currently face a significant risk of loss in the event of non-performance by the counterparties associated with these instruments, as these transactions were executed with a diversified group of major financial institutions with a minimum investment-grade or better credit rating. Our credit risk exposure is managed through the continuous monitoring of our exposures to such counterparties.

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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Nielsen Holdings plc

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting	64
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	65
Consolidated Statements of Operations	68
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss)	69
Consolidated Balance Sheets	70
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	71
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity	72
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	75
Schedule I – Consolidated Financial Information of Registrant	129
Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	132

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Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.

Management has performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on the framework and criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework).

Based on this evaluation, management has concluded that our internal controls over financial reporting were effective as of December 31, 2019.

Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has provided an attestation report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s financial statements included in this annual report on Form 10-K also have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP. Their reports follow.

/s/ David Kenny	/s/ Linda Zukauckas
David Kenny	Linda Zukauckas
Chief Executive Officer	Chief Financial Officer
February 27, 2020	February 27, 2020

64

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Nielsen Holdings plc

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited Nielsen Holdings plc’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria).  In our opinion, Nielsen Holdings plc (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2018,  the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income/(loss), shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, and the related notes and financial statement schedules listed in the Index to Financial Statements in Item 8 and our report dated February 27, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

New York, New York

February 27, 2020

65

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Nielsen Holdings plc

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Nielsen Holdings plc (the Company) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income/(loss), shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, and the related notes and financial statement schedules listed in the Index to Financial Statements in Item 8 (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”).  In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 27, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-02

As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for leases in 2019 due to the adoption of ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842).

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits.  We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Valuation of Goodwill – Connect Reporting Unit

Description of the Matter

At December 31, 2019, the Company’s Connect reporting unit goodwill balance is $331 million.  As discussed in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements, goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that require the performance of an interim impairment assessment. During 2019, the Company identified events and circumstances that suggested the carrying value of the Connect reporting unit exceeded its fair value.  As a result, the Company performed an interim impairment assessment, concluded that the reporting unit was impaired and recorded a $1 billion impairment charge.  Subsequently, the Company performed its annual impairment test as of October 1, 2019 and concluded that there was no impairment. Auditing management’s goodwill impairment test involved especially complex and subjective auditor judgment due to the significant estimation required in determining the fair value of the reporting unit. The estimate of fair value of the Connect reporting unit is determined using a combination of valuation techniques, primarily an income approach using a discounted cash flow analysis supplemented by a market-based approach. The fair value estimate was sensitive to significant assumptions such as the Company’s business projections, long term revenue and EBITDA growth rates and discount rate. Specifically, the Company’s growth assumptions can be affected adversely by changes in expectations about future market or economic conditions.

66

How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit	We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of controls over the Company’s goodwill impairment review process.  For example, we tested controls over the Company’s business projections process as well as controls over the review of the significant assumptions including the long-term revenue and EBITDA growth rates and discount rate. To test the estimated fair value of the Connect reporting unit, we performed audit procedures that included, among others, assessing methodologies and testing the significant assumptions discussed above and the underlying data used by the Company in its analysis. We compared the significant assumptions used by management to current industry and economic trends, changes to the Company’s business model, customer base or product mix. We assessed the historical accuracy of management’s estimates and performed sensitivity analyses of the significant assumptions to evaluate the changes in the fair value of the reporting unit. In addition, we reviewed the reconciliation of the fair value of reporting unit to the market capitalization of the Company.  For the market-based approach, we tested the Company’s calculation of implied multiples and compared them to guideline companies.  We involved valuation specialists to assist in our evaluation of the Company's model, valuation methodology and significant assumptions.
	Internally Developed Software
Description of the Matter	As more fully described in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company internally develops software to facilitate its global information processing, financial reporting and client access needs. Costs that are related to the conceptual formulation and design of software programs are expensed as incurred; costs incurred to produce the finished product after technological feasibility are capitalized as an intangible asset. At December 31, 2019, the net book value of internally developed software is approximately $1.3 billion. Auditing the Company’s accounting for the capitalization of its internally developed software involves especially challenging and subjective auditor judgment because of the degree of subjectivity involved in assessing which projects met the applicable accounting requirements.
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit	We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of controls.  For example, we tested controls over the Company’s process to ensure that projects met applicable requirements for capitalization, that costs being capitalized were appropriate, and that the determination of technological feasibility was appropriate. Our audit procedures included, among others, testing a sample of projects to verify proper approval and that the timing and nature of costs being capitalized is appropriate.  This included performing inquiries with the project managers to understand the purpose and nature of each project.  Testing was also performed to verify that technological feasibility was met.  This included testing of third-party costs and internal personnel related costs (i.e., payroll) for employees directly associated with the projects.  For projects placed into service, we verified the appropriate transfer of the work-in-process asset to an amortizable asset account.
	Recoverability of Deferred Tax Asset
Description of the Matter	As more fully described in Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company records a valuation allowance based on the assessment of the realizability of the Company’s deferred tax assets. At December 31, 2019, the Company had deferred tax assets before valuation allowances of $1.4 billion. Auditing management’s assessment of recoverability of deferred tax assets involved especially challenging and subjective auditor judgment in determining whether the combination of the timing of deferred tax liability reversal and the generation of sufficient future taxable income supports the realization of the Company’s existing deferred tax assets before expiration.
How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit	We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness of internal controls.   For example, we tested controls over management’s process of evaluating the realizability of deferred tax assets including the scheduling of the reversal of existing temporary differences and estimates of future taxable income. Among other audit procedures performed, we tested the Company’s scheduling of the reversal of existing temporary taxable differences. We also evaluated the assumptions used by the Company to develop estimates of future taxable income by jurisdiction and tested the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data. For example, we compared the estimates of future taxable income with the actual results of prior periods, as well as management’s consideration of other future market conditions. We also assessed the accuracy of management’s historical estimates and compared the estimate of future taxable income with other forecasted financial information prepared by the Company.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2006.

New York, New York

February 27, 2020

67

Nielsen Holdings plc

Consolidated Statements of Operations

	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)	2019			2018			2017
Revenues	$	6,498		$	6,515		$	6,572
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown    separately below		2,822			2,805			2,765
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and    amortization shown separately below		1,929			1,958			1,873
Depreciation and amortization		756			675			640
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets		1,004			1,413			—
Restructuring charges		80			139			80
Operating income/(loss)		(93	)		(475	)		1,214
Interest income		6			8			4
Interest expense		(397	)		(394	)		(374	)
Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net		(10	)		(16	)		(10	)
Other income/(expense), net		(169	)		(5	)		(6	)
Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		(663	)		(882	)		828
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes		260			182			(388	)
Net income/(loss)		(403	)		(700	)		440
Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		12			12			11
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$	(415	)	$	(712	)	$	429
Net income/(loss) per share of common stock, basic
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$	(1.17	)	$	(2.00	)	$	1.20
Net income/(loss) per share of common stock, diluted
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$	(1.17	)	$	(2.00	)	$	1.20
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, basic		355,731,862			355,601,564			356,714,940
Dilutive shares of common stock		—			—			1,337,493
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, diluted		355,731,862			355,601,564			358,052,433
Dividends declared per common share	$	1.11		$	1.39		$	1.33

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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Nielsen Holdings plc

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss)

	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Net income/(loss)	$	(403	)	$	(700	)	$	440
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments (1)		5			(170	)		248
Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges (2)		(30	)		1			11
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments (3)		132			(2	)		14
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)		107			(171	)		273
Total comprehensive income/(loss)		(296	)		(871	)		713
Less: comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		14			11			13
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$	(310	)	$	(882	)	$	700

(1) Net of tax of $(4) million, $(6) million and $23 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 respectively.

(2) Net of tax of $11 million, $(1) million and $(7) million for the year ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 respectively.

(3) Net of tax of $(8), zero and $(2) million for the year ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 respectively.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

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Nielsen Holdings plc

Consolidated Balance Sheets

	December 31,
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)	2019			2018
Assets:
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	454		$	524
Trade and other receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts and sales    returns of $28 and $31 as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively		1,103			1,118
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		420			361
Total current assets		1,977			2,003
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net		466			468
Operating lease right-of-use asset		393			—
Goodwill		5,993			6,987
Other intangible assets, net		4,881			5,024
Deferred tax assets		276			333
Other non-current assets		333			364
Total assets	$	14,319		$	15,179
Liabilities and equity:
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	$	1,182		$	1,119
Deferred revenues		345			355
Income tax liabilities		60			76
Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease obligations and short-term borrowings		914			107
Total current liabilities		2,501			1,657
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations		7,395			8,280
Deferred tax liabilities		1,052			1,108
Operating lease liabilities		370			—
Other non-current liabilities		613			1,091
Total liabilities		11,931			12,136
Commitments and contingencies (Note 16)
Equity:
Nielsen shareholders’ equity
Common stock, €0.07 par value, 1,185,800,000 and 1,185,800,000 shares authorized; 356,158,879 and 355,323,822 shares issued and 356,149,883 and 355,271,737 shares outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively		32			32
Additional paid-in capital		4,378			4,720
Retained earnings/(accumulated deficit)		(1,210	)		(795	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes		(1,005	)		(1,110	)
Total Nielsen shareholders’ equity		2,195			2,847
Noncontrolling interests		193			196
Total equity		2,388			3,043
Total liabilities and equity	$	14,319		$	15,179

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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Nielsen Holdings plc

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

	Year Ended
	December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Operating Activities
Net income/(loss)	$	(403	)	$	(700	)	$	440
Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Share-based compensation expense		50			35			45
Deferred income tax		5			(514	)		162
Currency exchange rate differences on financial transactions and other (gains)/losses		178			17			(20	)
Equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates, net of dividends received		1			—			2
Depreciation and amortization		756			675			640
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets		1,004			1,413			—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of businesses acquired    and divested:
Trade and other receivables, net		4			95			10
Prepaid expenses and other assets		64			(76	)		(28	)
Accounts payable and other current liabilities and deferred revenues		(20	)		(21	)		41
Other non-current liabilities		(95	)		(6	)		2
Interest payable		11			14			22
Income taxes		(489	)		126			(6	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		1,066			1,058			1,310
Investing Activities
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired		(61	)		(43	)		(778	)
Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net		17			51			2
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets		(116	)		(106	)		(119	)
Additions to intangible assets		(403	)		(414	)		(370	)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets		—			4			42
Other investing activities		(19	)		2		(13		)
Net cash used in by investing activities		(582	)		(506	)		(1,236	)
Financing Activities
Net borrowings under revolving credit facility	—				—			—
Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs		—			781			2,745
Repayment of debt		(57	)		(819	)		(2,296	)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders		(395	)		(494	)		(474	)
Repurchase of common stock		—			(70	)		(140	)
Activity from share-based compensation plans		(8	)		15			21
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan		4			5			6
Finance leases		(60	)		(76	)		(55	)
Other financing activities		(28	)		(18	)		(22	)
Net cash used in financing activities		(544	)		(676	)		(215	)
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		(10	)		(8	)		43
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(70	)		(132	)		(98	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		524			656			754
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	454		$	524		$	656
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash paid for income taxes	$	(224	)	$	(206	)	$	(232	)
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	$	(386	)	$	(380	)	$	(352	)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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Nielsen Holdings plc

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

									Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
										(Loss), Net								Total
			Additional						Currency			Cash			Post			Nielsen
	Common		Paid-in			Retained			Translation			Flow			Employment			Shareholders’			Noncontrolling			Total
(IN MILLIONS)	Stock		Capital			Earnings			Adjustments			Hedges			Benefits			Equity			Interests			Equity
Balance, December 31, 2016	$	32	$	4,825		$	456		$	(856	)	$	(1	)	$	(354	)	$	4,102		$	191		$	4,293
Net income/(loss)	—		—				429		—			—			—				429			11			440
Currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $23	—		—			—				246		—			—				246			2			248
Cash flow hedges, net of tax of $(7)	—		—			—			—				11		—				11		—				11
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments, net of    tax of $(2)	—		—			—			—			—				14			14		—				14
Capital contribution by a non-controlling partner	—		—			—			—			—			—			—				6			6
Acquisition of an interest in a consolidated    subsidiary	—			(12	)	—			—			—			—				(12	)	—				(12	)
Employee stock purchase plan	—			6		—			—			—			—				6		—				6
Dividends to shareholders	—		—				(474	)	—			—			—				(474	)		(12	)		(486	)
Common stock activity from share-based    compensation plans	—			21		—			—			—			—				21		—				21
Repurchase of common stock	—			(140	)	—			—			—			—				(140	)	—				(140	)
Share-based compensation expense	—			42		—			—			—			—				42		—				42
Balance, December 31, 2017	$	32	$	4,742		$	411		$	(610	)	$	10		$	(340	)	$	4,245		$	198		$	4,443

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Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

									Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net
			Additional			Retained Earnings			Currency			Cash		Post			Total Nielsen
	Common		Paid-in			(Accumulated)			Translation			Flow		Employment			Shareholders’			Noncontrolling			Total
(IN MILLIONS)	Stock		Capital			(Deficit)			Adjustments			Hedges		Benefits			Equity			Interests			Equity
Balance, December 31, 2017	$	32	$	4,742		$	411		$	(610	)	$	10	$	(340	)	$	4,245		$	198		$	4,443
Net income/(loss)	—		—				(712	)	—			—		—				(712	)		12			(700	)
Currency translation adjustments, net of    tax of $(6)	—		—			—				(169	)	—		—				(169	)		(1	)		(170	)
Cash flow hedges, net of tax of (1)	—		—			—			—				1	—				1		—				1
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments net of tax of zero	—		—			—			—			—			(2	)		(2	)	—				(2	)
Employee stock purchase plan	—			5		—			—			—		—				5		—				5
Dividends to shareholders	—		—				(494	)	—			—		—				(494	)		(13	)		(507	)
Common stock activity from share-based    compensation plans	—			15		—			—			—		—				15		—				15
Repurchase of common stock	—			(70	)	—			—			—		—				(70	)	—				(70	)
Share-based compensation expense	—			28		—			—			—		—				28		—				28
Balance, December 31, 2018	$	32	$	4,720		$	(795	)	$	(779	)	$	11	$	(342	)	$	2,847		$	196		$	3,043

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Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

									Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net
			Additional			Retained Earnings			Currency			Cash			Post			Total Nielsen
	Common		Paid-in			(Accumulated)			Translation			Flow			Employment			Shareholders’			Noncontrolling			Total
(IN MILLIONS)	Stock		Capital			(Deficit)			Adjustments			Hedges			Benefits			Equity			Interests			Equity
Balance, December 31, 2018	$	32	$	4,720		$	(795	)	$	(779	)	$	11		$	(342	)	$	2,847		$	196		$	3,043
Net income/(loss)	—		—				(415	)	—			—			—				(415	)		12			(403	)
Currency translation adjustments, net of    tax of $(4)	—		—			—				3		—			—				3			2			5
Cash flow hedges, net of tax of 11	—		—			—			—				(30	)	—				(30	)	—				(30	)
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments, net of tax of (8)	—		—			—			—			—				132			132		—				132
Capital contribution by a non-controlling partner	—			—		—			—			—			—				—		2				2
Divestiture of a non-controlling interest in a consolidated subsidiary	—			—		—			—			—			—				—		(2		)		(2	)
Employee stock purchase plan	—			4		—			—			—			—				4		—				4
Dividends to shareholders	—		(395		)		—		—			—			—				(395	)		(17	)		(412	)
Common stock activity from share-based    compensation plans	—			(8	)	—			—			—			—				(8	)	—				(8	)
Share-based compensation expense	—			57		—			—			—			—				57		—				57
Balance, December 31, 2019	$	32	$	4,378		$	(1,210	)	$	(776	)	$	(19	)	$	(210	)	$	2,195		$	193		$	2,388

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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Nielsen Holding plc

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

Nielsen Holdings plc (“Nielsen” or the “Company”), together with its subsidiaries, is a leading global information and measurement company that provides clients with a comprehensive understanding of consumers and consumer behavior. Nielsen’s approach marries the Company’s proprietary data with other data sources to help clients around the world understand what's happening now, what's happening next, and how to best act on this knowledge. For more than 90 years Nielsen has provided data and analytics based on scientific rigor and innovation, continually developing new ways to answer the most important questions facing the media, advertising, retail and fast-moving consumer goods industries.

Prior to February 2019, Nielsen was aligned into two reporting segments: what consumers buy (“Buy”) and what consumers read, watch and listen to (“Watch”). In February 2019, Nielsen realigned its business segments from Buy and Watch to Nielsen Global Connect (“Connect”) and Nielsen Global Media (“Media”). Each segment operates as a complete unit—from the conception of a product, through the collection of the data, into the technology and operations, all the way to the data being sold and delivered to the client. These changes better align Nielsen’s external view to the Company’s go-forward internal view. The Company’s reportable segments are stated on the new basis and such changes were retrospectively applied. The impact of these changes had an insignificant impact on Nielsen’s condensed consolidated financial statements or segment results. See Note 18- “Segments” for a discussion of the Company’s reportable segments.

Nielsen has a presence in more than 100 countries, with its registered office located in Oxford, the United Kingdom and headquarters located in New York, United States.

On August 31, 2015, Nielsen N.V., a Dutch public company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, merged with Nielsen Holdings plc, by way of a cross-border merger under the European Cross-Border Merger Directive, with Nielsen Holdings plc being the surviving company (the “Merger”). The Merger effectively changed the place of incorporation of Nielsen’s publically traded parent holding company from the Netherlands to England and Wales, with no changes made to the business being conducted by Nielsen prior to the Merger. Due to the fact that the Merger was a business combination between entities under common control, the exchange of assets and liabilities were made at carrying value. Therefore, there were no direct accounting implications in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). All amounts are presented in U.S. Dollars (“$”), except for share and per share data or where expressly stated as being in other currencies, e.g., Euros (“€”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nielsen and all subsidiaries and other controlled entities. The Company has evaluated events occurring subsequent to December 31, 2019 for potential recognition or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements and concluded there were no subsequent events that required recognition or disclosure other than those provided.

Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nielsen and all subsidiaries and other controlled entities. Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries are reported as a component of equity in the consolidated financial statements with disclosure on the face of the consolidated statements of operations of the amounts of consolidated net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders and to the noncontrolling interests. The equity method of accounting is used for investments in affiliates and joint ventures where Nielsen has significant influence but not control, usually supported by a shareholding of between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. In addition, the Company records changes in the fair value of non-equity method equity investments with readily determinable fair values in net income rather than in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss). Investments that do not have readily determinable fair values are recognized at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. The adjustments related to the observable price changes will also be recognized in net income. Intercompany accounts and transactions between consolidated companies have been eliminated in consolidation.

Foreign Currency Translation

Nielsen has significant investments outside the U.S., primarily in the Euro-zone, Canada and the United Kingdom. Therefore, changes in the value of foreign currencies affect the consolidated financial statements when translated into U.S. Dollars. The functional currency for substantially all subsidiaries outside the U.S. is the local currency. Financial statements for these subsidiaries are translated into U.S. Dollars at period-end exchange rates as to the assets and liabilities and monthly average exchange rates as to revenues, expenses and cash flows. For these countries, currency translation adjustments are recognized in shareholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), net, whereas transaction gains and losses are recognized in foreign exchange transaction losses, net in the consolidated statement of operations.

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Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Research and Development Costs

Research and development costs, which were not material for any periods presented, are expensed as incurred.

Deferred Costs

Incremental direct costs incurred related to establishing or significantly expanding a panel in a designated market are deferred at the point when Nielsen determines them to be recoverable. Prior to this point, these cost are expensed as incurred. These deferred costs are typically amortized through cost of revenues over the original contract period beginning when the panel or infrastructure to service new clients is ready for its intended use.

Advertising and Marketing Costs

Advertising and marketing costs are expensed as incurred and are reflected as selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. These costs include all brand advertising, telemarketing, direct mail and other sales promotion associated with marketing/media research services. Advertising and marketing costs totaled $18 million, $18 million and $21 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Computation of Net Income per Share

Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares of common stock and dilutive potential shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Dilutive potential shares of common stock primarily consist of employee stock options and restricted stock.

Employee stock options, restricted stock and similar equity instruments granted by the Company are treated as potential common stock outstanding in computing diluted earnings per share. Diluted stock outstanding includes nonvested restricted stock units and the dilutive effect of in-the-money options which is calculated based on the average share price for each period using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the amount the employee must pay for exercising stock options, the amount of compensation cost for future service that the Company has not yet recognized are assumed to be used to repurchase stock.

The effect of 8,181,944, 8,519,133 and 4,351,564 shares of common stock equivalents under stock compensation plans were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, as such shares would have been anti-dilutive.  

Comprehensive Income/(Loss)

Comprehensive income/(loss) is reported in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss) and consists of net income/(loss) and other gains and losses, net of tax, affecting equity that are excluded from net income/(loss).

Cash and Cash Equivalents  

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and short-term, highly liquid investments with an original maturity date of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents are carried at fair value.

Accounts Receivable

The Company extends non-interest bearing trade credit to its customers in the ordinary course of business. To minimize credit risk, ongoing credit evaluations of client’s financial condition are performed. An estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts is made when collection of the full amount is no longer probable or returns are expected.

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During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company sold $360 million, $295 million and $202 million, respectively, of accounts receivables to third parties and recorded an immaterial loss on the sale to interest expense, net in the consolidated statement of operations. As of December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, $85 million, $105 million and $110 million, respectively, of previously sold receivables, remained outstanding. The sales were accounted for as true sales, without recourse. Nielsen maintains servicing responsibilities of the majority of the receivables sold during the year, for which the related costs are not significant. The proceeds of $360 million, $295 million and $202 million from the sales were reported as a component of the changes in trade and other receivables, net within operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

Other Significant Accounting Policies

The following table includes other significant accounting policies that are described in other notes to the financial statements, including the related note:

Significant Accounting Policy	Note
Revenue recognition	3
Leases	5
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	6
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	6&8
Property, Plant and Equipment	8
Investments	9
Financial Instruments	9
Derivative Financial Instruments	9
Pensions and Other Post Retirement Benefits	11
Share-Based Compensation	14
Income Taxes	15

2. Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Leases

Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted the new lease accounting standard using the transition method approved by the FASB on July 30, 2018, which allows companies to apply the provisions of the new leasing standard as of January 1, 2019, without adjusting the comparative periods presented. In addition, we elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard. This allowed us to carry forward the historical lease classification. Adoption of this standard resulted in the recording of net operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets of $0.5 billion (amount is net of lease incentives and ASC 420 cease-use liabilities) and corresponding operating lease liabilities of $0.6 billion. Financial position for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 are presented under the new guidance, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with previous guidance. See Note 5 (“Leases”) for further discussion.

Income taxes

In February 2018, the FASB issued an ASU, “Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects From Accumulated Comprehensive Income”. The new standard gives companies the option to reclassify stranded tax effects caused by the newly-enacted US Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) from accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) to retained earnings. The new standard became effective for Nielsen on January 1, 2019. Nielsen elected to not reclassify stranded income tax effects of the TCJA from AOCI to retained earnings.

Financial Instruments – Credit Losses

In June 2016, the FASB issued an ASU, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”. The standard significantly changes how entities will measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. The standard will replace today’s “incurred loss” approach with an “expected loss” model for instruments measured at amortized cost. For available-for-sale debt securities, entities will be required to record allowances rather than reduce the carrying amount, as they do today under the other-than-temporary impairment model. It also simplifies the accounting model for purchased credit-impaired debt securities and loans. The new standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Nielsen does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

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Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, Compensation—Retirement Benefits—Defined Benefit Plans—General (Subtopic 715-20), which amends the current disclosure requirements regarding defined benefit pensions and other post retirement plans, and allows for the removal of certain disclosures, while adding certain new disclosure requirements. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and allows for early adoption. The Company does not expect this new standard to have a significant impact to our disclosures.

Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income taxes

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes which amends and aims to simplify accounting disclosure requirements regarding a number of topics including: intraperiod tax allocation, accounting for deferred taxes when there are changes in consolidation of certain investments, tax basis step up in an acquisition and the application of effective rate changes during interim periods, amongst other improvements. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and allows for early adoption. Nielsen is assessing the impact of this new standard on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations and its future disclosures.

3. Revenue Recognition

Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer.  The Company recognizes revenue when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control of a product or service to a customer, which generally occurs over time. Substantially all of the Company’s customer contracts are non-cancelable and non-refundable.

The following is a description of principal activities, by reportable segment, from which the Company generates its revenues.

Revenue from the Connect segment consists primarily of measurement services, which include the Company’s core tracking and scan data (primarily transactional measurement data and consumer behavior information) to businesses in the consumer packaged goods industry. Nielsen’s data is used by its clients to measure their market share, tracking billions of sales transactions per month in retail outlets around the world. Revenues for these services are recognized over the period during which the performance obligations are satisfied as the customer receives and consumes the benefits provided by the Company and control of the services are transferred to the customer.

The Company also provides consumer intelligence and analytical services that help clients make smarter business decisions throughout their product development and marketing cycles. The Company’s performance under these arrangements do not create an asset with an alternative use to the company and generally include an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date, as such, revenue for these services is typically recognized over time. Revenue for contracts that do not include an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date is recognized at a point in time when the performance obligation is satisfied, generally upon delivery of the services, and when control of the service is transferred to the customer.

Revenue from Nielsen’s Media segment is primarily generated from television, radio, digital and mobile audience measurement services and analytics which are used by the Company’s media clients to establish the value of airtime and more effectively schedule and promote their programming and the Company’s advertising clients to plan and optimize their spending. As the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by the Company’s performance, revenues for these services are recognized over the period during which the performance obligations are satisfied and control of the service is transferred to the customer.

The Company enters into cooperation arrangements with certain customers, under which the customer provides Nielsen with its data in exchange for Nielsen’s services. Nielsen records these transactions at fair value, which is determined based on the fair value of goods or services received, if reasonably estimable. If not reasonably estimable, the Company considers the fair value of the goods or services surrendered.

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The table below sets forth the Company’s revenue disaggregated within each segment by major product offerings and timing of revenue recognition.

(IN MILLIONS)			Year Ended December 31,
		2019			2018		2017
Connect Segment
Measure	$	2,161		$	2,211	$	2,233
Predict/Activate		896			927		1,045
Connect	$	3,057		$	3,138	$	3,278
Media Segment
Audience Measurement	$	2,471			2,411		2,321
Plan/Optimize		970			966		973
Media	$	3,441		$	3,377	$	3,294
Total	$	6,498		$	6,515	$	6,572
Timing of revenue recognition
Products transferred at a point in time	$	576		$	576	$	495
Products and services transferred over time		5,922			5,939		6,077
Total	$	6,498		$	6,515	$	6,572

Contract Assets and Liabilities

Contract assets represent the Company’s rights to consideration in exchange for services transferred to a customer that have not been billed as of the reporting date. While the Company’s rights to consideration are generally unconditional at the time its performance obligations are satisfied, under certain circumstances the related billing occurs in arrears, generally within one month of the services being rendered.

At the inception of a contract, the Company generally expects the period between when it transfers its services to its customers and when the customer pays for such services will be one year or less.

Contract liabilities relate to advance consideration received or the right to consideration that is unconditional from customers for which revenue is recognized when the performance obligation is satisfied and control transferred to the customer.

The table below sets forth the Company’s contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers.

(IN MILLIONS)	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018
Contract assets	$	218	$	210
Contract liabilities	$	346	$	359

The increase in the contract assets balance during the period was primarily due to $203 million of revenue recognized that was not billed, in accordance with the terms of the contracts, as of December 31, 2019, offset by $193 million of contract assets included in the December 31, 2018 balance that were invoiced to Nielsen’s clients and therefore transferred to trade receivables.

The decrease in the contract liability balance during the period was primarily due to $326 million of advance consideration received or the right to consideration that is unconditional from customers for which revenue was not recognized during the period, offset by $337 million of revenue recognized during the period that had been included in the December 31, 2018 contract liability balance.

Transaction Price Allocated to the Remaining Performance Obligations

As of December 31, 2019, approximately $5.9 billion of revenue is expected to be recognized from remaining performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) for Nielsen’s services. This amount excludes variable consideration allocated to performance obligations related to sales and usage based royalties on licenses of intellectual property.

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The Company expects to recognize revenue on approximately 82% of these remaining performance obligations through December 31, 2021, with the balance recognized thereafter.

Deferred Costs

Incremental direct costs incurred to build the infrastructure to service new contracts are capitalized as a contract cost. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the balances of such capitalized costs were $11 million and $18 million, respectively. These costs are typically amortized through cost of revenues over the original contract period beginning when the infrastructure to service new clients is ready for its intended use. The amortization of these costs for the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $8 million and $23 million, respectively. There was no impairment loss recorded in any of the periods recorded.

4. Business Acquisitions and Dispositions

Gracenote

For the year ended December 31, 2019, Nielsen paid cash consideration of $61 million associated with current period acquisitions, net of cash acquired. Had these 2019 acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2019, the impact on Nielsen’s consolidated results of operations would not have been material.

For the year ended December 31, 2018, Nielsen paid cash consideration of $43 million associated with both current period and previously executed acquisitions, net of cash acquired. Had these 2018 acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2018, the impact on Nielsen’s consolidated results of operations would not have been material.

On February 1, 2017, Nielsen completed the acquisition of Gracenote Inc., Gracenote Canada, Inc., Gracenote Netherlands Holdings B.V., Tribune Digital Ventures, LLC, and Tribune International Holdco, LLC (each, a “Gracenote Company” and together “Gracenote”) through the purchase of 100% of Gracenote’s outstanding common stock for a total purchase price of $585 million.  Nielsen acquired the data and technology that underpins the programming guides and personnel user experience for major video, music, audio and sports content. This acquisition expands Nielsen’s footprint with major clients including Gracenote’s global content database which spans across platforms including multichannel video programing distributors (MVPD’s), smart television, streaming music services, connected devices, media players and in-car infotainment systems.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, excluding Gracenote, Nielsen paid cash consideration of $210 million associated with both current period and previously executed acquisitions, net of cash acquired. Had these 2017 acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2017, the impact on Nielsen’s consolidated results of operations would not have been material.

There were no discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

5. Leases

All significant lease arrangements are generally recognized at lease commencement. Operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities are recognized at commencement. An ROU asset and corresponding lease liability are not recorded for leases with an initial term of 12 months or less (short term leases) and Nielsen recognizes lease expense for these leases as incurred over the lease term. ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset during the reasonably certain lease term and lease liabilities represent its obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Nielsen’s lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that Nielsen will exercise that option. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Nielsen uses the rate implicit in the lease for the discount rate when determining the present value of lease payments whenever that rate is readily determinable. If the rate is not readily determinable, Nielsen uses its incremental borrowing rate, which is updated periodically, based on the information available at commencement date. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments related to initial direct cost and prepayments and excludes lease incentives. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Nielsen has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for together.

Nielsen has operating and finance leases for real estate facilities, servers, computer hardware, and other equipment. Nielsen’s leases have remaining lease terms of 1 year to 30 years, some of which include options to extend the leases for up to 5 years, and some of which include options to terminate the leases within 1 year.

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The components of lease expense were as follows:

(in millions)	Year Ended December 31, 2019
Lease cost
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets	$	62
Interest on lease liabilities		9
Total finance lease cost		71
Operating lease cost		123
Short-term lease costs		5
Sublease income		(3	)
Total lease cost	$	196

Nielsen recognized rental income received under subleases from operating leases of $3 million, $6 million and $6 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. At December 31, 2019, Nielsen had aggregate future proceeds to be received under operating lease sub-lease guarantees of $8 million.

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Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:

(in millions, except lease term and discount rate)	December 31, 2019
Operating leases
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$	393
Other current liabilities		110
Operating lease liabilities		370
Total operating lease liabilities	$	480
Finance leases
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$	393
Accumulated depreciation		(213	)
Property, plant and equipment, net		180
Other intangible assets, gross		24
Accumulated amortization		(13	)
Other intangible assets, net		11
Accounts payable and other current liabilities		53
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations		92
Total finance lease liabilities	$	145
Other information
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of    lease liabilities
Operating cash flows used in finance leases		(9	)
Operating cash flows used in operating leases		(126	)
Financing cash flows used in finance leases		(60	)
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new    finance lease liabilities		40
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new    operating lease liabilities		43
Weighted-average remaining lease term--finance leases	4 years
Weighted-average remaining lease term--operating leases	8 years
Weighted-average discount rate--finance leases		6.2	%
Weighted-average discount rate--operating leases		4.5	%

Annual maturities of Nielsen’s lease liabilities are as follows:

(in millions)	Operating Leases			Finance Leases
2020	$	136		$	61
2021		99			42
2022		75			29
2023		53			15
2024		40			7
Thereafter		171			8
Total lease payments		574			162
Less imputed interest		(94	)		(17	)
Total	$	480		$	145

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6. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, consisting of certain trade names and trademarks, are each tested for impairment on an annual basis and whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such asset may not be recoverable. Nielsen has designated October 1st as the date in which the annual assessment is performed as this timing corresponds with the development of the Company’s formal budget and business plan review. Nielsen reviews the recoverability of its goodwill by comparing the estimated fair values of reporting units with their respective carrying amounts. The Company established, and continues to evaluate, its reporting units based on its internal reporting structure and defines such reporting units at its operating segment level or one level below. The estimates of fair value of a reporting unit are determined using a combination of valuation techniques, primarily an income approach using a discounted cash flow analysis supplemented by a market-based approach.

A discounted cash flow analysis requires the use of various assumptions, including expectations of future cash flows, growth rates, discount rates and tax rates in developing the present value of future cash flow projections. The market-based approach utilizes available market comparisons such as indicative industry multiples that are applied to current year revenue and earnings as well as recent comparable transactions.

Nielsen conducted the annual assessment as of October 1, 2019 and concluded that there was no impairment.

Prior to the annual assessment date, in connection with Nielsen’s ongoing strategic review, Nielsen considered various alternatives for the Company including the potential sale of the Connect business. During this process, there were indications that the fair value of the Connect reporting unit was lower than the carrying value.  Nielsen considered this as well as other factors to be interim indicators of impairment and determined that it was more likely than not that the Connect reporting unit was impaired. Management performed an impairment analysis of Connect as of September 30, 2019.  As a result of this analysis, Nielsen concluded that the fair value was less than the carrying value and recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $1,004 million for the Connect reporting unit. The primary inputs for determining the estimated fair value were inputs from the strategic review process, market values for comparable entities and updated intrinsic values.

During the first quarter of 2019, Nielsen updated its reporting structure in a manner that changed the composition of the Company’s reporting units. The result of this change was combining two of Nielsen’s reporting units into one. Both of these reporting units were in the former Watch reportable segment.  The current reporting units are Media and Connect (formerly Watch and Buy), which is the same as Nielsen’s reportable segments. As a result of this change in reporting units, Nielsen performed an interim goodwill impairment analysis during the first quarter immediately prior to the change and after the change, and determined that the estimated fair values of the reporting units exceeded their carrying values (including goodwill). As such, there was no impairment as a result of this change.

Goodwill is stated at historical cost less accumulated impairments losses, if any.

The table below summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

(IN MILLIONS)	Connect			Media			Total
Balance, December 31, 2017	$	2,844		$	5,651		$	8,495
Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments		11			15			26
Impairment		(1,411	)		—			(1,411	)
Effect of foreign currency translation		(107	)		(16	)		(123	)
Balance, December 31, 2018	$	1,337		$	5,650		$	6,987
Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments		8			12			20
Impairment		(1,004	)		—			(1,004	)
Effect of foreign currency translation		(10	)		—			(10	)
Balance, December 31, 2019	$	331		$	5,662		$	5,993
Cumulative impairments	$	2,415		$	376		$	2,791

At December 31, 2019, $45 million of goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

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Other Intangible Assets

Intangible assets with finite lives are stated at historical cost, less accumulated amortization and impairment losses. These intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives, which are reviewed annually.

Nielsen has purchased and internally developed software to facilitate its global information processing, financial reporting and client access needs. Costs that are related to the conceptual formulation and design of software programs are expensed as incurred. Costs that are incurred to produce the finished product after technological feasibility has been established are capitalized as an intangible asset and are amortized over the estimated useful life. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of software may not be recovered, a recoverability analysis is performed based on estimated undiscounted cash flows to be generated from the software in the future. If the analysis indicates that the carrying value is not recoverable from the future cash flows, the software cost is written down to estimated fair value and an impairment is recognized. These estimates are subject to revision as market conditions and as the Company’s assessments change. At December 31, 2019, the net book value of purchased and internally developed software was $36 million and $1,330 million, respectively.

Certain of the trade names associated with Nielsen are deemed indefinite-lived intangible assets, as their associated Nielsen brand awareness and recognition has existed for over 50 years and the Company intends to continue to utilize these trade names. There are also no legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic or other factors that may limit their estimated useful lives. Nielsen reconsiders the remaining estimated useful life of indefinite-lived intangible assets each reporting period.

The impairment test for other indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The estimates of fair value of trade names and trademarks are determined using a “relief from royalty” discounted cash flow valuation methodology. Significant assumptions inherent in this methodology include estimates of royalty rates and discount rates. Discount rate assumptions are based on an assessment of the risk inherent in the respective intangible assets. Assumptions about royalty rates are based on the rates at which comparable trade names and trademarks are being licensed in the marketplace. There was no impairment noted in any period presented with respect to the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets. As of the October 1, 2019 assessment, one of Nielsen’s indefinite-lived intangible assets had a fair value that exceeded its carrying value by less than 10%.

Nielsen is required to assess whether the value of the Company’s amortizable intangible assets have been impaired whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets might not be recoverable. Nielsen does not perform a periodic assessment of assets for impairment in the absence of such information or indicators. Conditions that would necessitate an impairment assessment include a significant decline in the observable market value of an asset, a significant change in the extent or manner in which an asset is used or a significant adverse change that would indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets is not recoverable. Recoverability of assets that are held and used is measured by comparing the sum of the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be derived from an asset (or a group of assets) to their carrying value. If the carrying value of the asset (or the group of assets) exceeds the sum of the future undiscounted cash flows, impairment is considered to exist. If impairment is considered to exist based on undiscounted cash flows, the impairment charge is measured using an estimation of the assets’ fair value, typically using a discounted cash flow method. The identification of impairment indicators, the estimation of future cash flows and the determination of fair values for assets (or groups of assets) requires Nielsen to make significant judgments concerning the identification and validation of impairment indicators, expected cash flows and applicable discount rates. These estimates are subject to revision as market conditions and the Company’s assessments change.

The Company’s impairment assessments resulted in the recognition of a non-cash self-developed software asset impairment charge of $2 million during the fourth quarter of 2018.

There was no impairment or indicators of impairment noted in 2019 with respect to the Company’s amortizable intangible assets.

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The table below summarizes the carrying value of such intangible assets and their estimated useful lives:

			Gross Amounts				Accumulated Amortization
	Estimated	Weighted	December 31,		December 31,		December 31,			December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	Useful Lives	Average	2019		2018		2019			2018
Indefinite-lived intangibles:
Trade names and trademarks			$	1,921	$	1,921	$	—		$	—
Amortized intangibles:
Trade names and trademarks	5-20 years	12 years		144		140		(109	)		(102	)
Customer-related intangibles	6-25 years	21 years		3,153		3,145		(1,764	)		(1,604	)
Covenants-not-to-compete	1-7 years	3 years		37		39		(36	)		(38	)
Content databases	12-16 years	12 years		168		167		(40	)		(26	)
Computer software	3-10 years	5 years		2,626		3,029		(1,260	)		(1,694	)
Patents and other	3-10 years	6 years		182		173		(141	)		(126	)
Total			$	6,310	$	6,693	$	(3,350	)	$	(3,590	)

The amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $580 million, $490 million and $454 million, respectively. These amounts include amortization expense associated with computer software of $384 million, $283 million and $250 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

All other intangible assets are subject to amortization. Future amortization expense is estimated to be as follows:

(IN MILLIONS)
For the year ending December 31:
2020	$	600
2021		547
2022		417
2023		316
2024		258
Thereafter		822
Total	$	2,960

7. Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) by Component

The table below summarizes the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax, by component for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

	Currency
	Translation			Cash Flow			Post Employment
(IN MILLIONS)	Adjustments			Hedges			Benefits			Total
Balance December 31, 2018	$	(779	)	$	11		$	(342	)	$	(1,110	)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	$	5		$	(23	)	$	(42	)	$	(60	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive    (income)/loss		—			(7	)		174			167
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss)		5			(30	)		132			107
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss)    attributable to noncontrolling interest		2			—			—			2
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss)    attributable to Nielsen shareholders		3			(30	)		132			105
Balance December 31, 2019	$	(776	)	$	(19	)	$	(210	)	$	(1,005	)

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	Currency
	Translation			Cash Flow			Post Employment
(IN MILLIONS)	Adjustments			Hedges			Benefits			Total
Balance December 31, 2017	$	(610	)	$	10		$	(340	)	$	(940	)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	$	(170	)	$	6		$	(21	)	$	(185	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive    (income)/loss		—			(5	)		19			14
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss)		(170	)		1			(2	)		(171	)
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss)    attributable to noncontrolling interest		(1	)		—			—			(1	)
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss)    attributable to Nielsen shareholders		(169	)		1			(2	)		(170	)
Balance December 31, 2018	$	(779	)	$	11		$	(342	)	$	(1,110	)

The table below summarizes the reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

	Amount Reclassified from
	Accumulated Other
(IN MILLIONS)	Comprehensive Income/(Loss)
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive							Affected Line Item in the
	Year Ended December 31,						Consolidated
Income components	2019			2018			Statement of Operations
Cash flow hedges
Interest rate contracts	$	(9	)	$	(7	)	Interest (income)/ expense
		2			2		(Benefit)/provision for income taxes
	$	(7	)	$	(5	)	Total, net of tax
Post-Employment Benefits
Amortization of actuarial loss	$	12		$	19		(a)
		6			—		(Benefit)/provision for income taxes
	$	18		$	19		Total, net of tax
Pension settlements	$	170		$	—		(b)
		(14	)		—		(Benefit)/provision for income taxes
	$	156		$	—		Total, net of tax
Total Post-Employment Benefits reclassified from accumulated other    comprehensive (income)/loss	$	174		$	19
Total reclassification for the period	$	167		$	14		Net of tax

(a) This accumulated other comprehensive loss component is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost.

(b) See Note 11 “Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits” for more information on the pension plan non-cash settlements referenced in this note.

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8. Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are carried at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Property, plant and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives.

Nielsen is required to assess whether the value of our long-lived assets, including the Company’s buildings, improvements, technical and other equipment have been impaired whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets might not be recoverable. Nielsen does not perform a periodic assessment of assets for impairment in the absence of such information or indicators. Conditions that would necessitate an impairment assessment include a significant decline in the observable market value of an asset, a significant change in the extent or manner in which an asset is used or a significant adverse change that would indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets is not recoverable. Recoverability of assets that are held and used is measured by comparing the sum of the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be derived from an asset (or a group of assets) to their carrying value. If the carrying value of the asset (or the group of assets) exceeds the sum of the future undiscounted cash flows, impairment is considered to exist. If impairment is considered to exist based on undiscounted cash flows, the impairment charge is measured using an estimation of the assets’ fair value, typically using a discounted cash flow method. The identification of impairment indicators, the estimation of future cash flows and the determination of fair values for assets (or groups of assets) requires Nielsen to make significant judgments concerning the identification and validation of impairment indicators, expected cash flows and applicable discount rates. These estimates are subject to revision as market conditions and our assessments change. There was no impairment or indicators of impairment noted in any period presented with respect to the Company’s finite long-lived assets.

The following tables summarizes the carrying value of our property, plant and equipment including the associated useful lives:

	Estimated	December 31,			December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	Useful Life	2019			2018
Land and buildings	25-50 years	$	383		$	378
Information and communication equipment	3-10 years		1,108			1,014
Furniture, equipment and other	3-10 years		103			109
			1,594			1,501
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization			(1,128	)		(1,033	)
		$	466		$	468

Depreciation and amortization expense from operations related to property, plant and equipment was $158 million, $169 million and $171 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

The above amounts include amortization expense on assets under finance leases and other financing obligations of $62 million, $49 million and $47 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Finance leases and other financing obligations are comprised primarily of land and buildings and information and communication equipment. See Note 5 “Leases” for further information on finance leases.

9. Fair Value Measurements

Nielsen’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, investments, long-term debt and derivative financial instruments. These financial instruments potentially subject Nielsen to concentrations of credit risk. To minimize the risk of credit loss, these financial instruments are primarily held with acknowledged financial institutions. The carrying value of Nielsen’s financial instruments approximate fair value, except for differences with respect to long-term, fixed and variable-rate debt. The fair value of financial instruments is generally determined by reference to market values resulting from trading on a national securities exchange or in an over-the-counter market. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Cash equivalents have original maturities of three months or less.

In addition, the Company has accounts receivable that are not collateralized. The Connect and Media segments service high quality clients dispersed across many geographic areas. The Company analyzes the aging of accounts receivable, historical bad debts, customer creditworthiness and current economic trends in determining the allowance for doubtful accounts.

Investments include investments in affiliates and a trading asset portfolio maintained to generate returns to offset changes in certain liabilities related to deferred compensation arrangements. Nielsen assesses declines in the value of individual investments to determine whether such decline is other than temporary and thus the investment is impaired by considering available evidence. No impairment charge was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

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Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which the Company would transact, and also considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions, and risk of non-performance.

There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1:	Quoted market prices available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date.
Level 2:	Pricing inputs other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date.
Level 3:	Pricing inputs that are generally unobservable and may not be corroborated by market data.

Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis

The Company’s financial assets and liabilities are measured and recorded at fair value, except for equity method investments and long-term debt. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurements requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of the assets and liabilities being measured and their placement within the fair value hierarchy. In addition, the Company records changes in the fair value of equity investments with readily determinable fair values in net income rather than in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss). Investments that do not have readily determinable fair values are recognized at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. The adjustments related to the observable price changes will also be recognized in net income.

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Company’s material financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:

	December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019		Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
Plan assets for deferred compensation (1)	$	26	$		26	$	—	$	—
Investment in mutual funds (2)		2			2	—			—
Interest rate swap arrangements (3)		—	—				—		—
Total	$	28	$		28	$	—	$	—
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap arrangements (3)	$	22	$	—		$	22	$	—
Deferred compensation liabilities (4)		26			26	—			—
Total	$	48	$		26	$	22	$	—

	December 31,
	2018		Level 1			Level 2					Level 3
Assets:
Plan assets for deferred compensation (1)	$	25	$	25		$	—	$			—
Investment in mutual funds (2)		2		2			—				—
Interest rate swap arrangements (3)		23		—			23				—
Total	$	50	$	27		$	23	$			—
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap arrangements (3)	$	3	$		—	$	3		$	—
Deferred compensation liabilities (4)		27		27			—				—
Total	$	30	$	27		$	3		$	—

(1) Plan assets are comprised of investments in mutual funds, which are intended to fund liabilities arising from deferred compensation plans. These investments are carried at fair value, which is based on quoted market prices at period end in active markets. These investments are classified as equity securities with any gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recorded in other income/(expense), net in the consolidated statement of operations.

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(2) Investments in mutual funds are money-market accounts held with the intention of funding certain specific retirement plans.

(3) Derivative financial instruments include interest rate swap arrangements recorded at fair value based on externally-developed valuation models that use readily observable market parameters and the consideration of counterparty risk.

(4) The Company offers certain employees the opportunity to participate in a deferred compensation plan. A participant’s deferrals are invested in a variety of participant directed stock and bond mutual funds and are classified as equity securities. Changes in the fair value of these securities are measured using quoted prices in active markets based on the market price per unit multiplied by the number of units held exclusive of any transaction costs. A corresponding adjustment for changes in fair value of the equity securities is also reflected in the changes in fair value of the deferred compensation obligation.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Nielsen primarily uses interest rate swap derivative instruments to manage the risk that changes in interest rates will affect the cash flows of its underlying debt obligations.

To qualify for hedge accounting, the hedging relationship must meet several conditions with respect to documentation, probability of occurrence, hedge effectiveness and reliability of measurement. Nielsen documents the relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions as well as the hedge effectiveness assessment, both at the hedge inception and on an ongoing basis. Nielsen recognizes all derivatives at fair value either as assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets and changes in the fair values of such instruments are recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. If specific cash flow hedge accounting criteria are met, Nielsen recognizes the changes in fair value of these instruments in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss).

Nielsen manages exposure to possible defaults on derivative financial instruments by monitoring the concentration of risk that Nielsen has with any individual bank and through the use of minimum credit quality standards for all counterparties. Nielsen does not require collateral or other security in relation to derivative financial instruments. A derivative contract entered into between Nielsen or certain of its subsidiaries and a counterparty that was also a lender under Nielsen’s senior secured credit facilities at the time the derivative contract was entered into is guaranteed under the senior secured credit facilities by Nielsen and certain of its subsidiaries (see Note 12 – (“Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements”) for more information). Since it is Nielsen’s policy to only enter into derivative contracts with banks of internationally acknowledged standing, Nielsen considers the counterparty risk to be remote.

It is Nielsen’s policy to have an International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) Master Agreement established with every bank with which it has entered into any derivative contract. Under each of these ISDA Master Agreements, Nielsen agrees to settle only the net amount of the combined market values of all derivative contracts outstanding with any one counterparty should that counterparty default. Certain of the ISDA Master Agreements contain cross-default provisions where if the Company either defaults in payment obligations under its credit facility or if such obligations are accelerated by the lenders, then the Company could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations. At December 31, 2019, Nielsen had no material exposure to potential economic losses due to counterparty credit default risk or cross-default risk on its derivative financial instruments.

Interest Rate Risk

Nielsen is exposed to cash flow interest rate risk on the floating-rate U.S. Dollar and Euro Term Loans, and uses floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps to hedge this exposure. For these derivatives, Nielsen reports the after-tax gain or loss from the effective portion of the hedge as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) and reclassifies it into earnings in the same period or periods in which the hedged transaction affects earnings, and within the same income statement line item as the impact of the hedged transaction.

In May 2019, the Company entered into a $150 million aggregate notional amount four-year forward interest rate swap agreement with a starting date of July 9, 2019. This agreement fixes the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate-debt at an average rate of 1.82%. This derivative has been designated as an interest rate cash flow hedge.

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In March 2019, the Company entered into a $150 million aggregate notional amount four-year forward interest rate swap agreement with a starting date of April 9, 2019. This agreement fixes the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate-debt at an average rate of 2.26%. This derivative has been designated as an interest rate cash flow hedge.

In March 2019, the Company entered into a $250 million aggregate notional amount four-year forward interest rate swap agreement with a starting date of June 9, 2019. This agreement fixes the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate-debt at an average rate of 2.07%. This derivative has been designated as an interest rate cash flow hedge.

In May 2018, the Company entered into $250 million aggregate notional amount of a five-year interest rate swap agreement with a starting date of May 9, 2018. This agreement fixes the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate debt at an average rate of 2.72%. This derivative has been designated as an interest rate cash flow hedge.

In August 2017, the Company entered into $250 million in aggregate notional amount of a four-year forward interest rate swap agreement with a starting date of October 10, 2017. This agreement fixes the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate debt at an average rate of 1.60%. This derivative has been designated as an interest rate cash flow hedge.

In July 2017, the Company entered into $250 million in aggregate notional amount of a three-year forward interest rate swap agreement with a starting date of October 10, 2017. This agreement fixes the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate debt at an average rate of 1.66%. This derivative has been designated as an interest rate cash flow hedge.

In April 2017, the Company entered into $250 million in aggregate notional amount of a three-year forward interest rate swap agreement with a starting date of July 10, 2017. This agreement fixes the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate debt at an average rate of 1.63%. This derivative has been designated as an interest rate cash flow hedge.

In March 2017, the Company entered into $250 million in aggregate notional amount of a five-year forward interest rate swap agreement with a starting date of July 10, 2017. This agreement fixes the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate debt at an average rate of 2.00%. This derivative has been designated as an interest rate cash flow hedge.

In February 2017, the Company entered into $250 million in aggregate notional amount of a three-year forward interest rate swap agreement with a starting date of July 10, 2017. This agreement fixes the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate debt at an average rate of 1.73%. This derivative has been designated as an interest rate cash flow hedge.

As of December 31, 2019 the Company had the following outstanding interest rate swaps utilized in the management of its interest rate risk:

	Notional Amount		Maturity Date	Currency
Interest rate swaps designated as hedging instruments
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	250,000,000	July 2020	US Dollar
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	250,000,000	July 2020	US Dollar
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	250,000,000	October 2020	US Dollar
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	250,000,000	October 2021	US Dollar
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	250,000,000	July 2022	US Dollar
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	150,000,000	April 2023	US Dollar
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	250,000,000	May 2023	US Dollar
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	250,000,000	June 2023	US Dollar
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	150,000,000	July 2023	US Dollar

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The effect of cash flow hedge accounting on the consolidated statement of operations for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017:

	Interest Expense
	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Interest expense (Location in the consolidated statement of operations in which    the effects of cash flow hedges are recorded)	$	397		$	394		$	374
Amount of (gain)/loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive    income/(loss) into income, net of tax	$	(7	)	$	(5	)	$	3
Amount of income/(loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive    income/(loss) into income as a result that a forecasted transaction is no longer    probable of occurring, net of tax	$	—		$	—		$	—

Nielsen expects to recognize approximately $6 million of net pre-tax losses from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense in the next 12 months associated with its interest-related derivative financial instruments.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, Nielsen recorded a net gain of $1 million and a net loss of $2 million respectively, associated with foreign currency derivative financial instruments within foreign currency exchange transactions losses, net in Nielsen’s consolidated statements of operations.  As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the notional amounts of the outstanding foreign currency derivative financial instruments were $125 million and $76 million, respectively.

See Note 12 – “Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements” for more information on the long-term debt transactions referenced in this note.

Fair Values of Derivative Instruments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets

The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:

	December 31, 2019						December 31, 2018
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments	Prepaid Expense and Other Current		Other Non- Current			Other Non- Current	Prepaid Expense and Other Current		Other Non- Current			Other Non- Current
(IN MILLIONS)	Assets		Assets			Liabilities	Assets		Assets			Liabilities
Interest rate swaps	$	—	$	—	$	22	$	3		$	20	$	3

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships

The pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was as follows (amounts in millions):

	Amount of (Gain)/Loss									Amount of (Gain)/Loss
	Recognized in OCI								Location of (Gain)/Loss	Reclassified from OCI
	on Derivatives								Reclassified from OCI	into Income
Derivatives in Cash Flow	(Effective Portion)								into Income	(Effective Portion)
Hedging Relationships	December 31,								(Effective Portion)	December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019		2018			2017				2019			2018			2017
Interest rate swaps	$	33	$	(9	)	$	(13	)	Interest expense	$	(9	)	$	(7	)	$	5

91

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

The Company is required, on a nonrecurring basis, to adjust the carrying value for certain assets using fair value measurements. The Company’s equity method investments, and non-financial assets, such as goodwill, intangible assets, and property, plant and equipment, are measured at fair value when there is an indicator of impairment and recorded at fair value only when an impairment charge is recognized.

The Company did not measure any material non-financial assets or liabilities at fair value during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

10. Restructuring Activities

Productivity Initiatives

Restructuring charges are primarily related to programs associated with Nielsen’s plans to reduce selling, general and administrative expenses, consolidate operating centers, as well as automation initiatives. These charges primarily relate to employee separation packages. The amounts are calculated based on salary levels and past service periods. Severance costs are generally charged to earnings when planned employee terminations are approved.

A summary of the changes in the liabilities for restructuring activities is provided below:

	Total
(IN MILLIONS)	Initiatives
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	73
Charges		80
Non cash charges and other adjustments		2
Payments		(97	)
Balance at December 31, 2017		58
Charges		139
Non cash charges and other adjustments		(2	)
Payments		(127	)
Balance at December 31, 2018		68
Reclassification of ASC 420 real estate restructuring to right-of -use asset (1)		(22	)
Charges (2)		62
Payments		(74	)
Non cash charges and other adjustments		1
Balance at December 31, 2019	$	35

(1) Upon adoption of ASC 842, the real estate operating lease ASC 420 liabilities were reclassified and presented as a reduction of the related operating lease right-of-use asset.

(2) Excludes charges related to operating lease right-of-use assets of $18 million. Includes $6 million of adjustments related to changes in previous productivity initiatives.

Of the $35 million in remaining liabilities for restructuring actions, $30 million is expected to be paid within one year and is classified as a current liability within the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2019.

92

11. Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits

Nielsen sponsors both funded and unfunded defined benefit pension plans (the “Pension Plans”) and post-retirement medical plans for some if its employees in the Netherlands, the U.S. and other international locations. Pension costs, in respect of defined benefit pension plans, primarily represent the increase in the actuarial present value of the obligation for pension benefits based on employee service during the year and the interest on this obligation in respect of employee service in previous years, net of the expected return on plan assets. Differences between this expected return and the actual return on these plan assets and actuarial changes are not recognized in the statement of operations, unless the accumulated differences and changes exceed a certain threshold. Nielsen recognizes obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension plans as expenses in the statement of operations as they are incurred.

The determination of benefit obligations and expenses is based on actuarial models. In order to measure benefit costs and obligations using these models, critical assumptions are made with regard to the discount rate, the expected return on plan assets and the assumed rate of compensation increases. Nielsen provides retiree medical benefits to a limited number of participants in the U.S. Therefore, retiree medical care cost trend rates are not a significant driver of our post retirement costs. Management reviews these critical assumptions at least annually. Other assumptions involve demographic factors such as turnover, retirement and mortality rates. Management reviews these assumptions periodically and updates them as necessary.

The discount rate is the rate at which the benefit obligations could be effectively settled. For Nielsen’s U.S. plans, the discount rate is based on a bond portfolio that includes only long-term bonds with an Aa rating, or equivalent, from a major rating agency. For the Dutch and other non-U.S. plans, the discount rate is set by reference to market yields on high-quality corporate bonds. Nielsen believes the timing and amount of cash flows related to the bonds in these portfolios are expected to match the estimated payment benefit streams of our plans.

The Company uses the spot rate approach to calculate the discount rate for its retirement benefit plans.  Under the spot-rate approach, the Company uses individual spot rates along the yield curve that correspond with the timing of each future cash outflow for benefit payments in order to calculate interest cost and service cost within net periodic benefit costs.

To determine the expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets, Nielsen considers, for each country, the structure of the asset portfolio and the expected rates of return for each of the components. For Nielsen’s U.S. plans, a 50 basis point decrease in the expected return on assets would increase pension expense on our principal plans by approximately $1 million per year. A similar 50 basis point decrease in the expected return on assets for the Company’s principal Dutch plan would also increase pension expense by approximately $1 million per year. The Company assumed that the weighted-averages of long-term returns on our pension plans were 4.3% for the year ended December 31, 2019, 4.4% for the year ended December 31, 2018 and 4.6% for the year ended December 31, 2017. The expected long-term rate of return is applied to the fair value of pension plan assets. The actual return on plan assets will vary year to year from this assumption. Although the actual return on plan assets will vary from year to year, it is appropriate to use long-term expected forecasts in selecting Nielsen’s expected return on plan assets. As such, there can be no assurance that the Company’s actual return on plan assets will approximate the long-term expected forecasts.

During 2019, certain of the Company’s pension plans contracted with insurance companies and transferred $632 million of outstanding defined benefit pension obligations and related pension assets for approximately 6,000 retirees and beneficiaries in the Netherlands and UK to the insurance companies. The insurance companies are now required to pay and administer the retirement benefits owed to these retirees and beneficiaries. These transactions have no impact on the amount, timing, or form of the monthly retirement benefit payments to the covered retirees and beneficiaries. These transactions resulted in a non-cash charge to other income/expense of $170 million in our consolidated statements of operations and did not impact cash flows in 2019.

93

A summary of the activity for the Pension Plans follows:

	Year Ended December 31, 2019
	The			United
(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands			States			Other			Total
Change in projected benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	$	647		$	338		$	613		$	1,598
Service cost		3		—				4			7
Interest cost		9			14			13			36
Plan participants’ contributions	—			—				1			1
Actuarial (gain)/loss		42			43			71			156
Benefits paid		(29	)		(17	)		(24	)		(70	)
Settlements	(573		)	—				(59	)		(632	)
Curtailments	(3		)	—				—			(3	)
Amendments		—		—				1			1
Effect of foreign currency translation		(14	)	—				16			2
Benefit obligation at end of period		82			378			636			1,096
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period		637			231			528			1,396
Actual return on plan assets		50			46			80			176
Employer contributions		4		10				14			28
Plan participants’ contributions	—			—				1			1
Benefits paid		(29	)		(17	)		(24	)		(70	)
Settlements	(573		)	—				(59	)		(632	)
Effect of foreign currency translation		(14	)	—				16			2
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		75			270			556			901
Funded status	$	(7	)	$	(108	)	$	(80	)	$	(195	)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Pension assets included in other non-current assets	—			—				26			26
Current liabilities	—				—			(2	)		(2	)
Accrued benefit liability included in other non-current liabilities		(7	)		(108	)		(104	)		(219	)
Net amount recognized	$	(7	)	$	(108	)	$	(80	)	$	(195	)
Amounts recognized in Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Net (gain)/loss	$	5		$	15		$	15		$	35
Settlement loss		(164	)		—			(6	)		(170	)
Curtailment gain recognized		1			—			—			1
Amortization of net loss		(5	)		(6	)		(2	)		(13	)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)	$	(163	)	$	9		$	7		$	(147	)
Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in     Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Unrecognized losses	$	27		$	123		$	136		$	286

94

	Year Ended December 31, 2018
	The			United
(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands			States			Other			Total
Change in projected benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	$	724		$	370		$	678		$	1,772
Service cost		3		—				6			9
Interest cost		10			12			13			35
Plan participants’ contributions	—			—				1			1
Actuarial (gain)/loss		(29	)		(29	)		(28	)		(86	)
Benefits paid		(30	)		(15	)		(24	)		(69	)
Expenses paid		—		—				—			—
Premiums paid	—			—				(1	)		(1	)
Settlements	—			—				(4	)		(4	)
Combinations	—			—				2			2
Amendments		—		—				1			1
Effect of foreign currency translation		(31	)	—				(31	)		(62	)
Benefit obligation at end of period		647			338			613			1,598
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period		718			260			581			1,559
Actual return on plan assets		(25	)		(23	)		(14	)		(62	)
Employer contributions		5		9				15			29
Plan participants’ contributions	—			—				1			1
Benefits paid		(30	)		(15	)		(24	)		(69	)
Expenses paid		—		—				—			—
Premiums paid	—			—				(1	)		(1	)
Settlements	—			—				(4	)		(4	)
Combinations	—			—				2			2
Effect of foreign currency translation		(31	)	—				(28	)		(59	)
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		637			231			528			1,396
Funded status	$	(10	)	$	(107	)	$	(85	)	$	(202	)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Pension assets included in other non-current assets	—			—				17			17
Current liabilities	—				(1	)		(1	)		(2	)
Accrued benefit liability included in other non-current liabilities		(10	)		(106	)		(101	)		(217	)
Net amount recognized	$	(10	)	$	(107	)	$	(85	)	$	(202	)
Amounts recognized in Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Net (gain)/loss	$	11		$	10		$	1		$	22
Settlement loss		—			—			(1	)		(1)
Amortization of prior service cost		—			—			1			1
Amortization of net loss		(6	)		(9	)		(4	)		(19	)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)	$	5		$	1		$	(3	)	$	3
Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in     Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Unrecognized losses	$	190		$	114		$	129		$	433

The total accumulated benefit obligation and minimum liability changes for the Pension Plans were as follows:

	Year Ended		Year Ended		Year Ended
	December 31,		December 31,		December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019		2018		2017
Accumulated benefit obligation.	$	1,078	$	1,579	$	1,750

95

	Pension Plans with Accumulated
	Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan
	Assets at December 31, 2019
	The		United
(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands		States		Other		Total
Projected benefit obligation	$	83	$	377	$	428	$	888
Accumulated benefit obligation		83		377		414		874
Fair value of plan assets		75		270		323		668
	Pension Plans with Projected
	Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan
	Assets at December 31, 2019
	The		United
(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands		States		Other		Total
Projected benefit obligation	$	83	$	377	$	483	$	943
Accumulated benefit obligation		83		377		618		1,078
Fair value of plan assets		75		270		378		723
	Pension Plans with Accumulated
	Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan
	Assets at December 31, 2018
	The		United
(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands		States		Other		Total
Projected benefit obligation	$	646	$	338	$	506	$	1,490
Accumulated benefit obligation		644		338		491		1,473
Fair value of plan assets		637		231		404		1,272
	Pension Plans with Projected
	Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan
	Assets at December 31, 2018
	The		United
(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands		States		Other		Total
Projected benefit obligation	$	646	$	338	$	506	$	1,490
Accumulated benefit obligation		644		338		597		1,579
Fair value of plan assets		637		231		404		1,272

96

Net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, includes the following components:

	Net Periodic Pension Costs
	The			United
(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands			States			Other			Total
Year ended December 31, 2019
Service cost	$	3		$	—		$	4		$	7
Interest cost		9			14			13			36
Expected return on plan assets		(20	)		(17	)		(21	)		(58	)
Settlement loss recognized		164			—			6			170
Curtailment gain recognized		(1	)		—			—			(1	)
Amortization of net loss		5			6			2			13
Net periodic pension cost	$	160			3			4			167
Year ended December 31, 2018
Service cost	$	3		$	—		$	6		$	9
Interest cost		10			12			13			35
Expected return on plan assets		(23	)		(17	)		(21	)		(61	)
Settlement loss recognized		—			—			1			1
Amortization of prior service costs		—			—			(1	)		(1	)
Amortization of net loss		6			9			4			19
Net periodic pension cost	$	(4	)		4			2			2
Year ended December 31, 2017
Service cost	$	5		$	—		$	8		$	13
Interest cost		9			12			13			34
Expected return on plan assets		(24	)		(17	)		(22	)		(63	)
Settlement loss recognized		—			—			1			1
Amortization of prior service costs		—			—			(1	)		(1	)
Amortization of net loss		7			6			5			18
Net periodic pension cost	$	(3	)		1			4			2

The non-cash settlement loss of $170 million resulted from the transfer of defined benefit pension obligations and related assets in the Netherlands ($164 million) and the UK ($6 million) to insurance companies which relieved Nielsen of its obligations related to the plans. The settlement loss of $1 million in 2018 resulted primarily from settling benefit liabilities in Mexico. The settlement loss of $1 million in 2017 resulted primarily from settling benefit liabilities in Canada and Switzerland.  

The deferred loss included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) that is expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost during 2020 is as follows:

	The Netherlands			United States			Other			Total
Net actuarial loss	$	(2	)	$	(11	)	$	(4	)	$	(17	)

Actuarial gains and losses are amortized over the average remaining service lives for plans with active participants, and over the average remaining lives for legacy plans with no active participants.

97

The weighted average assumptions underlying the pension computations were as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
	NL	US	Other	NL	US	Other	NL	US	Other
Pension benefit obligation:
—discount rate	1.5%	3.4%	1.9%	2.0%	4.4%	2.5%	1.9%	3.7%	2.3%
—rate of compensation increase	—	—	1.1%	1.8%	—	1.1%	1.8%	—	1.1%
Net periodic pension costs:
—discount rate	2.0%	4.4%	2.5%	1.9%	3.7%	2.3%	1.8%	4.4%	2.3%
—rate of compensation increase	1.8%	—	1.1%	1.8%	—	1.1%	3.8%	—	1.1%
—expected long-term return on plan assets	3.5%	6.7%	4.2%	3.6%	6.9%	4.3%	3.8%	7.0%	4.4%

The assumptions for the expected return on plan assets for the Pension Plans were based on a review of the historical returns of the asset classes in which the assets of the Pension Plans are invested and long-term economic forecast for the type of investments held by the plans.  The historical returns on these asset classes were weighted based on the expected long-term allocation of the assets of the Pension Plans.

Nielsen’s pension plans’ weighted average asset allocations by asset category are as follows:

	The			United
	Netherlands			States			Other			Total
At December 31, 2019
Equity securities		39	%		54	%		50	%		51	%
Fixed income securities		53			45			39			43
Other		8			1			11			6
Total		100	%		100	%		100	%		100	%
At December 31, 2018
Equity securities		21	%		52	%		41	%		33	%
Fixed income securities		62			47			28			50
Other		17			1			31			17
Total		100	%		100	%		100	%		100	%

No Nielsen shares are held by the Pension Plans.

Nielsen’s primary objective with regard to the investment of the Pension Plans’ assets is to ensure that in each individual plan, sufficient funds are available to satisfy future benefit obligations. For this purpose, asset and liability management studies are made periodically at each pension fund. For each of the Pension Plans, an appropriate mix is determined on the basis of the outcome of these studies, taking into account the national rules and regulations. The overall target asset allocation among all plans for 2019 was 49% equity securities and 45% long-term interest-earning investments (debt or fixed income securities), and 6% other investments.

Equity securities primarily include investments in U.S. and non U.S. companies. Fixed income securities include corporate bonds of companies from diversified industries and mortgage-backed securities. Insurance contracts are categorized as level 3 and are valued based on contractual terms.

98

Assets at fair value (See Note 9 – “Fair Value Measurements” for additional information on fair value measurement and the underlying fair value hierarchy) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:

(IN MILLIONS)	December 31, 2019								December 31, 2018
Asset Category	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Cash and equivalents	$	11	$	—	$	—	$	11	$	30	$	—	$	—	$	30
Equity securities – U.S.		75		4		—		79		53		10		—		63
Equity securities – Global.		36		115		—		151		37		206		—		243
Equity securities – non-U.S.		9		80		—		89		9		68		—		77
Real estate		—		—		22		22		—		—		42		42
Corporate bonds		112		80		—		192		100		270		—		370
Debt issued by national, state or    local government		38		39		—		77		31		194		—		225
Other		—		6		—		6		—		2		132		134
Total assets at fair value, excluding    NAV per share practical expedient    at December 31, 2019 and    December 31, 2018	$	281	$	324	$	22	$	627	$	260	$	750	$	174	$	1,184

The following presents our total fair value of plan assets including the NAV per share practical expedient:

(IN MILLIONS)	December 31, 2019			December 31, 2018
Fair value of investments, excluding NAV per share practical    expedient.		$	627	$	1,184
Fair value of investments, using NAV per share practical    expedient
Asset Category
Cash		$	6	$	4
Equity securities – U.S.			30		23
Equity securities – Global.			40		29
Corporate debt securities or bonds.			—		—
Debt issued by national, state or local government			10		10
Liability driven investments			76		59
Real estate			5		6
Private equity and hedge funds			73		60
Insurance and other			34		21
Total assets at fair value including NAV per share practical    expedient at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018		$	901	$	1,396

The following is a summary of changes in the fair value of the Pension Plans’ Level 3 assets for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018:

(IN MILLIONS)	Real Estate			Other			Total
Balance, end of year December 31, 2017	$	47		$	149		$	196
Actual return on plan assets:
(Sales)/investments		(4	)		(8	)		(12	)
Unrealized gains		—			(1	)		(1	)
Effect of foreign currency translation		(1	)		(8	)		(9	)
Balance, end of year December 31, 2018	$	42		$	132		$	174
Actual return on plan assets:
(Sales)/Investments		(2	)		—			(2	)
Settlements		(18	)		(130	)		(148	)
Unrealized losses		—			—			—
Effect of foreign currency translation		—			(2	)		(2	)
Balance, end of year December 31, 2019	$	22		$	—		$	22

99

Real estate investment valuations require significant judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, the inherent lack of liquidity and the long-term nature of such assets. These assets are initially valued at cost and are reviewed periodically utilizing available and relevant market data to determine if the carrying value of these assets should be adjusted. The valuation methodology is applied consistently from period to period.

Other types of investments categorized as Level 3 are primarily insurance contracts and are valued based on contractual terms.

Contributions to the Pension Plans in 2020 are expected to be approximately zero for the Netherlands plan, $11 million for the U.S. plan and $17 million for other plans.

Estimated future benefit payments are as follows:

	The		United
(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands		States		Other		Total
For the years ending December 31,
2020	$	2	$	16	$	20	$	38
2021		2		16		21		39
2022		2		17		22		41
2023		2		18		23		43
2024		2		19		23		44
2025-2029		12		102		137		251

Defined Contribution Plans

Nielsen also offers defined contribution plans to certain participants, primarily in the U.S. Nielsen’s expense related to these plans was $54 million, $59 million and $53 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. In the U.S., Nielsen contributes cash to each employee’s account in an amount up to 3% of compensation (subject to IRS limitations). No contributions are made in shares of the Company’s common stock.

100

12. Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements

Unless otherwise stated, interest rates are as of December 31, 2019.

	December 31, 2019											December 31, 2018
	Weighted											Weighted
	Interest			Carrying				Fair				Interest			Carrying			Fair
(IN MILLIONS)	Rate			Amount				Value				Rate			Amount			Value
$1,125 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based variable rate of 3.46%) due 2023					$		1,086		$	1,079						$	1,112		$	1,100
$2,303 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based variable rate of 3.71%) due 2023						2,263					2,273					2,285			2,215
€545 million Senior secured term loan (Euro LIBOR based variable rate of 2.50%) due 2023						603					606						623			619
$850 million senior secured revolving credit facility (Euro LIBOR or LIBOR based variable rate) due 2023						—					—						—			—
Total senior secured credit facilities (with weighted-average interest rate)		3.52	%			3,952					3,958		4.09	%			4,020			3,934
$800 million 4.50% senior debenture loan due 2020						799					802						797			792
$625 million 5.50% senior debenture loan due 2021						622					629						621			621
$2,300 million 5.00% senior debenture loan due 2022						2,293					2,312						2,290			2,179
$500 million 5.00% senior debenture loan due 2025						497					516					496			472
Total debenture loans (with weighted-average interest rate)		5.22	%			4,211					4,259		5.22	%			4,204			4,064
Other loans						1					1						1			1
Total long-term debt		4.40	%			8,164					8,218		4.67	%			8,225			7,999
Finance lease and other financing obligations						145											161
Bank overdrafts						—											1
Total debt and other financing arrangements						8,309											8,387
Less: Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease and other financing obligations and other short-term borrowings						914											107
Non-current portion of long-term debt and finance lease and other financing obligations					$	7,395										$	8,280

The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt instruments was based on the yield on public debt where available or current borrowing rates available for financings with similar terms and maturities and such fair value measurements are considered Level 1 or Level 2 in nature, respectively.

The carrying value of Nielsen’s long-term debt are denominated in the following currencies:

	December 31,		December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019		2018
U.S. Dollars	$	7,561	$	7,602
Euro		603		623
	$	8,164	$	8,225

Annual maturities of Nielsen’s long-term debt are as follows:

(IN MILLIONS)
2020	$	854
2021	$	702
2022	$	2,399
2023	$	3,710
2024	$	—
Thereafter	$	499
	$	8,164

101

The Company’s $800 million senior debenture loan matures in October 2020 and, as of December 31, 2019, there was approximately $808 million of outstanding principal and interest payable thereunder. The Company believes that it is probable that it will be able to refinance this debt prior to maturity.

Senior Secured Credit Facilities

Term Loan Facilities

In June 2018, Nielsen entered into an Amendment Agreement to amend and restate its Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Prior Credit Agreement”) in the form of the Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Amended Credit Agreement”). Among other things, the Amendment Agreement provided for: (i) the refinancing and replacement of the prior Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility with a new Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility having commitments in an aggregate principal amount of $850,000,000; (ii) the refinancing and replacement of the prior Class A Term Loans with new Class A Term Loans in an aggregate principal amount of $1,125,000,000; (iii) the refinancing and replacement of the prior Class B-2 Euro Term Loans with new Class B-2 Euro Term Loans in an aggregate principal amount of € 545,245,518; and (iv) incurring incremental term loans in the form of Class B-4 Term Loans in an aggregate principal amount of $75,000,000.

The proceeds of loans under each replacement facility were used to replace or refinance the entire outstanding principal amount of loans under the prior facility that was replaced, and the proceeds of the incremental Class B-4 Term Loans, together with a portion of the proceeds of the Class B-2 Euro Term Loans in excess of the amount of the prior Class B-2 Euro Term Loans that were replaced, were used to prepay the amount of prior Class A Term Loans in excess of the amount of new Class A Term Loans.

The new Class A Term Loans will mature in full on July 9, 2023 and are required to be repaid in quarterly installments in an aggregate amount equal to 0.63% of the original principal amount of the Class A Term Loans for each of the first eight quarters following the effective date of the Amendment Agreement, 1.25% of the original principal amount of the Class A Term Loans for each of the subsequent eight quarters and 2.50% of the original principal amount of the Class A Term Loans for each of the subsequent three quarters, with the balance payable on July 9, 2023. The new Class B-2 Euro Term Loans will mature in full on October 4, 2023 and are required to be repaid in equal quarterly installments in an aggregate amount equal to 0.25% of the original principal amount of the Class B-2 Euro Term Loans, with the balance payable on October 4, 2023. The Class B-4 Term Loans will mature in full on October 4, 2023 and are required to be repaid in equal quarterly installments in an aggregate amount equal to 0.25% of the original principal amount of the Class B-4 Term Loans, with the balance payable on October 4, 2023. The new Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility matures on July 9, 2023.

The new Class A Term Loans and loans under the new Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at our election, (i) a base rate or eurocurrency rate, plus (ii) an applicable margin determined by reference to the Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement), which varies from 0.25% to 1.00%, in the case of base rate loans, and from 1.25% to 2.00%, in the case of eurocurrency rate loans. The Class B-2 Euro Term Loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to (i) a eurocurrency rate plus (ii) an applicable margin equal to 2.50%. The Class B-4 Term Loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at our election, (i) a base rate or eurocurrency rate, plus (ii) an applicable margin, which is equal to 2.00%, in the case of eurocurrency loans, or 1.00%, in the case of base rate loans.

The Amended Credit Agreement contains substantially the same affirmative and negative covenants as those of the Prior Credit Agreement, except the exceptions to the restrictions on restricted payments and investments that are determined by reference to the Total Leverage Ratio were amended to increase the applicable limits.

Nielsen wrote-off certain previously capitalized deferred financing fees of $2 million associated with the June 2018 debt refinancing and incurred certain costs in connection with the refinancing of $5 million.

Obligations under the Amended Credit Agreement are guaranteed by TNC B.V., substantially all of the wholly-owned U.S. subsidiaries of TNC B.V. and certain of the non-U.S. wholly-owned subsidiaries of TNC B.V., and are secured by substantially all of the existing and future property and assets of the U.S. subsidiaries of TNC B.V. and by a pledge of substantially all of the capital stock of the guarantors, the capital stock of substantially all of the U.S. subsidiaries of TNC B.V., and up to 65% of the capital stock of certain of the non-U.S. subsidiaries of TNC B.V. Under a separate security agreement, substantially all of the assets of TNC B.V. are pledged as collateral for amounts outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement.

102

Covenants

The Amended Credit Agreement contains a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the ability of Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V. and its restricted subsidiaries (which together constitute most of Nielsen’s subsidiaries) to incur additional indebtedness or guarantees, incur liens and engage in sale and leaseback transactions, make certain loans and investments, declare dividends, make payments or redeem or repurchase capital stock, engage in certain mergers, acquisitions and other business combinations, prepay, redeem or purchase certain indebtedness, amend or otherwise alter terms of certain indebtedness, sell certain assets, transact with affiliates, enter into agreements limiting subsidiary distributions and alter the business they conduct. These entities are restricted, subject to certain exceptions, in their ability to transfer their net assets to us. Such restricted net assets amounted to approximately $2.1 billion at December 31, 2019. In addition, these entities are subject to a total leverage covenant. The leverage ratio requires that Nielsen not permit the ratio of total net debt (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) at the end of any calendar quarter to Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) for the four quarters then ended to exceed a specified threshold. The maximum permitted ratio is 5.50 to 1.00. Neither Nielsen nor TNC B.V. is currently bound by any financial or negative covenants contained in the Amended Credit Agreement. The Amended Credit Agreement also contains certain customary affirmative covenants and events of default. Certain significant financial covenants are described further below.

Failure to comply with this financial covenant would result in an event of default under Nielsen’s Amended Credit Agreement unless waived by certain of Nielsen’s term lenders and the Company’s revolving lenders. An event of default under Nielsen’s Amended Credit Agreement can result in the acceleration of Nielsen’s indebtedness under the facilities, which in turn would result in an event of default and possible acceleration of indebtedness under the agreements governing Nielsen’s debt securities as well. As Nielsen’s failure to comply with the financial covenant described above can cause the Company to go into default under the agreements governing Nielsen’s indebtedness, management believes that Nielsen’s Amended Credit Agreement and this covenant are material to Nielsen. As of December 31, 2019, Nielsen was in full compliance with the financial covenant described above.

Pursuant to Nielsen’s Amended Credit Agreement, the Company is subject to making mandatory prepayments on the term loans within Nielsen’s Amended Credit Agreement to the extent in any full calendar year Nielsen generate Excess Cash Flow (“ECF”), as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement. The percentage of ECF that must be applied as a repayment is a function of several factors, including Nielsen’s ratio of total net debt to Covenant EBITDA, as well other adjustments, including any voluntary term loan repayments made in the course of the calendar year. To the extent any mandatory repayment is required pursuant to this ECF clause; such payment must generally occur on or around the time of the delivery of the annual consolidated financial statements to the lenders. At December 31, 2019, Nielsen’s ratio of total net debt to Covenant EBITDA was less than 5.00 to 1.00 and therefore no mandatory repayment was required. Nielsen’s next ECF measurement date will occur upon completion of the 2020 results, and although Nielsen do not expect to be required to issue any mandatory repayments in 2020 or beyond, it is uncertain at this time if any such payments will be required in future periods.

Revolving Credit Facility

The Amended Credit Agreement contains a senior secured revolving credit facility under which Nielsen Finance LLC, TNC (US) Holdings, Inc., and Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V. can borrow revolving loans. The revolving credit facility can also be used for letters of credit, guarantees and swingline loans. The existing revolving credit facility has commitments of $850 million with a final maturity of July 2023.

The senior secured revolving credit facility is provided under the Amended Credit Agreement and so contains covenants and restrictions as noted under the “Term loan facilities” section above. Obligations under the revolving credit facility are guaranteed by the same entities that guarantee obligations under the Amended Credit Agreement and Senior Secured Loan Agreement.

As of December 31, 2019, Nielsen had zero borrowings outstanding and outstanding letters of credit of $17 million.  As of December 31, 2018, Nielsen had zero borrowings outstanding and outstanding letters of credit of $16 million. As of December 31, 2019, Nielsen had $833 million available for borrowing under the revolving credit facility.

103

Debenture Loans

The indentures governing the Senior Notes limit the majority of Nielsen’s subsidiaries’ ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase its capital stock, make certain investments, enter into certain types of transactions with affiliates, use assets as security in other transactions and sell certain assets or merge with or into other companies subject to certain exceptions. Upon a change in control, Nielsen is required to make an offer to redeem all of the Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to the 101% of the aggregate accreted principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Senior Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed by Nielsen, substantially all of the wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries of Nielsen, and certain of the non-U.S. wholly-owned subsidiaries of Nielsen.

Other Transactions

Effective July 1, 2010, the Company designated its Euro denominated variable rate senior secured term loans as non-derivative hedges of its net investment in a European subsidiary. Gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in the Euro as compared to the U.S. Dollar associated with this debenture were recorded to the cumulative translation adjustment within shareholders’ equity, net of income tax.

Debt-Issuance Costs

The costs related to the issuance of debt are presented as a deduction from the corresponding debt liability and amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the life of the related debt.  

Finance Lease and Other Obligations

Nielsen finances certain computer equipment, software, buildings and automobiles under finance leases and related transactions. These arrangements do not include terms of renewal, purchase options, or escalation clauses.

Assets under finance lease are recorded within property, plant and equipment. See Note 8 “Property, Plant and Equipment.” Liabilities under finance leases are recorded within long-term debt and other financing obligations above. See Note 5 “Leases” for more information on finance leases and other financing obligations referenced in this note.

13. Shareholders’ Equity

Common stock activity is as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018			2017
Actual number of shares of common stock outstanding
Beginning of period		355,271,737		355,944,976			357,465,614
Shares of common stock issued through compensation plans		835,057		1,587,947			1,578,917
Employee benefit trust activity		43,089		(41,030	)		269,284
Repurchases of common stock		-		(2,220,156	)		(3,368,839	)
End of period		356,149,883		355,271,737			355,944,976

104

On January 31, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) adopted a cash dividend policy to pay quarterly cash dividends on its outstanding common stock. The following table represents the cash dividends declared by the Board and paid to shareholders for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019, respectively.  

Declaration Date	Record Date	Payment Date	Dividend Per Share
February 21, 2018	March 7, 2018	March 21, 2018	$	0.34
April 19, 2018	June 6, 2018	June 20, 2018	$	0.35
July 19, 2018	August 22, 2018	September 5, 2018	$	0.35
October 18, 2018	November 21, 2018	December 5, 2018	$	0.35
February 21, 2019	March 7, 2019	March 21, 2019	$	0.35
April 18, 2019	June 5, 2019	June 19, 2019	$	0.35
July 18, 2019	August 22, 2019	September 5, 2019	$	0.35
November 3, 2019	November 21, 2019	December 5, 2019	$	0.06

On November 3, 2019 the Board approved a plan to reduce the quarterly cash dividend, with the goal of strengthening Nielsen’s balance sheet and providing added flexibility to invest for growth. On February 20, 2020, the Board declared a cash dividend of $0.06 per share on Nielsen’s common stock. The dividend is payable on March 19, 2020 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 5, 2020.

The dividend policy and the payment of future cash dividends are subject to the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors.

Nielsen’s Board approved a share repurchase program, as included in the below table, for up to $2 billion in the aggregate of our outstanding common stock. The primary purpose of the program is to return value to shareholders and to mitigate dilution associated with Nielsen’s equity compensation plans.

Board Approval	Share Repurchase Authorization ($ in millions)
July 25, 2013	$	500
October 23, 2014	$	1,000
December 11, 2015	$	500
Total Share Repurchase Authorization	$	2,000

Repurchases under this program will be made in accordance with applicable securities laws from time to time in the open market or otherwise depending on Nielsen’s evaluation of market conditions and other factors. This program has been executed within the limitations of the authority granted by Nielsen’s shareholders.

As of December 31, 2019, there have been 39,426,521 shares of our common stock purchased at an average price of $44.95 per share (total consideration of approximately $1,772 million) under this program. There were no share repurchases for the year ended December 31, 2019.

14. Share-based Compensation

Nielsen measures the cost of all share-based payments, including stock options, at fair value on the grant date and recognizes such costs within the consolidated statements of operations; however, no expense is recognized for share-based payments that do not ultimately vest. Nielsen recognizes the expense of its options that cliff vest using the straight-line method. For those that vest over time, an accelerated graded vesting is used. The Company recorded $50 million, $35 million and $45 million of expense associated with share-based compensation for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The tax benefit related to the share-based compensation expense was $6 million, $5 million and $13 million for each of the respective periods.

105

Nielsen has an equity-based, management compensation plan (“Equity Participation Plan” or “EPP”) to align compensation for certain key executives with the performance of the Company. Under this plan, certain of the Company’s executives may be granted stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and dividend equivalent rights in the shares of the Company or purchase its shares. In connection with the completion of Nielsen’s initial public offering of common stock on January 31, 2011 (and further amended), the Company implemented the Nielsen 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Prior Plan”) and suspended further grants under the EPP. In 2019, the Company replaced the Nielsen 2010 Stock Incentive Plan with the Nielsen 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Stock Incentive Plan”). The Stock Incentive Plan is the source of new equity-based awards permitting the Company to grant to its key employees, directors and other service providers the following types of awards:  incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other awards valued in whole or in part by reference to shares of Nielsen’s common stock and performance-based awards denominated in shares or cash.  

Under the Stock Incentive Plan, Nielsen granted zero, 750,000 and 1,000 time-based stock options to purchase shares during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. As of December 31, 2019, the total number of shares authorized for award of options or other equity-based awards was 10,420,826 under the Stock Incentive Plan. This includes the 7,200,000 newly authorized shares under the Stock Incentive Plan and the 3,220,826 shares reserved for issuance from the Prior Plan.  The 2018 time-based awards become exercisable over a three year vesting period at a rate of 33.3% per year on the anniversary date of the award, and are tied to the executives’ continuing employment. The 2017 time-based awards become exercisable over a four-year vesting period at a rate of 6.25% per quarter, and are tied to the executives’ continuing employment.  

The fair values of the granted time-based awards granted during 2018 and 2017 were estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the expected volatility based on the Company’s historical volatility.  

The following assumptions were used for the grants of time-based awards during 2019, 2018 and 2017:  

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018			2017
Expected life (years)		—		6.00			4.50
Risk-free interest rate		—		2.87	%		2.02	%
Expected dividend yield		—		4.97	%		3.76	%
Expected volatility		—		25.96	%		22.01	%
Weighted average volatility		—		25.96	%		22.01	%

106

Nielsen’s stock option plan activity is summarized below:

	Number of Options (Time Based)			Weighted-Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term in Years		Aggregate Intrinsic Value in Millions
Stock Option Plan activity
Outstanding at December 31, 2016		8,158,168		$	40.19		4.43	$	43
Granted		1,000			36.17
Forfeited		(996,015	)		47.59
Exercised		(1,293,850	)		28.13
Outstanding at December 31, 2017		5,869,303		$	41.58		3.52	$	13
Granted		750,000			40.00
Forfeited		(988,826	)		46.08
Expired options		(153,799	)		30.47
Exercised		(844,842	)		28.04
Outstanding at December 31, 2018		4,631,836		$	43.20		3.66	$	—
Granted		—			—
Forfeited		(662,732	)		46.31
Expired options		(445,760	)		28.09
Exercised		(9,027	)		17.44
Outstanding at December 31, 2019		3,514,317		$	44.60		3.15	$	—
Exercisable at December 31, 2019		2,817,876		$	44.77		2.61	$	—

During the year ended December 31, 2019, there were no options granted and the aggregate fair value of options vested was $5 million. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the weighted-average grant date fair value of the options granted was $2.16 and $4.70, respectively, and the aggregate fair value of options vested was $6 million and $9 million, respectively.

At December 31, 2019, there was approximately $1 million of unearned share-based compensation related to stock options (net of estimated forfeitures) which the Company expects to record as share-based compensation expense over the next two years. The compensation expense related to the time-based awards is amortized over the term of the award using the graded vesting method.

The intrinsic value of the options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2019 was insignificant. The intrinsic value of the options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 was $6 million and $17 million, respectively.  For the year ended December 31, 2019, cash proceeds from the exercise of options was insignificant.

Under the Nielsen 2010 Stock Incentive Plan, Nielsen granted 2,524,176 time and performance based stock options to purchase shares during the year ended December 31, 2018. The weighted average grant date fair value of the awards was $3.09. The performance aspect of the award is achieved based on the performance of Nielsen’s stock price. If the performance obligations are satisfied, the award will become exercisable over a three year vesting period at a rate of 33.3% per year on the anniversary date of the award, and are tied to the executives’ continuing employment. As of December 31, 2019, there was approximately $1 million of unearned share-based compensation related to performance stock options (net of estimated forfeitures) which the Company expects to record as share-based compensation over the next two years. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2017, there were no time and performance based stock options issued.

The fair values of the granted time and performance based awards during 2018 were estimated using the Monte Carlo simulation model with the expected volatility based on the Company’s historical volatility.

107

The following assumptions were used for grants of time and performance based awards during 2018:

	Year Ended December 31, 2018
Expected life (years)		5.00
Risk-free interest rate		2.83-2.92	%
Expected dividend yield		4.85- 5.54	%
Expected volatility		27.11-27.27	%
Weighted average volatility		27.13	%

Activity of Nielsen’s restricted stock units (RSUs) that are ultimately payable in shares of common stock granted under the Stock Incentive Plan is summarized below:

	Number of RSUs			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
RSU activity
Nonvested at December 31, 2016		1,356,393		$	47.69
Granted		1,574,973			36.23
Forfeited		(339,292	)		46.09
Vested		(503,086	)		44.62
Nonvested at December 31, 2017		2,088,988		$	40.36
Granted		2,780,914			25.35
Forfeited		(361,821	)		38.46
Vested		(642,397	)		41.24
Nonvested at December 31, 2018		3,865,684		$	29.88
Granted		2,454,871			21.46
Forfeited		(692,718	)		28.63
Vested		(986,852	)		33.60
Nonvested at December 31, 2019		4,640,985		$	25.10

With the exception of a limited group of senior executives, the 2019 and 2018 awards will vest at a rate of 6.25% per quarter over four years. The 2019 awards for the limited group of senior executives will vest at one of the following rates: 25% on the first anniversary date of the award/75% on the second anniversary date of the award, 100% on the second anniversary date of the award, 12.5% per quarter over two years, or 25% per year over four years on the anniversary date of the award.  The 2018 awards for the limited group of senior executives will vest at one of the following rates: 100% on the third anniversary date of the award, 100% on the second anniversary date of the award, 33.3% per year over three years on the anniversary date of the award, 12.5% per quarter over two years, or 25% per year over four years on the anniversary date of the award. The 2017 awards for the limited group of senior executives will vest at a rate of 25% per year over four years on the anniversary date of the award.    

On January 31, 2017, Nielsen completed the acquisition of Gracenote and concurrently provided 31,381 replacement restricted stock units under Nielsen’s existing 2010 Stock Incentive Plan. The exchange was accounted for as a modification in accordance with ASC 718. The aggregate fair value of the replacement awards granted on January 31, 2017 was $2 million, of which $1 million was attributed to post merger service and $1 million was included in purchase price consideration.

As of December 31, 2019, there was approximately $51 million of unearned share-based compensation related to unvested RSUs (net of estimated forfeitures) which the Company expects to record as stock-based compensation expense over a weighted average period of 2.8 years.

108

During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company granted 523,508, 463,442 and 348,885 performance restricted stock units, respectively, representing the target number of performance restricted stock subject to the award. The weighted average grant date fair value of the awards in 2019, 2018 and 2017 were $24.62, $27.94 and $37.88 per share. For the performance restricted stock units granted in 2019, the total number of performance restricted stock units to be earned is subject to achievement of cumulative performance goals for the three year period ending December 31, 2021.  For the performance restricted stock units granted in 2018, the total number of performance restricted stock units to be earned is subject to achievement of cumulative performance goals for the three year period ending December 31, 2020. For the performance restricted stock units granted in 2017, the total number of performance restricted stock units to be earned is subject to achievement of cumulative performance goals for the three year period ending December 31, 2019.  For the 2019 award, fifty percent of the target award will be determined based on the Company’s revenue compounded annual growth rate achievements and fifty percent of the award will be determined based on adjusted earnings per share achievements. There is a relative total shareholder return modifier that can increase or decrease the payout. For the 2018 award, twenty five percent of the target award will be determined based on the Company’s revenue compounded annual growth rate achievements, twenty five percent of the target award will be based on the Company’s relative total shareholder return and fifty percent of the award will be determined based on free cash flow achievements. For the 2017 awards, forty percent of the target award will be determined based on the Company’s relative total shareholder return and sixty percent of the target award will be determined based on free cash flow achievements.  The maximum payout is 200% of target. The fair value of the target award related to free cash flow was the fair value on the date of the grant, and the fair value of the target awards related to relative shareholder return was based on the Monte Carlo model. As of December 31, 2019, there is approximately $6 million of unearned share-based compensation related to unvested performance restricted stock units (net of estimated forfeitures). The compensation expense is amortized over the term of the award, which is 3 years after the grant date.

In 2016, the Company implemented the Nielsen Holdings plc 2016 Employee Share Purchase Plan (the ESPP) and 2,000,000 shares were authorized for issuance under the ESPP. There were 201,637, 174,246 and 159,279 shares issued under the ESPP in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. 

15. Income Taxes

Nielsen provides for income taxes utilizing the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recorded to reflect the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each balance sheet date, based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that future tax benefits associated with a deferred tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is provided. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in the tax rates is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations as an adjustment to income tax expense in the period that includes the enactment date.

The Company records a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Such tax positions are, based solely on their technical merits, more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities and reflect the largest amount of benefit, determined on a cumulative probability basis that is more likely than not to be realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority with full knowledge of all relevant information. The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.

On December 22, 2017, the TCJA was signed into law and significantly changed the way the U.S. taxes corporations. The TCJA reduced the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent and created a territorial-style taxing system. The TCJA required companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously deferred and also created new taxes on certain types of foreign earnings. As of December 31, 2017, we made a reasonable estimate of the (a) effects on our existing deferred tax balances, and (b) the one-time transition tax. Consequently, our fourth quarter of 2017 and full year 2017 results of operations reflected a non-cash provisional net expense of $104 million. We finalized our accounting for the TCJA in December of 2018 and our results for the fourth quarter of 2018 and full year 2018 results of operations reflect, in accordance with SAB 118, a reduction in tax expense of $252 million as an adjustment to the 2017 provisional expense. This was primarily comprised of a net tax benefit of $57 million relating to finalizing the calculation of the transition tax (including withholding taxes) together with a net tax benefit of $195 million associated with the re-measurement of our deferred taxes.

The TCJA imposed a U.S. tax on global intangible low taxed income (“GILTI”) that is earned by certain foreign affiliates owned by a U.S. shareholder and was intended to tax earnings of a foreign corporation that are deemed to be in excess of certain threshold return. As of December 31, 2018, Nielsen made a policy decision and elected to treat taxes on GILTI as a current period expense and have reflected as such within the financial statements as of December 31, 2019 as well.

109

As part of an intercompany restructuring during the year ended December 31, 2018, we transferred certain intellectual property assets between wholly-owned legal entities in non-U.S. tax jurisdictions. As the impact of the transfer was the result of an intra-entity transaction, the resulting gain on the transfer was eliminated for purposes of the consolidated financial statements.  The transferring entity recognized a gain on the transfer of assets that was not subject to income tax in its local jurisdiction. In accordance with ASU 2016-16, which the Company adopted in the first quarter of 2018, and as further described in Note 1. “Significant Accounting Policies”, Nielsen recorded an income tax benefit of approximately $193 million.

Throughout 2019, ongoing federal and international audits were effectively settled in certain tax jurisdictions and the impact was recorded accordingly the financial statements.

The components of income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates, were:

	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
UK	$	(30	)	$	3		$	27
Non-UK		(633	)		(885	)		801
Income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net    income/(loss) of affiliates	$	(663	)	$	(882	)	$	828

The above amounts for UK and non-UK activities were determined based on the location of the taxing authorities.

The provision for income taxes attributable to the income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates consisted of:

	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Current:
UK	$	—		$	—		$	—
Non-UK .		(265	)		332			226
		(265	)		332			226
Deferred:
UK		1			—			(5	)
Non-UK		4			(514	)		167
		5			(514	)		162
Total	$	(260	)	$	(182	)	$	388

110

The Company’s provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was different from the amount computed by applying the statutory UK federal income tax rates to the underlying income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates as a result of the following:

		Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net    income/(loss) of affiliates	$	(663	)	$	(882	)	$	828
UK statutory tax rate		19.00	%		19.00	%		19.25	%
(Benefit)/provision for income taxes at the UK statutory    rate	$	(126	)	$	(168	)	$	159
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets		191			268			—
Tax impact on distributions from foreign subsidiaries		4			9			8
Effect of operations in non-UK jurisdictions		32			32			35
Tax impact of global licensing arrangements		(16	)		18			66
Tax impact of intercompany restructuring		—			(142	)		—
U.S. state and local taxation		10			17			23
Base erosion and other anti-abuse tax		35			—			—
Withholding and other taxation		29			28			39
Effect of global financing activities		(7	)		(67	)		(68	)
Changes in estimates for uncertain tax positions and audit settlements		(442	)		25			45
Changes in valuation allowances		(40	)		39			(8	)
Effect of change in deferred tax rates		46			(6	)		7
Tax impact of post-retirement settlements		26			—			—
Tax impact due to US Tax Reform (1)		—			(228	)		104
Other, net		(2	)		(7	)		(22	)
Total (benefit)/provision for income taxes	$	(260	)	$	(182	)	$	388
Effective tax rate (benefit) and expense		(39.2	)%		(20.6	)%		46.9	%

(1) This includes the impact of BEAT and GILTI for 2018 and 2017.

111

The components of current and non-current deferred income tax assets/(liabilities) were:

(IN MILLIONS)	December 31, 2019			December 31, 2018
Deferred tax assets (on balance):
Net operating loss carryforwards	$	484		$	532
Capital loss carryforwards		50			3
Interest expense limitation		349			301
Employee benefits		59			59
Tax credit carryforwards		186			205
Share-based payments		12			15
Accrued expenses		39			41
Other assets		30			66
Financial instruments		1			—
		1,210			1,222
Valuation allowances		(636	)		(651	)
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances		574			571
Deferred tax liabilities (on balance):
Intangible assets		(892	)		(913	)
Fixed asset and computer software depreciation		(273	)		(241	)
Financial instruments		—			(6	)
Unremitted earnings		(57	)		(61	)
Unrealized gain on investments		(49	)		(49	)
Deferred (revenues)/costs		(5	)		(9	)
Other liabilities		(74	)		(67	)
		(1,350	)		(1,346	)
Net deferred tax liability	$	(776	)	$	(775	)

Realization of deferred tax assets is based, in part, on Nielsen’s judgment and various factors including reversal of deferred tax liabilities, Nielsen’s ability to generate future taxable income in jurisdictions where such assets have arisen and potential tax planning strategies. Valuation allowances are recorded in order to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized in the future.

At December 31, 2019 and 2018 the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $2,066 million and $2,208 million, respectively, which began to expire in 2020. In addition, the Company had tax credit carryforwards of approximately $186 million and $205 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, which began to expire in 2020.

In certain jurisdictions, the Company has operating losses and other tax attributes that, due to the uncertainty of achieving sufficient profits to utilize these operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards, the Company currently believes it is more likely than not that a portion of these losses will not be realized. Therefore, the Company had a valuation allowance of approximately $636 million and $651 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, related to net operating loss carryforwards, tax credit carryforwards and deferred tax assets related to other temporary differences.

With respect to the outside basis differences of “domestic” subsidiaries, in each taxing jurisdiction where a tiered ownership structure exists, the Company has confirmed that one or more viable tax planning strategies exists in each separate taxing jurisdiction that it could, and would - if required - employ to eliminate any income tax liability on such outside basis differences. In addition, resulting from TCJA, the company no longer asserts that all foreign undistributed earnings will be permanently reinvested, but rather the company will, over time, remit up foreign earnings and has provisioned for withholding taxes related to those earnings.

At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had gross uncertain tax positions of $164 million and $572 million, respectively. The Company has also accrued interest and penalties associated with these unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 of $25 million and $70 million, respectively. Estimated interest and penalties related to the underpayment of income taxes is classified as a component of benefit (provision) for income taxes in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. It is reasonably possible that within the next 12 months certain tax examinations will close, which could result in a change in unrecognized tax benefits, along with related interest and penalties. Furthermore, the amounts ultimately paid may differ from the amounts accrued. An estimate of any possible change cannot be made at this time.

112

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross uncertain tax positions is as follows:

(IN MILLIONS)	December 31, 2019			December 31, 2018			December 31, 2017
Balance as of the beginning of period	$	572		$	452		$	432
Additions for current year tax positions		2			21			11
Additions for tax positions of prior years		14			108			15
Reductions for lapses of statute of limitations		(424	)		(8	)		(2	)
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		—			(1	)		(4	)
Balance as of the end of the period	$	164		$	572		$	452

Throughout 2019, ongoing federal and international audits were effectively settled in certain tax jurisdictions and the impact was recorded accordingly the financial statements.

If the balance of the Company’s uncertain tax positions is sustained by the taxing authorities in the Company’s favor, the reversal of the entire balance would reduce the Company’s effective tax rate in future periods.

The Company files numerous consolidated and separate income tax returns in the U.S. Federal jurisdiction and in many state and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. Federal income tax examinations for 2015 and prior periods. In addition, the Company has subsidiaries in various states, provinces and countries that are currently under audit for years ranging from 2007 through 2018.

16. Investments in Affiliates and Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions with Affiliates

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, Nielsen had investments in affiliates of $17 million and $16 million, respectively.

Obligations between Nielsen and its affiliates are regularly settled in cash in the ordinary course of business. Nielsen had net receivables from its affiliates of approximately $2 million and $3 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

17. Commitments and Contingencies

Leases and Other Contractual Arrangements

In July 2019, the Company amended its Second Amended and Restated Master Services Agreement (the “MSA”), dated as of October 1, 2017 and effective as of January 1, 2017 (the “Effective Date”), with Tata America International Corporation and Tata Consultancy Services Limited (jointly, “TCS”) by executing Amendment Number One (the “Amendment”) with TCS, dated as of July 1, 2019 and effective as of January 1, 2019 (the “Amendment Effective Date”). The Amendment reduces the amount of services Nielsen has committed to purchase from TCS from the Amendment Effective Date through the remaining term of the MSA (the “Minimum Commitment”) to $1.413 billion, including a commitment to purchase at least $275 million in services during 2019, at least $250 million in services during 2020, $184.3 million in services per year from 2021 through 2024, and $137.8 million in services in 2025 (in each of the foregoing cases, the “Annual Commitment”). TCS’s charges under existing and future statements of work (“SOW”) pursuant to the MSA will continue to be credited against the Minimum Commitment and the Annual Commitment and the occurrence of certain events, some of which also provide Nielsen with the right to terminate the Agreement or SOWs, as applicable, will continue to be available to reduce the Minimum and Annual Commitment Amounts as they occur. The parties also agreed to certain other commercial terms. However, the other material terms of the MSA as reflected in the MSA and as previously disclosed remain unchanged. As of December 31, 2019, the remaining TCS commitment was approximately $1.1 billion.

Nielsen has also entered into operating leases and other contractual obligations to secure real estate facilities, agreements to purchase data processing services and leases of computers and other equipment used in the ordinary course of business and various outsourcing contracts. These agreements are not unilaterally cancelable by Nielsen, are legally enforceable and specify fixed or minimum amounts or quantities of goods or services at fixed or minimum prices.

113

The amounts presented below represent the minimum annual payments under Nielsen’s purchase obligations that have initial or remaining non-cancelable terms in excess of one year. These purchase obligations include data processing, building maintenance, equipment purchasing, photocopiers, land and mobile telephone service, computer software and hardware maintenance, and outsourcing.

	For the Years Ending December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2020		2021		2022		2023		2024		Thereafter		Total
Operating leases	$	136	$	99	$	75	$	53	$	40	$	171	$	574
Other contractual obligations(a)		627		295		203		190		185		139		1,639
Total	$	763	$	394	$	278	$	243	$	225	$	310	$	2,213

(a) Other contractual obligations represent obligations under agreement, which are not unilaterally cancelable by Nielsen, are legally enforceable and specify fixed or minimum amounts or quantities of goods or services at fixed or minimum prices. Nielsen generally requires purchase orders for vendor and third party spending. The amounts presented above represent the minimum future annual services covered by purchase obligations including data processing, building maintenance, equipment purchasing, photocopiers, land and mobile telephone service, computer software and hardware maintenance, and outsourcing. Nielsen’s remaining commitments as of December 31, 2019, under the outsourced services agreement with TCS have been included above based on the Annual Commitment minimum required payments.

Total expenses incurred under operating leases were $123 million, $96 million and $96 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Nielsen recognized rental income received under subleases of $3 million, $6 million and $6 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. At December 31, 2019, Nielsen had aggregate future proceeds to be received under sub-lease guarantees of $8 million.

Nielsen also has minimum commitments under non-cancelable finance leases. See Note 5 “Leases” for more information on finance leases.

Guarantees and Other Contingent Commitments

At December 31, 2019, Nielsen was committed under the following significant guarantee arrangements:

Sub-lease guarantees

Nielsen provides sub-lease guarantees in accordance with certain agreements pursuant to which Nielsen guarantees all rental payments upon default of rental payment by the sub-lessee. To date, the Company has not been required to perform under such arrangements, does not anticipate making any significant payments related to such guarantees and, accordingly, no amounts have been recorded.

Letters of credit

Letters of credit issued and outstanding amount to $17 million and $16 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Legal Proceedings and Contingencies

In August 2018, a putative shareholder class action lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of New York, naming as defendants Nielsen, former Chief Executive Officer Dwight Mitchell Barns, and former Chief Financial Officer Jamere Jackson. Another lawsuit, which alleged similar facts but also named other Nielsen officers, was filed in the Northern District of Illinois in September 2018 and transferred to the Southern District of New York in December 2018. The actions were consolidated on April 22, 2019, and the Public Employees’ Retirement System of Mississippi was appointed lead plaintiff for the putative class. The operative complaint was filed on September 27, 2019, and asserts violations of certain provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, based on allegedly false and materially misleading statements relating to the outlook of Nielsen’s Buy (now “Connect”) segment, the Company’s preparedness for changes in global data privacy laws and Nielsen’s reliance on third-party data. The Company moved to dismiss the operative complaint on November 26, 2019. Briefing of the Company’s motion is scheduled to conclude on February 26, 2020. In addition, in January 2019, a shareholder derivative lawsuit was filed in New York Supreme Court against a number of Nielsen’s current and former officers and directors. The derivative lawsuit alleges that the named officers and directors breached their fiduciary duties to Nielsen in connection with factual assertions substantially similar to those in the putative class action complaints. The derivative lawsuit further alleges that certain officers and directors engaged in trading Nielsen stock based on material, nonpublic information. By agreement dated June 26, 2019, the derivative lawsuit has been stayed pending resolution of the Company’s motion to dismiss the aforementioned securities litigation. Nielsen intends to defend these lawsuits vigorously. Based on currently available information, Nielsen believes that the Company has meritorious defenses to these actions and that their resolution is not likely to have a material adverse effect on Nielsen’s business, financial position, or results of operations.

114

Nielsen is also subject to litigation and other claims in the ordinary course of business, some of which include claims for substantial sums. Accruals have been recorded when the outcome is probable and can be reasonably estimated. While the ultimate results of claims and litigation cannot be determined, the Company does expect that the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on its operations or financial condition. However, depending on the amount and the timing, an unfavorable resolution of some or all of these matters could materially affect the Company’s future results of operations or cash flows in a particular period.

18. Segments

The Company aligns its operating segments in order to conform to management’s internal reporting structure, which is reflective of service offerings by industry. Prior to February 2019, Management aggregated such operating segments into two reporting segments: what consumers buy (“Buy”), consisting principally of market research information and analytical services; and what consumers read, watch and listen to (“Watch”), consisting principally of television, radio, online and mobile audience and advertising measurement and corresponding analytics.

In February 2019, Nielsen realigned its business segments from Buy and Watch to Nielsen Global Connect (“Connect”) and Nielsen Global Media (“Media”). Each segment operates as a complete unit—from the conception of a product, through the collection of the data, into the technology and operations, all the way to the data being sold and delivered to the client. These changes better align Nielsen’s external view to its go-forward internal view. The Company’s reportable segments are stated on the new basis and such changes were retrospectively applied. The impact of these changes did not have a material impact on Nielsen’s consolidated financial statements or segment results.

Corporate consists principally of unallocated items such as certain facilities and infrastructure costs as well as intersegment eliminations. Certain corporate costs, other than those described above, including those related to selling, finance, legal, human resources, and information technology systems, are considered operating costs and are allocated to the Company’s segments based on either the actual amount of costs incurred or on a basis consistent with the operations of the underlying segment. Information with respect to the operations of each of Nielsen’s business segments is set forth below based on the nature of the services offered and geographic areas of operations.

115

Business Segment Information

	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Revenues
Connect	$	3,057		$	3,138		$	3,278
Media		3,441			3,377			3,294
Total	$	6,498		$	6,515		$	6,572
	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Business segment income/(loss)(1)
Connect	$	422		$	420		$	600
Media		1,476			1,476			1,470
Corporate and eliminations		(45	)		(46	)		(46	)
Total	$	1,853		$	1,850		$	2,024
	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Depreciation and amortization
Connect	$	231		$	223		$	208
Media		518			444			425
Corporate and eliminations		7			8			7
Total	$	756		$	675		$	640
	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Restructuring charges
Connect	$	49		$	101		$	43
Media		15			23			13
Corporate and eliminations		16			15			24
Total	$	80		$	139		$	80
					Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)		2019			2018			2017
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets
Connect	$	1,004		$	1,411		$	—
Media		—			—			—
Corporate and eliminations		—			2			—
Total	$	1,004		$	1,413		$	—
	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Share-based compensation expense
Connect	$	15		$	14		$	13
Media		13			11			11
Corporate and eliminations		22			10			21
Total	$	50		$	35		$	45
	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Other items(2)
Connect	$	—		$	—		$	—
Media		—			—			—
Corporate and eliminations		56			63			45
Total	$	56		$	63		$	45
	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Operating income/(loss)
Connect	$	(877	)	$	(1,329	)	$	336
Media		930			998			1,021
Corporate and eliminations		(146	)		(144	)		(143	)
Total	$	(93	)	$	(475	)	$	1,214

116

(IN MILLIONS)	December 31, 2019		December 31, 2018
Total assets
Connect	$	4,376	$	5,417
Media		9,675		9,647
Corporate and eliminations		268		115
Total	$	14,319	$	15,179

(1) The Company’s chief operating decision-maker uses business segment income/(loss) to measure performance from period to period both at the consolidated level as well as within its operating segments.

(2) For the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, other items primarily consist of business optimization costs, including strategic review costs, and transaction related costs.

	Year ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019		2018		2017
Capital expenditures
Connect	$	195	$	219	$	212
Media		308		278		271
Corporate and eliminations		16		23		6
Total	$	519	$	520	$	489

117

Geographic Segment Information

			Operating			Long-
			Income/			lived
(IN MILLIONS)	Revenues(1)		(Loss)			Assets(2)
2019
U.S.	$	3,724	$	85		$	10,176
North and South America, excluding the U.S.		551		(104	)		297
United Kingdom		208	(110		)	120
Other Europe, Middle East & Africa		1,179		(26	)		578
Asia Pacific		836		62			169
Total	$	6,498	$	(93	)	$	11,340
			Operating			Long-
			Income/			lived
(IN MILLIONS)	Revenues(1)		(Loss)			Assets(2)
2018
U.S.	$	3,697	$	31		$	10,806
North and South America, excluding the U.S.		569		(226	)		523
United Kingdom		192		(130)			153
Other Europe, Middle East & Africa		1,217		(157	)		734
Asia Pacific		840		7			263
Total	$	6,515	$	(475	)	$	12,479
			Operating
			Income/
(IN MILLIONS)	Revenues(1)		(Loss)
2017
U.S.	$	3,730	$	743
North and South America, excluding the U.S.		595		164
United Kingdom		194		(20	)
Other Europe, Middle East & Africa		1,188		159
Asia Pacific		865		168
Total	$	6,572	$	1,214

(1) Revenues are attributed to geographic areas based on the location of customers.

(2) Long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets.

19. Additional Financial Information

Accounts payable and other current liabilities

	December 31,		December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019		2018
Trade payables	$	230	$	288
Personnel costs		301		225
Current portion of restructuring liabilities		30		62
Data and professional services		202		221
Interest payable		61		64
Current portion of operating leases		111		-
Other current liabilities(1)		247		259
Total accounts payable and other current liabilities	$	1,182	$	1,119

(1) Other includes multiple items, none of which is individually significant.

118

20. Guarantor Financial Information

The following supplemental financial information is being provided for purposes of compliance with reporting covenants contained in certain debt obligations of Nielsen and its subsidiaries. The financial information sets forth for Nielsen, its subsidiaries that have issued certain debt securities (the “Issuers”) and its guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries, the consolidating balance sheet as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 and consolidating statements of operations and cash flows for the periods ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

The issued debt securities are jointly and severally guaranteed on a full and unconditional basis by Nielsen and subject to certain exceptions, each of the direct and indirect 100% owned subsidiaries of Nielsen, in each case to the extent that such entities provide a guarantee under the senior secured credit facilities. The issuers are also 100% owned indirect subsidiaries of Nielsen: Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co. for certain series of debt obligations, and The Nielsen Company (Luxembourg) S.ar.l., for the other series of debt obligations. Each issuer is a guarantor of the debt obligations not issued by it.

Nielsen is a holding company and does not have any material assets or operations other than ownership of the capital stock of its direct and indirect subsidiaries. All of Nielsen’s operations are conducted through its subsidiaries, and, therefore, Nielsen is expected to continue to be dependent upon the cash flows of its subsidiaries to meet its obligations. The senior secured credit facilities contain certain limitations on the ability of Nielsen to receive the cash flows of its subsidiaries.

While all subsidiary guarantees of the issued debt securities are full and unconditional, these guarantees contain customary release provisions including when (i) the subsidiary is sold or sells all of its assets, (ii) the subsidiary is declared “unrestricted” for covenant purposes, (iii) the subsidiary’s guarantee under the senior secured credit facilities is released and (iv) the requirements for discharge of the indenture have been satisfied.

119

Nielsen Holdings plc

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the year ended December 31, 2019

										Non-
(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	3,586		$	2,912		$	—		$	6,498
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		—			—			1513			1,309			—			2,822
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		14			—			936			979			—			1,929
Depreciation and amortization		—			—			610			146			—			756
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets		—			—			419			585			—			1,004
Restructuring charges		—			—			35			45			—			80
Operating income/(loss)		(14	)		—			73			(152	)		—			(93	)
Interest income		1			726			40			10			(771	)		6
Interest expense		—			(371	)		(756	)		(41	)		771			(397	)
Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net		—			—			(1	)		(9	)		—			(10	)
Other income/(expense), net		—			—			86			(255	)		—			(169	)
Income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries		(13	)		355			(558	)		(447	)		—			(663	)
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes		—			(112	)		292			80			—			260
Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries		(402	)		176			(135	)		—			361			—
Equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates		—			—			(1	)		1			—			—
Net income/(loss)		(415	)		419			(402	)		(366	)		361			(403	)
Less net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			12			—			12
Net income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest		(415	)		419			(402	)		(378	)		361			(415	)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)		105			(20	)		105			165			(248	)		107
Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			2			—			2
Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interests		105			(20	)		105			163			(248	)		105
Total comprehensive income/(loss)		(310	)		399			(297	)		(201	)		113			(296	)
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			14			—			14
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	(310	)	$	399		$	(297	)	$	(215	)	$	113		$	(310	)

120

Nielsen Holdings plc

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the year ended December 31, 2018

										Non-
(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	3,566		$	2,949		$	—		$	6,515
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		—			—			1,457			1,348			—			2,805
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		4			—			946			1,008			—			1,958
Depreciation and amortization		—			—			542			133			—			675
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets		—			—			579			834			—			1,413
Restructuring charges		—			—			51			88			—			139
Operating income/(loss)		(4	)		—			(9	)		(462	)		—			(475	)
Interest income		1			681			38			6			(718	)		8
Interest expense		—			(369	)		(704	)		(39	)		718			(394	)
Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net		—			—			—			(16	)		—			(16	)
Other income/(expense), net		—			(6	)		860			(859	)		—			(5	)
Income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries		(3	)		306			185			(1,370	)		—			(882	)
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes		—			(99	)		139			142			—			182
Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries		(709	)		167			(1,033	)		—			1,575			—
Net income/(loss)		(712	)		374			(709	)		(1,228	)		1,575			(700	)
Less net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			12			—			12
Net income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest		(712	)		374			(709	)		(1,240	)		1,575			(712	)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)		(170	)		17			(170	)		(176	)		328			(171	)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			(1	)		—			(1	)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interests		(170	)		17			(170	)		(175	)		328			(170	)
Total comprehensive income/(loss)		(882	)		391			(879	)		(1,404	)		1,903			(871	)
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			11			—			11
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	(882	)	$	391		$	(879	)	$	(1,415	)	$	1,903		$	(882	)

121

Nielsen Holdings plc

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the year ended December 31, 2017

										Non-
(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	3,608		$	2,964		$	—		$	6,572
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		—			—			1,419			1,346			—			2,765
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		4			—			933			936			—			1,873
Depreciation and amortization		—			—			504			136			—			640
Restructuring charges		—			—			44			36			—			80
Operating income/(loss)		(4	)		—			708			510			—			1,214
Interest income		1			839			37			4			(877	)		4
Interest expense		—			(353	)		(857	)		(41	)		877			(374	)
Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net		—			—			(4	)		(6	)		—			(10	)
Other income/(expense), net		—			(4	)		162			(164	)		—			(6	)
Income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries and affiliates		(3	)		482			46			303			—			828
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes		(1	)		(146	)		(165	)		(76	)		—			(388	)
Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries		433			193			553			—			(1,179	)		—
Equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates		—			—			(1	)		1			—			—
Net income/(loss)		429			529			433			228			(1,179	)		440
Less net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			11			—			11
Net income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest		429			529			433			217			(1,179	)		429
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)		271			(21	)		271			308			(556	)		273
Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			2			—			2
Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interests		271			(21	)		271			306			(556	)		271
Total comprehensive income/(loss)		700			508			704			536			(1,735	)		713
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			13			—			13
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	700		$	508		$	704		$	523		$	(1,735	)	$	700

122

Nielsen Holdings plc

Consolidated Balance Sheet

December 31, 2019

							Non-
(IN MILLIONS)	Parent		Issuers		Guarantor		Guarantor		Elimination			Consolidated
Assets:
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2	$	-	$	48	$	404	$	-		$	454
Trade and other receivables, net		-		-		404		699		-			1,103
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		-		-		291		129		-			420
Intercompany receivables		7		1,615		278		69		(1,969	)		-
Total current assets		9		1,615		1,021		1,301		(1,969	)		1,977
Non-current assets													-
Property, plant and equipment, net		-		-		292		174		-			466
Operating lease right-of-use asset		-		-		190		203		-			393
Goodwill		-		-		5,103		890		-			5,993
Other intangible assets, net		-		-		4,370		511		-			4,881
Deferred tax assets		1		-		-		275		-			276
Other non-current assets		-		-		256		77		-			333
Equity investment in subsidiaries		2,170		1,298		4,576		-		(8,044	)		-
Intercompany loans		25		8,887		896		1,605		(11,413	)		-
Total assets	$	2,205	$	11,800	$	16,704	$	5,036	$	(21,426	)	$	14,319
Liabilities and equity:
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	$	10	$	62	$	517	$	593	$	-		$	1,182
Deferred revenues		-		-		217		128		-			345
Income tax liabilities		-		-		4		56		-			60
Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease obligations and short-term borrowings		-		861		46		7		-			914
Intercompany payables		-		3		1,689		277		(1,969	)		-
Total current liabilities		10		926		2,473		1,061		(1,969	)		2,501
Non-current liabilities													-
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations		-		7,302		80		13		-			7,395
Operating lease liabilities		-		-		213		157		-			370
Deferred tax liabilities		-		71		887		94		-			1,052
Intercompany loans		-		-		10,516		897		(11,413	)		-
Other non-current liabilities		-		22		365		226		-			613
Total liabilities		10		8,321		14,534		2,448		(13,382	)		11,931
Total shareholders’ equity		2,195		3,479		2,170		2,395		(8,044	)		2,195
Noncontrolling interests		-		-		-		193		-			193
Total equity		2,195		3,479		2,170		2,588		(8,044	)		2,388
Total liabilities and equity	$	2,205	$	11,800	$	16,704	$	5,036	$	(21,426	)	$	14,319

123

Nielsen Holdings plc

Consolidated Balance Sheet

December 31, 2018

							Non-
(IN MILLIONS)	Parent		Issuers		Guarantor		Guarantor		Elimination			Consolidated
Assets:
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	3	$	—	$	79	$	442	$	—		$	524
Trade and other receivables, net		—		1		377		740		—			1,118
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		—		3		234		124		—			361
Intercompany receivables		3		1,310		399		94		(1,806	)		—
Total current assets		6		1,314		1,089		1,400		(1,806	)		2,003
Non-current assets													-
Property, plant and equipment, net		—		—		303		165		—			468
Goodwill		—		—		5,531		1,456		—			6,987
Other intangible assets, net		—		—		4,545		479		—			5,024
Deferred tax assets		1		—		—		332		—			333
Other non-current assets		—		19		273		72		—			364
Equity investment in subsidiaries		2,815		1,232		1,936		—		(5,983	)		—
Intercompany loans		25		8,822		2,220		105		(11,172	)		—
Total assets	$	2,847	$	11,387	$	15,897	$	4,009	$	(18,961	)	$	15,179
Liabilities and equity:
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	$	—	$	62	$	541	$	516	$	—		$	1,119
Deferred revenues		—		—		225		130		—			355
Income tax liabilities		—		—		20		56		—			76
Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease obligations and short-term borrowings		—		54		46		7		—			107
Intercompany payables		—		—		1,408		398		(1,806	)		—
Total current liabilities		—		116		2,240		1,107		(1,806	)		1,657
Non-current liabilities													—
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations		—		8,170		95		15		—			8,280
Deferred tax liabilities		—		71		956		81		—			1,108
Intercompany loans		—		—		8,952		2,220		(11,172	)		—
Other non-current liabilities		—		3		839		249		—			1,091
Total liabilities		—		8,360		13,082		3,672		(12,978	)		12,136
Total shareholders’ equity		2,847		3,027		2,815		141		(5,983	)		2,847
Noncontrolling interests		—		—		—		196		—			196
Total equity		2,847		3,027		2,815		337		(5,983	)		3,043
Total liabilities and equity	$	2,847	$	11,387	$	15,897	$	4,009	$	(18,961	)	$	15,179

124

Nielsen Holdings plc

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended December 31, 2019

										Non-
(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Guarantor			Consolidated
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	$	(8	)	$	90		$	482		$	502		$	1,066
Investing activities:														—
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired		—			—			(11	)		(50	)		(61	)
Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries and affiliates								17			—			17
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets		—			—			(55	)		(61	)		(116	)
Additions to intangible assets		—			—			(326	)		(77	)		(403	)
Other investing activities		—			—			(18	)		(1	)		(19	)
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities		—			—			(393	)		(189	)		(582	)
Financing activities:
Repayments of debt		—			(57	)		—			—			(57	)
Increase/(decrease) in short term borrowings		—			—			—			(1	)		(1	)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders		(395	)		—			—			—			(395	)
Activity under stock plans		—			—			(8	)		—			(8	)
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan		4			—			—			—			4
Finance leases		—			—			(54	)		(6	)		(60	)
Settlement of intercompany and other financing activities		398			(33	)		(58	)		(334	)		(27	)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities		7			(90	)		(120	)		(341	)		(544	)
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—			—			—			(10	)		(10	)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(1	)		—			(31	)		(38	)		(70	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		3			—			79			442			524
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	2		$	—		$	48		$	404		$	454

125

Nielsen Holdings plc

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended December 31, 2018

										Non-
(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Guarantor			Consolidated
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	$	(2	)	$	240		$	383		$	437		$	1,058
Investing activities:														—
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired		—			—			(15	)		(28	)		(43	)
Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries and affiliates								51			—			51
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets		—			—			(53	)		(53	)		(106	)
Additions to intangible assets		—			—			(356	)		(58	)		(414	)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets		—			—			—			4			4
Other investing activities		—			—			9			(7	)		2
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities		—			—			(364	)		(142	)		(506	)
Financing activities:
Repayments of debt		—			(818	)		—			(1	)		(819	)
Proceeds from the issuance of debt, net of issuance costs		—			781			—			—			781
Increase/(decrease) in short term borrowings		—			—			—			1			1
Cash dividends paid to shareholders		(494	)		—			—			—			(494	)
Repurchase of common stock		(70	)		—			—			—			(70	)
Activity under stock plans		23			—			(8	)		—			15
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan		5			—			—			—			5
Finance leases		—			—			(69	)		(7	)		(76	)
Settlement of intercompany and other financing activities		539			(204	)		67			(421	)		(19	)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities		3			(241	)		(10	)		(428	)		(676	)
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—			—			1			(9	)		(8	)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		1			—			10			(142	)		(132	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		2			1			69			584			656
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	3		$	—		$	79		$	442		$	524

126

Nielsen Holdings plc

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended December 31, 2017

											Non-
(IN MILLIONS)	Parent				Issuers			Guarantor			Guarantor			Consolidated
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	$	(1	)		$	171		$	789		$	351		$	1,310
Investing activities:															—
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired		—				—			(755	)		(23	)		(778	)
Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries and affiliates									1			1			2
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets		—				—			(63	)		(56	)		(119	)
Additions to intangible assets		—				—			(307	)		(63	)		(370	)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and    other assets		—				—			29			13			42
Other investing activities		—				—			(11	)		(2	)		(13	)
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities		—				—			(1,106	)		(130	)		(1,236	)
Financing activities:
Repayments of debt		—				(2,295	)		—			(1	)		(2,296	)
Proceeds from the issuance of debt, net of issuance costs		—				2,744			1			—			2,745
Increase/(decrease) in short term borrowings		—		-		—			—			(5	)		(5	)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders		(474	)			—			—			—			(474	)
Repurchase of common stock		(140	)			—			—			—			(140	)
Activity under stock plans		32				—			(11	)		—			21
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan		6				—			—			—			6
Finance leases		—				—			(51	)		(4	)		(55	)
Settlement of intercompany and other financing activities		574				(620	)		236			(207	)		(17	)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities		(2	)			(171	)		175			(217	)		(215	)
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—				—			(4	)		47			43
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(3	)			—			(146	)		51			(98	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		5				1			215			533			754
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	2			$	1		$	69		$	584		$	656

127

21. Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)

	First		Second		Third			Fourth
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)	Quarter		Quarter		Quarter			Quarter
2019
Revenues	$	1,563	$	1,628	$	1,616		$	1,691
Operating income/(loss)	$	174	$	249	$	(740	)	$	224
Income(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income(loss) of affiliates	$	79	$	149	$	(848	)	$	(43	)
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$	43	$	123	$	(472	)	$	(109	)
Net income/(loss) per share of common stock, basic
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$	0.12	$	0.35	$	(1.33	)	$	(0.31	)
Net income/(loss) per share of common stock, diluted
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$	0.12	$	0.34	$	(1.33	)	$	(0.31	)
	First		Second		Third			Fourth
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)	Quarter		Quarter		Quarter			Quarter
2018
Revenues	$	1,610	$	1,647	$	1,600		$	1,658
Operating income/(loss)	$	207	$	228	$	261		$	(1,171	)
Income(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income(loss) of affiliates	$	114	$	121	$	157		$	(1,274	)
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$	72	$	72	$	96		$	(952	)
Net income/(loss) per share of common stock, basic
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$	0.20	$	0.20	$	0.27		$	(2.68	)
Net income/(loss) per share of common stock, diluted
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$	0.20	$	0.20	$	0.27		$	(2.68	)

128

Schedule I—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant   

Nielsen Holdings plc

Parent Company Only

Statements of Operations

	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$	14		$	4		$	4
Operating loss		(14	)		(4	)		(4	)
Interest income/(loss)		1			1			1
Interest expense		—			—			—
Other income/(expense), net		—			—			—
Income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries		(13	)		(3	)		(3	)
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes		—			—			(1	)
Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries		(402	)		(709	)		433
Net income/(loss)	$	(415	)	$	(712	)	$	429

Nielsen Holdings plc

Parent Company Only

Balance Sheets

	December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019		2018
Assets:
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2	$	3
Amounts receivable from subsidiary		7		3
Total current assets		9		6
Investment in subsidiaries		2,170		2,815
Loans outstanding from subsidiary		25		25
Other non-current assets		1		1
Total assets	$	2,205	$	2,847
Liabilities and equity:
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities		10		—
Intercompany payables		—		—
Total current liabilities		10		—
Loans outstanding from subsidiary		—		—
Other non-current liabilities		—		—
Total liabilities		10		—
Total equity		2,195		2,847
Total liabilities and equity	$	2,205	$	2,847

129

Nielsen Holdings plc

Parent Company Only

Statements of Cash Flows

	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Net cash used in operating activities	$	(8	)	$	(2	)	$	(1	)
Financing Activities:
Cash dividends paid to shareholders		(395	)		(494	)		(474	)
Repurchase of common stock		—			(70	)		(140	)
Activity under stock plans		—			23			32
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan		4			5			6
Other financing activities		398			539			574
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities		7			3			(2	)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(1	)		1			(3	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		3			2			5
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	2		$	3		$	2

The notes to the consolidated financial statements of Nielsen Holdings plc (the “Company”) are an integral part of these nonconsolidated financial statements.

Notes to Schedule I

1. Basis of Presentation

The Company has accounted for the earnings of its subsidiaries under the equity method in these financial statements.

2. Commitments and Contingencies

The debenture loans are jointly and severally guaranteed on an unconditional basis by the Company and subject to certain exceptions, each of the direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company, including VNU Intermediate Holding B.V., Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V., VNU International B.V., TNC (US) Holdings, Inc., VNU Marketing Information, Inc. and ACN Holdings, Inc., and the wholly-owned subsidiaries thereof, including the wholly-owned U.S. subsidiaries of ACN Holdings, Inc., in each case to the extent that such entities provide a guarantee under the senior secured credit facilities. The issuers are Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., both wholly-owned subsidiaries of ACN Holdings, Inc. and subsidiary guarantors and The Nielsen Company (Luxembourg) S ar l., a wholly owned subsidiary of Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V. The historical financial information has been updated to reflect The Nielsen Company (Luxembourg) S.ar.l. as an issuer.

The Company had no material commitments or contingencies during the reported periods.

3. Related Party Transactions

The Company enters into certain transactions with its subsidiaries through the normal course of operations and periodically settles these transactions in cash. The Company had a $25 million loan receivable from subsidiaries associated with financing transactions for each of the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

130

4. Common Stock and Related Transactions

On January 31, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) adopted a cash dividend policy to pay quarterly cash dividends on its outstanding common stock. The following table represents the cash dividends declared by the Board and paid to shareholders for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019, respectively.

Declaration Date	Record Date	Payment Date	Dividend Per Share
February 21, 2018	March 7, 2018	March 21, 2018	$	0.34
April 19, 2018	June 6, 2018	June 20, 2018	$	0.35
July 19, 2018	August 22, 2018	September 5, 2018	$	0.35
October 18, 2018	November 21, 2018	December 5, 2018	$	0.35
February 21, 2019	March 7, 2019	March 21, 2019	$	0.35
April 18, 2019	June 5, 2019	June 19, 2019	$	0.35
July 18, 2019	August 22, 2019	September 5, 2019	$	0.35
November 3, 2019	November 21, 2019	December 5, 2019	$	0.06

On November 3, 2019 the Board approved a plan to reduce the quarterly cash dividend, with the goal of strengthening Nielsen’s balance sheet and providing added flexibility to invest for growth. On February 20, 2020, the Board declared a cash dividend of $0.06 per share on Nielsen’s common stock. The dividend is payable on March 19, 2020 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 5, 2020.

The dividend policy and payment of future cash dividends are subject to the discretion of the Board.

Nielsen’s Board approved a share repurchase program, as included in the below table, for up to $2 billion of the Company’s outstanding common stock. The primary purpose of the program is to return value to shareholders and to mitigate dilution associated with Nielsen’s equity compensation plans.

Board Approval	Share Repurchase Authorization ($ in millions)
July 25, 2013	$	500
October 23, 2014	$	1,000
December 11, 2015	$	500
Total Share Repurchase Authorization	$	2,000

Repurchases under this program will be made in accordance with applicable securities laws from time to time in the open market or otherwise depending on Nielsen’s evaluation of market conditions and other factors. This program has been executed within the limitations of the authority granted by Nielsen’s shareholders.

As of December 31, 2019, there have been 39,426,521 shares of the Company’s common stock purchased at an average price of $44.95 per share (total consideration of approximately $1,772 million) under this program. There were no share repurchases for the year ended December 31, 2019

131

Schedule 7AII—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

For the Years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

(IN MILLIONS)	Balance Beginning of Period		Charges to Expense			Deductions				Effect of Foreign Currency Translation		Balance at End of Period
Allowance for accounts receivable and sales returns
For the year ended December 31, 2017	$	25		$	6	$	(3	)	$	1		$	29
For the year ended December 31, 2018	$	29		$	5	$	(2	)	$	(1	)	$	31
For the year ended December 31, 2019	$	31		$	2	$	(5	)	$	-		$	28

(IN MILLIONS)	Balance Beginning of Period		Charges/ (Credits) to Expense				Charged to Other Accounts			Effect of Foreign Currency Translation			Balance at End of Period
Valuation allowance for deferred taxes
For the year ended December 31, 2017	$	112		$	355		$	(8	)	$	7		$	466
For the year ended December 31, 2018	$	466		$	193		$	3		$	(11	)	$	651
For the year ended December 31, 2019	$	651		$	(4	)	$	1		$	(12	)	$	636

132

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits to the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, as the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to do.

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2018 (the “Evaluation Date”). Based on such evaluation and subject to the foregoing, such officers have concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective at the reasonable assurance level to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b) Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting appears in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this annual report on Form 10-K.

(c) Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Company’s financial statements included in this annual report on Form 10-K have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm. Ernst & Young LLP has also provided an attestation report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Their reports appear in Part II, Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” of this annual report on Form 10-K.

(d) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B. Other Information

None.

133

PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the following sections of our definitive Proxy Statement related to the 2020 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be filed with the SEC (the “2020 Proxy Statement”): “Proposal No. 1 – Election of Directors”, “The Board of Directors and Certain Governance Matters” and “Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports”.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the following sections of the 2020 Proxy Statement: “Executive Compensation” and “Director Compensation.”

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the following sections of the 2020 Proxy Statement: “Equity Compensation Plan Information” and “Ownership of Securities.”

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the following sections of the 2020 Proxy Statement: “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” and “The Board of Directors and Certain Governance Matters.”

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the following section of the 2020 Proxy Statement: “Proposal No. 2 – Ratification of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.”

134

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

(a)(1) Financial Statements

The Financial Statements listed in the Index to Financial Statements in Item 8 are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(a)(2) Financial Statement Schedules

The Financial Statement Schedules listed in the Index to Financial Statements in Item 8 are filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(a)(3) Exhibits

The exhibit index attached hereto is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 16. Form 10-K Summary

None.

135

EXHIBIT INDEX

The agreements and other documents filed as exhibits to this annual report on Form 10-K are not intended to provide factual information or other disclosure other than with respect to the terms of the agreements or other documents themselves, and you should not rely on them for that purpose. In particular, any representations and warranties made by the registrant in these agreements or other documents were made solely within the specific context of the relevant agreement or document and may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time.

Exhibit No.	Description
3.1		Articles of Association of Nielsen Holdings plc (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K file by the registrant on August 31, 2015 (File No. 001-35042))
4.1(a)		Form of Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on April 24, 2014 (File No. 001-35042))
4.1(b)		Amendment No. 1, dated as of March 30, 2016, to the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated April 22, 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on March 30, 2016 (File No. 001-35042))
4.1(c)		Amendment No. 2, dated as of October 4, 2016, to the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated April 22, 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on October 11, 2016 (Filed No. 001-35042)).
4.1(d)		Amendment No. 3, dated as of April 13, 2017, to the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated April 22, 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on April 17, 2017 (File No. 001-35042)).
4.1(e)		Amended and Restated Security Agreement, dated as of August 9, 2006 and amended and restated as of June 23, 2009, among Nielsen Finance LLC, the other Grantors identified therein, and Citibank, N.A., as Collateral Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1(j) to Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on July 30, 2010 (File No. 333-167271))
4.1(f)		Amendment No. 4, dated as of June 29, 2018, to the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated April 22, 2014 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on July 6, 2018)
4.1(g)		Amendment Agreement, dated as of June 29, 2018, by and among Nielsen Finance LLC, the other borrowers party thereto, the guarantors party thereto, Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent, and certain of the lenders (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on July 6, 2018)
4.1(h)		Intellectual Property Security Agreement, dated as of August 9, 2006, among Nielsen Finance LLC, the other Grantors identified therein and Citibank, N.A. as Collateral Agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1(c) to Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on July 30, 2010 (File No. 333-167271))
4.1(i)		First Lien Intercreditor Agreement, dated as of June 23, 2009, among Citibank, N.A., as Collateral Agent and Authorized Representative under the Credit Agreement, Goldman Sachs Lending Partners LLC, as the Initial Additional Authorized Representative, and each additional Authorized Representative from time to time party thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1(c) to the Form 8-K/A of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 26, 2009 (File No. 333-142546-29))
4.2(a)		Indenture, dated as of October 2, 2012, among Nielsen Finance LLC, Nielsen Finance Co., the Guarantors (as defined therein) and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 (a) to the Form 8-K of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on October 4, 2012 (File No. 001-35042))
4.2(b)		First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 12, 2012, among Vizu Corporation, Nielsen Finance Co. and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1(b) to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 19, 2013 (File No. 333-189456))
4.2(c)		Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 17, 2013, among G4 Analytics, Inc., Nielsen Finance Co. and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1(c) to Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 19, 2013 (File No. 333-189456))

136

Exhibit No.	Description
4.2(d)		Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 31, 2013, between Nielsen Audio, Inc. and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3(d) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on February 21, 2014 (File No. 001-35042))
4.2(e)		Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 31, 2013, between Cardinal North LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3(e) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on February 21, 2014 (File No. 001-35042))
4.2(f)		Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 31, 2013, between Nielsen International Holdings, Inc. and Nielsen Finance Co., and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3(f) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on February 21, 2014 (File No. 001-35042))
4.2(g)		Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 23, 2014, between Nielsen Consumer Insights, Inc. and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen N.V. filed on July 29, 2014 (File No. 001-35042))
4.2(h)		Seventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 23, 2014, between Scarborough Research and the Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2(h) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nielsen N.V. filed on February 20, 2015 (File No. 001-35042))
4.2(i)		Eighth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 23, 2014, between Nielsen N.V. and the Law Debenture Trust company of New York, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Nielsen N.V. filed on December 29, 2014 (File No. 001-35042))
4.2(j)		Ninth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 23, 2015, between Valcon Acquisition B.V. and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2(j) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nielsen N.V. filed on February 20, 2015 (File No. 001-35042))
4.2(k)		Tenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 7, 2015, between eXelate, Inc. and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q  of Nielsen N.V. filed on July 28, 2015 (File No. 001-35042))
4.2(l)		Eleventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 17, 2015, between Affinnova, Inc. and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on October 21, 2015 (File No. 001-35042))
4.2(m)		Twelfth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 20, 2016, between Nielsen Finance Ireland Limited and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on July 26, 2016 (File No. 001-35042))
4.2(n)		Thirteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 20, 2016, between Nielsen Luxembourg S.ar.l and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on July 26, 2016 (File No. 001-35042))
4.2(o)		Fourteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 20, 2016, between Nielsen UK Finance I, LLC and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on July 26, 2016 (File No. 001-35042))
4.2(p)		Fifteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 31, 2016 between Rugby Acquisition B.V. and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2(p) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on February 17, 2017 (File No. 001-35042))
4.2(q)		Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 31, 2016 between RSMG Insights Cooperatief U.A. and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2(q) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on February 17, 2017 (File No. 001-35042))
4.2(r)		Seventeenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 19, 2017, between Gracenote, Inc., Nielsen Finance Co. and Delaware Trust Company, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2(a) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on April 25, 2017 (File No. 001-35042))
4.2(s)		Eighteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 19, 2017, between Gracenote Digital Ventures, LLC , Nielsen Finance Co. and Delaware Trust Company, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2(b) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on April 25, 2017 (File No. 001-35042))

137

Exhibit No.	Description
4.2(t)		Nineteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 19, 2017, between Gracenote Media Services, LLC, Nielsen Finance Co. and Delaware Trust Company, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2(c) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on April 25, 2017 (File No. 001-35042))
4.2(u)		Twentieth Supplemental Indenture, dated September 28, 2017, between Nielsen Finance Holdings Ireland Limited and Delaware Trust Company, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on October 25, 2017 (File No. 001-35042))
4.2(v)		Twenty-First Supplemental Indenture, dated September 28, 2017, between Nielsen Holdings Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Nielsen Finance Co. and Delaware Trust Company, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on October 25, 2017 (File No. 001-35042))
4.2(w)		Twenty-second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 7, 2018, between Visual IQ, Inc., and Delaware Trust Company, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2(a) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on April 26, 2018 (File No. 001-35042))
4.3(a)		Indenture, dated as of September 27, 2013, among The Nielsen Company (Luxembourg) S.ar.l., the Guarantors (as defined therein) and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on September 27, 2013 (File No. 001-35042))
4.3(b)		First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 31, 2013, between Nielsen Audio, Inc. and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4(b) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on February 21, 2014 (File No. 001-35042))
4.3(c)		Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 31, 2013, between Cardinal North LLC and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4(c) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on February 21, 2014 (File No. 001-35042))
4.3(d)		Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 31, 2013, between Nielsen International Holdings, Inc. and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4(d) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on February 21, 2014 (File No. 001-35042))
4.3(e)		Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 23, 2014, between Nielsen Consumer Insights, Inc. and Deutsche Bank Trust Company, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen N.V. filed July 29, 2014 (File No. 001-35042))
4.3(f)		Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 23, 2014, between Scarborough Research and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3(f) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nielsen N.V. filed on February 20, 2015 (File No. 001-35042))
4.3(g)		Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 23, 2014, between Nielsen N.V. and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Nielsen N.V. filed on December 29, 2014 (File No. 001-35042))
4.3(h)		Seventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 23, 2015, between Valcon Acquisition B.V. and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3(h) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nielsen N.V. filed on February 20, 2015 (File No. 001-35042))
4.3(i)		Eighth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 7, 2015, between eXelate, Inc. and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen N.V. filed on July 28, 2015 (File No. 001-35042))
4.3(j)		Ninth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 17, 2015, between Affinnova, Inc. and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on October 21, 2015 (File No. 001-35042))
4.3(k)		Tenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 20, 2016, between Nielsen Finance Ireland Limited and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on July 26, 2016 (File No. 001-35042))
4.3(l)		Eleventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 20, 2016, between Nielsen Luxembourg S.ar.l and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on July 26, 2016 (File No. 001-35042))

138

Exhibit No.	Description
4.3(m)		Twelfth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 20, 2016, between Nielsen UK Finance I, LLC and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on July 26, 2016 (File No. 001-35042))
4.3(n)		Thirteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 31, 2016 between Rugby Acquisition B.V. and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3(n) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on February 17, 2017 (File No. 001-35042))
4.3(o)		Fourteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 31, 2016 between RSMG Insights Cooperatief U.A. and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3(o) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on February 17, 2017 (File No. 001-35042))
4.3(p)		Fifteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 19, 2017, between Gracenote, Inc. and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3(a) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on April 25, 2017 (File No. 001-35042))
4.3(q)		Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 19, 2017, between Gracenote Digital Ventures, LLC and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3(b) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on April 25, 2017 (File No. 001-35042))
4.3(r)		Seventeenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 19, 2017, between Gracenote Media Services, LLC and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3(c) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on April 25, 2017 (File No. 001-35042))
4.3(s)		Eighteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated September 28, 2017, between Nielsen Finance Holdings Ireland Limited and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on October 25, 2017 (File No. 001-35042))
4.3(t)		Nineteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated September 28, 2017, between Nielsen Holdings Luxembourg S.a.r.l., and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on October 25, 2017 (File No. 001-35042))
4.3(u)		Twentieth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 7, 2018, between Visual IQ, Inc., and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2(d) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on April 26, 2018 (File No. 001-35042))
4.4		Indenture, dated as of April 11, 2014, among Nielsen Finance LLC, Nielsen Finance Co., the Guarantors (as defined therein) and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as Trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on April 11, 2014 (File No. 001-35042))
4.4(a)		First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of May 23, 2014, between Nielsen Consumer Insights, Inc. and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen N.V. filed July 29, 2014 (File No. 001-35042))
4.4(b)		Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 8, 2014, among Nielsen Finance LLC, Nielsen Finance Co., the Guarantors (identified therein) and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Nielsen N.V. filed on July 8, 2014 (File No. 001-35042))
4.4(c)		Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 23, 2014, between Scarborough Research and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4(c) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nielsen N.V. filed on February 20, 2015 (File No. 001-35042))
4.4(d)		Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 23, 2014, between Nielsen N.V. and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Nielsen N.V. filed on December 29, 2014 (File No. 001-35042))
4.4(e)		Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 23, 2015, between Valcon Acquisition B.V. and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4(e) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nielsen N.V. filed on February 20, 2015 (File No. 001-35042))
4.4(f)		Eighteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 7, 2018, between Visual IQ, Inc., and Delaware Trust Company, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2(b) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on April 26, 2018 (File No. 001-35042))

139

Exhibit No.	Description
4.4(g)		Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 25, 2015, among Nielsen Finance LLC, Nielsen Finance Co., the Guarantors (as defined therein) and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 25, 2015 (File No. 001-35042))
4.4(h)		Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 7, 2015, between eXelate, Inc. and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen N.V. filed on July 28, 2015 (File No. 001-35042))
4.4(i)		Seventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 17, 2015, between Affinnova, Inc. and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on October 21, 2015 (File No. 001-35042))
4.4(j)		Eighth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 20, 2016, between Nielsen Finance Ireland Limited and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on July 26, 2016 (File No. 001-35042))
4.4(k)		Ninth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 20, 2016, between Nielsen Luxembourg S.ar.l and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on July 26, 2016 (File No. 001-35042))
4.4(l)		Tenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 20, 2016, between Nielsen UK Finance I, LLC and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on July 26, 2016 (File No. 001-35042))
4.4(m)		Eleventh Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 31, 2016 between Rugby Acquisition B.V. and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4(1) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on February 17, 2017 (File No. 001-35042))
4.4(n)		Twelfth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 31, 2016 between RSMG Insights Cooperatief U.A. and Law Debenture Trust Company of New York, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4(m) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on February 17, 2017 (File No. 001-35042))
4.4(o)		Thirteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 19, 2017, between Gracenote, Inc., Nielsen Finance Co. and Delaware Trust Company, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4(a) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on April 25, 2017 (File No. 001-35042))
4.4(p)		Fourteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 19, 2017, between Gracenote Digital Ventures, LLC, Nielsen Finance Co.  and Delaware Trust Company, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4(b) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on April 25, 2017 (File No. 001-35042))
4.4(q)		Fifteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 19, 2017, between Gracenote, Media Services, LLC, Nielsen Finance Co. and Delaware Trust Company, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4(c) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on April 25, 2017 (File No. 001-35042))
4.4(r)		Sixteenth Supplemental Indenture, dated September 28, 2017, between Nielsen Finance Holdings Ireland Limited and Delaware Trust Company, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on October 25, 2017 (File No. 001-35042))
4.4(s)		Seventeenth Supplemental Indenture, dated September 28, 2017, between Nielsen Holdings Luxembourg S.a.r.l., and Delaware Trust Company, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on October 25, 2017 (File No. 001-35042))
4.5		Indenture, dated as of January 31, 2017, among The Nielsen Company (Luxembourg) S.à r.l., the Guarantors (as defined therein) and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Nielsen Holdings plc on February 1, 2017 (File No. 001-35042))
4.5(a)		First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 19, 2017, between Gracenote, Inc. and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5(a) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on April 25, 2017 (File No. 001-35042))
4.5(b)		Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 19, 2017, between Gracenote Digital Ventures, LLC and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5(b) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on April 25, 2017 (File No. 001-35042))

140

Exhibit No.	Description
4.5(c)		Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of April 19, 2017, between Gracenote Media Services, LLC and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.5(c) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on April 25, 2017 (File No. 001-35042))
4.5(d)		Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated September 28, 2017, between Nielsen Finance Holdings Ireland Limited and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on October 25, 2017 (File No. 001-35042))
4.5(e)		Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated September 28, 2017, between Nielsen Holdings Luxembourg S.a.r.l., and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on October 25, 2017 (File No. 001-35042))
4.5(f) 4.6*		Sixth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 7, 2018, between Visual IQ, Inc., and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as trustee (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2(c) to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on April 26, 2018 (File No. 001-35042)) Description of Securities
10.1†		Nielsen Holdings plc Severance Policy for Section 16 Officers and United-States-Based Senior Executives (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on October 25, 2017 (File No. 001-35042))
10.2†		The Nielsen Company Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated, effective September 11, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on October 22, 2012 (File No. 001-35042))
10.3(a)†		Form of Nielsen Holdings plc 2017 Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (FCF metric) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3(c) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on February 8, 2018 (File No. 001-35042))
10.3(b)†		Form of Nielsen Holdings plc 2017 Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (TSR metric) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3(d) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on February 8, 2018 (File No. 001-35042))
10.3(c)†		Form of 2018 Nielsen Holdings plc Performance Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Related Total Shareholder Return) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3(e) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on February 28, 2019 (File No. 001-35042))
10.3(d)†		Form of 2018 Nielsen Holdings plc Performance Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Free Cash Flow) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3(f) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on February 28, 2019 (File No. 001-35042))
10.3(e)†		Form of 2018 Nielsen Holdings plc Performance Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Revenue CAGR) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3(g) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on February 28, 2019 (File No. 001-35042))
10.3(f)*†		Form of Nielsen Holdings plc 2019 Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (ESP + TSR CAGR + TSR metric)
10.3(g)*†		Form of Nielsen Holdings plc 2019 Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (ESP + TSR metric)
10.4(a)†		Offer letter to Eric Dale, dated July 6, 2015 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4(a) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on February 17, 2017 (File No. 001-35042))
10.4(b)†		Offer letter to Nancy Phillips, dated December 15, 2016 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4(b) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on February 8, 2018 (File No. 001-35042))
10.4(c)†		Offer Letter to David J. Anderson, dated September 4, 2018 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on September 5, 2018 (File No. 001-35042))

141

Exhibit No.	Description
10.4(d)†		Letter Agreement, dated November 16, 2018, by and between David Kenny and Nielsen Holdings plc (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on November 20, 2018 (File No. 001-35042))
10.4(e)†		Offer Letter to George Callard, dated January 3, 2019 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4(e) to the 10-K of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on February 28, 2019 (File No. 001-35042))
10.4(f)†		Separation Agreement and Release, dated as of October 17, 2018, by and between Dwight Barns and Nielsen Holdings plc (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4(f) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on February 28, 2019 (File No. 001-35042))
10.4(g)†*		Offer Letter to Laurie Lovett, dated as of December 13, 2019
10.4(h)†*		Offer Letter to Linda Zukauckas, dated as of January 10, 2020
10.4(i)†*		Offer Letter to David Rawlinson, dated as of December 28, 2019
10.4(j)†*		Separation, Non-Disparagement and General Release Agreement, effective as of December 31, 2019, by and between David Anderson and Nielsen Holdings plc.
10.5†		Form of Deferred Stock Unit Grant, dated as of September 11, 2012, for non-employee directors of Nielsen Holdings N.V. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on October 22, 2012 (File No. 001-35042))
10.6(a)†		VNU Excess Plan, as amended and restated, effective April 1, 2002 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12(a) to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546-29))
10.6(b)†		Amendment to the VNU Excess Plan, effective August 31, 2006 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12(b) to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546-29))
10.6(c)†		Second Amendment to the VNU Excess Plan, effective January 23, 2007 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12(c) to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546-29))
10.7†		The Nielsen Company Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated, effective October 28, 2008 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13(c) to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2008, (File No. 333-142546-29))
10.10(a)†		Form of Stock Option Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.24(b) to the Quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on April 29, 2010 (File No. 333-142546-29))
10.10(b)†		Form of Stock Option Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on July 30, 2010 (File No. 333-167271))
10.11(a)√		Second Amended and Restated Master Services Agreement, effective as of January 1, 2017, by and between Tata America International Corporation & Tata Consultancy Services Limited and The Nielsen Company (US), LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11(a) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on February 8, 2018 (File No. 001-35042))
10.11(b) √		Amendment Number One, dated as of January 1, 2019, to the Second Amended and Restated Master Services Agreement, dated as of January 1, 2017, by and between TATA American International Corporation and Tata Consultancy Services Limited and The Nielsen Company (US), LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on July 31, 2019 (File No. 001-35402)).
10.12†		Nielsen Holdings N.V. Directors Deferred Compensation Plan, effective September 11, 2012 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 10-Q of Nielsen Holdings N.V. filed on October 22, 2012 (File No. 001-35042))

142

Exhibit No.	Description
10.13†		Nielsen 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on May 23, 2019 (File No. 001-35042))
10.13†(a)		Amended and Restated Nielsen 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on August 31, 2015 (File No. 001-35042))
10.14†		Form of Termination Protection Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of The Nielsen Company B.V. filed on June 21, 2007 (File No. 333-142546-29))
10.15(a)†		Form of 2016 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.19(c) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on February 8, 2018 (File No. 001-35042))
10.15(b)†		Form of 2017 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.19(d) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on February 8, 2018 (File No. 001-35042))
10.15(c)†		Form of 2018 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.19(e) to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on February 28, 2019 (File No. 001-35042))
10.15(d)†*		Form of 2019 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement
10.20†		Form of 2018 Performance Stock Option Award (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Current Report on Form 10-K of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on February 28, 2019 (File No. 001-35042))
10.21†		Form of Indemnification Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on August 31, 2015 (File No. 001-35042))
10.22†		Form of Letter of Appointment (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on August 31, 2015 (File No. 001-35042))
10.23†		The Nielsen Company 401(k) Savings Plan (amended and restated on December 29, 2015) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the registration statement on Form S-8/A of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on June 29, 2016 (File No. 333-176940))
10.24†		Nielsen Holdings plc 2016 Employee Share Purchase Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Annex A to the proxy statement on Schedule 14A of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on April 29, 2016 (File No. 001-35042))
10.25†		Form of 2018 Retention Award Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Nielsen Holdings plc filed on February 28, 2019 (File No. 001-35042))
21.1*		Nielsen Holdings plc Subsidiaries
23.1*		Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
31.1*		CEO 302 Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e)/15d-15(e)
31.2*		CFO 302 Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e)/15d-15(e)
32.1*		Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, U.S. Code)
32.2*		Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Subsections (a) and (b) of Section 1350, Chapter 63 of Title 18, U.S. Code)

143

Exhibit No.	Description
101*		The following financial information from Nielsen Holdings plc’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, formatted in iXBRL includes: (i) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) for the three years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017; (iii) Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2019 and 2018, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, (v) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the three years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, and (vi) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
104*		Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL and included in Exhibit 101)

* Filed or furnished herewith.

† Management contract or compensatory plan in which directors and/or executive officers are eligible to participate.

√ Certain portions have been omitted in accordance with a request for confidential treatment that the Company has submitted to the SEC. Omitted information has been filed separately with the SEC.

144

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

	Nielsen Holdings plc
	(Registrant)
Date: February 27, 2020	/S/  Christopher Taft
	CHRISTOPHER TAFT
	Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

Signature	Title	Date
/s/  DAVID KENNY	Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Director	February 27, 2020
David Kenny
/s/  LINDA ZUKAUCKAS	Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)	February 27, 2020
Linda Zukauckas
/s/  CHRISTOPHER TAFT	Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)	February 27, 2020
Christopher Taft
/s/  JAMES A. ATTWOOD Jr.	Chairman of the Board	February 27, 2020
James A. Attwood Jr.
/s/  THOMAS H. CASTRO	Director	February 27, 2020
Thomas H. Castro
/s/  GUERRINO DE LUCA	Director	February 27, 2020
Guerrino De Luca
/s/  KAREN HOGUET	Director	February 27, 2020
Karen Hoguet
/s/  HARISH MANWANI	Director	February 27, 2020
Harish Manwani
/s/  JANICE MARINELLI MAZZA	Director	February 27, 2020
Janice Marinelli Mazza
/s/  ROBERT POZEN	Director	February 27, 2020
Robert Pozen
/s/  DAVID RAWLINSON	Director	February 27, 2020
David Rawlinson
/s/  NANCY TELLEM	Director	February 27, 2020
Nancy Tellem
/s/  JAVIER TERUEL	Director	February 27, 2020
Javier Teruel
/s/  LAUREN ZALAZNICK	Director	February 27, 2020
Lauren Zalaznick

145

EX-4.6

Exhibit 4.6

DESCRIPTION OF THE REGISTRANT'S SECURITIES

REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12 OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

As of December 31, 2019, Nielsen Holdings plc (“Nielsen”) has one class of securities registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), being its ordinary shares.

Description of Common Stock

The following description of our ordinary shares is a summary and does not purport to be complete. It issubject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to our Articles of Association (“Articles of Association”), which are incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of which this Exhibit 4.6 is a part. We encourage you toread our Articles of Association and the applicable provisions of the UK Companies Act of 2006 (“UK Companies Act”) for additional information.

Issued and Authorized Share Capital

As of January 31, 2020, 356,368,888 ordinary shares, €0.07 par value per share (“Ordinary Shares”) were issued and outstanding. Nielsen has authority to allot a further 1,185,800,000 Ordinary Shares. Each outstanding Ordinary Share is fully paid and nonassessable.

Dividends And Distributions

Nielsen intends to continue the policy of making regular quarterly dividends on outstanding Ordinary Shares.

Subject to the UK Companies Act, Nielsen may by ordinary resolution of the shareholders in a general meeting declare dividends, and the board of directors may decide to pay interim dividends. A dividend must not be declared unless the board of directors has made a recommendation as to its amount. Such a dividend must not exceed the amount recommended by the board of directors.

Dividends may only be paid out of “distributable reserves”, defined as “accumulated, realized profits, so far as not previously utilized by distribution or capitalization, less accumulated, realized losses, so far as not previously written off in a reduction or reorganization of capital”. Nielsen is not permitted to pay dividends out of share capital, which includes share premiums. Realized reserves are determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles at the time the relevant accounts are prepared. Nielsen is not permitted to make a distribution if, at the time, the amount of its net assets is less than the aggregate of its issued and paid-up share capital and undistributable reserves or to the extent that the distribution will reduce the net assets below such amount.

There are no fixed dates on which entitlement to dividends arise on any of the Ordinary Shares.

The directors may, with the prior authority of an ordinary resolution of the shareholders, decide that the payment of all or any part of a dividend be satisfied by transferring non-cash assets of equivalent value, including shares or securities in any company.

The Articles of Association also permit a scrip dividend scheme under which the directors may, with the prior authority of an ordinary resolution of Nielsen, allot to those holders of a particular class of shares who have elected to receive further shares of that class or Ordinary Shares, in either case credited as fully paid instead of cash, in respect of all or part of a dividend.

Exhibit 4.6

If a shareholder owes any money to Nielsen in respect of any shares in Nielsen, the Nielsen board of directors may deduct any of this money from any dividend on the relevant shares, or from other money payable by Nielsen in respect of these shares. Money deducted in this way may be used to pay the amount owed to Nielsen in respect of the relevant shares.

Unclaimed dividends and other amounts payable by Nielsen can be invested or otherwise used by directors for the benefit of Nielsen until they are claimed under English law. All dividends remaining unclaimed for a period of twelve years after they first became due for payment will be forfeited and cease to be owing to the shareholder.

Voting Rights

The Articles of Association provide that, unless otherwise decided by the board of directors, a resolution put to the vote of a general meeting will be decided on a poll taken at the meeting. Subject to any rights or restrictions as to voting attached to any class of shares and subject to disenfranchisement (i) in the event of non-payment of any call or other sum due and payable in respect of any shares not fully paid, or (ii) in the event of any non-compliance with any statutory notice requiring disclosure of an interest in shares, on a poll taken at a meeting, every qualifying shareholder present and entitled to vote on the resolution has one vote for every Ordinary Share of which he, she or it is the holder.

In the case of joint holders, the vote of the senior holder who votes (or any proxy duly appointed by him) may be counted by Nielsen.

Amendment To The Articles of Association

Under English law, shareholders may amend the Articles of Association by special resolution (i.e. a resolution approved by the holders of at least 75% of the aggregate voting power of the outstanding Ordinary Shares that, being entitled to vote, vote on the resolution) at a general meeting.

The full text of the special resolution must be included in the notice of the meeting.

Winding Up

In the event of a voluntary winding up of Nielsen, the liquidator may, on obtaining any sanction required by law, divide among the shareholders the whole or any part of the assets of Nielsen, whether or not the assets consist of property of one kind or of different kinds and vest the whole or any part of the assets in trustees upon such trusts for the benefit of the members as he, with the like sanction, will determine.

The liquidator may not, however, distribute to a shareholder without his consent an asset to which there is attached a liability or potential liability for the owner.

Upon any such winding up, after payment or provision for payment of Nielsen’s debts and liabilities, the holders of Ordinary Shares (and any other shares outstanding at the relevant time which rank equally with such shares) will share equally, on a share for share basis, in Nielsen’s assets remaining for distribution to the holders of Ordinary Shares.

Preemptive Rights And New Issues Of Shares

Under English law, the Nielsen board of directors is, with certain exceptions, unable to allot and issue securities without being authorized either by the shareholders in a general meeting or by the Articles of

Exhibit 4.6

Association. In addition, English law requires the issuance of equity securities that are to be paid for wholly in cash (except shares held under an employees’ share scheme) must be offered first to the existing holders of equity securities in proportion to the respective nominal amounts (i.e. par values) of their holdings on the same or more favorable terms, unless a special resolution (i.e. a resolution approved by the holders of at least 75% of the aggregate voting power of the outstanding Ordinary Shares that, being entitled to vote, vote on the resolution) to the contrary has been passed in a general meeting of shareholders or the articles of association otherwise provide an exclusion from this requirement (which exclusion can be for a maximum of five years after which a further shareholder approval would be required to renew the exclusion). In this context, equity securities generally means shares other than shares which, with respect to dividends or capital, carry a right to participate only up to a specified amount in a distribution, which, in relation to Nielsen, include the Ordinary Shares and all rights to subscribe for or convert securities into such shares.

A provision in the Articles of Association authorizes the directors, for a period of up to five years from the date of the shareholder resolution granting such authorization, to (i) allot shares in Nielsen, or to grant rights to subscribe for or to convert or exchange any security into shares in Nielsen up to an aggregate nominal amount (i.e., par value) of €91 million and (ii) exclude preemptive rights in respect of such issuances for the same period of time. The authorization was passed on 6 August 2015 and will expire on 6 August 2020.  Should Nielsen propose to renew this authorization prior to its expiry, a resolution to that effect will be put to shareholders at its 2020 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. Such renewal may be for a further 5 year period or such shorter period as is considered appropriate.

English law also prohibits an English company from issuing shares at a discount to nominal amount (i.e., par value) or for no consideration. If the shares are issued upon the lapse of restrictions or the vesting of any restricted stock award or any other share-based grant underlying any Ordinary Shares, the nominal amount (i.e., par value) of the shares must be paid up in accordance with English law.

Disclosure Of Interests In Shares

English law gives Nielsen the power to serve a notice requiring any person whom it knows has, or whom it has reasonable cause to believe has, or within the previous three years has had, any ownership interest in any Ordinary Shares to disclose specified information regarding those shares. Failure to provide the information requested within the prescribed period (or knowingly or recklessly providing false information) after the date the notice is sent can result in criminal or civil sanctions being imposed against the person in default.

Under the Articles of Association, if any shareholder, or any other person appearing to be interested in Ordinary Shares held by such shareholder, fails to give Nielsen the information required by the notice, then the Nielsen board of directors may withdraw voting and certain other rights, place restrictions on the rights to receive dividends and transfer such shares (including any shares allotted or issued after the date of the notice in respect of those shares).

Alteration Of Share Capital/Repurchase Of Shares

Subject to the provisions of the UK Companies Act, and without prejudice to any relevant special rights attached to any class of shares, Nielsen may, from time to time:

  • increase its share capital by allotting and issuing new shares in accordance with the Articles of Association and any relevant shareholder resolution;

Exhibit 4.6

•consolidate all or any of its share capital into shares of a larger nominal amount (i.e., par value) than the existing shares;

• subdivide any of its shares into shares of a smaller nominal amount (i.e., par value) than its existing shares; or

• redenominate its share capital or any class of share capital.

English law prohibits Nielsen from purchasing its own shares unless such purchase has been approved by its shareholders. Shareholders may approve two different types of such share purchases: “on-market” purchases or “off-market” purchases. “On-market” purchases may only be made on a “recognised investment exchange”, which does not include the NYSE, which is the only exchange on which Nielsen’s shares are traded. In order to purchase its own shares, Nielsen must therefore obtain shareholder approval for “off-market purchases”. This requires that Nielsen shareholders pass an ordinary resolution approving the terms of the contract pursuant to which the purchase(s) are to be made. Such approval may be for a specific purchase or constitute a general authority lasting for up to five years from the date of the resolution, and renewal of such approval for additional five years terms may be sought more frequently. However, shares may only be repurchased out of distributable reserves or, subject to certain exceptions, the proceeds of a fresh issue of shares made for that purpose. A special resolution, approving the terms of contracts pursuant to which share repurchases are made by Nielsen was passed on 6 August 2015 and will expire on 6 August 2020.

Sinking Fund Provisions

There are no sinking fund provisions relating to any shares in the capital of Nielsen.

Transfer Of Shares

The Articles of Association allow holders of Ordinary Shares to transfer all or any of their shares by instrument of transfer in writing in any usual form or in any other form which is permitted by the UK Companies Act and is approved by the Nielsen board of directors. The instrument of transfer must be executed by or on behalf of the transferor and (in the case of a transfer of a share which is not fully paid) by or on behalf of the transferee.

Nielsen (at its option) may or may not charge a fee for registering the transfer of a share or for making any other entry in the register. The Nielsen board of directors may, in their absolute discretion, refuse to register a transfer of shares to any person, whether or not it is fully paid, or a share on which Nielsen has a lien. If the Nielsen board of directors refuses to register the transfer of a share, the instrument of transfer must be returned to the transferee as soon as practicable and in any event within two months after the date on which the transfer was lodged with Nielsen with the notice of refusal and reasons for refusal unless they suspect that the proposed transfer may be fraudulent.

The Nielsen board of directors is authorized under the Articles of Association to establish such clearing and settlement procedures for the shares of Nielsen as they deem fit from time to time.

Exhibit 4.6

Limitations on the Rights to Own Securities

Under English law, persons who are neither residents nor nationals of the U.K. may generally freely own, hold or exercise voting rights attaching to securities of Nielsen in the same manner and under the same terms as U.K. residents or nationals.

General Meetings And Notices

An annual general meeting will be called by not less than 21 clear days’ notice (i.e., excluding the date of receipt or deemed receipt of the notice and the date of the meeting itself). All other general meetings will be called by not less than 14 clear days’ notice, unless a shorter notice is agreed to by a majority in number of the shareholders having the right to attend and vote at the meeting, being a majority who together hold not less than 95% in nominal value of the shares giving that right. At least seven clear days’ notice is required for any meeting adjourned for 28 days or more or for an indefinite period.

The notice of a general meeting will be given to the shareholders (other than any who, under the provisions of the Articles of Association or the terms of allotment or issue of shares, are not entitled to receive notice), to the Nielsen board of directors, to the beneficial owners nominated to enjoy information rights under the UK Companies Act, and to the auditors. Under English law, Nielsen is required to hold an annual general meeting of shareholders within six months from the day following the end of its fiscal year and, subject to the foregoing, the meeting may be held at a time and place determined by the Nielsen board of directors whether within or outside of the UK.

Under English law, Nielsen must convene a general meeting once it has received requests to do so from shareholders representing at least 5% of the paid up share capital of the company as carries voting rights at general meetings (excluding any paid-up capital held as treasury shares). The directors must call the meeting requested by the shareholders within 21 days from the date on which they became subject to the requirement and the meeting must be held not more than 28 days after the date of the notice convening the meeting.

Quorum. The necessary quorum for a general shareholder meeting is two shareholders entitled to vote present in person or by proxy at the meeting, save that if Nielsen only has one shareholder entitled to attend and vote at the general meeting, one shareholder present in person or by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote is a quorum. If a meeting is adjourned for lack of quorum, the quorum of the adjourned meeting will be one shareholder present in person or by proxy.

Takeover Provisions

An English public limited company is potentially subject to the UK City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (the “Takeover Code”) if, among other factors, its place of central management and control is within the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. The Takeover Panel will generally look to the residency of a company’s directors to determine where it is centrally managed and controlled. The Takeover Panel has confirmed that, based upon Nielsen’s current and intended plans for its directors and management, the Takeover Code (as currently drafted) does not apply to Nielsen. However, it is possible that, in the future, circumstances could change that may cause the Takeover Code to apply to Nielsen.

Exchange Listing

Our Common Stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "NLSN."

Exhibit 4.6

Transfer Agent

The transfer agent and registrar for Nielsen’s Common Stock is Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

EX-10.3(F)

Exhibit 10.3(f)

NIELSEN HOLDINGS PLC

PERFORMANCE RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT

(REVENUE CAGR)

THIS PERFORMANCE RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”), is made, effective as of February 20, 2019 (the “Grant Date”) between Nielsen Holdings plc, a company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales having its registered office in the United Kingdom (hereinafter referred to as the “Company”), and Participant Name (the “Participant”).  For purposes of this Agreement, capitalized terms not otherwise defined above or below, or in the Amended and Restated Nielsen 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), shall have the meanings set forth in Exhibit A attached to this Agreement and incorporated by reference herein.

WHEREAS, the Company desires to grant the Participant performance-based restricted stock units (the “Performance RSUs”), as provided hereunder and pursuant to the Plan, the terms of which are hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the Committee has determined that it would be to the advantage and best interest of the Company and its shareholders to grant the Performance RSUs to the Participant as an incentive for increased efforts during Participant’s term of office with the Company or a Subsidiary, and has advised the Company thereof and instructed the undersigned officers to grant said Performance RSUs.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto do hereby agree as follows:

1.Grant of the Performance RSUs.  

(a)On the terms and conditions and subject to the restrictions, including forfeiture, hereinafter set forth, the Company hereby grants to the Participant a target number of Performance RSUs equal to Number of shares granted (the “Target RSU Award”).  The actual number of Performance RSUs which the Participant will earn under this Agreement will be finally determined based upon the Company’s Three-Year Revenue Compounded Annual Growth Rate above for the period commencing on January 1, 2019 and ending on December 31, 2021 (the “Performance Period”), in accordance with the provisions of Exhibit A attached to this Agreement and made a part hereof.  

(b)Each Performance RSU represents the unfunded, unsecured right of the Participant to receive one share of the Company’s common stock upon earning and vesting.  The Participant will earn and become vested in the Performance RSUs, and take delivery of the Shares, as set forth in this Agreement.

2.Earning of Performance RSUs. Until the applicable vesting date(s) provided below, (i) the Performance RSUs shall be subject to forfeiture by the Participant to the Company as provided in this Agreement, and (ii) the Participant may not sell, assign, transfer, discount, exchange, pledge or otherwise encumber or dispose of any of the Performance RSUs unless the restrictions have terminated in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.

2

(a)Service and Performance Requirements Absent a Change in Control. The Performance RSUs shall become vested, earned and no longer subject to forfeiture based upon the level of achievement of the Company’s performance goals for the Performance Period as set forth on Exhibit A, as well as the conditions set forth in both subsections (i) and (ii) of this Section 2(a):

(i)Service Requirements.

(A)General Rule: Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, so long as the Participant continues to be employed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries through the end of the Performance Period, the Participant shall, on the Performance Vesting Date (defined in Section 2(a)(ii) below), vest in and earn the number of Performance RSUs determined as set forth on Exhibit A hereto.  If, prior to the end of the Performance Period, and absent the occurrence of a Change in Control, the Participant’s employment with Company and its Subsidiaries is terminated for any reason, then the Performance RSUs shall be forfeited by the Participant to the Company without consideration as of the date of such termination of employment and this Agreement shall terminate without payment in respect thereof.

(B)Exceptions to Forfeiture on Termination of Employment: Notwithstanding clause (A) above, if, prior to the end of the Performance Period, and absent the occurrence of any Change in Control, the Participant’s employment with Company and its Subsidiaries is terminated:

(1)voluntarily by the Participant (other than due to Good Reason or the Participant’s death, Permanent Disability or Retirement) or involuntarily by the Company for Cause, then the Performance RSUs shall be forfeited by the Participant to the Company without consideration as of the date of such termination of employment, and this Agreement shall terminate without payment in respect thereof; or

(2)involuntarily by the Company and its Subsidiaries without Cause, by the Participant for Good Reason, by the Participant if mutually agreed to in writing by the Company with reference to this Agreement and the amounts payable under this Section, or due to the Participant’s Retirement, then the Participant will be eligible to earn a number of Performance RSUs equal to the product of (x) the total number of Performance RSUs that would have become vested and earned pursuant to Section 2(a)(ii) below if the Participant had remained employed with the Company or a Subsidiary through the end of the Performance Period, and (y) a fraction, the denominator of which is equal to 1096 and the numerator of which is equal to:

• If the Participant was employed by the Company or its Subsidiaries at the beginning of the Performance Period, the numerator shall be equal to the number of days between (and including) the beginning of the Performance Period and the date of his or her termination of employment; or

• If the Participant was hired by the Company or its Subsidiaries after the beginning of the Performance Period, the numerator shall be equal to the number of days between (and including) his or her hire date and the date of his or her termination of employment; or  

(3)due to the Participant’s death or Permanent Disability, then the Target RSU Award shall immediately vest in full and be paid to the Participant as soon as practicable thereafter, and no additional amounts shall be payable hereunder with respect to the Performance Period Amounts payable under this provision shall be paid at the time such payment would have been made if employment had not terminated, except in the case of death of Permanent Disability as described above.

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(ii)Performance Requirement. The Performance RSUs shall, so long as the Participant remains employed with the Company or its Subsidiaries through the end of the Performance Period (or except as otherwise provided in Section 2(a)(i) above), become vested, earned and no longer subject to forfeiture in such number of Performance RSUs as shall be determined as set forth on Exhibit A hereto. Whether and to what extent the Performance RSUs shall become vested and earned shall be determined at a meeting of the Committee (such meeting date, the “Performance Vesting Date”) as soon as practicable following the end of the Performance Period pursuant to a certification by the Committee of the Company’s achievement, if any, of the applicable performance goals set forth on Exhibit A hereto.  

(b)Effect of Change in Control. If a Change in Control occurs during the Performance Period,the Participant shall earn a number of Performance RSUs as follows:  

(i)if the Performance RSUs are not assumed, continued, or restricted securities of equivalent value are not substituted for the Performance RSUs by the Company or its successor and the Participant is employed with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries on the effective date of the Change in Control, then on the effective date of the Change in Control the Participant shall become vested in and earn 100% of the Target RSU Award; but

(ii)if the Performance RSUs are assumed, continued or substituted by the Company or its successor, then the Participant shall become vested in and earn, on the last day of the Performance Period, so long as the Participant is employed with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (or any successors thereto) on such date, 100% of the Target RSU Award; provided, that if, prior to the end of the Performance Period, the Participant’s employment by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (or any successors thereto) is involuntarily terminated by the Company and its Subsidiaries without Cause, terminated by the Participant for Good Reason, or terminates due to the Participant’s death, Permanent Disability or Retirement, then the Participant shall become vested in and earn 100% of the Target RSU Award payable as promptly as practicable following such termination of employment.

For purposes of this Agreement, in order for an award to constitute a “Substitute Award” under Section 10 of the Plan, the award must be denominated in shares of publicly traded stock which are traded on an established U.S. or U.K. securities exchange.

(c)Delivery of Shares; Forfeiture. As promptly as practicable following the Performance Vesting Date or any other earlier vesting date provided under Section 2(b) above, the Company shall cause to be delivered to the Participant such Shares underlying any non-forfeited, vested Performance RSUs as soon as practicable after they are earned and vested as provided in this agreement (but in no event later than 2 ½ months after the last day of the calendar year in which such Performance RSUs became so earned and vested).  

3.Adjustments Upon Certain Events. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, take any actions with respect to any unvested Performance RSUs subject to this Agreement pursuant to Section 10 of the Plan.

4.Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

“Cause” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the severance plan or policy of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in which the Participant is eligible to participate immediately prior to the termination of the Participant’s Employment (the “Policy”).

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“Good Reason” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Policy. “Permanent Disability” shall mean that, due to an injury or illness, the Participant requires the regular care and attendance of a qualified, licensed and practicing physician, and the Participant is unable to perform the material duties of his or her regular occupation due to such injury or illness.  The Committee or its delegee shall have the sole discretion to determine whether this definition is met.

“Retirement” shall mean (i) any statutorily mandated retirement date required under laws applicable to the Participant or (ii) such other retirement date (which date may vary by Participant) as may be approved by the Committee or a designated officer of the Company, as delegated in accordance with the Plan.

5.No Right to Continued Employment. Nothing in this Agreement or in the Plan shall confer upon the Participant any right to continue in the Employment of the Company or any Subsidiary or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of the Company and its Subsidiaries, which are hereby expressly reserved, to terminate the Employment of the Participant at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without cause, subject to the applicable provisions of, if any, the Participant’s Employment Agreement or offer letter provided by the Company or any Subsidiary to the Participant.

6.No Acquired Rights. In participating in the Plan, the Participant acknowledges and accepts (a) that the Board has the power to amend or terminate the Plan, to the extent permitted thereunder, at any time, and (b) that the opportunity given to the Participant to participate in the Plan is entirely at the discretion of the Committee and does not obligate the Company or any of its Affiliates to offer such participation in the future (whether on the same or different terms).  The Participant further acknowledges and accepts that (i) such Participant’s participation in the Plan is not to be considered part of any normal or expected compensation, (ii) the value of the Performance RSUs or the Shares shall not be used for purposes of determining any benefits or compensation payable to the Participant or the Participant’s beneficiaries or estate under any benefit arrangement of the Company or any Subsidiary, including but not limited to severance or indemnity payments, and (iii) the termination of the Participant’s Employment with the Company and all Subsidiaries under any circumstances whatsoever will give the Participant no claim or right of action against the Company or any Subsidiary in respect of any loss of rights under this Agreement or the Plan that may arise as a result of such termination of Employment.

7.No Rights of Shareholder; No Dividend Equivalents. The Participant shall not have any rights or privileges as a shareholder of the Company until the Shares underlying vested Performance RSUs have been registered in the Company’s register of stockholders as being held by the Participant.  No dividend equivalents or other distributions shall be paid or payable with respect to Performance RSUs.

8.Transferability. Performance RSUs may not be assigned, alienated, pledged, attached, sold or otherwise transferred or encumbered by the Participant otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and any purported assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance not permitted by this Section 8 shall be void and unenforceable against the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate.

9.Withholding. The Participant may be required to pay to the Company or any Affiliate, and the Company or any Affiliate shall have the right and is hereby authorized to withhold from any transfer due under this Agreement or under the Plan or from any compensation or other amount owing to the Participant, applicable withholding taxes with respect to any transfer under this Agreement or under the Plan and to take such action as may be necessary in the opinion of the Company to satisfy all obligations for the payment of such taxes, pursuant to Section 4(c) of the Plan.

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10.Choice of Law. This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of New York without regard to conflicts of law, except to the extent that the issue or transfer of Shares shall be subject to mandatory provisions of the laws of England and Wales.

11.Performance RSUs Subject to Plan. By entering into this Agreement, the Participant agrees and acknowledges that the Participant has received and read a copy of the Plan. All Performance RSUs are subject to the Plan. In the event of a conflict between any term or provision contained herein and a term or provision of the Plan, the applicable terms and provisions of the Plan will govern and prevail.

12.Signature in Counterparts. If executed in writing, this Agreement may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.

13.Clawback. The Participant shall forfeit or repay amounts awarded hereunder, whether or not vested, if:

(a)The amount of the award was calculated based upon the achievement of certain financial results that were subsequently the subject of a restatement or the correction of a material error; and

(b)The Participant engaged in intentional misconduct that caused or partially caused the material error; and

(c)The amount that would have been awarded to the Participant had the financial results been properly reported, would have been less than the amount actually awarded (such difference being the amount forfeited or repaid hereunder).

14.Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement or the Plan, the Performance RSUs granted hereunder shall not be deferred, accelerated, extended, paid out or modified in a manner that would result in the imposition of an additional tax under Section 409A of the Code upon the Participant. In the event it is reasonably determined by the Committee that, as a result of Section 409A of the Code, the transfer of Shares under this Agreement may not be made at the time contemplated hereunder without causing the Participant to be subject to taxation under Section 409A of the Code, the Company will make such payment on the first day that would not result in the Participant incurring any tax liability under Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if at the time of the Participant’s termination of employment with the Company the Participant is a “specified employee” as defined in Section 409A of the Code and the deferral of the commencement of any payments or benefits otherwise payable hereunder as a result of such termination of employment is necessary in order to prevent any accelerated or additional tax under Section 409A of the Code, then the Company will defer the commencement of the payment of any such payments or benefits hereunder (without any reduction in such payments or benefits ultimately paid or provided to the Participant) until the date that is six months following the Participant’s termination of employment with the Company (or the earliest date as is permitted under Section 409A of the Code without any accelerated or additional tax). The Participant is solely responsible and liable for the satisfaction of all taxes and penalties that may be imposed on or in respect of such Participant in connection with the Performance RSUs (including any taxes and penalties under Section 409A), and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall have any obligation to indemnify or otherwise hold the Participant (or any beneficiary) harmless from any or all of such taxes or penalties.  If the Performance RSUs are considered “deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A, references in this Agreement and the Plan to “termination of Employment” and “separation from service” (and substantially similar phrases) shall mean “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A.  For purposes of Section 409A, each payment that may be made in respect of the Performance RSUs is designated as a separate payment.

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15.Compliance with Restrictive Covenants. In the event of a breach or threatened breach of any restrictive covenant to with the Participant is subject under any plan or agreement with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, the Company or its successors or assigns may, in addition to other rights and remedies existing in their favor, require the Participant (a) to forfeit any Performance RSUs granted hereunder and to return all Shares previously issued to the Participant in settlement of any vested Performance RSUs; and (b) to pay to the Company the full value of any consideration received for any Shares issued in settlement of Performance RSUs that were previously sold by the Participant or otherwise disposed of to a third party (or if no such consideration was received, the then fair market value of such Shares).

16.Data Privacy.  The Participant hereby acknowledges that:

(a)if he or she is based outside the UK and EEA, and his or her data is not otherwise subject to the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 ("GDPR"), the Company holds information about the Participant relating to his or her employment, the nature and amount of his or her compensation, bank details, and other personal details and the fact and conditions of the Participant’s participation in the Plan. The Participant understands that the Company is the controller of the Participant’s personal data and is the only person authorized to process that data and is responsible for maintaining adequate security with regard to it. As the Company is part of a group of companies operating internationally, it may be necessary for the Company to make the details referred to above available to: (i) other companies within the Company's group that may be located outside the geographical location in which the Participant is employed and where there may be no legislation concerning an individual’s rights concerning personal data; (ii) third party advisers and administrators of the Plan; and/or (iii) the regulatory authorities. Any personal data made available by the Company to the parties referred to above in (i), (ii), or (iii) in relation to the Plan will only be for the purpose of administration and management of the Plan by the Company, on behalf of the Company. The Participant’s information will not, under any circumstances, be made available to any party other the parties listed above under (i), (ii), or (iii).  The Participant hereby authorizes and directs the Company to disclose to the parties as described above under (i), (ii), or (iii) any of the above data that is deemed necessary to facilitate the administration of the Plan.  The Participant understands and authorizes the Company to store and transmit such data in electronic form.  The Participant confirms that the Company has notified the Participant of his or her entitlement to reasonable access to the personal data held about the Participant and of his or her rights to rectify any inaccuracies in that data; or

(b)if he or she is based in the UK and/or EEA, or his or her data is otherwise subject to GDPR, his or her personal data will be processed in accordance with the Company's European Union privacy notice (which will be provided to such Participants and is available upon request).

17.Forfeiture of Grant.  If the Participant does not sign and return this Agreement within six months following the Grant Date, the Performance RSUs shall be forfeited and shall be of no further force and effect.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

NIELSEN HOLDINGS PLC
By:
	Nancy Phillips
	Chief Human Resources Officer
	PARTICIPANT
	Online grant acceptance satisfies signature   requirement
	Participant Name

EXHIBIT A

The number of Earned CAGR Performance RSUs determined in Part 1 shall be multiplied by the Relative TSR Multiplier in Part 2 to determine the total number of Vested Performance RSUs (as defined below), which shall constitute the total number of Performance RSUs that will become vested, earned and no longer subject to forfeiture pursuant to the terms of the Agreement to which this Exhibit A is attached.

Part 1

Revenue Compounded Annual Growth Rate Award Opportunity. The Participant’s Target RSU Award (the “CAGR Target RSUs”) shall be eligible to vest and be earned if and only if the Company’s Revenue Compounded Annual Growth Rate over the Performance Period (the “Revenue CAGR Achievement”) at least equals or exceeds two percent (2%) (the “CAGR Threshold Target”). Subject to the Company’s achievement of the CAGR Threshold Target, the number of Performance RSUs that will become earned under this Part 1 shall be equal to the product of (x) the number of CAGR Target RSUs and (y) the CAGR Performance Factor (as set forth in the table below) (such number of RSUs, the “Earned CAGR Performance RSUs”).  The number of Earned CAGR Performance RSUs is then subject to a multiplier based on relative total shareholder return, as described in Part 2, below, to determine the number of Vested Performance RSUs.  [If the CAGR Threshold Target is not achieved, no percentage of the CAGR Target RSUs will become vested or earned and such portion of the Performance RSUs shall be immediately forfeited without consideration.  If the CAGR Threshold Target is met, the number of Earned CAGR Performance RSUs shall be determined as follows:

If the Revenue CAGR Achievement is at least equal to:	Then the CAGR Performance Factor is:
2.0%	50%
2.5%	100%
3.0%	200%

If the Revenue CAGR Achievement falls between two percentages set forth above, the CAGR Performance Factor shall be interpolated on a linear basis in order to determine the number of Earned CAGR Performance RSUs.

The Revenue Compounded Annual Growth Rates listed in the above table shall be adjusted by the Committee in a manner determined by the Committee to equitably reflect the impact of any acquisition or disposition of an entity business or business segment during the Performance Period, other extraordinary events not contemplated in the 3-year plan and changes in accounting principles that impact revenue.

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Part 2

Relative Total Shareholder Return Modifier.  Following the conclusion of the Performance Period, the number of Earned CAGR Performance RSUs, if any, are adjusted by applying a modifier (the “Relative TSR Multiplier”) based on the total shareholder return, or “TSR”, during the Performance Period as compared to the TSR of the Peer Group companies for the three-year period (the Relative Total Shareholder Return or “rTSR”), as set forth in the table below.  If the Company’s rTSR is below the 25th percentile of the Peer Group, the Relative TSR Multiplier will be 75%.  If the Company's rTSR is at or above the 75th percentile of the Peer Group, the Relative TSR Multiplier will be 125%.  If the rTSR is between the 25th and 75th percentiles, the Relative TSR Multiplier will be determined based on the chart below:  

Relative TSR (rTSR) Range	Relative TSR Multiplier
Less than 25th Percentile	75%
Between 25th and 40th Percentile	85%
Between 40th and 60th Percentile	100%
Between 60th and 75th Percentile	115%
Greater than 75th Percentile	125%

If the rTSR is determined by the Committee to fall exactly at the dividing point between two rTSR ranges (e.g., at precisely the 25^th Percentile), then result shall be deemed to fall in the higher range (e.g., “Between 25^th and 40^th Percentile”) and apply the greater Relative TSR Multiplier (e.g., 85%).

Calculation of Vested Performance Shares (Earned CAGR Performance RSUs times Relative TSR Multiplier).  

The product of the Relative TSR Multiplier and the Earned CAGR Performance RSUs (determined in Part 1) shall determine the total number of Performance RSUs that vest (the “Vested Performance RSUs”).  For the avoidance of doubt, the maximum amount of the award including the CAGR Performance Factor and the Relative TSR Multiplier may not exceed 200% of the Target RSU Award.  If the CAGR Threshold Target described in Part 1 is not achieved, then the number of Vested Performance RSUs shall be zero, regardless of the Relative TSR Multiplier. Fractional Vested Performance RSUs shall be rounded up to the next whole Vested Performance RSU.

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Definitions

“Revenue Compounded Annual Growth Rate” shall mean the three-year compound annual growth rate in the Company’s revenue during the Performance Period and above the Base Revenue, which shall be measured in constant currency and calculated as: (1) the quotient obtained by dividing Ending Revenue, by Base Revenue; (2) raised to the power of 1/3 (i.e., one divided by the number of years in the Performance Period); and (3) subtracting one from the final result.  For the purposes of calculating Revenue Compounded Annual Growth Rate under this Agreement, the revenue shall be adjusted to reflect pro forma revenue in 2018 (adjusted for acquisitions and divestitures).

“Base Revenue” shall mean the Company’s consolidated revenue for the year ending December 31, 2018 (as reported in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations for the year ending December 31, 2018 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (or any successor form) for the year then ending, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “2017 Form 10-K”) and subject to such adjustments as may be approved by the Committee in its sole discretion.

“Ending Revenue” shall mean the Company’s consolidated revenue for the year ending December 31, 2021 as reported in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations for the year ending December 31, 2021 included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (or any successor form) for the year then ending, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “2021 Form 10-K”) and subject to such adjustments as may be approved by the Committee in its sole discretion.

“Beginning Stock Price” shall mean, for purposes of determining the Relative Total Shareholder Return for the Company and each company in the Peer Group, respectively, the average closing price per share of common stock of each such entity based on the twenty (20) trading day period ending immediately prior to January 1, 2019.  For any company with more than one issue of common stock, the calculation shall be made on the primary (most actively traded) issue of stock.

“Ending Stock Price” shall mean, for purposes of determining the Relative Total Shareholder Return for each of the Company and each company in the Peer Group, respectively, the average closing price per share of common stock based on the twenty (20) trading day period ending immediately prior to (and including, if it is a trading day) December 31, 2021.  For any company with more than one issue of common stock, the calculation shall be made based on the primary (most actively traded) issue of stock.

“Relative Total Shareholder Return” shall mean the amount equal to:

(a) the sum of:

(x) the Ending Stock Price minus the Beginning Stock Price, plus

(y) the amount of any cash dividends paid on a per share basis on any shares of common stock of the applicable company (calculated as if such dividends had been reinvested in the applicable company’s common stock at the end of the month in which each dividend is made, based on the ex-dividend date) cumulatively over the Performance Period; divided by

(b) the Beginning Stock Price.

“Peer Group” shall mean that group of peer companies specified by the Committee and communicated to the Participant in writing separate and apart from this Agreement as such peer companies may be amended by the Committee in its sole discretion.

EX-10.3(G)

Exhibit 10.3(g)

NIELSEN HOLDINGS PLC

PERFORMANCE RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT

(CUMULATIVE EPS)

THIS PERFORMANCE RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”), is made, effective as of February 20, 2019 (the “Grant Date”) between Nielsen Holdings plc, a company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales having its registered office in the United Kingdom (hereinafter referred to as the “Company”), and Participant Name (the “Participant”).  For purposes of this Agreement, capitalized terms not otherwise defined above or below, or in the Amended and Restated Nielsen 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), shall have the meanings set forth in Exhibit A attached to this Agreement and incorporated by reference herein.

WHEREAS, the Company desires to grant the Participant performance-based restricted stock units (the “Performance RSUs”), as provided hereunder and pursuant to the Plan, the terms of which are hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the Committee has determined that it would be to the advantage and best interest of the Company and its shareholders to grant the Performance RSUs to the Participant as an incentive for increased efforts during Participant’s term of office with the Company or a Subsidiary, and has advised the Company thereof and instructed the undersigned officers to grant said Performance RSUs.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto do hereby agree as follows:

1.Grant of the Performance RSUs.

(a)On the terms and conditions and subject to the restrictions, including forfeiture, hereinafter set forth, the Company hereby grants to the Participant a target number of Performance RSUs equal to Number of shares granted (the “Target RSU Award”).  The actual number of Performance RSUs which the Participant will earn under this Agreement will be finally determined based upon the Company’s Cumulative Adjusted Earnings Per Share for the period commencing on January 1, 2019 and ending on December 31, 2021 (the “Performance Period”), in accordance with the provisions of Exhibit A attached to this Agreement and made a part hereof.

(b)Each Performance RSU represents the unfunded, unsecured right of the Participant to receive one share of the Company’s common stock upon earning and vesting.  The Participant will earn and become vested in the Performance RSUs, and take delivery of the Shares, as set forth in this Agreement.

2.Earning of Performance RSUs. Until the applicable vesting date(s) provided below, (i) the Performance RSUs shall be subject to forfeiture by the Participant to the Company as provided in this Agreement, and (ii) the Participant may not sell, assign, transfer, discount, exchange, pledge or otherwise encumber or dispose of any of the Performance RSUs unless the restrictions have terminated in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.

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(a)Service and Performance Requirements Absent a Change in Control. The Performance RSUs shall become vested, earned and no longer subject to forfeiture based upon the level of achievement of the Company’s performance goals for the Performance Period as set forth on Exhibit A, as well as the conditions set forth in both subsections (i) and (ii) of this Section 2(a):

(i)Service Requirements.

(A)General Rule: Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, so long as the Participant continues to be employed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries through the end of the Performance Period, the Participant shall, on the Performance Vesting Date (defined in Section 2(a)(ii) below), vest in and earn the number of Performance RSUs determined as set forth on Exhibit A hereto.  If, prior to the end of the Performance Period, and absent the occurrence of a Change in Control, the Participant’s employment with Company and its Subsidiaries is terminated for any reason, then the Performance RSUs shall be forfeited by the Participant to the Company without consideration as of the date of such termination of employment and this Agreement shall terminate without payment in respect thereof.

(B)Exceptions to Forfeiture on Termination of Employment: Notwithstanding clause (A) above, if, prior to the end of the Performance Period, and absent the occurrence of any Change in Control, the Participant’s employment with Company and its Subsidiaries is terminated:

(1)voluntarily by the Participant (other than due to Good Reason or the Participant’s death, Permanent Disability or Retirement) or involuntarily by the Company for Cause, then the Performance RSUs shall be forfeited by the Participant to the Company without consideration as of the date of such termination of employment, and this Agreement shall terminate without payment in respect thereof; or

(2)involuntarily by the Company and its Subsidiaries without Cause, by the Participant for Good Reason, by the Participant if mutually agreed to in writing by the Company with reference to this Agreement and the amounts payable under this Section, or due to the Participant’s Retirement, then the Participant will be eligible to earn a number of Performance RSUs equal to the product of (x) the total number of Performance RSUs that would have become vested and earned pursuant to Section 2(a)(ii) below if the Participant had remained employed with the Company or a Subsidiary through the end of the Performance Period, and (y) a fraction, the denominator of which is equal to 1096 and the numerator of which is equal to:

• If the Participant was employed by the Company or its Subsidiaries at the beginning of the Performance Period, the numerator shall be equal to the number of days between (and including) the beginning of the Performance Period and the date of his or her termination of employment; or

• If the Participant was hired by the Company or its Subsidiaries after the beginning of the Performance Period, the numerator shall be equal to the number of days between (and including) his or her hire date and the date of his or her termination of employment; or  

(3)due to the Participant’s death or Permanent Disability, then the Target RSU Award shall immediately vest in full and be paid to the Participant as soon as practicable thereafter, and no additional amounts shall be payable hereunder with respect to the Performance Period Amounts payable under this provision shall be paid at the time such payment would have been made if employment had not terminated, except in the case of death of Permanent Disability as described above.

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(ii)Performance Requirement. The Performance RSUs shall, so long as the Participant remains employed with the Company or its Subsidiaries through the end of the Performance Period (or except as otherwise provided in Section 2(a)(i) above), become vested, earned and no longer subject to forfeiture in such number of Performance RSUs as shall be determined as set forth on Exhibit A hereto. Whether and to what extent the Performance RSUs shall become vested and earned shall be determined at a meeting of the Committee (such meeting date, the “Performance Vesting Date”) as soon as practicable following the end of the Performance Period pursuant to a certification by the Committee of the Company’s achievement, if any, of the applicable performance goals set forth on Exhibit A hereto.  

(b)Effect of Change in Control. If a Change in Control occurs during the Performance Period,the Participant shall earn a number of Performance RSUs as follows:  

(i)if the Performance RSUs are not assumed, continued, or restricted securities of equivalent value are not substituted for the Performance RSUs by the Company or its successor and the Participant is employed with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries on the effective date of the Change in Control, then on the effective date of the Change in Control the Participant shall become vested in and earn 100% of the Target RSU Award; but

(ii)if the Performance RSUs are assumed, continued or substituted by the Company or its successor, then the Participant shall become vested in and earn, on the last day of the Performance Period, so long as the Participant is employed with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (or any successors thereto) on such date, 100% of the Target RSU Award; provided, that if, prior to the end of the Performance Period, the Participant’s employment by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (or any successors thereto) is involuntarily terminated by the Company and its Subsidiaries without Cause, terminated by the Participant for Good Reason, or terminates due to the Participant’s death, Permanent Disability or Retirement, then the Participant shall become vested in and earn 100% of the Target RSU Award payable as promptly as practicable following such termination of employment.

For purposes of this Agreement, in order for an award to constitute a “Substitute Award” under Section 10 of the Plan, the award must be denominated in shares of publicly traded stock which are traded on an established U.S. or U.K. securities exchange.

(c)Delivery of Shares; Forfeiture. As promptly as practicable following the Performance Vesting Date or any other earlier vesting date provided under Section 2(b) above, the Company shall cause to be delivered to the Participant such Shares underlying any non-forfeited, vested Performance RSUs as soon as practicable after they are earned and vested as provided in this agreement (but in no event later than 2 ½ months after the last day of the calendar year in which such Performance RSUs became so earned and vested).  

3.Adjustments Upon Certain Events. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, take any actions with respect to any unvested Performance RSUs subject to this Agreement pursuant to Section 10 of the Plan.

4.Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

“Cause” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the severance plan or policy of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in which the Participant is eligible to participate immediately prior to the termination of the Participant’s Employment (the “Policy”).

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“Good Reason” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Policy.

“Permanent Disability” shall mean that, due to an injury or illness, the Participant requires the regular care and attendance of a qualified, licensed and practicing physician, and the Participant is unable to perform the material duties of his or her regular occupation due to such injury or illness.  The Committee or its delegee shall have the sole discretion to determine whether this definition is met.

“Retirement” shall mean (i) any statutorily mandated retirement date required under laws applicable to the Participant or (ii) such other retirement date (which date may vary by Participant) as may be approved by the Committee or a designated officer of the Company, as delegated in accordance with the Plan.

5.No Right to Continued Employment. Nothing in this Agreement or in the Plan shall confer upon the Participant any right to continue in the Employment of the Company or any Subsidiary or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of the Company and its Subsidiaries, which are hereby expressly reserved, to terminate the Employment of the Participant at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without cause, subject to the applicable provisions of, if any, the Participant’s Employment Agreement or offer letter provided by the Company or any Subsidiary to the Participant.

6.No Acquired Rights. In participating in the Plan, the Participant acknowledges and accepts (a) that the Board has the power to amend or terminate the Plan, to the extent permitted thereunder, at any time, and (b) that the opportunity given to the Participant to participate in the Plan is entirely at the discretion of the Committee and does not obligate the Company or any of its Affiliates to offer such participation in the future (whether on the same or different terms). The Participant further acknowledges and accepts that (i) such Participant’s participation in the Plan is not to be considered part of any normal or expected compensation, (ii) the value of the Performance RSUs or the Shares shall not be used for purposes of determining any benefits or compensation payable to the Participant or the Participant’s beneficiaries or estate under any benefit arrangement of the Company or any Subsidiary, including but not limited to severance or indemnity payments, and (iii) the termination of the Participant’s Employment with the Company and all Subsidiaries under any circumstances whatsoever will give the Participant no claim or right of action against the Company or any Subsidiary in respect of any loss of rights under this Agreement or the Plan that may arise as a result of such termination of Employment.

7.No Rights of Shareholder; No Dividend Equivalents. The Participant shall not have any rights or privileges as a shareholder of the Company until the Shares underlying vested Performance RSUs have been registered in the Company’s register of stockholders as being held by the Participant.  No dividend equivalents or other distributions shall be paid or payable with respect to Performance RSUs.

8.Transferability. Performance RSUs may not be assigned, alienated, pledged, attached, sold or otherwise transferred or encumbered by the Participant otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and any purported assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance not permitted by this Section 8 shall be void and unenforceable against the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate.

9.Withholding. The Participant may be required to pay to the Company or any Affiliate, and the Company or any Affiliate shall have the right and is hereby authorized to withhold from any transfer due under this Agreement or under the Plan or from any compensation or other amount owing to the Participant, applicable withholding taxes with respect to any transfer under this Agreement or under the Plan and to take such action as may be necessary in the opinion of the Company to satisfy all obligations for the payment of such taxes, pursuant to Section 4(c) of the Plan.

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10.Choice of Law. This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of New York without regard to conflicts of law, except to the extent that the issue or transfer of Shares shall be subject to mandatory provisions of the laws of England and Wales.

11.Performance RSUs Subject to Plan. By entering into this Agreement, the Participant agrees and acknowledges that the Participant has received and read a copy of the Plan. All Performance RSUs are subject to the Plan. In the event of a conflict between any term or provision contained herein and a term or provision of the Plan, the applicable terms and provisions of the Plan will govern and prevail.

12.Signature in Counterparts. If executed in writing, this Agreement may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.

13.Clawback. The Participant shall forfeit or repay amounts awarded hereunder, whether or not vested, if:

(a)The amount of the award was calculated based upon the achievement of certain financial results that were subsequently the subject of a restatement or the correction of a material error; and

(b)The Participant engaged in intentional misconduct that caused or partially caused the material error; and

(c)The amount that would have been awarded to the Participant had the financial results been properly reported, would have been less than the amount actually awarded (such difference being the amount forfeited or repaid hereunder).

14.Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement or the Plan, the Performance RSUs granted hereunder shall not be deferred, accelerated, extended, paid out or modified in a manner that would result in the imposition of an additional tax under Section 409A of the Code upon the Participant. In the event it is reasonably determined by the Committee that, as a result of Section 409A of the Code, the transfer of Shares under this Agreement may not be made at the time contemplated hereunder without causing the Participant to be subject to taxation under Section 409A of the Code, the Company will make such payment on the first day that would not result in the Participant incurring any tax liability under Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if at the time of the Participant’s termination of employment with the Company the Participant is a “specified employee” as defined in Section 409A of the Code and the deferral of the commencement of any payments or benefits otherwise payable hereunder as a result of such termination of employment is necessary in order to prevent any accelerated or additional tax under Section 409A of the Code, then the Company will defer the commencement of the payment of any such payments or benefits hereunder (without any reduction in such payments or benefits ultimately paid or provided to the Participant) until the date that is six months following the Participant’s termination of employment with the Company (or the earliest date as is permitted under Section 409A of the Code without any accelerated or additional tax). The Participant is solely responsible and liable for the satisfaction of all taxes and penalties that may be imposed on or in respect of such Participant in connection with the Performance RSUs (including any taxes and penalties under Section 409A), and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall have any obligation to indemnify or otherwise hold the Participant (or any beneficiary) harmless from any or all of such taxes or penalties.  If the Performance RSUs are considered “deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A, references in this Agreement and the Plan to “termination of Employment” and “separation from service” (and substantially similar phrases) shall mean “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A.  For purposes of Section 409A, each payment that may be made in respect of the Performance RSUs is designated as a separate payment.

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15.Compliance with Restrictive Covenants. In the event of a breach or threatened breach of any restrictive covenant to with the Participant is subject under any plan or agreement with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, the Company or its successors or assigns may, in addition to other rights and remedies existing in their favor, require the Participant (a) to forfeit any Performance RSUs granted hereunder and to return all Shares previously issued to the Participant in settlement of any vested Performance RSUs; and (b) to pay to the Company the full value of any consideration received for any Shares issued in settlement of Performance RSUs that were previously sold by the Participant or otherwise disposed of to a third party (or if no such consideration was received, the then fair market value of such Shares).

16.Data Privacy.  The Participant hereby acknowledges that:

(a)if he or she is based outside the UK and EEA, and his or her data is not otherwise subject to the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 ("GDPR"), the Company holds information about the Participant relating to his or her employment, the nature and amount of his or her compensation, bank details, and other personal details and the fact and conditions of the Participant’s participation in the Plan. The Participant understands that the Company is the controller of the Participant’s personal data and is the only person authorized to process that data and is responsible for maintaining adequate security with regard to it. As the Company is part of a group of companies operating internationally, it may be necessary for the Company to make the details referred to above available to: (i) other companies within the Company's group that may be located outside the geographical location in which the Participant is employed and where there may be no legislation concerning an individual’s rights concerning personal data; (ii) third party advisers and administrators of the Plan; and/or (iii) the regulatory authorities. Any personal data made available by the Company to the parties referred to above in (i), (ii), or (iii) in relation to the Plan will only be for the purpose of administration and management of the Plan by the Company, on behalf of the Company. The Participant’s information will not, under any circumstances, be made available to any party other the parties listed above under (i), (ii), or (iii).  The Participant hereby authorizes and directs the Company to disclose to the parties as described above under (i), (ii), or (iii) any of the above data that is deemed necessary to facilitate the administration of the Plan.  The Participant understands and authorizes the Company to store and transmit such data in electronic form.  The Participant confirms that the Company has notified the Participant of his or her entitlement to reasonable access to the personal data held about the Participant and of his or her rights to rectify any inaccuracies in that data; or

(b)if he or she is based in the UK and/or EEA, or his or her data is otherwise subject to GDPR, his or her personal data will be processed in accordance with the Company's European Union privacy notice (which will be provided to such Participants and is available upon request).

17.Forfeiture of Grant.  If the Participant does not sign and return this Agreement within six months following the Grant Date, the Performance RSUs shall be forfeited and shall be of no further force and effect.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

NIELSEN HOLDINGS PLC
By:
	Nancy Phillips
	Chief Human Resources Officer
	PARTICIPANT
	Online grant acceptance satisfies signature   requirement
	Participant Name

EXHIBIT A

The number of Earned EPS Performance RSUs determined in Part 1 shall be multiplied by the Relative TSR Multiplier in Part 2 to determine the total number of Vested Performance RSUs (as defined below), which shall constitute the total number of Performance RSUs that will become vested, earned and no longer subject to forfeiture pursuant to the terms of the Agreement to which this Exhibit A is attached.

Part 1

Cumulative Adjusted EPS Award Opportunity.  The Participant’s Target RSU Award (the “EPS Target RSUs”) shall be eligible to vest and be earned if and only if the Company’s Cumulative Adjusted Earnings Per Share during the Performance Period (the “Cumulative Adjusted EPS”) at least equals or exceeds $5.25 (the “EPS Threshold Target”).  Subject to the Company’s achievement of the EPS Threshold Target, the number of Performance RSUs that will become earned under this Part 1 shall be equal to the product of (x) the number of EPS Target RSUs and (y) the EPS Performance Factor (as set forth in the table below) (such number of RSUs, the “Earned EPS Performance RSUs”).  The number of Earned EPS Performance RSUs is then subject to a multiplier based on relative total shareholder return, as described in Part 2, below, to determine the number of Vested Performance RSUs.

If the EPS Threshold Target is not achieved, no percentage of the EPS Target RSUs will become vested or earned and such portion of the Performance RSUs shall be immediately forfeited without consideration.  If the EPS Threshold Target is met, the number of Earned EPS Performance RSUs shall be determined as follows:

If Cumulative Adjusted EPS is at least equal to:	Then the EPS Performance Factor is:
$5.25	50%
$5.40	100%
$5.55	200%

If Cumulative Adjusted EPS falls between two of the dollar figures set forth above, the EPS Performance Factor shall be interpolated on a linear basis in order to determine the number of Earned EPS Performance RSUs.

Each of the dollar figures set forth above may be equitably adjusted by the Committee as determined in its reasonable discretion to be necessary to prevent enlargement or diminution of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be provided pursuant to the Target RSU Award.

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Part 2

Relative Total Shareholder Return Modifier.  Following the conclusion of the Performance Period, the number of Earned EPS Performance RSUs, if any, are adjusted by applying a modifier (the “Relative TSR Multiplier”) based on the total shareholder return, or “TSR”, during the Performance Period as compared to the TSR of the Peer Group companies for the three-year period (the Relative Total Shareholder Return or “rTSR”), as set forth in the table below.  If the Company’s rTSR is below the 25th percentile of the Peer Group, the Relative TSR Multiplier will be 75%.  If the Company's rTSR is at or above the 75th percentile of the Peer Group, the Relative TSR Multiplier will be 125%.  If the rTSR is between the 25th and 75th percentiles, the Relative TSR Multiplier will be determined based on the chart below:  

Relative TSR (rTSR) Range	Relative TSR Multiplier
Less than 25th Percentile	75%
Between 25th and 40th Percentile	85%
Between 40th and 60th Percentile	100%
Between 60th and 75th Percentile	115%
Greater than 75th Percentile	125%

If the rTSR is determined by the Committee to fall exactly at the dividing point between two rTSR ranges (e.g., at precisely the 25^th Percentile), then result shall be deemed to fall in the higher range (e.g., “Between 25^th and 40^th Percentile”) and apply the greater Relative TSR Multiplier (e.g., 85%).

Calculation of Vested Performance Shares (Earned EPS Performance RSUs times Relative TSR Multiplier).  

The product of the Relative TSR Multiplier and the Earned EPS Performance RSUs (determined in Part 1) shall determine the total number of Performance RSUs that vest (the “Vested Performance RSUs”).  For the avoidance of doubt, the maximum amount of the award including the EPS Performance Factor and the Relative TSR Multiplier may not exceed 200% of the Target RSU Award.  If the EPS Threshold Target described in Part 1 is not achieved, then the number of Vested Performance RSUs shall be zero, regardless of the Relative TSR Multiplier. Fractional Vested Performance RSUs shall be rounded up to the next whole Vested Performance RSU.

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Definitions

Adjusted EPS shall mean the Company’s earnings per share, as equitably adjusted by the Committee in its reasonable discretion to be necessary to prevent enlargement or diminution of the benefits or potential benefits intended to be provided pursuant to the Target RSU Award, and publicly reported by the Company as “EPS, as adjusted” for each applicable period within the Performance Period.

Cumulative Adjusted EPS shall mean the sum each of the three EPS earnings reports released by the Company during the Performance Period.

Beginning Stock Price” shall mean, for purposes of determining the Relative Total Shareholder Return for the Company and each company in the Peer Group, respectively, the average closing price per share of common stock of each such entity based on the twenty (20) trading day period ending immediately prior to January 1, 2019.  For any company with more than one issue of common stock, the calculation shall be made on the primary (most actively traded) issue of stock.

“Ending Stock Price” shall mean, for purposes of determining the Relative Total Shareholder Return for each of the Company and each company in the Peer Group, respectively, the average closing price per share of common stock based on the twenty (20) trading day period ending immediately prior to (and including, if it is a trading day) December 31, 2021.  For any company with more than one issue of common stock, the calculation shall be made based on the primary (most actively traded) issue of stock.

“Relative Total Shareholder Return” shall mean the amount equal to:

(a) the sum of:

(x) the Ending Stock Price minus the Beginning Stock Price, plus

(y) the amount of any cash dividends paid on a per share basis on any shares of common stock of the applicable company (calculated as if such dividends had been reinvested in the applicable company’s common stock at the end of the month in which each dividend is made, based on the ex-dividend date) cumulatively over the Performance Period; divided by

(b) the Beginning Stock Price.

“Peer Group” shall mean that group of peer companies specified by the Committee and communicated to the Participant in writing separate and apart from this Agreement as such peer companies may be amended by the Committee in its sole discretion.

EX-10.4(G)

Exhibit 10.4(g)

David Kenny

Chief Executive Officer

December 13, 2019

Ms. Laurie Lovett

Dear Laurie,

I am delighted to offer you the position of Chief Human Resources Officer, Nielsen Holdings based in our New York City office, to myself. Your hire date is January 13, 2020.  Upon the completion of the separation or other similar disposition of the Connect business, your title will become Chief Human Resources Officer, Nielsen Media.

Your annualized base salary will be $500,000, payable in biweekly installments.

You will participate in our Annual Incentive Plan with an annual target of $500,000.  Annual incentive payments are typically made in March of each year.  For the 2020 plan year, 1/6^th or $83,333, will be paid out on your 6 month anniversary and another 1/6^th or $83,333, will be paid on your 12 month anniversary.  The remaining portion of your annual incentive will be subject to overall business and individual performance and paid at the time normal bonus payments are made.

As a member of Nielsen’s senior management team, you will be eligible to participate in discretionary Long Term Incentive (LTI) awards.

In February of 2020, we will recommend to the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors that you are awarded equity grants as follows:

• Performance restricted stock units (PRSUs), having a value of $600,000 under our Long Term Performance Plan (LTPP). The PRSUs will be earned based on the company achieving approved cumulative financial performance targets over the three-year period commencing January 1, 2020.

• Restricted stock units (RSUs) having a value of $400,000. RSUs automatically vest in 4 equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the grant date provided you are an active employee on the vesting date.

As a senior executive at Nielsen you are expected to accumulate and maintain a meaningful level of stock ownership in the Company. The value of your stock ownership guideline is 1x your annual salary. The guideline shares will be determined using the closing price of a Nielsen share on your hire date. A summary of our stock ownership guideline is included in the addendum to this offer letter.

You will be eligible for reimbursement of actual expenses incurred for annual financial planning and executive health examination up to annual limits of $15,000 and $2,500 respectively.

The company will reimburse the costs of temporary accommodations in New York City for up to 90 days from your date of hire.  In addition, we will reimburse relocation expenses from New Jersey to New York City provided that the relocation is initiated within 12 months of your hire date. Relocation costs include but are not limited to home sale/purchase and movement of household goods accordingto Nielsen’s relocation policy. You will be required to use Nielsen preferred relocation provider, Cartus.

As a Nielsen employee, you will be eligible for all benefits currently offered to members of the Nielsen senior management team as of your first day of employment.Within a week of your start date you should receive an email from Alight, our benefits administration platform, inviting you to enroll in our benefit plans. You must enroll within 31 days of your hire date.If you do not receive your email, please contact the Alight Benefits Service Center (1-833-372-8751).

While it is our sincere hope that our relationship will be a long and mutually beneficial one, your employment by Nielsen is at-will, which means either you or the company may voluntarily terminate your employment at any time. In the event your employment is terminated involuntarily (except in cases deemed to be "for cause") or voluntarily "for good reason", you will receive benefits as described in our Executive Severance Policy, a copy of which is enclosed with this letter.

In the event of a qualifying termination during the change in control period, as defined under the Executive Severance Policy, for a year in which a pro-rata or no bonus has been paid due to you commencing employment with Nielsen, we will use the target bonus opportunity in calculating the average bonus payout.

This offer is conditional upon the following:

1. Successful completion of a background check including prior employment and education verification.

2. Your completion of the Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9.  The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1985 requires employers to verify that all employees are legally authorized to work in the United States.

3. Signed return of necessary documents listed on the form to establish your identity and employment eligibility. This form, and other new hire paperwork will be sent to you upon accepting this offer and should be submitted on your first day of employment.

4. Your signing the enclosed Executive Non Disclosure, Non Solicitation, Non-Competition and Inventions Assignment Agreement.

On behalf of the entire Nielsen team, I am thrilled to welcome you to our organization. I look forward to working together as you build a rewarding career and we create long term value at Nielsen.

Sincerely,

David Kenny	Accepted:
		Laurie Lovett	Date

Share Ownership Guidelines Summary

• Eligible shares include shares owned directly, jointly, beneficially owned held indirectly, shares held in 401(k)

• Ineligible shares include stock options and shares pledged for loans

• There is no set time period to attain the guideline but until the guideline is attained, executive is restricted from selling shares (with the exception of shares used to cover income tax liability on vesting RSUs and on option exercise and hold transactions)

• Guidelines are set using a multiple of base salary for Section 16 Officers

• Guideline shares are calculated for new hires using the closing price of a Nielsen share on the hire date

• Guidelines are reset each January

• 3x base salary is the maximum threshold below the level of the CEO

• Executive is to produce an annual statement or certification of share ownership

• Compensation Committee may waive application of guidelines in event of financial hardship

EX-10.4(H)

Exhibit 10.4(h)

David Kenny

Chief Executive Officer

January 10, 2020

Ms. Linda Zukauckas

Dear Linda,

I am delighted to offer you the position of Chief Financial Officer, Nielsen Holdings plc based in our New York City office, reporting to myself. Your hire date is February 3, 2020 or another mutually agreed upon hire date.  Upon the completion of the separation or other similar disposition of the Connect business, your title will become Chief Financial Officer, Nielsen Media.

Base Salary

Your annualized base salary will be $800,000, payable in biweekly installments.

Annual Incentive

You will participate in our Annual Incentive Plan with an annual target of $900,000.  Annual incentive payments are typically made in March of each year.

Long Term Incentives

As a member of Nielsen’s senior management team, you will be eligible to participate in discretionary Long Term Incentive (LTI) awards.

As soon as practical after your hire date, we will recommend to the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors that you are awarded equity grants as follows:

• Performance restricted stock units (PRSUs), having a value of $1,650,000 under our Long Term Performance Plan (LTPP). The PRSUs will be earned based on the company achieving approved cumulative financial performance targets and are expected to vest at the end of a three-year performance period commencing January 1, 2020.

• Restricted stock units (RSUs) having a value of $1,100,000. RSUs automatically vest in 4 equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the grant date provided you are an active employee on the vesting date.

Make Whole Award

To compensate you for the loss of your annual incentive award at your former employer, the Compensation Committee of the Board has approved a one-time hiring cash award with a value of $1,000,000. This award will be paid as soon as administratively possible following your hire date. If you resign voluntarily without good reason or are terminated for cause within one year of receiving this payment, you agree to repay this amount in full.

The $1,000,000 one-time hiring cash award will be reduced by the amount of any 2019 annual incentive payment paid to you by your prior employer.  

In addition, to compensate you for the loss of unvested equity at your former employer, the Compensation Committee of the Board has approved a one-time hiring equity award to be granted on your date of hire, using the closing price of Nielsen stock on the date of hire and having a value of $3,600,000. The award will be denominated in time-based RSUs that (i) will vest in 3 installments as follows: 40% on April 30, 2020, 30% on April 30, 2021 and 30% on April 30, 2022 provided you are an employee on the vesting date and (ii) will have such other terms contained in the form of award agreement attached as Exhibit 1A to this offer letter.

One Time New Hire Equity Grant

The Compensation Committee of the Board has approved a one-time new hire equity award to be granted on your hire date.  The New Hire Award will consist of 100,000 performance stock options (New Hire PSOs).  The New Hire PSOs will (i) use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of the award, (ii) have a seven year term, (iii) a strike price equal to the closing price of Nielsen stock on the grant date and (iv) such other terms contained in the form of award agreement attached as Exhibit 1B to this offer letter.

Miscellaneous

As a senior executive at Nielsen you are expected to accumulate and maintain a meaningful level of stock ownership in the Company. The value of your stock ownership guideline is 3x your annual salary. The guideline shares will be determined using the closing price of a Nielsen share on your hire date. A summary of our stock ownership guideline is included in the addendum to this offer letter.

You will be eligible for reimbursement of actual expenses incurred for annual financial planning and executive health examination up to annual limits of $15,000 and $2,500 respectively.

Nielsen will reimburse you for reasonable, documented legal fees that you incur in connection with accepting this position at Nielsen, subject to a cap of $25,000.

As a Nielsen employee, you will be eligible for all benefits currently offered to members of the Nielsen senior management team as of your first day of employment.  Within a week of your start date you should receive an email from Alight, our benefits administration platform, inviting you to enroll in our benefit plans. You must enroll within 31 days of your hire date. If you do not receive your email, please contact the Alight Benefits Service Center (1-833-372-8751).

While it is our sincere hope that our relationship will be a long and mutually beneficial one, your employment by Nielsen is at-will, which means either you or the company may voluntarily terminate your employment at any time. In the event your employment is terminated involuntarily (except in cases deemed to be "for cause") or voluntarily "for good reason", you will receive benefits as described in our Executive Severance Policy, a copy of which is enclosed with this letter.

In the event of a qualifying termination during the change in control period, as defined under the Executive Severance Policy, for a year in which a pro-rata or no bonus has been paid due to you commencing employment with Nielsen, we will use the target bonus opportunity in calculating the average bonus payout.

This offer is conditional upon the following:

1. Successful completion of a background check including prior employment and education verification.

2. Your completion of the Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9.  The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1985 requires employers to verify that all employees are legally authorized to work in the United States.

3. Signed return of necessary documents listed on the form to establish your identity and employment eligibility. This form, and other new hire paperwork will be sent to you upon accepting this offer and should be submitted on your first day of employment.

4. Your signing the enclosed Executive Non Disclosure, Non Solicitation, Non-Competition and Inventions Assignment Agreement.

On behalf of the entire Nielsen team, I am thrilled to welcome you to our organization. I look forward to working together as you build a rewarding career and we create long term value at Nielsen.

Sincerely,

David Kenny	Accepted:
		Linda Zukauckas	Date

Share Ownership Guidelines Summary

• Eligible shares include shares owned directly, jointly, beneficially owned held indirectly, shares held in 401(k)

• Ineligible shares include stock options and shares pledged for loans

• There is no set time period to attain the guideline but until the guideline is attained, executive is restricted from selling shares (with the exception of shares used to cover income tax liability on vesting RSUs and on option exercise and hold transactions)

• Guidelines are set using a multiple of base salary for Section 16 Officers

• Guideline shares are calculated for new hires using the closing price of a Nielsen share on the hire date

• Guidelines are reset each January

• 3x base salary is the maximum threshold below the level of the CEO

• Executive is to produce an annual statement or certification of share ownership

• Compensation Committee may waive application of guidelines in event of financial hardship

EX-10.4(I)

Exhibit 10.4(i)

David Kenny

Chief Executive Officer

December 28, 2019

Mr. David Rawlinson

Dear David,

I am delighted to offer you the position of Chief Executive Officer, Nielsen Connect based in our Chicago office, reporting to me. Your hire date is January 13, 2020 or another mutually agreed upon hire date.  Upon the completion of the separation or other similar disposition of the Connect business, your title will remain Chief Executive Officer, Nielsen Connect, however you will report directly to the Nielsen Connect Board of Directors.

Base Salary

Your annualized base salary will be $900,000, payable in biweekly installments.  Effective January 1, 2021 or upon the separation or other similar disposition of the Connect business, whichever is sooner, your annualized base salary will be $1,000,000, payable in biweekly installments.

Annual Incentive

You will participate in our Annual Incentive Plan with an annual target of $1,250,000.  Annual incentive payments are typically made in March of each year. Effective January 1, 2021 or upon the separation or other similar disposition of the Connect business, whichever is sooner, your annual incentive target will be $1,500,000.

Long Term Incentives

You will be eligible to participate in discretionary Long Term Incentive (LTI) awards.

In February of 2020, we will recommend to the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors that you are awarded equity grants as follows:

• Performance restricted stock units (PRSUs), having a value of $3,600,000 under our Long Term Performance Plan (LTPP). The PRSUs will be earned based on the company achieving approved cumulative financial performance targets over the three-year period commencing January 1, 2020.

• Restricted stock units (RSUs) having a value of $2,400,000. RSUs automatically vest in 4 equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the grant date provided you are an active employee on the vesting date.

• Effective January 1, 2021 or upon the separation or other similar disposition of the Connect business, whichever is sooner, the annual grant value of your PRSU award will be $4,200,000 and the value of the RSUs will be $2,800,000.  These awards will be made at the same time they are for other executives (typically following approval at the February Compensation Committee meeting) and will have the same terms as outlined above.

Make Whole Awards

To compensate you for the loss of your annual incentive award at your former employer, the Compensation Committee of the Board has approved a one-time hiring cash award with a value of $475,000.

To compensate you for the loss of your award under your former employer’s Profit Sharing Plan, the Compensation Committee of the Board has approved a one-time cash award with a value of $120,000.  Both this award and the one-time cash award to replace the loss of your annual incentive award will be paid in our March 6 payroll run.  If you resign voluntarily without good reason or are terminated for cause within one year of receiving this payment, you agree to repay both award amounts in full ($595,000).

To compensate you for the loss of unvested equity at your former employer, the Compensation Committee of the Board has approved a one-time hiring equity award to be granted on your date of hire, using the closing price of Nielsen stock on the date of hire and having a value of $1,670,000. The award will be denominated in time-based RSUs vesting in 3 installments: 55% on April 30, 2020, 30% on April 30, 2021 and 15% on April 30, 2022 provided you are an employee on the vesting date.

Miscellaneous

As a senior executive at Nielsen you are expected to accumulate and maintain a meaningful level of stock ownership in the Company. The value of your stock ownership guideline is 3x your annual salary. The guideline shares will be determined using the closing price of a Nielsen share on your hire date. A summary of our stock ownership guideline is included in the addendum to this offer letter.  Effective January 1, 2021 or upon the separation or other similar disposition of the Connect business, whichever is sooner, your stock ownership guidelines will increase to 6x your annual salary.

You will be eligible for reimbursement of actual expenses incurred for annual financial planning and executive health examination up to annual limits of $30,000 and $2,500 respectively.

As a Nielsen employee, you will be eligible for all benefits currently offered to members of the Nielsen senior management team as of your first day of employment.  Within a week of your start date you should receive an email from Alight, our benefits administration platform, inviting you to enroll in our benefit plans. You must enroll within 31 days of your hire date. If you do not receive your email, please contact the Alight Benefits Service Center (1-833-372-8751).

While it is our sincere hope that our relationship will be a long and mutually beneficial one, your employment by Nielsen is at-will, which means either you or the company may voluntarily terminate your employment at any time. In the event your employment is terminated involuntarily (except in cases deemed to be "for cause") or voluntarily "for good reason", you will receive benefits as described in our Executive Severance Policy, a copy of which is enclosed with this letter.

In the event of a qualifying termination during the change in control period, as defined under the Executive Severance Policy, for a year in which a pro-rata or no bonus has been paid due to you commencing employment with Nielsen, we will use the target bonus opportunity in calculating the average bonus payout.

For purposes of this offer letter and your rights upon a termination of employment, Good Reason and Cause shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Executive Severance Policy, except that Good Reason shall also include the following items:

1. A reduction in your annual incentive target, other than as a result of a general reduction applicable to all named executive officers

2. The Company’s failure to nominate you for election or re-election to the Board, other than as a result of your prior termination of employment due to death or disability, for Cause or voluntarily without Good Reason.

This offer is conditional upon the following:

1. Successful completion of a background check including prior employment and education verification.

2. Your completion of the Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9.  The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1985 requires employers to verify that all employees are legally authorized to work in the United States.

3. Signed return of necessary documents listed on the form to establish your identity and employment eligibility. This form, and other new hire paperwork will be sent to you upon accepting this offer and should be submitted on your first day of employment.

4. Your signing the enclosed Executive Non Disclosure, Non Solicitation, Non-Competition and Inventions Assignment Agreement.

On behalf of the entire Nielsen team, I am thrilled to welcome you to our organization. I look forward to working together as you build a rewarding career and we create long term value at Nielsen.

Sincerely,

David Kenny	Accepted:
		David Rawlinson	Date

Share Ownership Guidelines Summary

• Eligible shares include shares owned directly, jointly, beneficially owned held indirectly, shares held in 401(k)

• Ineligible shares include stock options and shares pledged for loans

• There is no set time period to attain the guideline but until the guideline is attained, executive is restricted from selling shares (with the exception of shares used to cover income tax liability on vesting RSUs and on option exercise and hold transactions)

• Guidelines are set using a multiple of base salary for Section 16 Officers

• Guideline shares are calculated for new hires using the closing price of a Nielsen share on the hire date

• Guidelines are reset each January

• 3x base salary is the maximum threshold below the level of the CEO

• Executive is to produce an annual statement or certification of share ownership

• Compensation Committee may waive application of guidelines in event of financial hardship

EX-10.4(J)

Exhibit 10.4(j)

SEPARATION, NON-DISPARAGEMENT, & GENERAL RELEASE AGREEMENT

The following Separation, Non-Disparagement, and General Release Agreement (the "Agreement") is hereby entered into between David Anderson (“I”, "me" or “Employee”) and Nielsen Holdings plc (“Employer”).

WHEREAS, effective December 31, 2019, Employee resigned his employment from the Company without Good Reason as defined in Article II, Section (o) of the Nielsen Holdings plc Severance Policy For Section 16 Officers and United States-Based Senior Executives (the "Policy");

WHEREAS, since Employee resigned his employment without Good Reason, his separation is not a Qualifying Termination as defined in Article II, Section (t) of the Policy;

WHEREAS due to his resignation without Good Reason (and not as result of Retirement as may be set forth in any of the agreements described in Section 2(B) below), Employee is not entitled to any severance benefits pursuant to the Policy or any other Company policy;

WHEREAS, the parties to this Agreement desire to enter into an agreement in order to provide separation pay and benefits to Employee in exchange for entering into this Agreement;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises hereinafter provided and of the actions taken pursuant thereto, the parties agree as follows:

Section 1

A.Separation Date / Final Pay. My separation of employment is effective on December 31, 2019 (“Separation Date”). Regardless of whether I sign this Agreement, I will be paid all earned and unpaid wages, less applicable deductions, in my final paycheck, or in accordance with applicable law.

B.Separation Benefits. In exchange for this Agreement, and in accordance with this Agreement’s terms and in complete settlement of any and all claims (known or unknown) that I may have against the Employer, the Employer agrees I will be entitled to the following:

(i)the gross sum of One Million Three Hundred Thousand Dollars and Zero Cents ($1,300,000.00), subject to all applicable taxes and withholding (the “Separation Payment”);

(ii)the number of my unvested performance-based restricted stock units granted to me pursuant to that Performance Restricted Stock Unit Grant Agreement (Revenue CAGR) dated March 1, 2019 (the "PRSU CAGR Grant Agreement"), granted under the Amended and Restated Nielsen 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Plan") had my termination of employment with Employer been terminated by Employer for reasons other than "Cause" (as that term is defined in the Policy) rather than my resignation,

payable in such number and at such time as determined in accordance with the terms of the PRSU CAGR Grant Agreement and the Plan (including, but not limited to, the attainment of relevant performance criteria as set forth in the PRSU CAGR Grant Agreement);

(iii)the number of my unvested performance-based restricted stock units granted to me pursuant to that Performance Restricted Stock Unit Grant Agreement (Cumulative EPS) dated March 1, 2019 (the "PRSU EPS Grant Agreement"), granted under the Plan had my termination of employment with Employer been terminated by Employer for reasons other than "Cause" (as that term is defined in the Policy) rather than my resignation, payable in such number and at such time as determined in accordance with the terms of the PRSU EPS Grant Agreement and the Plan (including, but not limited to, the attainment of relevant performance criteria as set forth in the PRSU EPS Grant Agreement);

(iv) the number of my unvested stock units granted to me pursuant to that Restricted Stock Unit Grant Agreement with an October 26, 2018 grant date  (the "2018 RSU Grant Agreement"), granted under the Plan had my termination of employment with Employer been terminated by Employer for reasons other than "Cause" (as that term is defined in the Policy) rather than my resignation, payable in such number and at such time as determined in accordance with the terms of the 2018 RSU Grant Agreement and the Plan;

(v)the number of my unvested stock units granted to me pursuant to that Restricted Stock Unit Grant Agreement with a March 1, 2019 grant date (the "2019 RSU Grant Agreement"), granted under the Plan had my termination of employment with Employer been terminated by Employer for reasons other than "Cause" (as that term is defined in the Policy) rather than my resignation, payable in such number and at such time as determined in accordance with the terms of the 2019 RSU Grant Agreement and the Plan, which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall be calculated based upon the number of days that I was employed from the Grant Date to my Separation Date (rather than from the “immediately prior Vesting Date” to my Separation Date); and

(vi)all performance stock options units granted to me pursuant to that Performance Stock Option Agreement with an October 26, 2018 grant date (the "PSO Grant Agreement"), granted under the Plan shall be forfeited and cancelled for no consideration effective as of the Separation Date.

I understand and agree that this Separation Payment and treatment of my equity awards under the Plan as set forth in this Section 2(B) are benefits I am otherwise not entitled to receive, and that they are being offered only in exchange for my agreement to the release of claims below. Provided that I have signed and not revoked this Agreement and the revocation period described in Section 5(E) has expired within 30 days of the Separation Date, the Separation Payment will be paid in two installments: (1) the first installment equal to Five Hundred Sixty

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Thousand Dollars and Zero Cents ($560,000.00) shall be paid on the later of January 9, 2020 or two (2) days following the expiration of the revocation period, and (2) the secondinstallment equal to the remainder of the Separation Payment shall be paid six months and one dayafter the Separation Date.[I agree that if I timely elect COBRA coverage, it shall be entirely at my expense.]

C.Benefit Participation. To the extent I participated in any employee welfare benefit plans, retirement plans, 401(k) plans, profit sharing plans, stock option plans or any other similar benefit program, my right to continue participation, vesting, distribution or other rights shall be governed and controlled by the specific terms, conditions and requirements of such plans, except as otherwise provided in Section 1(B) above.

D.No Further Compensation or Benefits.  Other than the above, I will not receive any other or additional compensation, pay or benefits or benefit coverage under any other Employer health or benefit plans, and specifically agree and acknowledge that I am not entitled to nor will I receive any bonus.

Section 2

A.In General.I irrevocably and unconditionally release the Released Parties listed in Section 2(D) from all the claims described in Section 2(B) and 2(C) of this Agreement, whether known or unknown. However, I am not releasing my right to enforce this release or any other claims that cannot be lawfully waived, as further described below.

B.Claims Released Other Than Age Discrimination Claims.Subject only to the exception noted in Section 2(A), I, on behalf of my heirs, spouse and assigns, hereby completely release and forever discharge the Released Parties listed in Section 2(D) from any and all claims, known or unknown, based on any act or omission occurring before and including the date of my signing this Agreement, to the fullest extent allowed by law (“Released Claims”). These include, but are not limited to, claims that in any way relate to: (i) my employment with the Employer, or the termination of that employment, such as claims for compensation, lost wages, unused accrued vacation, personal, or sick pay; (ii) the design or administration of any employee benefit program; (iii) compensation or benefits under any other agreement I have entered with the Employer, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement; (iv) any rights I may have to the Separation Payment or similar benefits; or (v) any claims to attorneys’ fees. I understand that the claims I am releasing might arise under many different laws, including, but not limited to, the following:

Antidiscrimination statutes, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, and Executive Order 11246, which prohibit discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, or sex; the Equal Pay Act, which prohibits paying men and women unequal pay for equal work; the Americans with Disabilities Act and Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibit discrimination against the disabled; the New York State Human Rights Law; the New York City Human Rights Law; the New York Labor Law; the New York State Civil Rights Law; Article 23-A of the New York State Corrections Law; Section 125 of the New York Workers'

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Compensation Law;the New York City Earned Safe and Sick Time Actand any other federal, state, or local laws prohibiting employment discrimination or wrongful termination.

Other laws, such as federal, state, or local law restricting an employer’s right to terminate employees, or otherwise regulating employment; any federal, state, or local law enforcing express or implied employment contracts or requiring an employer to deal with employees fairly or in good faith; any other federal, state, or local laws providing recourse for alleged wrongful discharge, physical or personal injury, emotional distress, fraud, negligent misrepresentation, defamation, retaliation, and similar or related claims.

C.Release of Age Discrimination Claims. I agree to waive claims of age discrimination underthe Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ADEA”), as amended by the Older Workers Benefit Protections Act (“OWBPA”), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of age (age 40 and over).

D.Released Parties. The Released Parties are the Employer, all of its past and present parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, related entities, and each of their employees, officers, agents, attorneys, directors, shareholders, insurers, and employee benefit programs (and the trustees, administrators, fiduciaries, and insurers of such programs), including but not limited to The Nielsen Company (US), LLC, except that with respect to parties not affiliated with the Employer, the release shall be limited to matters pertaining to my employment with and departure from the Employer..

E.Rights Not Released or Waived.I understand that no provisions in this Agreement are intended to limit my right to file claims that may not be legally waived, including for workers’ compensation due to a workplace injury, or to challenge the validity of this Agreement under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act or Older Workers Benefit Protection Act. I further understand that I will have the same level and scope of D&O insurance coverage as all other current Executive Officers, as well as any rights to indemnification currently available to Executive Officers; provided, however, I further understand that I will not be covered under any Connect D&O insurance policy effective January 1, 2020 or thereafter, nor will I be indemnified as Connect Executive Officers.

F.Administrative Charges.I also understand I do not waive the right to file a charge of discrimination or other claim of unlawful behavior with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Department of Labor, National Labor Relations Board or other governmental agency. I understand that I retain the right to participate in investigations conducted by such agencies. Nonetheless, I release any right to recover monetary damages from the Employer through any charge or claim I file or that an agency or anyone else files on my behalf.

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Section 3

A.Pursuit of Released Claims.I represent that I will not in the future, directly or indirectly, file any lawsuit against the Released Parties based on the Released Claims. I agree to execute all documents necessary to request dismissal or withdrawal, or to opt-out of such claims with prejudice.

B.Employer Property.I will promptly return to the Employer all files, memoranda, documents, records, copies of the foregoing, keys, and any other property of the Employer in my possession.

C.Taxes.I am responsible for paying any taxes on amounts I receive because I signed this Agreement and I agree that the Employer is to withhold all taxes it determines it is legally required to withhold.  Employer and its agents and attorneys, make no representation as to the tax consequences or liability arising from Employer’s payment of the compensation and benefits under Section 1.  The parties agree that any tax consequences or liability arising from Employer’s payment of the compensation and benefits under Section 1 shall be the sole responsibility of Employee.  Should any state or federal taxing authority determine that any or all of the compensation or benefits constitute income subject to withholding under any federal or state law, including, without limitation, income tax, social security, and unemployment insurance laws, then Employee agrees to indemnify and hold the Released Parties harmless from any and all tax liability, including, without limitation, taxes, levies, assessments, fines, interest, costs, expenses, penalties, and attorneys’ fees.

D.Ownership of Claims. I have not assigned or transferred any claim I am releasing, nor have I purported to do so.

E.Nonadmission of Liability/Agreement Is Not Evidence. Both the Employer and I agree not to assert that this Agreement is an admission of liability or wrongdoing by me, the Employer, or the Released Parties.  The Employer and I further agree that this Agreement may not be used as evidence in any subsequent proceeding of any kind except in which one of the parties alleges a breach of this Agreement.

F.No Disparagement.By entering into this Agreement, I agree that I have not, will not, and will not encourage or induce others to, make, publish or communicate to any person or entity or in any public forum any slanderous, defamatory or disparaging remarks, comments posts or statements concerning the Employer, its subsidiaries, affiliates or shareholders or any of their respective past, present or future directors, officers, employees, agents, shareholders or members, any of their products, services or the Employer's business; any aspect of the Strategic Review, and/or the intent to make one of the two primary businesses a separate, publicly traded company.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Section 3(F) is intended to prohibit, limit or prevent me from providing truthful testimony in a court of law, truthful statements to a government official, regulatory or law enforcement agency, and such testimony or statements shall not be deemed to be a violation of this Section 3(F).

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The Employer agrees that it shall instruct in writing the current members of its Executive Committee and Board of Director Members to refrain from making any communication, verbally or written, that disparages, criticizes, or otherwise reflects adversely upon Employee's job performance as an employee of the Employer.

All inquiries to the Employer concerning my employment will be directed to Jacki DeFilippo, Senior Vice President Human Resources, which, in response to any such inquiries, will state that it is the Employer’s policy to only confirm dates of employment and job title and will make no further comments about my employment.

G.Nondisclosure. I acknowledge that I may possess confidential information concerning the operations and personnel of the Employer and I agree that the Employer would be severely damaged if I used or disclosed this information. To prevent this harm, I promise never to use or disclose any such information, provided that it will not be considered a breach of this Agreement if I am compelled to testify in a judicial or administrative proceeding by court order or subpoena. I agree that my nondisclosure obligations I entered by separate agreement during my employment will continue even after the Separation Date.

Pursuant to the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 (18 U.S.C. 1833(b)), I shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any Federal or State trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made in confidence either directly or indirectly to a Federal, State, or local government official, or to an attorney, solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating, a violation of law. I shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any Federal or State trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret made in a complaint, or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. If I file a lawsuit alleging retaliation by the Employer for reporting a suspected violation of the law, I may disclose the trade secret to my attorney and use the trade secret in the court proceeding, so long as any document containing the trade secret is filed under seal and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order. This paragraph will govern to the extent it may conflict with any other provision of this Agreement.

Nothing in this Agreement, or any other agreement, manual policies or procedure of the Employer shall prohibit or restrict me or my counsel from: (i) disclosing information required by law or legal process; (ii) reporting possible violations of federal, state or local law or regulation to any federal, state, or local governmental agency, commission or entity (collectively “Government Agencies”) (iii) filing a charge or complaint with Government Agencies; (iv) making disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal or state law or regulation (collectively the “Whistleblower Statutes”); or (v) initiating communications directly with, responding to any inquiry from, volunteering information to, testifying or otherwise participating in or assisting in any inquiry, investigation or proceeding brought by Government Agencies in connection with (i) through (iv).  I am not required to advise or seek permission from the Employer before engaging in any activity set forth in (i) through (v).  Further, although I understand that I am waiving any right to recover any award from the Employer related to any action or claim, this Agreement does not limit my right to receive an

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award from Government Agencies for information provided to Government Agencies or pursuant to the Whistleblower Statutes.

To the extent not prohibited by law, in the event that I learn that disclosure is required pursuant to a subpoena, court order, or by operation of law, I shall give written notice to the Employer within five (5) calendar days of receipt thereof. Written notification to the Employer shall be provided to George Callard, Chief Legal Officer, 675 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10011, via hand delivery or email (george.callard@nielsen.com).

H.Compliance With Laws. I agree that I have been properly paid for all time worked; I have not experienced a workplace injury which has not been reported or for which a workers’ compensation claim has not already been filed; I received all leave during my employment required by applicable law; and, to my knowledge, the Employer is and has been in compliance with all laws and regulations and local ordinances.

I.Confidentiality. The parties agree that they will keep any negotiations leading up to this Agreement completely confidential, except that I am able to disclose information to my spouse (if any), accountant or attorney, or as otherwise required by law, and the Employer may disclose information to human resources and payroll to process this Agreement, accountants or attorneys, or as otherwise required by law.

J.Cooperation. I agree to cooperate with the Employer with respect to the prosecution and/or defense of legal claims that arose during my tenure as an employee of the Employer, or which relate to events that occurred during my tenure as an employee of the Employer or to which I have any information.  Such cooperation shall include, but is not limited to, making myself available for interview by the Employer and/or its counsel, reviewing and/or identifying documents, giving testimony and/or testifying at trial. Nothing in this Section 3(j) is intended to or will limit, or impact in any way, the obligation of me to testify honestly and accurately in, or to respond to or comply with any legal or judicial proceedings or requirements.  Unless prohibited by law, the Employer agrees that it will reimburse me at a rate of Three Hundred Dollars and Zero Cents ($300.00) per hour for my cooperation as directed by the Employer, and that it will reimburse me for my reasonable business expenses incurred assisting the Employer in any such matter. I will be required to obtain the Employer's written approval before undertaking any task hereunder, or incurring any reasonable business expense.

K.Public Communications.

The Employer agrees that it shall instruct in writing the current members of its Executive Committee, its current Executive Officers, and its current Board of Director Members to make no statements concerning Employee's departure except statements that are consistent with the content of the press release attached hereto as Exhibit A, and the Employer’s internal communications to its employees regarding Employee's separation of his employment will be consistent with the content of the press release attached hereto as Exhibit A.  

Employee acknowledges that he will make no statements to the public or otherwise that

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are inconsistent with the contents of the press release attached hereto asExhibit A. I further agree that I will not contract, communicate or collaborate with the media (including social media) or press (including interviews) regarding my employment or my work with the Employer, or my contributions as CFO, until after my Separation Date.Further, I agree to allow the Employer throughout 2020 to review any draft article, interview or post that discusses substantively my employment or work at the Employer before it is published.  

Section 4

I acknowledge that I carefully read this Agreement, that I understand its provisions, and before signing this Agreement, the Employer encouraged me to discuss this Agreement with my attorney and that I did so to the extent I deemed appropriate.

Section 5

A.Entire Agreement.This Agreement is the entire Agreement between me and the Employer with respect to any matters referred to in this Agreement. This Agreement supersedes all other agreements I have entered with the Employer, except those relating to non-disclosure of confidential information, non-competition or other restrictive covenants, including but not limited to The Nielsen Company (US) LLC Executive Non-Disclosure, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, and Inventions Assignment Agreement; the Plan; the 2018 RSU Grant Agreement; the 2019 RSU Grant Agreement; the PSO Grant Agreement; PRSU CAGR Grant Agreement and the PRSU EPS Grant Agreement. This Agreement may not be modified in any manner except by a writing signed by both me and an authorized Employer official. I acknowledge that the Employer has made no promises to me other than those set forth in this Agreement. If any provision in this Agreement is found to be unenforceable, all other provisions will remain fully enforceable.

B.Successors. This Agreement binds the heirs, administrators, representatives, executors, successors, and assigns of all bound parties and will inure to the benefit of all parties and their respective heirs, administrators, representatives, executors, successors, and assigns.

C.Interpretation. This Agreement shall be governed by the statutes and common law of the State of New York, excluding its choice of laws, statutes or common law.

D.Severability.  If any court of competent jurisdiction determines that any of the agreements or releases contained herein, or any part thereof, is unenforceable because of the character, duration or scope of such provision, such court shall have the power to sever such provision or modify or reduce the duration or scope of such provision, and, in its reduced form, this Agreement shall then be enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law.

E. Agreement Knowingly and Voluntarily Executed; Waiting and Revocation Periods. I expressly acknowledge that this Agreement contains a waiver of claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and the Older Workers Benefit Protection Act and I have been advised and instructed that I have the right to consult with an attorney and that I should

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review the terms of this Agreement with counsel of my own selection.I further confirm, warrant and represent:

(a) I understand that I have 21 days in which to consider the terms of this Agreement, but may sign sooner if I choose to do so;

(b) I have had the opportunity to review this Agreement with counsel of my own choice;

(c) I have carefully read the terms of this Agreement and I am fully aware of the Agreement’s contents and legal effects;

(d) I understand that I may revoke my waiver of age discrimination claims, as described in Section 2(C), up to and including the seventh (7^th) day after I have signed this Agreement by notifying George Callard, Chief Legal Officer, 675 6th Avenue, New York, NY 10011, in writing via hand delivery or email (george.callard@nielsen.com), no later than seven (7) days following my execution of this Agreement; and

(e) I execute this Agreement voluntarily, knowingly, and willingly.

F.Effective Date. This Agreement shall become effective on the eighth (8^th) day after I have signed it. If I choose to revoke my waiver of age discrimination claims during the seven (7) day revocation period described in Section 5(E)(d), my revocation will only apply to my release of claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and Older Workers Benefit Protection Act of Section 2(C). All other items contained in the release of claims in Section 2(A) and 2(B) above will remain effective, and I shall only be entitled to a Separation Payment of five hundred dollars ($500).

By their signatures, the Employer and Employee agree to be bound by the foregoing terms of this Agreement.

Dated:

David Anderson

For the Employer:

By:

Its:

Signature:Dated:

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Exhibit A

New York, NY — Dec. 23, 2019 — Nielsen (NYSE: NLSN) announced today that Chief Financial Officer David J. Anderson has resigned, effective December 31, 2019.

Nielsen has commenced a search for a new CFO with the assistance of an external search firm.

Chief Executive Officer David Kenny said, “We are full steam ahead in preparing for the separation of our Global Media and Global Connect businesses. As independent companies, Media and Connect will enjoy added flexibility and further strengthen their paths towards a new phase of growth, productivity and industry leadership. Dave Anderson played an important role at Nielsen during a critical time for the company. We appreciate his many contributions."

Mr. Anderson stated, “I am grateful for the opportunity to have served in the Nielsen leadership team and wish my Nielsen colleagues great success as the company moves forward.”

Mr. Kenny added, “I’m confident in the quality and depth of our finance and accounting teams, which will ensure financial reporting continuity until a new CFO is appointed.”

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EX-10.15(D)

Exhibits 10.15(d)

RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT

THIS RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT (the “Agreement”) is hereby made effective as of the Grant Date set forth on the schedule attached hereto as Schedule A (“Schedule A”, such date, the “Grant Date”) between Nielsen Holdings plc, a company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales having its registered office in the United Kingdom (hereinafter referred to as the “Company”), and the individual whose name is set forth on Schedule A hereof, who is in the Employment of the Company or a Subsidiary (the “Participant”). For purposes of this Agreement, capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in the Nielsen 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).

WHEREAS, the Company desires to grant the Participant restricted stock units (“RSUs”), as provided hereunder and pursuant to the Plan, the terms of which are hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the Committee has determined that it would be to the advantage and best interest of the Company and its shareholders to grant the RSUs to the Participant (as provided in Section 1 below), ultimately payable in shares of common stock (the “Award”) as an incentive for increased efforts during the Participant’s term of office with the Company a Subsidiary, and has advised the Company thereof and instructed the undersigned officers to grant said Award;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto do hereby agree as follows:

1.Grant of RSUs. For valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Company hereby grants the number of RSUs to the Participant set forth on Schedule A, on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, and pursuant and subject to the terms of the Plan. Each RSU represents the unfunded, unsecured right of the Participant to receive one share of the Company’s common stock. The Participant will become vested in the RSUs, and take delivery of the Shares, as set forth in this Agreement.

2.Vesting and Timing of Transfer.

(a)Unless otherwise provided herein, the Participant shall become vested in the RSUs in accordance with the Plan and the vesting provisions set forth on Schedule A (each date on which all or a portion of the RSUs become vested thereunder, a “Vesting Date”), subject to the continued Employment of the Participant by the Company or a Subsidiary through the relevant Vesting Date.

(b)Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon a termination of the Participant’s Employment by the Company or a Subsidiary without Cause or by the Participant for Good Reason, a pro-rata portion of the installment of RSUs that would, but for such termination, be scheduled to vest on the next Vesting Date following such termination of Employment will become vested upon the date of such termination. The pro-rata portion subject to such vesting shall be determined based on the number of days the Participant was employed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries since the immediately prior Vesting Date.

(c)Upon the Participant’s death or Permanent Disability, all unvested RSUs shall become immediately vested.

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(d)Upon termination of the Participant’s Employment with the Company and all of its Subsidiaries for any reason other than as set forth in Section 2(b) or (c) above, all unvested RSUs shall immediately be forfeited by the Participant, without payment of any consideration therefor.

(e)The Board shall cause to be delivered to the Participant such Shares underlying any non-forfeited, vested RSUs as soon as practicable after they become vested RSUs as provided in this Section 2 (but in no event later than 2½ months after the last day of the calendar year in which such RSUs become so vested).

(f)In the event of the death of the Participant the delivery of Shares under Section 2(e), as applicable, shall be made to the person or persons to whom the Participant’s rights under the Agreement shall pass by will or by the applicable laws of descent and distribution.

(g)Upon each transfer of Shares in accordance with Section 2(e) above, the Company shall have satisfied its obligation with respect to the number of RSUs equal to the number of Shares delivered to the Participant pursuant thereto, and the Participant shall have no further rights to claim any additional Shares in respect thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Participant may elect to defer the transfer of Shares by providing notice to the Company in accordance with all applicable rules, policies, and procedures established by the Committee.

3.Dividends. Unless otherwise provided pursuant to Section 4 below, from and after the Grant Date, the Participant will only be entitled to receive dividend equivalent payments or other distributions, if any, with respect to Shares underlying the RSUs in accordance with the terms set forth in Schedule A.  

4.Adjustments Upon Certain Events. The Committee shall, in its sole discretion, make certain equitable substitutions or adjustments to any Shares or RSUs subject to this Agreement pursuant to Section 10 of the Plan. For purposes of this Agreement, in order for an award to constitute a “Substitute Award” under Section 10 of the Plan, the award must be denominated in shares of publicly traded stock which are traded on an established U.S. or U.K. securities exchange.

5.Definitions. For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

“Cause” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the severance plan or policy of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in which the Participant is eligible to participate immediately prior to the termination of the Participant’s Employment (the “Policy”).

“Good Reason” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Policy.

“Permanent Disability” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in the Policy.

6.No Right to Continued Employment. Nothing in this Agreement or in the Plan shall confer upon the Participant any right to continue in the Employment of the Company or any Subsidiary or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the rights of the Company and its Subsidiaries, which are hereby expressly reserved, to terminate the Employment of the Participant at any time for any reason whatsoever, with or without Cause, subject to the applicable provisions of, if any, the Participant’s Employment Agreement or offer letter provided by the Company or any Subsidiary to the Participant.

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7.No Acquired Rights. In participating in the Plan, the Participant acknowledges and accepts (a) that the Board has the power to amend or terminate the Plan, to the extent permitted thereunder, at any time, and (b) that the opportunity given to the Participant to participate in the Plan is entirely at the discretion of the Committee and does not obligate the Company or any of its Affiliates to offer such participation in the future (whether on the same or different terms). The Participant further acknowledges and accepts that (i) such Participant’s participation in the Plan is not to be considered part of any normal or expected compensation, (ii) the value of the RSUs or the Shares shall not be used for purposes of determining any benefits or compensation payable to the Participant or the Participant’s beneficiaries or estate under any benefit arrangement of the Company or any Subsidiary, including but not limited to severance or indemnity payments, and (iii) the termination of the Participant’s Employment with the Company and all Subsidiaries under any circumstances whatsoever will give the Participant no claim or right of action against the Company or any Subsidiary in respect of any loss of rights under this Agreement or the Plan that may arise as a result of such termination of Employment.

8.No Rights of a Shareholder. The Participant shall not have any rights or privileges as a shareholder of the Company until the Shares underlying vested RSUs have been registered in the Company’s register of stockholders as being held by the Participant.

9.Transferability. RSUs may not be assigned, alienated, pledged, attached, sold or otherwise transferred or encumbered by the Participant otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and any purported assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance not permitted by this Section 9 shall be void and unenforceable against the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate.

10.Withholding. The Participant may be required to pay to the Company or any Affiliate, and the Company or any Affiliate shall have the right and is hereby authorized to withhold from any transfer due under this Agreement or under the Plan or from any compensation or other amount owing to the Participant, applicable withholding taxes with respect to any transfer under this Agreement or under the Plan and to take such action as may be necessary in the opinion of the Company to satisfy all obligations for the payment of such taxes, pursuant to Section 4(c) of the Plan.

11.Choice of Law. This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of New York without regard to conflicts of law, except to the extent that the issue or transfer of Shares shall be subject to mandatory provisions of the laws of England and Wales.

12.RSUs Subject to Plan. By entering into this Agreement, the Participant agrees and acknowledges that the Participant has received and read a copy of the Plan. All RSUs are subject to the Plan. In the event of a conflict between any term or provision contained herein and a term or provision of the Plan, the applicable terms and provisions of the Plan will govern and prevail.

13.Signature in Counterparts. If executed in writing, this Agreement may be signed in counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument.

4

14.Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement or the Plan, the RSUs granted hereunder shall not be deferred, accelerated, extended, paid out or modified in a manner that would result in the imposition of an additional tax under Section 409A of the Code upon the Participant. In the event it is reasonably determined by the Committee that, as a result of Section 409A of the Code, the transfer of Shares under this Agreement may not be made at the time contemplated hereunder without causing the Participant to be subject to taxation under Section 409A of the Code, the Company will make such payment on the first day that would not result in the Participant incurring any tax liability under Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if at the time of the Participant’s termination of employment with the Company the Participant is a “specified employee” as defined in Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and the deferral of the commencement of any payments or benefits otherwise payable hereunder as a result of such termination of employment is necessary in order to prevent any accelerated or additional tax under Section 409A of the Code, then the Company will defer the commencement of the payment of any such payments or benefits hereunder (without any reduction in such payments or benefits ultimately paid or provided to the Participant) until the date that is six months following the Participant’s termination of employment with the Company (or the earliest date as is permitted under Section 409A of the Code without any accelerated or additional tax).  The Participant is solely responsible and liable for the satisfaction of all taxes and penalties that may be imposed on or in respect of such Participant in connection with the RSUs (including any taxes and penalties under Section 409A), and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall have any obligation to indemnify or otherwise hold the Participant (or any beneficiary) harmless from any or all of such taxes or penalties.  If the RSUs are considered “deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A, references in this Agreement and the Plan to “termination of Employment” and “separation from service” (and substantially similar phrases) shall mean “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A.  For purposes of Section 409A, each payment that may be made in respect of the RSUs is designated as a separate payment.

15.Confidential Information; Non-Compete; Non-Solicitation

The Participant acknowledges and agrees that the Participant is bound by and will comply with the restrictive covenants and obligations contained in the Appendix to this Agreement, which covenants and obligations are incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Agreement.

16.Data Privacy.  The Participant hereby acknowledges that:

(a)if he or she is based outside the UK and EEA, and his or her data is not otherwise subject to the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 ("GDPR"), the Company holds information about the Participant relating to his or her employment, the nature and amount of his or her compensation, bank details, and other personal details and the fact and conditions of the Participant’s participation in the Plan. The Participant understands that the Company is the controller of the Participant’s personal data and is the only person authorized to process that data and is responsible for maintaining adequate security with regard to it. As the Company is part of a group of companies operating internationally, it may be necessary for the Company to make the details referred to above available to: (i) other companies within the Company's group that may be located outside the geographical location in which the Participant is employed and where there may be no legislation concerning an individual’s rights concerning personal data; (ii) third party advisers and administrators of the Plan; and/or (iii) the regulatory authorities. Any personal data made available by the Company to the parties referred to above in (i), (ii), or (iii) in relation to the Plan will only be for the purpose of administration and management of the Plan by the Company, on behalf of the Company. The Participant’s information will not, under any circumstances, be made available to any party other the parties listed above under (i), (ii), or (iii).  The Participant hereby authorizes and directs the Company to disclose to the parties as described above under (i), (ii), or (iii) any of the above data that is deemed necessary to facilitate the administration of the Plan.  The Participant understands and authorizes the Company to store and transmit such data in electronic form.  The Participant confirms that the Company has notified the Participant of his or her entitlement to reasonable access to the personal data held about the Participant and of his or her rights to rectify any inaccuracies in that data; or

5

(b)if he or she is based in the UK and/or EEA, or his or her data is otherwise subject to GDPR, his or her personal data will be processed in accordance with the Company's European Union privacy notice (which will be provided to such Participants and is available upon request).

17.Forfeiture of Grant

If the Participant does not sign and return this Agreement within six months following the Grant Date, the RSUs shall be forfeited and shall be of no further force and effect.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written.

	Nielsen Holdings plc
By:	Michael Alicea
	Chief Human Resources Officer
	PARTICIPANT:
	ParticipantName
	Online grant acceptance satisfies signature requirement

Schedule A

Name:	ParticipantName
Grant Date:	GrantDate
Vesting Commencement Date:	VestFromHireDate
Number of RSUs:	QuantityGranted
Normal Vesting of RSUs:	VestingDateandQuantity
Vesting on a “Change in Control”:	Per Plan terms.
Dividends:	RSUs, whether or not vested, shall be credited with dividend equivalents as and when dividends are paid on the Company’s actual shares, with such dividend equivalents deemed to be invested in additional RSUs for the Participant’s account as of the corresponding dividend payment date (which additional RSUs shall vest upon the vesting of the underlying RSUs to which they are attributable).  No dividend equivalents shall be credited with respect to any fractional shares in a Participant’s account.

APPENDIX

Confidential Information; Non-Compete; Non-Solicitation

1.In consideration of the Company entering into this Agreement with the Participant, the Participant shall not, directly or indirectly, (i) at any time during or after the Participant’s employment with the Company or any of its subsidiaries, parents or affiliates (collectively, “Nielsen”), disclose any Confidential Information (as defined below) except (A) when required to perform his or her duties to Nielsen; (B) as required by law or judicial process; or (C) in connection with any Protected Activity (as defined below) by the Participant; or (ii) at any time during the Participant’s employment with Nielsen and for a period of 12 months thereafter (A) associate with (whether as a proprietor, investor, director, officer, employee, consultant, partner or otherwise) or render services to any business that competes with the business of Nielsen in which the Participant was engaged or with respect to which the Participant performed services at any time in the 3 years preceding the Participant’s termination of employment from Nielsen, in any geographic or market area where Nielsen conducts business or provides products or services (or which the Participant has knowledge, at the time in question, that Nielsen has plans to commence engaging in within twelve (12) months); provided, however, that nothing herein shall be deemed to prohibit the Participant’s ownership of not more than 2% of the publicly-traded securities of any competing business; (B) perform for or provide to any clients of Nielsen any products or services similar to those provided by any business of Nielsen in which the Participant was engaged or with respect to which the Participant performed services at any time in the 3 years preceding the Participant’s termination of employment from Nielsen; (C) induce, influence, encourage or solicit in any manner any client, prospective client, vendor or supplier of Nielsen with which the Participant had interactions in connection with his/her employment in the 18 months prior to termination of the Participant's employment with Nielsen, to cease or reduce doing business with Nielsen or to do business with the Participant or with any other person or entity other than Nielsen; (D) solicit, recruit, or seek to hire, or otherwise assist or participate in any way in the solicitation or recruitment of, any person who has been employed or engaged by Nielsen at any time during the 6 months immediately preceding the termination of the Participant’s employment, or induce, influence, or encourage in any manner, or otherwise assist or participate in any way in the inducement, influence or encouragement of, any such person to terminate his or her employment or engagement with Nielsen; or (E) hire or otherwise assist or participate in any way in the hiring of, any person who has been employed or engaged by Nielsen at any time during the 6 months immediately preceding the termination of the Participant’s employment.  The provisions hereof shall be in addition to and not in derogation of any other agreement covering similar matters to which the Participant and the Company or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof are parties.  For purposes of this agreement, the “business of Nielsen” means consumer purchasing measurement and analytics, media audience measurement and analytics, and any other line of business in which Nielsen is engaged at the time of the termination of the Participant’s employment (or which the Participant has knowledge, at the time in question, that Nielsen has plans to commence engaging in within twelve (12) months). If the Participant is primarily providing services in California at the time the Participant’s employment with Nielsen terminates, then sub-clauses (A), (B), (C) and (E) of clause (ii) of this Section 1 shall not apply following such termination. If the Participant lived or provided services in Massachusetts for at least thirty (30) days immediately preceding the Participant’s termination, then sub-clause (A) of clause (ii) of this Section 1 shall not apply following such termination.

2. “Confidential Information” shall include all trade secrets and proprietary or other confidential information owned, possessed or used by Nielsen in any form, whether or not explicitly designated as confidential information, including, without limitation, business plans, strategies, customer lists, customer projects, cooperator lists, personnel information, financial information, pricing information, cost information, methodologies, software, data, and product research and development.  Confidential Information shall not include any information that is generally known to the industry or the public other than as a result of the Participant’s breach of this covenant or any breach of other confidentiality obligations by the Participant, employees or third parties.

3.If the Participant performs services for an entity other than Nielsen at any time prior to the end of the 12-month post-termination period (whether or not such entity is in competition with Nielsen), the Participant shall notify the Company on or prior to the commencement thereof.  To “perform services” shall mean employment or services as an employee, consultant, owner, partner, associate, agent or otherwise on behalf of any person, principal, partnership, firm or corporation.

4.If at any time a court holds that the restrictions stated in Section 1 above are unreasonable or otherwise unenforceable under circumstances then existing, the parties hereto agree that the maximum period, scope or geographic area determined to be reasonable under such circumstances by such court will be substituted for the stated period, scope or area or, if the court does not undertake such substitution, then the remainder of Section 1 shall be given full effect without regard to the invalid portion.  Because the Participant’s services are unique and because the Participant has had and will continue to have access to Confidential Information, the parties hereto agree that money damages will be an inadequate remedy for any breach of this Agreement.  In the event of a breach or threatened breach of this Agreement, Nielsen or its successors or assigns may, in addition to other rights and remedies existing in their favor, (i) apply to any court of competent jurisdiction for specific performance and/or injunctive relief in order to enforce, or prevent any violations of, the provisions hereof (without the posting of a bond or other security); and (ii) may require the Participant (A) to forfeit any vested or unvested portion of the Grant and to return all Shares previously issued to the Participant under the Grant (“Grant Shares”); and (B) to pay to Nielsen the full value of any consideration received for the Grant Shares that were previously sold by the Participant or otherwise disposed of to a third party (or if no such consideration was received, the then fair market value of the Grant Shares).

5.The Participant acknowledges that the restrictions in Section 1 above are not greater than required to protect Nielsen’s legitimate business interests, including without limitation the protection of its Confidential Information and the protection of its client relationships, and are reasonably limited in time or duration, geography and scope of activity.  The Participant further acknowledges that, viewed separately or together, the restrictions in Section 1 above do not unfairly or unreasonably restrict the Participant’s ability to obtain other comparable employment, earn a living, work in any particular area or otherwise impose an undue hardship on Participant.

6.Protected Activity.  Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit or impede the Participant from communicating, cooperating or filing a complaint with any U.S. federal, state or local governmental or law enforcement branch, agency or entity (collectively, a “Governmental Entity”) with respect to possible violations of any U.S. federal, state or local law or regulation, or otherwise making disclosures to any Governmental Entity, in each case, that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of any such law or regulation; provided, that in each case such communications and disclosures are consistent with applicable law.  An individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that is made (i) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official or to an attorney solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (ii) in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal.  An individual who files a lawsuit for retaliation by an employer for reporting a suspected violation of law may disclose the trade secret to the attorney of the individual and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, if the individual files any document containing the trade secret under seal, and does not disclose the trade secret, except pursuant to court order.  Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph or under applicable law, under no circumstance is the Participant authorized to disclose any information covered by Nielsen’s attorney-client privilege or attorney work product, or Nielsen’s trade secrets, without Nielsen’s prior written consent.  The Participant does not need the prior authorization of (or to give notice to) Nielsen regarding any communication, disclosure, or activity described in this paragraph.

EX-21.1

Exhibit 21.1

Company	Country	Shareholder	%
ACNielsen AMER Algeria EURL	Algeria	AMER Research Limited	100
AGB America S.A.	Anguilla	AGB Nielsen Media Research B.V.	100
Gracenote Argentina S.R.L.	Argentina	Gracenote Media Services, LLC Gracenote South America Holdco, LLC	90 10
The Nielsen Company South America S.R.L.	Argentina	Nielsen Sub Holding Company ACNielsen Company of Canada	52.91 47.09
ACNielsen Research Pty Limited	Australia	The Nielsen Company (Australia) Pty. Ltd.	100
Decisions Made Easy Pty. Ltd.	Australia	The Nielsen Company (Holdings) Pty. Limited	100
HWW Pty Ltd	Australia	Gracenote Media Services, LLC	100
Landsberry and James Marketing Pty Ltd	Australia	NetRatings Australia Pty Ltd	100
Landsberry and James Pty Ltd	Australia	NetRatings Australia Pty Ltd	100
Media Core Pty Ltd	Australia	NetRatings Australia Pty Ltd	100
NetRatings Australia Pty. Ltd.	Australia	The Nielsen Company (Holdings) Pty. Limited	100
Nielsen Television Audience Measurement Pty. Ltd.	Australia	AGB Nielsen Media Research TAM Holding B.V.	100
Nielsen Sports Pty Ltd.	Australia	RSMG InsightsCoöoperatief U.A.	100
Repucom International Pty Ltd	Australia	RSMG InsightsCoöoperatief U.A.	100
Repucom Investments Pty Ltd	Australia	Repucom International Pty Ltd	100
Savvy Media Monitoring Pty Ltd	Australia	NetRatings Australia Pty Ltd	100
The Nielsen Company (Australia) Pty. Ltd.	Australia	The Nielsen Company (Holdings) Pty. Limited	100
The Nielsen Company (Holdings) Pty. Limited	Australia	Nielsen Sub Holding Company	100
A.C. Nielsen Gesellschaft m.b.H.	Austria	ACNielsen (Nederland) B.V.	100
The Nielsen Company (Bangladesh) Ltd.	Bangladesh	Nielsen (India) Private Limited	100
ACNielsen Bel	Belarus	ACNielsen Cyprus Limited	100
Nielsen Sports Belgium SA	Belgium	Nielsen Sports France Sàrl Nielsen Sports UK and Ireland Limited	99.7 0.3
The Nielsen Company (Belgium) SPRL	Belgium	ACNielsen Holdings Limited The Nielsen Company (Denmark) ApS	99.9919 0.0081
Empresa de Servicios ACNielsen S.A.	Bolivia	VNU International B.V. Jorge Venegas Soliz (third party) Iver Lawrence von Borries Antezana (third party)	99.8 0.1 0.1
A.C. Nielsen do Brasil Ltda.	Brazil	Art Holding (Brazil) C.V. Nielsen Holdings, L.L.C.	99.988082 0.01191762
Gracenote Brasil Metainformacao Limitada	Brazil	Gracenote Media Services, LLC Gracenote South America Holdco, LLC	95.48 4.52
Nielsen eRatings.com do Brasil Ltda	Brazil	Nielsen Digital Solutions A.C. Nielsen do Brasil Ltda.	99.999829 0.000171
PointLogic Latin America Desenvolvimento e Consultoria de Sistemas Ltda.	Brazil	Nielsen Media Research B.V. TNC Europe B.V.	99.71 0.29
Repucom Brazil Participações Ltda	Brazil	RSMG InsightsCoöoperatief U.A. José Colagrossi Neto (third party)	99.9671 0.0329
ACNielsen Bulgaria Ltd	Bulgaria	ACNielsen Cyprus Limited	100
Nielsen Admosphere Bulgaria JSC	Bulgaria	Nielsen Admosphere, a.s.	100
ACNielsen Cameroon Sarl	Cameroon	ACNielsen Cyprus Limited	100
7266782 Canada Inc	Canada	Gracenote Canada, Inc	100
ACNielsen Company of Canada	Canada	ACNielsen (Nederland) B.V.	100
Gracenote Canada, Inc	Canada	ACNielsen (Nederland) B.V.	100
Nielsen Media Research Limited	Canada	The Nielsen Company (US), LLC ACNielsen Company of Canada	99.9995 0.0005

Company	Country	Shareholder	%
Nielsen Sub Holding Company	Canada	ACNielsen Company of Canada	100
Nielsen Sports Canada Inc.	Canada	RSMG InsightsCoöoperatief U.A.	100
SportsDirect Inc.	Canada	Gracenote Canada, Inc 7266782 Canada Inc	21.1 78.9
ACNielsen Cayman Islands Colombia Ltd.	Cayman Islands	Nielsen Sub Holdings II B.V.	100
ACNielsen Cayman Islands Ltd.	Cayman Islands	A.C. Nielsen do Brasil Ltda.	100
IBOPE eRatings.com Latin America	Cayman Islands	Nielsen Digital Solutions International Media Surveys  LLC (third party)	92 8
Nielsen Digital Solutions	Cayman Islands	ACNielsen eRatings.com	100
A.C. Nielsen Chile Limitada	Chile	A. C. Nielsen Company, LLC Nielsen Holdings, L.L.C. VNU International B.V.	50.6 0.04 49
Infostrada Technology Harbin Ltd	China	Infostrada Statistics B.V.	100
Netratings (Shanghai) Company, Ltd.	China	Netratings, LLC	100
The Nielsen Company (Guangzhou) LTD	China	ACNielsen Group Limited Third party shareholder(s)	90 10
The Nielsen Company (Shanghai) Ltd.	China	The Nielsen Company (Hong Kong) Limited Third party shareholder(s)	90 10
A.C. Nielsen de Colombia Ltda.	Colombia	ACNielsen Cayman Islands Colombia Ltd. A. C. Nielsen Company, LLC	99.9999999871 0.0000000129
ACNielsen Costa Rica S.A.	Costa Rica	Nielsen Sub Holdings II B.V.	100
AC Nielsen Cote d'Ivoire Limited	Cote d'Ivoire	ACNielsen Cyprus Limited	100
ACNielsen d.o.o.	Croatia	ACNielsen Piackutató Kft.	100
AGB Nielsen Media Research Ltd.	Croatia	AGB Nielsen Media Research TAM Holding B.V. Srdan Dumicic (third party) Damir Tabulovstrelov (third party)	51 24.5 24.5
ACNielsen Cyprus Limited	Cyprus	ACNielsen (Nederland) B.V.	100
AMER Research Limited	Cyprus	ACNielsen (Nederland) B.V.	100
MEMRB Retail Tracking Services Limited	Cyprus	VNU International B.V.	100
Nielsen Audience Measurement (Cyprus) Ltd.	Cyprus	The Nielsen Company (Greece) Audience Measurement and Market Research Societe Anonyme (Corporate Name), The Nielsen Company (Greece) S.A. (Distinctive Title)	100
RPJV The Retail Plus Company Limited	Cyprus	VNU International B.V.	100
ACNielsen Czech Republic s.r.o.	Czech Republic	ACNielsen Cyprus Limited	100
Adwind Software, a.s.	Czech Republic	Nielsen Admosphere, a.s.	100
Nielsen Admosphere, a.s.	Czech Republic	ACNielsen (Nederland) B.V. Alphaduct, a.s. (third party) Tereza Šimečková (third party) Michal Jordan (third party) Iain Nils Hessey Rugheimer (third party)	51 34.3 4.9 4.9 4.9
EPG Systems ApS	Denmark	Gracenote Media Services, LLC	100
The Nielsen Company (Denmark) ApS	Denmark	ACNielsen AB	100
ACNielsen Dominicana, SRL	Dominican Republic	VNU International B.V. Luciano Matías Alvarez (third party)	99.5454545 0.4550
Nielsen IBOPE Dominicana, S.R.L.	Dominican Republic	AGB America S.A. AGB Nielsen Media Research B.V. IBOPE Latinoamericana S.A. (Uruguay) (third party)	51 2.4 46.6
ACNielsen Ecuador S.A.	Ecuador	AGB Nielsen Media Research B.V. VNU International B.V.	99.9999335 0.000066577

Company	Country	Shareholder	%
Middle East for Marketing LLC	Egypt	MEMRB Retail Tracking Services (Guernsey) Lt.d N.A. El Sherbiny Mohamed (third party)	95 5
Nielsen Egypt LLC	Egypt	AMER Research Limited ACNielsen Cyprus Limited	99.04 0.96
AC Nielsen El Salvador, S.A. de C.V.	El Salvador	ACNielsen Centroamerica, S.A A. C. Nielsen Company, LLC.	95 5
ACNielsen Eesti OÜ	Estonia	ACNielsen Cyprus Limited	100
A.C. Nielsen Finland Oy	Finland	Nielsen Sub Holdings II B.V.	100
Finnpanel Oy	Finland	A.C. Nielsen Finland Oy TNS Gallup Oy (third party)	50 50
A3 Distrib SAS	France	Nielsen Holding France SAS	100
AC Nielsen SAS	France	Nielsen Holding France SAS	100
Nielsen Holding France SAS	France	Nielsen Sub Holdings I B.V.	100
Nielsen Services France SAS	France	Nielsen Holding France SAS	100
Nielsen Sports France Sarl	France	Nielsen Sports Deutschland GmbH	100
Gracenote GmbH	Germany	Gracenote Inc.	100
Nielsen Services Germany GmbH	Germany	The Nielsen Company (Germany) GmbH	100
Nielsen Tele Medical GmbH	Germany	Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V.	100
Nielsen Sports Deutschland GmbH	Germany	Nielsen Sports Europe Holding GmbH	100
Nielsen Sports Europe Holding GmbH	Germany	RSMG InsightsCoöoperatief U.A.	100
Refined Labs, GmbH	Germany	The Nielsen Company (US) LLC	100
Repucom Services GmbH	Germany	Nielsen Sports Europe Holding GmbH	100
The Nielsen Company (Germany) GmbH	Germany	Nielsen Holding France SAS	100
VNU Business Publications Deutschland GmbH	Germany	VNU Holding (Deutschland) GmbH	100
VNU Holding (Deutschland) GmbH	Germany	Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V.	100
ACNielsen Ghana Limited	Ghana	ACNielsen Cyprus Limited	100
Organotiki S.A.	Greece	The Nielsen Company (Greece) Audience Measurement and Market Research Societe Anonyme (Corporate Name), The Nielsen Company (Greece) S.A. (Distinctive Title) Moschou (third party)	80 20
The Nielsen Company (Greece) Audience Measurement and Market Research Societe Anonyme (Corporate Name), The Nielsen Company (Greece) S.A. (Distinctive Title)	Greece	Nielsen Sub Holdings I B.V.	100
ACNielsen Centroamerica, S.A.	Guatemala	Nielsen Sub Holdings II B.V. ACNielsen Costa Rica S.A.	99.9975 0.00254
MEMRB Retail Tracking Services (Guernsey) Lt.d	Guernsey	MEMRB Retail Tracking Services Limited JTC Fund Solutions (Guernsey) Limited (third party)	99.993 0.007
ACNielsen Honduras S.A. de C.V.	Honduras	ACNielsen Centroamerica, S.A. A. C. Nielsen Company, LLC	99.6 0.4
ACNielsen Holdings Limited	Hong Kong	Nielsen Sub Holdings II B.V. The Nielsen Company (Switzerland) GmbH	99.740746 (Included preference shares 99.744122) 0.259254 (Included preference shares 0.25587795)

Company	Country	Shareholder	%
ACNielsen Group Limited	Hong Kong	The Nielsen Company (Management Services -HK) Limited ACNielsen Holdings Limited	99.792 0.208
Gracenote Limited	Hong Kong	Gracenote Inc	100
The Nielsen Company (Hong Kong) Limited	Hong Kong	The Nielsen Company (Management Services -HK) Limited	100
The Nielsen Company (Management Services -HK) Limited	Hong Kong	ACNielsen Holdings Limited Nielsen Sub Holdings II B.V.	99.99999848 0.00000152
ACNielsen Piackutató Kft.	Hungary	ACNielsen Cyprus Limited	100
Nielsen Közönségmérés Kft.	Hungary	AGB Nielsen Media Research TAM Holding B.V.	100
Arbitron Technology Services India Private Ltd.	India	Nielsen Audio, Inc. Arbitron Holdings Inc.	99.999437 0.000562866
Tribune Digital Ventures Software Development Center India Private Limited	India	Gracenote Digital Ventures, LLC Gracenote International Holdco, LLC	99.984 0.016
Nielsen (India) Private Limited	India	ACNielsen Corporation The Nielsen Company (Mauritius) Limited TNC Europe B.V.	68.199282 31.800675 0.000043
NeuroFocus Systems & Services Private Ltd.	India	Nielsen Consumer Neuroscience, Inc	100
Nielsen Sports India Private Limited	India	Repucom International Pty Ltd Nielsen Sports America, LLC Nielsen Sports Singapore Pte Ltd Krishnan Vaidyanathan (third party)	57.26848 35.26425 7.46721 0.00006
TAM Media Research Private Limited	India	Nielsen (India) Private Limited Kantar Media Research Pvt Ltd (third party)	50 50
What's On India Media Private Limited	India	Tribune Digital Ventures Singapore Pte Ltd Tribune Digital Ventures Software Development Center India Private Limited	99.32 0.68
Visual IQ Techno Services India Private Limited	India	The Nielsen Company (US) LLC	100
PT. Nielsen Audience Measurement	Indonesia	AGB Nielsen Media Research B.V. AGB Nielsen Media Research TAM Holding B.V.	99 1
PT. Sri Karya Utama Graha	Indonesia	The Nielsen Company (Singapore) Holdings Pte. Ltd. PT. The Nielsen Company Indonesia	99,77 0,23
PT. The Nielsen Company Indonesia	Indonesia	The Nielsen Company (Singapore) Holdings Pte. Ltd. The Nielsen Company (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.	99 1
A.C. Nielsen of Ireland Limited	Ireland	Nielsen Sub Holdings II B.V.	100
Nielsen Finance Holdings Ireland Limited	Ireland	Nielsen Finance Ireland Limited	100
Nielsen Finance Ireland Limited	Ireland	Nielsen Luxembourg S.a.r.l.	100
The Nielsen Company Finance (Ireland) Designated Activity Company	Ireland	Nielsen Luxembourg S.a.r.l.	100
ACNielsen (Israel) Ltd.	Israel	Nielsen Sub Holdings I B.V.	100
eXelate Media Ltd.	Israel	eXelate, Inc.	100
Nielsen Innovate Fund, LP *Nielsen Innovate Fund, LP has several investments in Israel, not included in this overview	Israel	AGB Nielsen Media Research B.V. R&R Venture Partners LLC (third party) Fred Langhammer (third party) Nielsen Innovate Ltd. Partam High Tech Limited  (third party) Mr. Itzhak Fisher (third party)	LP LP LP GP LP
Nielsen Innovate Ltd.	Israel	AGB Nielsen Media Research B.V.	100
vBrand Ltd	Israel	eXelate Media Ltd	100
Volcano Data Limited	Israel	A.C.Nielsen Company Limited	100
AGB Nielsen Media Research Holding S.p.A.	Italy	AGB Nielsen Media Research B.V.	100
Nielsen Services Italy S.r.l.	Italy	The Nielsen Company (Italy) S.r.l.	100
Nielsen Sports Italia Srl	Italy	Nielsen Sports Europe Holding GmbH	100
The Nielsen Company (Italy) S.r.l.	Italy	Nielsen Sub Holdings I B.V.	100

Company	Country	Shareholder	%
Gracenote KK	Japan	Gracenote Inc.	100
Nielsen Digital Co., Ltd.	Japan	ACNielsen eRatings.com NetRatings Australia Pty. Ltd. Video Research Ltd (Third Party)	54,68 11.32 34
Nielsen Services Japan GK	Japan	The Nielsen Company Japan	100
Nielsen Sports Japan K.K.	Japan	Repucom International Pty Ltd	100
The Nielsen Company Japan	Japan	The Nielsen Company (Singapore) Holdings Pte. Ltd.	100
Nielsen for Consultancies Limited Liability Company	Jordan	AGB Nielsen Media Research B.V.	100
Television Information Technology Company LLC	Jordan	What's On India Media Private Limited	100
ACNielsen Kazakhstan LLP	Kazakhstan	ACNielsen Cyprus Limited	100
ACNielsen Kenya Limited	Kenya	ACNielsen Cyprus Limited Yordanov (third party)	99.9 0.1
Enswers Inc	Korea	Gracenote Korea Ltd	100
Gracenote Korea Ltd.	Korea	Gracenote Inc.	100
Nielsen Services Korea Ltd.	Korea	Nielsen Sub Holdings II B.V.	100
Nielsen Sports Korea LLC	Korea	RSMG InsightsCoöoperatief U.A.	100
The Nielsen Company Korea Ltd	Korea	ACNielsen Company of Canada	100
ACNielsen Latvia SIA	Latvia	ACNielsen Cyprus Limited	100
C.M.O s.a.l Conseil en Management et Organisation	Lebanon	MEMRB Retail Tracking Services Limited Our lawyer delivered 50 shares to each of the three Directors of this company. According to Lebanese law a company is required to have (at least) three individuals as shareholders	95 5
UAB ACNielsen Baltics	Lithuania	ACNielsen Cyprus Limited	100
Nielsen Holdings Luxembourg S.a.r.l.	Luxembourg	Nielsen Luxembourg S.a.r.l.	100
Nielsen Luxembourg S.a.r.l.	Luxembourg	Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V.	100
The Nielsen Company (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l.	Luxembourg	ACNielsen Corporation	100
Nielsen Audience Measurement Sdn. Bhd.	Malaysia	AGB Nielsen Media Research B.V.	100
The Nielsen Company (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.	Malaysia	The Nielsen Company (Singapore) Holdings Pte. Ltd.	100
The Nielsen Company (Mauritius) Limited	Mauritius	VNU International B.V.	100
A.C. Nielsen, S de RL de C.V.	Mexico	Panel International SA LLC ACNielsen Corporation	99.999998 0.000002
Nielsen Ibope Mexico, S.A. de C.V.	Mexico	AGB Netherlands C.V. AGB Nielsen Media Research B.V. IBOPE Latinoamericana S.A. (third party)	26.7 26.7 46.6
Nielsen Mexico Services, S de RL de CV	Mexico	AC Nielsen Mexico LLC ACNielsen Company of Canada	22.18 77.82
ACNielsen Montenegro d.o.o.	Montenegro	ACNielsen Cyprus Limited	100
ACNielsen SARL	Morocco	AMER Research Limited	100
Nielsen MMRD (Myanmar) Co., Ltd.	Myanmar	Nielsen MMRD Holdings Pte. Ltd. ACNielsen (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.	99.9999 0.0001
The Nielsen Company Nepal Pvt Ltd.	Nepal	Nielsen (India) Private Limited	100
ACNielsen (Nederland) B.V.	Netherlands	Nielsen Sub Holdings I B.V.	100
AGB Netherlands C.V.	Netherlands	AGB Panamericana, S.A. AGB America S.A.	99 1
AGB Nielsen Media Research B.V.	Netherlands	Nielsen Sub Holdings I B.V.	100
AGB Nielsen Media Research TAM Holding B.V.	Netherlands	AGB Nielsen Media Research Holding S.p.A.	100

Company	Country	Shareholder	%
Art Holding (Brazil) C.V.	Netherlands	Nielsen Sub Holding Company Nielsen Holdings, L.L.C.	99 1
Gracenote Netherlands B.V.	Netherlands	Gracenote Media Services, LLC	100
Gracenote Netherlands Holdings B.V.	Netherlands	Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V.	100
Infostrada Australia B.V.	Netherlands	Infostrada Statistics B.V.	100
Infostrada Concepts B.V.	Netherlands	Infostrada Statistics B.V.	100
Infostrada Denmark B.V.	Netherlands	Infostrada Statistics B.V.	100
Infostrada Global Sports Database B.V.	Netherlands	Infostrada Statistics B.V.	100
Infostrada Statistics B.V.	Netherlands	Gracenote Netherlands Holdings B.V.	100
Menesta Investments B.V.	Netherlands	Neslein Holding (Spain) C.V.	100
Neslein Holding (Spain) C.V.	Netherlands	A.C. Nielsen (Argentina) S.A. ART Holding, L.L.C. Nielsen General Partner B.V.	98 1 1
Nielsen B.V.	Netherlands	Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V.	100
Nielsen Coöperatie W.A.	Netherlands	A. C. Nielsen Company, LLC ART Holding, L.L.C.
Nielsen Finco B.V.	Netherlands	Nielsen Luxembourg S.a.r.l.	100
Nielsen General Partner B.V.	Netherlands	A. C. Nielsen Company, LLC	100
Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V.	Netherlands	The Nielsen Company B.V.	100
Nielsen Media Research B.V.	Netherlands	Nielsen B.V.	100
Nielsen Nederland Holdings C.V.	Netherlands	TNC Europe B.V. VNU International B.V.	99.9 0.1
Nielsen Sub Holdings I B.V.	Netherlands	Nielsen Nederland Holdings C.V.	100
Nielsen Sub Holdings II B.V.	Netherlands	Nielsen Sub Holdings I B.V.	100
Nielsen Sports Nederland B.V.	Netherlands	RSMG Insights Coöperatief U.A.	100
RSMG Insights Coöperatief U.A.	Netherlands	Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V.	100
The Nielsen Company B.V.	Netherlands	Valcon Acquisition B.V.	100
TNC Europe B.V.	Netherlands	VNU International B.V.	100
Valcon Acquisition B.V.	Netherlands	Nielsen Holdings Plc	100
VNU International B.V.	Netherlands	Nielsen Holdings Luxembourg S.a.r.l.	100
VNU Marketing Information Europe & Asia B.V.	Netherlands	Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V.	100
A.C. Nielsen (N.Z.) ULC	New Zealand	Nielsen Sub Holdings II B.V.	100
AGB Nielsen Media Research (New Zealand) Ltd.	New Zealand	AGB Nielsen Media Research B.V.	100
ACNielsen Nicaragua, S.A.	Nicaragua	ACNielsen Centroamerica, S.A. A. C. Nielsen Company, LLC	98 2
ACNielsen Nigeria Limited	Nigeria	ACNielsen Cyprus Limited ACNielsen Company of Canada	80 20
ACNielsen Norge AS	Norway	Nielsen Sub Holdings II B.V.	100
Nielsen Media Research AS	Norway	Nielsen Sub Holdings II B.V.	100
Nielsen for Market Research LLC	Oman	A. C. Nielsen Company, LLC ART Holding, L.L.C.	99 1
ACNielsen Pakistan (Private) Limited	Pakistan	ACNielsen Cyprus Limited A. C. Nielsen Company, LLC	99.9999655 0.0000345
ACNielsen Panama, S.A.	Panama	ACNielsen Centroamerica, S.A.	100
AGB Panamericana, S.A.	Panama	AGB Nielsen Media Research Holding S.p.A. AGB Nielsen Media Research B.V.	60 40
The Nielsen Company Paraguay S.R.L.	Paraguay	VNU International B.V. Luciani Matias Alvarez (Third Party) Rafael Luis Gouiran (Third Party)	96 2 2
Nielsen S.R.L.	Peru	VNU International B.V. Rolando Ramirez-Gaston Horny (third party)	99.999995 0.00000488

Company	Country	Shareholder	%
AGB Nielsen Media Research (Philippines) Inc.	Philippines	AGB Nielsen Media Research TAM Holding B.V. (AGB NMR TAM Holding B.V. holds 8,159,851 shares of which 10 are held in trust by 6 different Nielsen employees.	99.99 0.000001225
The Nielsen Company (Philippines), Inc.	Philippines	The Nielsen Company (Belgium) SPRL Minority shareholders (six Nielsen employees: Cheong Tai Leung, Elaine Shui, Stuart Jamieson, Maria Rhona Balaoro, Louise Andrea Navalta)	99.99947 0.00053
ACNielsen Polska Sp. z o.o.	Poland	AGB Nielsen Media Research TAM Holding B.V.	100
AGB Nielsen Media Research Sp. z o.o.	Poland	AGB Nielsen Media Research TAM Holding B.V.	100
Nielsen Services Poland Sp. z o.o.	Poland	ACNielsen Polska Sp. z o.o. AGB Nielsen Media Research Sp. z o.o. AGB Nielsen Media Research TAM Holding B.V.	76.589595 22.83237 0.578035
A.C. Nielsen Portugal- Estudos de Mercado- Unipessoal, Lda.	Portugal	Menesta Investments B.V.	100
A.C. Nielsen P.R. LLC	Puerto Rico	Nielsen Sub Holdings II B.V.	100
Nielsen IBOPE Puerto Rico Inc.	Puerto Rico	A.C. Nielsen P.R. LLC IBOPE Latinoamericana, SA (Uruguay) (Third party)	53.4 46.6
Nielsen Consultancy LLC	Qatar	ACNielsen Cyprus Limited	100
ACNielsen Romania srl	Romania	ACNielsen Cyprus Limited	100
ACNIELSEN Limited Liability Company	Russia	ACNielsen Cyprus Limited ACNielsen (Nederland) B.V.	99.9 0.1
Nielsen Data Factory LLC	Russia	ACNIELSEN Limited Liability Company	100
VNU Market Research Services Company Limited	Saudi Arabia	VNU International B.V. Bass International Investment Co, Ltd	95 5
ACNielsen d.o.o.	Serbia	ACNielsen Cyprus Limited	100
Nielsen Audience Measurement DOO Beograd	Serbia	AGB Nielsen Media Research TAM Holding B.V.	100
ACNielsen (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.	Singapore	Nielsen Sub Holdings II B.V.	100
Tribune Digital Ventures Singapore Pte Ltd	Singapore	Gracenote Digital Ventures, LLC	100
Nielsen Innovate Singapore Pte. Ltd	Singapore	The Nielsen Company (Singapore) Principal Pte. Ltd.	100
Nielsen MMRD Holdings Pte. Ltd.	Singapore	ACNielsen (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. Myanmar Marketing Research Pte. Ltd . (third party)	80 20
Nielsen Sports Singapore Pte Ltd	Singapore	Repucom International Pty Ltd	100
The Nielsen Company (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.	Singapore	The Nielsen Company (Singapore) Holdings Pte. Ltd.	100
The Nielsen Company (Singapore) Holdings Pte. Ltd.	Singapore	The Nielsen Company (Belgium) SPRL	100
The Nielsen Company (Singapore) Principal Pte. Ltd.	Singapore	VNU International B.V.	100
ACNielsen Slovakia s.r.o.	Slovakia	ACNielsen Cyprus Limited	100
Nielsen Admosphere Slovakia, s.r.o.	Slovakia	Nielsen Admosphere, a.s.	100
ACNielsen raziskovalna druzba, d.o.o.	Slovenia	ACNielsen Cyprus Limited	100
AGB Nielsen, medijske raziskave, d.o.o	Slovenia	AGB Nielsen Media Research TAM Holding B.V. GfK, d.o.o. (third party) Ms. Janja Božič Marolt (third party)	58 21 21
NIELSEN LAB, razvoj tehnologij za raziskavo medijev, d.o.o.	Slovenia	Nielsen TV Audience Measurement S.A. AGB Nielsen Media Research B.V.	50 50
ACNielsen Marketing and Media (Pty) Limited	South Africa	ACNielsen (Nederland) B.V. AC Nielsen Empowerment Trust	80 20
AGB Nielsen Media Research (South Africa) (Pty) Limited	South Africa	AGB Nielsen Media Research B.V. The AGB Nielsen Empowerment Trust	80 20
Repucom Africa (Pty) Ltd	South Africa	ACNielsen Marketing and Media (Pty) Limited	100

Company	Country	Shareholder	%
A.C. Nielsen Company, S.L.	Spain	ASEE Nielsen Holding (Spain) S.r.l.	100
ASEE Nielsen Holding (Spain) S.r.l.	Spain	Neslein Holding (Spain) C.V.	100
Nielsen Services Spain, S.L.	Spain	ASEE Nielsen Holding (Spain) S.r.l.	100
Nielsen Sports España S.L.U.	Spain	Nielsen Sports Europe Holding GmbH	100
The Nielsen Company Lanka (Private) Limited	Sri Lanka	Nielsen (India) Private Limited	100
ACNielsen AB	Sweden	ACNielsen Norge AS	100
Nielsen Services Sweden AB	Sweden	ACNielsen AB	100
Media Focus Schweiz Gmbh	Switzerland	The Nielsen Company (Switzerland) GmbH GfK Switzerland AG  (third party)	51 49
NetRatings Switzerland GmbH	Switzerland	Nielsen Sub Holdings II B.V.	100
Nielsen TV Audience Measurement S.A.	Switzerland	AGB Nielsen Media Research Holding S.p.A.	100
The Nielsen Company (Europe) Sàrl	Switzerland	VNU International B.V.	100
The Nielsen Company (Switzerland) GmbH	Switzerland	Nielsen Sub Holdings II B.V.	100
Syria Retail Tracking LLC - inactive	Syria	MEMRB Retail Tracking Services Limited Ayman Ammar (individual)	75 25
AGB Nielsen Media Research (Taiwan) Ltd.	Taiwan	AGB Nielsen Media Research B.V.	100
The Nielsen Company Taiwan Ltd.	Taiwan	The Nielsen Company (Belgium) SPRL	100
ACNielsen (Tanzania) Ltd.	Tanzania	ACNielsen Cyprus Limited A. C. Nielsen Company, LLC	99 1
AGB Nielsen Media Research (Thailand) Ltd.	Thailand	AGB Nielsen Media Research B.V. Minority shareholders (seven individuals who each hold 1 share)	99.9993 0.0007
The Nielsen Company (Thailand) Limited	Thailand	The Nielsen Company (Singapore) Holdings Pte. Ltd. Several Nielsen employees hold shares in this company	99.997 0.003
AGB-CDI Trinidad and Tobago Limited	Trinidad and Tobago	Nielsen IBOPE Dominicana, S.R.L.	100
Nielsen Tunisie SARL	Tunisia	AMER Research Limited ACNielsen Cyprus Limited	99.02 0.98
Nielsen Arastirma Hizmetleri Limited Sirket	Turkey	ACNielsen (Nederland) B.V.	100
Nielsen Audience Measurement Piyasa Arastirma Hizmetleri A.S.	Turkey	AGB Nielsen Media Research TAM Holding B.V.	100
Retail Plus Teknoloji ve Arastirma Hizmetleri Ltd	Turkey	VNU International B.V. Egemen Oztop	50 50
The Nielsen  Company Medya Yayıncılık ve Tanıtım Hizmetleri Anonim Şirketii	Turkey	VNU International B.V.	100
ACNielsen Uganda Limited	Uganda	ACNielsen Cyprus Limited ACNielsen Company of Canada	99 1
ACNielsen Ukraine Limited Liability Company	Ukraine	ACNielsen Cyprus Limited ACNielsen Company of Canada	99.99 0.01
Nielsen Market Research Services FZ-LLC	United Arab Emirates (Dubai)	VNU International B.V.	100
A.C. Nielsen Company Limited	United Kingdom	ACNielsen Holdings UK Limited	100
ACNielsen Holdings UK Limited	United Kingdom	Nielsen Holding France SAS	100
Advertising Intelligence Limited	United Kingdom	Nielsen Media Research Limited	100
Brandbank Limited	United Kingdom	TNC Europe B.V.	100
NetRatings UK Limited	United Kingdom	Nielsen Sub Holdings I B.V.	100
Nielsen Book Services Limited	United Kingdom	VNU Holdco (UK) Limited	100
Nielsen Holdings Plc	United Kingdom	Public company - listed on the New York Stock Exchange
Nielsen Media Research Limited	United Kingdom	ACNielsen Holdings UK Limited	100
Nielsen Sports UK and Ireland Limited	United Kingdom	Nielsen Sports Europe Holding GmbH	100

Company	Country	Shareholder	%
Sorenson Media Limited	United Kingdom	The Nielsen Company (US) LLC	100
Visual IQ (UK) Limited	United Kingdom	The Nielsen Company (US) LLC	100
VNU Holdco (UK) Limited	United Kingdom	VNU International B.V.	100
A.C. Nielsen (Argentina) S.A.	United States/DE	A. C. Nielsen Company, LLC	100
A. C. Nielsen Company, LLC	United States/DE	Nielsen International Holdings, Inc.	100
AC Nielsen Mexico LLC	United States/DE	ACNielsen Company of Canada	100
ACN Holdings Inc.	United States/DE	VNU Marketing Information, Inc.	100
ACNielsen Corporation	United States/DE	ACN Holdings Inc.	100
ACNielsen eRatings.com	United States/DE	A. C. Nielsen Company, LLC	100
Affinnova, Inc.	United States/DE	The Nielsen Company (US), LLC	100
Arbitron Holdings Inc.	United States/DE	Nielsen Audio, Inc.	100
ART Holding, L.L.C.	United States/DE	A. C. Nielsen Company, LLC	100
Athenian Leasing Corporation	United States/DE	The Nielsen Company (US), LLC	100
Baseline, LLC	United States/DE	Baseline Acquisitions LLC	100
Baseline Acquisitions LLC	United States/DE	Gracenote Media Services, LLC	100
CZT/ACN Trademarks, L.L.C.	United States/DE	ACNielsen Corporation The Nielsen Company (US), LLC	50 50
eXelate, Inc.	United States/DE	Nielsen International Holdings, Inc.	100
Gracenote Inc	United States/DE	The Nielsen Company (US) LLC	100
Gracenote Digital Ventures, LLC	United States/DE	The Nielsen Company (US), LLC	100
Gracenote International Holdco, LLC	United States/DE	The Nielsen Company (US) LLC	100
Gracenote Media Services, LLC	United States/DE	Gracenote Digital Ventures, LLC	100
Gracenote South America Holdco, LLC	United States/DE	Gracenote Media Services, LLC	100
Harris Interactive International, Inc.	United States/DE	Nielsen Consumer Insights, Inc.	100
IFM North America LLC	United States/MO	Nielsen Sports Deutschland GmbH Jeffrey J. Stern Living Trust (third party)	50 50
NC Ventures, LLC	United States/DE	The Nielsen Company (US), LLC Catalina Marketing Corporation (third Party)	63.5 36.5
National Consumer Panel, LLC	United States/DE	The Nielsen Company (US), LLC Information Resources Inc. (third Party)	50 50
NetRatings, LLC	United States/DE	The Nielsen Company (US), LLC	100
Nielsen Audio, Inc.	United States/DE	The Nielsen Company (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l. Nielsen International Holdings, Inc. - Only holds preferred stock in Nielsen Audio, Inc. and has no voting rights.	100% of the common stock preferred stock
Nielsen Consumer Insights, Inc.	United States/DE	The Nielsen Company (US), LLC	100
Nielsen Consumer Neuroscience, Inc	United States/CA	TNC (US) Holdings, Inc.	100
Nielsen Finance Co.	United States/DE	Nielsen Finance LLC	100
Nielsen Finance LLC	United States/DE	ACN Holdings Inc.	100
Nielsen Holdings, L.L.C.	United States/DE	Nielsen Sub Holdings I B.V.	100
Nielsen Innovate NYC, LLC	United States/DE	TNC (US) Holdings, Inc.	100
Nielsen International Holdings, Inc.	United States/DE	ACNielsen Corporation	100
Nielsen Mobile, LLC	United States/DE	The Nielsen Company (US), LLC	100
Nielsen Real Estate Management, Inc.	United States/NY	TNC (US) Holdings, Inc.	100
Nielsen Social, Inc.	United States/DE	Nielsen Social, LLC	100
Nielsen Social, LLC	United States/DE	The Nielsen Company (US), LLC AFOS, LLC (third party)	90 10
Nielsen UK Finance I, LLC	United States/DE	TNC (US) Holdings, Inc.	100
Nielsen Uruguay (US), LLC	United States/DE	Nielsen Sub Holdings II B.V.	100
NMR Investing I, Inc.	United States/DE	The Nielsen Company (US), LLC	100
NMR Licensing Associates LP	United States/DE	The Nielsen Company (US), LLC NMR Investing I, Inc.	98.311 1.689
Panel International SA LLC	United States/DE	ACNielsen Company of Canada	100
Qterics, Inc.	United States/DE	The Nielsen Company (US), LLC	100
Nielsen Sports America, LLC	United States/DE	Nielsen Sports Pty Ltd.	100
Research by SuperData LLC	United States/NY	SuperData Research Holdings Inc	100
Rhiza Labs, LLC	United States/PA	The Nielsen Company (US), LLC	100
SuperData Research Holdings Inc	United States/NY	The Nielsen Company (US) LLC	100
TCG Divestiture Inc	United States/IL	The Nielsen Company (US), LLC	100
The Nielsen Company (US), LLC	United States/DE	ACNielsen Corporation	100
TNC (US) Holdings, Inc.	United States/NY	VNU International B.V.	100
TVaura Mobile LLC	United States/DE	The Nielsen Company (US), LLC Digimarc Corporation (third party)	51 49

Company	Country	Shareholder	%
Vizu Corporation	United States/DE	The Nielsen Company (US), LLC	100
VNU Marketing Information, Inc.	United States/DE	TNC (US) Holdings, Inc. The Nielsen Company (US), LLC	95.05 4.95
AC Nielsen de Venezuela S.A.	Venezuela	Nielsen Sub Holdings II B.V.	100
AGB Panamericana de Venezuela Medicion	Venezuela	AGB Netherlands C.V. Ibope Latinoamericana S.A. - Montevideo - Uruguay (third party)	53.4 46.6
The Nielsen Company (Vietnam), Ltd.	Vietnam	The Nielsen Company (Singapore) Holdings Pte. Ltd.	100

THE NIELSEN COMPANY - INVESTMENTS (<50% ownership)

					November 30, 2019
#	Company	Country		Shareholder		%	Nielsen owned %
3181	Bahrain Research and Studies Bureau WLL	Bahrain	3159	MEMRB Retail Tracking Services (Guernsey) Lt.d Mr Ansari (third party)	GG	49 51	48.998
3653	IBOPE Repucom Pesquisas Esportivas Ltda.	Brazil	3566	Repucom Brazil Participações Ltda IBOPE Pesquisa de Midia E Participações Ltda (third party)	BR	45 55	45
3605	Kantar Midia Participacoes S.A. *This entity holds 100% in IGM S.A., which has multiple (in)direct subsidiaries and investments worldwide, but mostly in LATAM, not included in this overview.	Brazil	1189	AGB Nielsen Media Research B.V. Kantar Paulista Participacoes Ltda (third party)	NL BR	1 99	1
2846	Nielsen-CCData Media Research Co. Ltd.	China	1360	The Nielsen Company (Hong Kong) Limited Wasu Digital Television Investment Co., Ltd.  (third party) INSIGMA Technology Venture Capital Investment co., ltd. (third party) Zhejiang Silicon Paradise Haitian Huiyuan Venture Investment Limited Partnership (third party) C. Beijing Zhongchuan Dianguang Digital Technology Co. Ltd. (third party)	HK	22.5 27.5 20 20 10	22.5
3490	European National Panels s.r.o.	Czech Republic	3482	Nielsen Admosphere, a.s. STEM/MARK, a.s. (third party) NMS Market Research s.r.o.  (third party)	CZ	25.925 37.037 37.037	13.2218
2432	MediaMetrie Netratings SAS	France	1353	ACNielsen eRatings.com (45.420 shares) Mediametrie, S.A. (third party) (84.350 shares)	US FR	35 65	35
2387	Media Services S.A.	Greece	2385	The Nielsen Company (Greece) S.A. Golden Symbol Investments Limited (third party) Kyriakos Andreou (third party) Konstantinos Xouris (third party) Stavroula Papaioannou & Theoodoros Liakos, beneficiary of Marinos Liakos (third parties) Marios Andreou (third party)	GR	30 51, 01 2.88 2.24 11.5 2.37	30
2218	Gfk Nielsen India Private Limited	India	273	Nielsen (India) Private Limited Gfk Asia Pte Limited (third party)	IN SG	49.9 50.1	49.9
3648	Meterology Data Private Limited	India	1391	TAM Media Research Private Limited Broadcast Audience Research Council (third party)	IN	0.01 99.99	0.01
3464	Adstrix Ltd.	Israel	3364	Nielsen Innovate Fund, LP Third parties	IL	30 70	30
3590	Change Labs Ltd	Israel	3364	Nielsen Innovate Fund, LP Third parties	IL	25.47 74,53	25.47
3591	CiValue Systems Ltd	Israel	3364	Nielsen Innovate Fund, LP Third parties	IL	26.89 73.11	26.89

					November 30, 2019
#	Company	Country		Shareholder		%	Nielsen owned %
3671	Sales Boost Ltd	Israel	3364	Nielsen Innovate Fund, LP Third parties	IL	19.05 80.95	19.05
3463	Evolita Ltd.	Israel	3364	Nielsen Innovate Fund, LP Third parties	IL	35 65	35
3705	Mantivision Ltd	Israel	3364	Nielsen Innovate Fund, LP Third parties	IL	0.26 99,74	0.26
3465	Mobilbuy Ltd.	Israel	3364	Nielsen Innovate Fund, LP Third parties	IL	19.52 80.48	19.52
3670	Package. Ai Jenny Labs Ltd	Israel	3364	Nielsen Innovate Fund, LP Third parties	IL	20 80	20
3594	Personalics Ltd	Israel	3364	Nielsen Innovate Fund, LP Third parties	IL	21.37 78.63	21.37
3710	Placense	Israel	3364	Nielsen Innovate Fund, LP Third Parties	IL	20 80	20
3711	Revenuewize	Israel	3364	Nielsen Innovate Fund, LP Third Parties	IL	20 80	20
3461	Revuze Ltd.	Israel	3364	Nielsen Innovate Fund, LP Third parties	IL	21.25 78.75	21.25
3673	Stamp.EE Ltd	Israel	3364	Nielsen Innovate Fund, LP Third parties	IL	25.02 74,98	25.02
3708	SRP	Israel	3364	Nielsen Innovate Fund, LP Third Parties	IL	20 80	20
3595	Tapreason Ltd	Israel	3364	Nielsen Innovate Fund, LP Third parties	IL	33.87 66.13	33.87
3669	TextArt Labs Ltd	Israel	3364	Nielsen Innovate Fund, LP Third parties	IL	23.92 76.08	23.92
3650	Tomobox Israel Ltd	Israel	3364	Nielsen Innovate Fund, LP Third parties	IL	22.45 Percentage is subject to fluctuations	22.45
3597	Vo Ca Vu Solutions Ltd	Israel	3364	Nielsen Innovate Fund, LP Third parties	IL	29.99 70.01	29.99
3712	Walkout	Israel	3364	Nielsen Innovate Fund, LP Third Parties	IL	25 75	25
3713	Webeyez	Israel	3364	Nielsen Innovate Fund, LP Third Parties	IL	20 80	20
3649	Wiseshelf Ltd	Israel	3364	Nielsen Innovate Fund, LP Third parties	IL	22.09 Percentage is subject to fluctuations	22.09
3598	Wizer Feedback Ltd	Israel	3364	Nielsen Innovate Fund, LP Third parties	IL	28.6 71.4	28.6
3707	Xenia	Israel	3364	Nielsen Innovate Fund, LP Third parties	IL	27 73	27
3709	Yellzz	Israel	3364	Nielsen Innovate Fund, LP Third parties	IL	20 80	20
3460	Zollo Social Shopping Ltd	Israel	3364	Nielsen Innovate Fund, LP Third parties	IL	38.60 Percentage is subject to fluctuations	38.6
3614	Ongaku ShuppanSha Co., Ltd	Japan	3608	Gracenote Inc Third Parties	US	16.67 83.33	16.67
3665	True Data Inc	Japan	1369	The Nielsen Company Japan	JP	7,21 92,79	7,21
3606	Video Research Interactive Inc.	Japan	1353	ACNielsen eRatings.com Video Research Ltd (third party) Dentsu, Inc. (third party) Cyber Communications Inc. (third party) D.A. Consortium Inc. (third party) Hakuhodo Incorporated (third party) Asatsu-DK Inc. (third party) Hakuhodo DY Media Partners Incorporated (third party)	US	34 51 3,5 3,5 3,5 2,7 1 0,8	34
2420	AGB Stat IPSOS sal	Lebanon	2400	AGB Nielsen Media Research TAM Holding B.V. Ipsos SA (third party) STAT SAL (third party)	NL	40 30 30	40

					November 30, 2019
#	Company	Country		Shareholder		%	Nielsen owned %
3722	Snapbizz Cloudtech Pte Limited	Singapore	3599	Nielsen Innovate Singapore Pte Ltd. Third parties	SG	5.6       94.4	5.6
3586	ATRI RETEL (Thailand) Co. Ltd	Thailand	3585	A3 Distrib SAS Third parties	FR	49 51	49
1831	Bibliographic Data Services Limited* BSD has two direct subsidiaries: Weesleekit Limited and E-Haus Limited. These entities are not included in this overview as we are in the process of collecting information on these companies.	United Kingdom	932	Nielsen Book Services Limited Dumfries & Galloway Enterprise (third party) Lesley Whyte (third party) Eric Green (third party)	UK	40 20 20 20	40
3049	CGA Strategy Limited* CGA subsidiary is CGA Nielsen (Global) Limited (3481/UK). This entity is indirectly owned by AC Nielsen Company Limited (1378/UK) by 22.22%.This entity is not included in this overview	United Kingdom	1378	A.C. Nielsen Company Limited Mondiale Media Holdings LLP (third party) Philip Tate (third party) WRBM (third party)	UK	21.11 68.61 5.28 5	21.11
3494	ITWP Acquisitions Limited * This company has multiple (in)direct subsidiaries and investments worldwide (Toluna Group). Not included in this list.	United Kingdom	3441	Harris Interactive International, Inc. third parties	US	10 90	10
3326	Carrier IQ, Inc.	United States	1581	The Nielsen Company (US), LLC	US	<4	4
3704	Headset, Inc	United States	1581	The Nielsen Company (US), LLC Third Party	US	2.88 97,12	2.88
3544	Frogtek Bop, LLC	United States	3422	Nielsen International Holdings, Inc. Third parties	US	15,94 84,06	15,94
1096	JEGI Internet Economy Partners, L.P.	United States	70	VNU International B.V.	NL	6.616646	6.616646
3644	Musicplay Analytics LLC	United States	3608	Gracenote Inc Third party	US	4.02 95.98	4.02 95.98
3717	Outrigger Media, Inc	United States	2148	Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V. Third Parties	NL	20,6 79,4	20,6
1395	Percipient Inc.	United States	1224	ACNielsen Corporation	US	6.4	6.4
3721	Pereg Ventures Fund I	United States	1224	ACNielsen Corporation Third Parties	US	28.86       71.14	28.86
2848	TVaura LLC	United States	1581	The Nielsen Company (US), LLC	US	49	49

EX-23.1

Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements:

(1) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-176940), as amended, pertaining to The Nielsen Company 401(k) Savings Plan,

(2) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-212303) pertaining to the Nielsen Holdings plc 2016 Employee Share Purchase Plan,

(3) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-172256), as amended, pertaining to the 2006 Stock Acquisition and Option Plan for Key Employees of Nielsen Holdings plc and its Subsidiaries and Nielsen 2010 Stock Incentive Plan,

(4) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-188601), as amended, pertaining to the Amended and Restated Nielsen 2010 Stock Incentive Plan and Nielsen 2019 Stock Incentive plan,

(5) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-191458), as amended, pertaining to the Arbitron Inc. 2008 Equity Compensation Plan,

(6) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-232015) pertaining to the Nielsen 2019 Stock Incentive plan;

of our reports dated February 27, 2020, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of Nielsen Holdings plc and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Nielsen Holdings plc included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of Nielsen Holdings plc for the year ended December 31, 2019.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

New York, New York

February 27, 2020

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CERTIFICATION

I, David Kenny, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 of Nielsen Holdings plc;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: February 27, 2020

/s/  David Kenny

David Kenny

Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER CERTIFICATION

I, Linda Zukauckas, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 of Nielsen Holdings plc;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: February 27, 2020

/s/  Linda Zukauckas

Linda Zukauckas

Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Nielsen Holdings plc (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, David Kenny, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ David Kenny

David Kenny

Chief Executive Officer

February 27, 2020

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Nielsen Holdings plc (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Linda Zukauckas, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/  Linda Zukauckas

Linda Zukauckas

Chief Financial Officer

February 27, 2020

XML

Share-based Compensation - Summary of Restricted Stock Units (Detail) - Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of RSUs, Nonvested beginning	3,865,684	2,088,988	1,356,393
Number of RSUs, Granted	2,454,871	2,780,914	1,574,973
Number of RSUs, Forfeited	(692,718)	(361,821)	(339,292)
Number of RSUs, Vested	(986,852)	(642,397)	(503,086)
Number of RSUs, Nonvested ending	4,640,985	3,865,684	2,088,988
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Outstanding beginning	$ 29.88	$ 40.36	$ 47.69
Weighted-Average Grant date Fair Value, Granted	21.46	25.35	36.23
Weighted-Average Grant date Fair Value, Forfeited	28.63	38.46	46.09
Weighted-Average Grant date Fair Value, Vested	33.60	41.24	44.62
Weighted-Average Grant date Fair Value, Outstanding ending	$ 25.10	$ 29.88	$ 40.36

XML

Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

2. Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Leases

Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted the new lease accounting standard using the transition method approved by the FASB on July 30, 2018, which allows companies to apply the provisions of the new leasing standard as of January 1, 2019, without adjusting the comparative periods presented. In addition, we elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard. This allowed us to carry forward the historical lease classification. Adoption of this standard resulted in the recording of net operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets of $0.5 billion (amount is net of lease incentives and ASC 420 cease-use liabilities) and corresponding operating lease liabilities of $0.6 billion. Financial position for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 are presented under the new guidance, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with previous guidance. See Note 5 (“Leases”) for further discussion.

Income taxes

In February 2018, the FASB issued an ASU, “Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects From Accumulated Comprehensive Income”. The new standard gives companies the option to reclassify stranded tax effects caused by the newly-enacted US Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) from accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) to retained earnings. The new standard became effective for Nielsen on January 1, 2019. Nielsen elected to not reclassify stranded income tax effects of the TCJA from AOCI to retained earnings.

Financial Instruments – Credit Losses

In June 2016, the FASB issued an ASU, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”. The standard significantly changes how entities will measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. The standard will replace today’s “incurred loss” approach with an “expected loss” model for instruments measured at amortized cost. For available-for-sale debt securities, entities will be required to record allowances rather than reduce the carrying amount, as they do today under the other-than-temporary impairment model. It also simplifies the accounting model for purchased credit-impaired debt securities and loans. The new standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Nielsen does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, Compensation—Retirement Benefits—Defined Benefit Plans—General (Subtopic 715-20), which amends the current disclosure requirements regarding defined benefit pensions and other post retirement plans, and allows for the removal of certain disclosures, while adding certain new disclosure requirements. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and allows for early adoption. The Company does not expect this new standard to have a significant impact to our disclosures.

Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income taxes

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes which amends and aims to simplify accounting disclosure requirements regarding a number of topics including: intraperiod tax allocation, accounting for deferred taxes when there are changes in consolidation of certain investments, tax basis step up in an acquisition and the application of effective rate changes during interim periods, amongst other improvements. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and allows for early adoption. Nielsen is assessing the impact of this new standard on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations and its future disclosures.

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 454	$ 524
Trade and other receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns of $28 and $31 as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively	1,103	1,118
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	420	361
Total current assets	1,977	2,003
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	466	468
Operating lease right-of-use asset	393
Goodwill	5,993	6,987
Other intangible assets, net	4,881	5,024
Deferred tax assets	276	333
Other non-current assets	333	364
Total assets	14,319	15,179
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	1,182	1,119
Deferred revenues	345	355
Income tax liabilities	60	76
Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease obligations and short-term borrowings	914	107
Total current liabilities	2,501	1,657
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations	7,395	8,280
Deferred tax liabilities	1,052	1,108
Operating lease liabilities	370
Other non-current liabilities	613	1,091
Total liabilities	11,931	12,136
Commitments and contingencies (Note 16)
Nielsen shareholders’ equity
Common stock, €0.07 par value, 1,185,800,000 and 1,185,800,000 shares authorized; 356,158,879 and 355,323,822 shares issued and 356,149,883 and 355,271,737 shares outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively	32	32
Additional paid-in capital	4,378	4,720
Retained earnings/(accumulated deficit)	(1,210)	(795)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	(1,005)	(1,110)
Total Nielsen shareholders’ equity	2,195	2,847
Noncontrolling interests	193	196
Total equity	2,388	3,043
Total liabilities and equity	$ 14,319	$ 15,179

XML

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 31, 2020	Jun. 30, 2019
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Title of 12(b) Security	Ordinary shares, par value €0.07 per share
Trading Symbol	NLSN
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Registrant Name	Nielsen Holdings plc
Entity Central Index Key	0001492633
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Tax Identification Number	98-1225347
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity File Number	001-35042
Entity Address, Address Line One	85 Broad Street
Entity Address, City or Town	New York
Entity Address, State or Province	NY
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	10004
City Area Code	(646)
Local Phone Number	654-5000
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	X0
Document Annual Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		356,368,888
Entity Public Float			$ 8,033
Documents Incorporated by Reference	Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement of the registrant to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the general rules and regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, for the 2020 annual meeting of shareholders of the registrant are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

XML

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

6. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets, consisting of certain trade names and trademarks, are each tested for impairment on an annual basis and whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such asset may not be recoverable. Nielsen has designated October 1st as the date in which the annual assessment is performed as this timing corresponds with the development of the Company’s formal budget and business plan review. Nielsen reviews the recoverability of its goodwill by comparing the estimated fair values of reporting units with their respective carrying amounts. The Company established, and continues to evaluate, its reporting units based on its internal reporting structure and defines such reporting units at its operating segment level or one level below. The estimates of fair value of a reporting unit are determined using a combination of valuation techniques, primarily an income approach using a discounted cash flow analysis supplemented by a market-based approach.

A discounted cash flow analysis requires the use of various assumptions, including expectations of future cash flows, growth rates, discount rates and tax rates in developing the present value of future cash flow projections. The market-based approach utilizes available market comparisons such as indicative industry multiples that are applied to current year revenue and earnings as well as recent comparable transactions.

Nielsen conducted the annual assessment as of October 1, 2019 and concluded that there was no impairment.

Prior to the annual assessment date, in connection with Nielsen’s ongoing strategic review, Nielsen considered various alternatives for the Company including the potential sale of the Connect business. During this process, there were indications that the fair value of the Connect reporting unit was lower than the carrying value.  Nielsen considered this as well as other factors to be interim indicators of impairment and determined that it was more likely than not that the Connect reporting unit was impaired. Management performed an impairment analysis of Connect as of September 30, 2019.  As a result of this analysis, Nielsen concluded that the fair value was less than the carrying value and recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $1,004 million for the Connect reporting unit. The primary inputs for determining the estimated fair value were inputs from the strategic review process, market values for comparable entities and updated intrinsic values.

During the first quarter of 2019, Nielsen updated its reporting structure in a manner that changed the composition of the Company’s reporting units. The result of this change was combining two of Nielsen’s reporting units into one. Both of these reporting units were in the former Watch reportable segment.  The current reporting units are Media and Connect (formerly Watch and Buy), which is the same as Nielsen’s reportable segments. As a result of this change in reporting units, Nielsen performed an interim goodwill impairment analysis during the first quarter immediately prior to the change and after the change, and determined that the estimated fair values of the reporting units exceeded their carrying values (including goodwill). As such, there was no impairment as a result of this change.

Goodwill is stated at historical cost less accumulated impairments losses, if any.

The table below summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

(IN MILLIONS)	Connect			Media			Total
Balance, December 31, 2017	$	2,844		$	5,651		$	8,495
Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments		11			15			26
Impairment		(1,411	)		—			(1,411	)
Effect of foreign currency translation		(107	)		(16	)		(123	)
Balance, December 31, 2018	$	1,337		$	5,650		$	6,987
Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments		8			12			20
Impairment		(1,004	)		—			(1,004	)
Effect of foreign currency translation		(10	)		—			(10	)
Balance, December 31, 2019	$	331		$	5,662		$	5,993
Cumulative impairments	$	2,415		$	376		$	2,791

At December 31, 2019, $45 million of goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes.

Other Intangible Assets

Intangible assets with finite lives are stated at historical cost, less accumulated amortization and impairment losses. These intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives, which are reviewed annually.

Nielsen has purchased and internally developed software to facilitate its global information processing, financial reporting and client access needs. Costs that are related to the conceptual formulation and design of software programs are expensed as incurred. Costs that are incurred to produce the finished product after technological feasibility has been established are capitalized as an intangible asset and are amortized over the estimated useful life. If events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of software may not be recovered, a recoverability analysis is performed based on estimated undiscounted cash flows to be generated from the software in the future. If the analysis indicates that the carrying value is not recoverable from the future cash flows, the software cost is written down to estimated fair value and an impairment is recognized. These estimates are subject to revision as market conditions and as the Company’s assessments change. At December 31, 2019, the net book value of purchased and internally developed software was $36 million and $1,330 million, respectively.

Certain of the trade names associated with Nielsen are deemed indefinite-lived intangible assets, as their associated Nielsen brand awareness and recognition has existed for over 50 years and the Company intends to continue to utilize these trade names. There are also no legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic or other factors that may limit their estimated useful lives. Nielsen reconsiders the remaining estimated useful life of indefinite-lived intangible assets each reporting period.

The impairment test for other indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The estimates of fair value of trade names and trademarks are determined using a “relief from royalty” discounted cash flow valuation methodology. Significant assumptions inherent in this methodology include estimates of royalty rates and discount rates. Discount rate assumptions are based on an assessment of the risk inherent in the respective intangible assets. Assumptions about royalty rates are based on the rates at which comparable trade names and trademarks are being licensed in the marketplace. There was no impairment noted in any period presented with respect to the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets. As of the October 1, 2019 assessment, one of Nielsen’s indefinite-lived intangible assets had a fair value that exceeded its carrying value by less than 10%.

Nielsen is required to assess whether the value of the Company’s amortizable intangible assets have been impaired whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets might not be recoverable. Nielsen does not perform a periodic assessment of assets for impairment in the absence of such information or indicators. Conditions that would necessitate an impairment assessment include a significant decline in the observable market value of an asset, a significant change in the extent or manner in which an asset is used or a significant adverse change that would indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets is not recoverable. Recoverability of assets that are held and used is measured by comparing the sum of the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be derived from an asset (or a group of assets) to their carrying value. If the carrying value of the asset (or the group of assets) exceeds the sum of the future undiscounted cash flows, impairment is considered to exist. If impairment is considered to exist based on undiscounted cash flows, the impairment charge is measured using an estimation of the assets’ fair value, typically using a discounted cash flow method. The identification of impairment indicators, the estimation of future cash flows and the determination of fair values for assets (or groups of assets) requires Nielsen to make significant judgments concerning the identification and validation of impairment indicators, expected cash flows and applicable discount rates. These estimates are subject to revision as market conditions and the Company’s assessments change.

The Company’s impairment assessments resulted in the recognition of a non-cash self-developed software asset impairment charge of $2 million during the fourth quarter of 2018.

There was no impairment or indicators of impairment noted in 2019 with respect to the Company’s amortizable intangible assets.

The table below summarizes the carrying value of such intangible assets and their estimated useful lives:

			Gross Amounts				Accumulated Amortization
	Estimated	Weighted	December 31,		December 31,		December 31,			December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	Useful Lives	Average	2019		2018		2019			2018
Indefinite-lived intangibles:
Trade names and trademarks			$	1,921	$	1,921	$	—		$	—
Amortized intangibles:
Trade names and trademarks	5-20 years	12 years		144		140		(109	)		(102	)
Customer-related intangibles	6-25 years	21 years		3,153		3,145		(1,764	)		(1,604	)
Covenants-not-to-compete	1-7 years	3 years		37		39		(36	)		(38	)
Content databases	12-16 years	12 years		168		167		(40	)		(26	)
Computer software	3-10 years	5 years		2,626		3,029		(1,260	)		(1,694	)
Patents and other	3-10 years	6 years		182		173		(141	)		(126	)
Total			$	6,310	$	6,693	$	(3,350	)	$	(3,590	)

The amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $580 million, $490 million and $454 million, respectively. These amounts include amortization expense associated with computer software of $384 million, $283 million and $250 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

All other intangible assets are subject to amortization. Future amortization expense is estimated to be as follows:

(IN MILLIONS)
For the year ending December 31:
2020	$	600
2021		547
2022		417
2023		316
2024		258
Thereafter		822
Total	$	2,960

XML

Income Taxes - Schedule of Provision for Income Taxes as Per UK Federal Income Tax Rates (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended									12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates	$ (43)	$ (848)	$ 149	$ 79	$ (1,274)	$ 157	$ 121	$ 114		$ (663)	$ (882)		$ 828
Statutory tax rate										21.00%	21.00%		35.00%
(Benefit)/provision for income taxes at the UK statutory rate										$ (126)	$ (168)		$ 159
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets										191	268
Tax impact on distributions from foreign subsidiaries										4	9		8
Effect of operations in non-UK jurisdictions										32	32		35
Tax impact of global licensing arrangements										(16)	18		66
Tax impact of intercompany restructuring											(142)
U.S. state and local taxation										10	17		23
Base erosion and other anti-abuse tax										35
Withholding and other taxation										29	28		39
Effect of global financing activities										(7)	(67)		(68)
Changes in estimates for uncertain tax positions and audit settlements										(442)	25		45
Changes in valuation allowances										(40)	39		(8)
Effect of change in deferred tax rates										46	(6)		7
Tax impact of post-retirement settlements										26
Tax impact due to US Tax Reform									$ 104		(228)	[1]	104	[1]
Other, net										(2)	(7)		(22)
Total (benefit)/provision for income taxes										$ (260)	$ (182)		$ 388
Effective tax rate (benefit) and expense										(39.20%)	(20.60%)		46.90%
UK
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Statutory tax rate										19.00%	19.00%		19.25%

[1] This includes the impact of BEAT and GILTI for 2018 and 2017.

XML

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement Of Stockholders Equity [Abstract]
Currency translation adjustments, tax	$ (4)	$ (6)	$ 23
Cash flow hedges, tax	11	(1)	(7)
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments, tax	$ (8)	$ 0	$ (2)

XML

Restructuring Activities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]

Restructuring Activities

10. Restructuring Activities

Productivity Initiatives

Restructuring charges are primarily related to programs associated with Nielsen’s plans to reduce selling, general and administrative expenses, consolidate operating centers, as well as automation initiatives. These charges primarily relate to employee separation packages. The amounts are calculated based on salary levels and past service periods. Severance costs are generally charged to earnings when planned employee terminations are approved.

A summary of the changes in the liabilities for restructuring activities is provided below:

	Total
(IN MILLIONS)	Initiatives
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	73
Charges		80
Non cash charges and other adjustments		2
Payments		(97	)
Balance at December 31, 2017		58
Charges		139
Non cash charges and other adjustments		(2	)
Payments		(127	)
Balance at December 31, 2018		68
Reclassification of ASC 420 real estate restructuring to right-of -use asset (1)		(22	)
Charges (2)		62
Payments		(74	)
Non cash charges and other adjustments		1
Balance at December 31, 2019	$	35

(1) Upon adoption of ASC 842, the real estate operating lease ASC 420 liabilities were reclassified and presented as a reduction of the related operating lease right-of-use asset.

(2) Excludes charges related to operating lease right-of-use assets of $18 million. Includes $6 million of adjustments related to changes in previous productivity initiatives.

Of the $35 million in remaining liabilities for restructuring actions, $30 million is expected to be paid within one year and is classified as a current liability within the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2019.

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Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Effective date of agreement			Oct. 01, 2017
Purchase amended and restated agreement date	Jul. 01, 2019
Purchase amended and restated agreement effective date	Jan. 01, 2019
Remaining commitments amount		$ 1,100,000,000
Total expenses incurred under operating leases		123,000,000	$ 96,000,000	$ 96,000,000
Recognized rental income received under subleases		3,000,000	6,000,000	$ 6,000,000
Aggregate future proceeds under sub-lease guarantees		8,000,000
Letters of credit issued and outstanding		$ 17,000,000	$ 16,000,000
Services Per Year From 2021 Through 2024
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Commitment to purchase services	$ 184,300,000
Services 2025
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Commitment to purchase services	137,800,000
Minimum | Services 2019
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Commitment to purchase services	275,000,000
Minimum | Services 2020
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Commitment to purchase services	250,000,000
Commitment
Commitment And Contingencies [Line Items]
Purchase commitment, remaining minimum amount committed	$ 1,413,000,000

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Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Allowance for accounts receivable and sales returns
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance Beginning of Period	$ 31	$ 29	$ 25
Charges/ (Credits) to Expense	2	5	6
Deductions	(5)	(2)	(3)
Effect of Foreign Currency Translation		(1)	1
Balance at End of Period	28	31	29
Valuation allowance for deferred taxes
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance Beginning of Period	651	466	112
Charges/ (Credits) to Expense	(4)	193	355
Charged to Other Accounts	1	3	(8)
Effect of Foreign Currency Translation	(12)	(11)	7
Balance at End of Period	$ 636	$ 651	$ 466

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill

The table below summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

(IN MILLIONS)	Connect			Media			Total
Balance, December 31, 2017	$	2,844		$	5,651		$	8,495
Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments		11			15			26
Impairment		(1,411	)		—			(1,411	)
Effect of foreign currency translation		(107	)		(16	)		(123	)
Balance, December 31, 2018	$	1,337		$	5,650		$	6,987
Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments		8			12			20
Impairment		(1,004	)		—			(1,004	)
Effect of foreign currency translation		(10	)		—			(10	)
Balance, December 31, 2019	$	331		$	5,662		$	5,993
Cumulative impairments	$	2,415		$	376		$	2,791

Other Intangible Assets

The table below summarizes the carrying value of such intangible assets and their estimated useful lives:

			Gross Amounts				Accumulated Amortization
	Estimated	Weighted	December 31,		December 31,		December 31,			December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	Useful Lives	Average	2019		2018		2019			2018
Indefinite-lived intangibles:
Trade names and trademarks			$	1,921	$	1,921	$	—		$	—
Amortized intangibles:
Trade names and trademarks	5-20 years	12 years		144		140		(109	)		(102	)
Customer-related intangibles	6-25 years	21 years		3,153		3,145		(1,764	)		(1,604	)
Covenants-not-to-compete	1-7 years	3 years		37		39		(36	)		(38	)
Content databases	12-16 years	12 years		168		167		(40	)		(26	)
Computer software	3-10 years	5 years		2,626		3,029		(1,260	)		(1,694	)
Patents and other	3-10 years	6 years		182		173		(141	)		(126	)
Total			$	6,310	$	6,693	$	(3,350	)	$	(3,590	)

Summary of Estimated Future Amortization Expense

All other intangible assets are subject to amortization. Future amortization expense is estimated to be as follows:

(IN MILLIONS)
For the year ending December 31:
2020	$	600
2021		547
2022		417
2023		316
2024		258
Thereafter		822
Total	$	2,960

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Schedule 7AII-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Valuation And Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure

Schedule 7AII—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

For the Years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

(IN MILLIONS)	Balance Beginning of Period		Charges to Expense			Deductions				Effect of Foreign Currency Translation		Balance at End of Period
Allowance for accounts receivable and sales returns
For the year ended December 31, 2017	$	25		$	6	$	(3	)	$	1		$	29
For the year ended December 31, 2018	$	29		$	5	$	(2	)	$	(1	)	$	31
For the year ended December 31, 2019	$	31		$	2	$	(5	)	$	-		$	28

(IN MILLIONS)	Balance Beginning of Period		Charges/ (Credits) to Expense				Charged to Other Accounts			Effect of Foreign Currency Translation			Balance at End of Period
Valuation allowance for deferred taxes
For the year ended December 31, 2017	$	112		$	355		$	(8	)	$	7		$	466
For the year ended December 31, 2018	$	466		$	193		$	3		$	(11	)	$	651
For the year ended December 31, 2019	$	651		$	(4	)	$	1		$	(12	)	$	636

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Condensed Financial Information of Registrant - Statement of Cash Flow (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Net cash used in operating activities	$ 1,066	$ 1,058	$ 1,310
Financing activities:
Cash dividends paid to shareholders	(395)	(494)	(474)
Repurchase of common stock		(70)	(140)
Activity under stock plans	(8)	15	21
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan	4	5	6
Other financing activities	(28)	(18)	(22)
Net cash used in financing activities	(544)	(676)	(215)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(70)	(132)	(98)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	524	656	754
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	454	524	656
Total Nielsen Shareholders' Equity
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Net cash used in operating activities	(8)	(2)	(1)
Financing activities:
Cash dividends paid to shareholders	(395)	(494)	(474)
Repurchase of common stock		(70)	(140)
Activity under stock plans		23	32
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan	4	5	6
Other financing activities	398	539	574
Net cash used in financing activities	7	3	(2)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(1)	1	(3)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	3	2	5
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 2	$ 3	$ 2

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Revenue Recognition - Summary of Revenue Disaggregated by Segment by Major Product Offerings and Timing of Revenue Recognition (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,691	$ 1,616	$ 1,628	$ 1,563	$ 1,658	$ 1,600	$ 1,647	$ 1,610	$ 6,498	[1]	$ 6,515	[1]	$ 6,572	[1]
Operating Segments | Products Transferred at a Point in Time
Segment Reporting Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues									576		576		495
Operating Segments | Products and Services Transferred Over Time
Segment Reporting Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues									5,922		5,939		6,077
Connect | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues									3,057		3,138		3,278
Connect | Operating Segments | Measure
Segment Reporting Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues									2,161		2,211		2,233
Connect | Operating Segments | Predict/Activate
Segment Reporting Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues									896		927		1,045
Media | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues									3,441		3,377		3,294
Media | Operating Segments | Audience Measurement
Segment Reporting Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues									2,471		2,411		2,321
Media | Operating Segments | Plan/Optimize
Segment Reporting Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues									$ 970		$ 966		$ 973

[1] Revenues are attributed to geographic areas based on the location of customers.

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Leases - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Recognized rental income received under subleases	$ 3	$ 6	$ 6
Aggregate future proceeds under sub-lease guarantees	$ 8
Minimum
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Operating and Finance leases, remaining lease terms	1 year
Maximum
Lessee Lease Description [Line Items]
Operating and Finance leases, remaining lease terms	30 years
Operating and Financing leases, options to extend leases term	5 years
Operating and Finance leases, options to terminate leases term	1 year

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Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) RetireesandBeneficiarie shares	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average expected long term rate of return	4.30%	4.40%	4.60%
Defined benefit plan pension obligations	$ 632	$ 4
Settlement loss recognized	$ 170	$ 1	$ 1
Weighted average asset allocations	100.00%	100.00%
Defined contribution plan expenses	$ 54	$ 59	$ 53
Contributions made in shares by the employer | shares	0
Minimum
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Percentage of contribution by the employer	3.00%
Equity securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	51.00%	33.00%
Equity securities | Maximum
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	49.00%
Fixed income securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	43.00%	50.00%
Fixed income securities | Maximum
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	45.00%
Other securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	6.00%	17.00%
Other securities | Maximum
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	6.00%
Other Income/Expense
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, settlement income/expense	$ 170
United States
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Pension expense	$ 1
Weighted average expected long term rate of return	6.70%	6.90%	7.00%
Weighted average asset allocations	100.00%	100.00%
Contributions to the pension plans	$ 11
United States | Equity securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	54.00%	52.00%
United States | Fixed income securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	45.00%	47.00%
United States | Other securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	1.00%	1.00%
Foreign Plan
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Settlement loss recognized	$ 170
The Netherlands
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan assumptions used in calculations, basis point	0.50%
Pension expense	$ 1
Weighted average expected long term rate of return	3.50%	3.60%	3.80%
Defined benefit plan pension obligations	$ 573
Settlement loss recognized	$ 164
Weighted average asset allocations	100.00%	100.00%
Contributions to the pension plans	$ 0
The Netherlands | Equity securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	39.00%	21.00%
The Netherlands | Fixed income securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	53.00%	62.00%
The Netherlands | Other securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	8.00%	17.00%
Netherlands And U K
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan pension obligations	$ 632
Number of retirees and beneficiaries | RetireesandBeneficiarie	6,000
Mexico
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Settlement loss recognized		$ 1
Canada
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Settlement loss recognized			$ 1
Switzerland
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Settlement loss recognized			$ 1
UK
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Settlement loss recognized	$ 6
Other
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Contributions to the pension plans	$ 17

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Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Summary of Long-Term Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Weighted average interest rate	4.40%	4.67%
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	$ 8,164	$ 8,225
Finance lease and other financing obligations	145	161
Bank overdrafts		1
Total debt and other financing arrangements	8,309	8,387
Less: Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease and other financing obligations and other short-term borrowings	914	107
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations	7,395	8,280
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	$ 8,218	$ 7,999
Senior secured credit facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Weighted average interest rate	3.52%	4.09%
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	$ 3,952	$ 4,020
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	$ 3,958	$ 3,934
Debenture loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Weighted average interest rate	5.22%	5.22%
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	$ 4,211	$ 4,204
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	4,259	4,064
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2023 | Libor Based Variable Rate of 3.46%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	1,086	1,112
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	1,079	1,100
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2023 | Libor Based Variable Rate of 3.71%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	2,263	2,285
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	2,273	2,215
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2023 | Euro Libor Based Variable Rate of 2.50%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	603	623
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	606	619
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	799	797
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	802	792
Senior debenture loan due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	622	621
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	629	621
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	2,293	2,290
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	2,312	2,179
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	497	496
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	516	472
Other Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	1	1
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	$ 1	$ 1

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Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits - Weighted Average Asset Allocation by Asset Category (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	100.00%	100.00%
Equity securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	51.00%	33.00%
Fixed income securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	43.00%	50.00%
Other securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	6.00%	17.00%
The Netherlands
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	100.00%	100.00%
The Netherlands | Equity securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	39.00%	21.00%
The Netherlands | Fixed income securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	53.00%	62.00%
The Netherlands | Other securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	8.00%	17.00%
Other
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	100.00%	100.00%
Other | Equity securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	50.00%	41.00%
Other | Fixed income securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	39.00%	28.00%
Other | Other securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	11.00%	31.00%
United States
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	100.00%	100.00%
United States | Equity securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	54.00%	52.00%
United States | Fixed income securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	45.00%	47.00%
United States | Other securities
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Weighted average asset allocations	1.00%	1.00%

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Fair Value Measurements - Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Interest Rate Swap Arrangements
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Amount of (Gain)/Loss Recognized in OCI on Derivatives (Effective Portion)	$ 33	$ (9)	$ (13)
Interest Expense
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Amount of (Gain)/Loss Reclassified from OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	$ (9)	$ (7)	$ 5

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Fair Value Measurements - Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Detail) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Assets:
Asset		$ 28	$ 50
Liabilities:
Liabilities		48	30
Plan Assets for Deferred Compensation
Assets:
Asset	[1]	26	25
Investment In Mutual Funds
Assets:
Asset	[2]	2	2
Interest Rate Swap Arrangements
Assets:
Asset	[3]		23
Liabilities:
Liabilities	[3]	22	3
Deferred Compensation Liabilities
Liabilities:
Liabilities	[4]	26	27
Level 1
Assets:
Asset		28	27
Liabilities:
Liabilities		26	27
Level 1 | Plan Assets for Deferred Compensation
Assets:
Asset	[1]	26	25
Level 1 | Investment In Mutual Funds
Assets:
Asset	[2]	2	2
Level 1 | Deferred Compensation Liabilities
Liabilities:
Liabilities	[4]	26	27
Level 2
Assets:
Asset			23
Liabilities:
Liabilities		22	3
Level 2 | Interest Rate Swap Arrangements
Assets:
Asset	[3]		23
Liabilities:
Liabilities	[3]	$ 22	$ 3

[1] Plan assets are comprised of investments in mutual funds, which are intended to fund liabilities arising from deferred compensation plans. These investments are carried at fair value, which is based on quoted market prices at period end in active markets. These investments are classified as equity securities with any gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recorded in other income/(expense), net in the consolidated statement of operations.

[2] Investments in mutual funds are money-market accounts held with the intention of funding certain specific retirement plans.

[3] Derivative financial instruments include interest rate swap arrangements recorded at fair value based on externally-developed valuation models that use readily observable market parameters and the consideration of counterparty risk.

[4] The Company offers certain employees the opportunity to participate in a deferred compensation plan. A participant’s deferrals are invested in a variety of participant directed stock and bond mutual funds and are classified as equity securities. Changes in the fair value of these securities are measured using quoted prices in active markets based on the market price per unit multiplied by the number of units held exclusive of any transaction costs. A corresponding adjustment for changes in fair value of the equity securities is also reflected in the changes in fair value of the deferred compensation obligation.

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Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits - Total Accumulated Benefit Obligation and Minimum Liability Changes For Pension Plans (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Accumulated benefit obligation	$ 1,078	$ 1,579	$ 1,750
Accumulated Benefit Obligation
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	888	1,490
Accumulated benefit obligation	874	1,473
Fair value of plan assets	668	1,272
Projected Benefit Obligation
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	943	1,490
Accumulated benefit obligation	1,078	1,579
Fair value of plan assets	723	1,272
The Netherlands | Accumulated Benefit Obligation
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	83	646
Accumulated benefit obligation	83	644
Fair value of plan assets	75	637
The Netherlands | Projected Benefit Obligation
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	83	646
Accumulated benefit obligation	83	644
Fair value of plan assets	75	637
Other | Accumulated Benefit Obligation
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	428	506
Accumulated benefit obligation	414	491
Fair value of plan assets	323	404
Other | Projected Benefit Obligation
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	483	506
Accumulated benefit obligation	618	597
Fair value of plan assets	378	404
United States | Accumulated Benefit Obligation
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	377	338
Accumulated benefit obligation	377	338
Fair value of plan assets	270	231
United States | Projected Benefit Obligation
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Projected benefit obligation	377	338
Accumulated benefit obligation	377	338
Fair value of plan assets	$ 270	$ 231

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Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Minimum Annual Payments under Nielsen's Purchase Obligations

The amounts presented below represent the minimum annual payments under Nielsen’s purchase obligations that have initial or remaining non-cancelable terms in excess of one year. These purchase obligations include data processing, building maintenance, equipment purchasing, photocopiers, land and mobile telephone service, computer software and hardware maintenance, and outsourcing.

	For the Years Ending December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2020		2021		2022		2023		2024		Thereafter		Total
Operating leases	$	136	$	99	$	75	$	53	$	40	$	171	$	574
Other contractual obligations(a)		627		295		203		190		185		139		1,639
Total	$	763	$	394	$	278	$	243	$	225	$	310	$	2,213

(a) Other contractual obligations represent obligations under agreement, which are not unilaterally cancelable by Nielsen, are legally enforceable and specify fixed or minimum amounts or quantities of goods or services at fixed or minimum prices. Nielsen generally requires purchase orders for vendor and third party spending. The amounts presented above represent the minimum future annual services covered by purchase obligations including data processing, building maintenance, equipment purchasing, photocopiers, land and mobile telephone service, computer software and hardware maintenance, and outsourcing. Nielsen’s remaining commitments as of December 31, 2019, under the outsourced services agreement with TCS have been included above based on the Annual Commitment minimum required payments.

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Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of Long-Term Debt

Unless otherwise stated, interest rates are as of December 31, 2019.

	December 31, 2019											December 31, 2018
	Weighted											Weighted
	Interest			Carrying				Fair				Interest			Carrying			Fair
(IN MILLIONS)	Rate			Amount				Value				Rate			Amount			Value
$1,125 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based variable rate of 3.46%) due 2023					$		1,086		$	1,079						$	1,112		$	1,100
$2,303 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based variable rate of 3.71%) due 2023						2,263					2,273					2,285			2,215
€545 million Senior secured term loan (Euro LIBOR based variable rate of 2.50%) due 2023						603					606						623			619
$850 million senior secured revolving credit facility (Euro LIBOR or LIBOR based variable rate) due 2023						—					—						—			—
Total senior secured credit facilities (with weighted-average interest rate)		3.52	%			3,952					3,958		4.09	%			4,020			3,934
$800 million 4.50% senior debenture loan due 2020						799					802						797			792
$625 million 5.50% senior debenture loan due 2021						622					629						621			621
$2,300 million 5.00% senior debenture loan due 2022						2,293					2,312						2,290			2,179
$500 million 5.00% senior debenture loan due 2025						497					516					496			472
Total debenture loans (with weighted-average interest rate)		5.22	%			4,211					4,259		5.22	%			4,204			4,064
Other loans						1					1						1			1
Total long-term debt		4.40	%			8,164					8,218		4.67	%			8,225			7,999
Finance lease and other financing obligations						145											161
Bank overdrafts						—											1
Total debt and other financing arrangements						8,309											8,387
Less: Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease and other financing obligations and other short-term borrowings						914											107
Non-current portion of long-term debt and finance lease and other financing obligations					$	7,395										$	8,280

Schedule of Long-Term Debt Currency Wise

The carrying value of Nielsen’s long-term debt are denominated in the following currencies:

	December 31,		December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019		2018
U.S. Dollars	$	7,561	$	7,602
Euro		603		623
	$	8,164	$	8,225

Annual Maturities of Long-Term Debt

Annual maturities of Nielsen’s long-term debt are as follows:

(IN MILLIONS)
2020	$	854
2021	$	702
2022	$	2,399
2023	$	3,710
2024	$	—
Thereafter	$	499
	$	8,164

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Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Annual Maturities of Long-Term Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2020	$ 854
2021	702
2022	2,399
2023	3,710
Thereafter	499
Total	$ 8,164	$ 8,225

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, impairment loss	$ 0	$ 0		$ 1,004	$ 1,411
Goodwill deductible for income tax purposes				45
Net book value				2,960
Impairment of amortizable intangible assets				0
Amortization expense, intangible assets				580	490	$ 454
Amortization expense, computer software				384	283	$ 250
Self Developed Software
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Asset impairment charges			$ 2
Maximum
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Percentage of fair value in excess of carrying amount	10.00%
Purchased Software
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Net book value				36
Internally Developed Software
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Net book value				1,330
Connect
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, impairment loss				1,004	$ 1,411
Non-cash goodwill impairment charge				$ 1,004

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Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) by Component - Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), Net of Tax by Component (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance	$ 3,043	$ 4,443	$ 4,293
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (income)/loss	167	14
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	107	(171)	273
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	2	(1)	2
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	105	(170)	271
Balance	2,388	3,043	4,443
Currency Translation Adjustments
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance	(779)	(610)	(856)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	5	(170)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	5	(170)
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	2	(1)
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	3	(169)
Balance	(776)	(779)	(610)
Cash Flow Hedges
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance	11	10
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	(23)	6
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (income)/loss	(7)	(5)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	(30)	1
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	(30)	1
Balance	(19)	11	10
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), Net Post Employment Benefits
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance	(342)	(340)	(354)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	(42)	(21)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (income)/loss	174	19
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	132	(2)
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	132	(2)
Balance	(210)	(342)	(340)
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance	(1,110)	(940)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	(60)	(185)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (income)/loss	167	14
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	107	(171)
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	2	(1)
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	105	(170)
Balance	$ (1,005)	$ (1,110)	$ (940)

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Shareholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)		12 Months Ended
	Feb. 20, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 11, 2015	Oct. 23, 2014	Jul. 25, 2013
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Dividends declared per common share		$ 1.11	$ 1.39	$ 1.33
Cost of treasury stock		$ 2,000,000,000			$ 500,000,000	$ 1,000,000,000	$ 500,000,000
Cumulative shares repurchased		39,426,521
Average price of common stock purchased		$ 44.95
Payments for repurchase of common stock		$ 1,772,000,000
Repurchases of common stock		0	2,220,156	3,368,839
Maximum
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Cost of treasury stock		$ 2,000,000,000
Subsequent Event
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Declaration Date	Feb. 20, 2020
Dividends declared per common share	$ 0.06
Cash dividend, date to be Paid	Mar. 19, 2020
Cash dividend, recorded date	Mar. 05, 2020

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Share-based Compensation - Summary of Stock Option Plan Activity (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Options, Granted	0
Time Based Awards
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of Options, Outstanding beginning	4,631,836	5,869,303	8,158,168
Number of Options, Granted		750,000	1,000
Number of Options, Forfeited	(662,732)	(988,826)	(996,015)
Number of Options, Expired	(445,760)	(153,799)
Number of Options, Exercised	(9,027)	(844,842)	(1,293,850)
Number of Options, Outstanding ending	3,514,317	4,631,836	5,869,303	8,158,168
Number of Options, Exercisable	2,817,876
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding beginning	$ 43.20	$ 41.58	$ 40.19
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Granted		40.00	36.17
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Forfeited	46.31	46.08	47.59
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Expired	28.09	30.47
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercised	17.44	28.04	28.13
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding ending	44.60	$ 43.20	$ 41.58	$ 40.19
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercisable	$ 44.77
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term in Years	3 years 1 month 24 days	3 years 7 months 28 days	3 years 6 months 7 days	4 years 5 months 4 days
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term in Years, Exercisable	2 years 7 months 9 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value			$ 13	$ 43

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Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	May 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	May 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2017	Apr. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Feb. 28, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Impairment in other expense									$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Pre-tax gain (loss) from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense expected to be recognized in next twelve months									(6,000,000)
Foreign Currency Exchange Contract
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional amount of outstanding derivative financial instruments									125,000,000	76,000,000
Gains/(losses) on derivative financial instruments									1,000,000	$ (2,000,000)
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on July 2023
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional amount of outstanding derivative financial instruments	$ 150,000,000								150,000,000
Interest rate swap maturity term	4 years
Variable interest rate	1.82%
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on April 2023
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional amount of outstanding derivative financial instruments		$ 150,000,000							150,000,000
Interest rate swap maturity term		4 years
Variable interest rate		2.26%
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on June 2023
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional amount of outstanding derivative financial instruments		$ 250,000,000							250,000,000
Interest rate swap maturity term		4 years
Variable interest rate		2.07%
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on May 2023
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional amount of outstanding derivative financial instruments			$ 250,000,000						250,000,000
Interest rate swap maturity term			5 years
Variable interest rate			2.72%
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on October 2021
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional amount of outstanding derivative financial instruments				$ 250,000,000					250,000,000
Interest rate swap maturity term				4 years
Variable interest rate				1.60%
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on October 2020
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional amount of outstanding derivative financial instruments					$ 250,000,000				250,000,000
Interest rate swap maturity term					3 years
Variable interest rate					1.66%
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on July 2020
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional amount of outstanding derivative financial instruments						$ 250,000,000			250,000,000
Interest rate swap maturity term						3 years
Variable interest rate						1.63%
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on July 2022
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional amount of outstanding derivative financial instruments							$ 250,000,000		250,000,000
Interest rate swap maturity term							5 years
Variable interest rate							2.00%
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on July 2020
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional amount of outstanding derivative financial instruments								$ 250,000,000	$ 250,000,000
Interest rate swap maturity term								3 years
Variable interest rate								1.73%

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Guarantor Financial Information - Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	$ 1,066	$ 1,058	$ 1,310
Investing activities:
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired	(61)	(43)	(778)
Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net	17	51	2
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets	(116)	(106)	(119)
Additions to intangible assets	(403)	(414)	(370)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets		4	42
Other investing activities	(19)	2	(13)
Net cash used in by investing activities	(582)	(506)	(1,236)
Financing activities:
Repayment of debt	(57)	(819)	(2,296)
Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs		781	2,745
Increase/(decrease) in short term borrowings	(1)	1	(5)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders	(395)	(494)	(474)
Repurchase of common stock		(70)	(140)
Activity under stock plans	(8)	15	21
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan	4	5	6
Finance leases	(60)	(76)	(55)
Settlement of intercompany and other financing activities	(27)	(19)	(17)
Net cash used in financing activities	(544)	(676)	(215)
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(10)	(8)	43
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(70)	(132)	(98)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	524	656	754
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	454	524	656
Parent
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	(8)	(2)	(1)
Financing activities:
Cash dividends paid to shareholders	(395)	(494)	(474)
Repurchase of common stock		(70)	(140)
Activity under stock plans		23	32
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan	4	5	6
Settlement of intercompany and other financing activities	398	539	574
Net cash used in financing activities	7	3	(2)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(1)	1	(3)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	3	2	5
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	2	3	2
Issuers
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	90	240	171
Financing activities:
Repayment of debt	(57)	(818)	(2,295)
Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs		781	2,744
Settlement of intercompany and other financing activities	(33)	(204)	(620)
Net cash used in financing activities	(90)	(241)	(171)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		1	1
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period			1
Guarantor
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	482	383	789
Investing activities:
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired	(11)	(15)	(755)
Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net	17	51	1
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets	(55)	(53)	(63)
Additions to intangible assets	(326)	(356)	(307)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets			29
Other investing activities	(18)	9	(11)
Net cash used in by investing activities	(393)	(364)	(1,106)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs			1
Activity under stock plans	(8)	(8)	(11)
Finance leases	(54)	(69)	(51)
Settlement of intercompany and other financing activities	(58)	67	236
Net cash used in financing activities	(120)	(10)	175
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		1	(4)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(31)	10	(146)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	79	69	215
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	48	79	69
Non-Guarantor
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	502	437	351
Investing activities:
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired	(50)	(28)	(23)
Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net			1
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets	(61)	(53)	(56)
Additions to intangible assets	(77)	(58)	(63)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets		4	13
Other investing activities	(1)	(7)	(2)
Net cash used in by investing activities	(189)	(142)	(130)
Financing activities:
Repayment of debt		(1)	(1)
Increase/(decrease) in short term borrowings	(1)	1	(5)
Finance leases	(6)	(7)	(4)
Settlement of intercompany and other financing activities	(334)	(421)	(207)
Net cash used in financing activities	(341)	(428)	(217)
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(10)	(9)	47
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(38)	(142)	51
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	442	584	533
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 404	$ 442	$ 584

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Additional Financial Information - Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Payables And Accruals [Abstract]
Trade payables		$ 230	$ 288
Personnel costs		301	225
Current portion of restructuring liabilities		30	62
Data and professional services		202	221
Interest payable		61	64
Current portion of operating leases		111
Other current liabilities	[1]	247	259
Total accounts payable and other current liabilities		$ 1,182	$ 1,119

[1] Other includes multiple items, none of which is individually significant.

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Commitments and Contingencies - Minimum Annual Payments under Nielsen's Purchase Obligations (Detail) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Operating leases, Year Ending December 31, 2020	$ 136
Operating leases, Year Ending December 31, 2021	99
Operating leases, Year Ending December 31, 2022	75
Operating leases, Year Ending December 31, 2023	53
Operating leases, Year Ending December 31, 2024	40
Operating leases, Thereafter	171
Operating leases, Total	574
Other contractual obligations, Year Ending December 31, 2020	627	[1]
Other contractual obligations, Year Ending December 31, 2021	295	[1]
Other contractual obligations, Year Ending December 31, 2022	203	[1]
Other contractual obligations, Year Ending December 31, 2023	190	[1]
Other contractual obligations, Year Ending December 31, 2024	185	[1]
Other contractual obligations, Thereafter	139	[1]
Other contractual obligations, Total	1,639	[1]
Total, Year Ending December 31, 2020	763
Total, Year Ending December 31, 2021	394
Total, Year Ending December 31, 2022	278
Total, Year Ending December 31, 2023	243
Total, Year Ending December 31, 2024	225
Total, Thereafter	310
Total	$ 2,213

[1] Other contractual obligations represent obligations under agreement, which are not unilaterally cancelable by Nielsen, are legally enforceable and specify fixed or minimum amounts or quantities of goods or services at fixed or minimum prices. Nielsen generally requires purchase orders for vendor and third party spending. The amounts presented above represent the minimum future annual services covered by purchase obligations including data processing, building maintenance, equipment purchasing, photocopiers, land and mobile telephone service, computer software and hardware maintenance, and outsourcing. Nielsen’s remaining commitments as of December 31, 2019, under the outsourced services agreement with TCS have been included above based on the Annual Commitment minimum required payments

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Share-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]

Share-Based Compensation

14. Share-based Compensation

Nielsen measures the cost of all share-based payments, including stock options, at fair value on the grant date and recognizes such costs within the consolidated statements of operations; however, no expense is recognized for share-based payments that do not ultimately vest. Nielsen recognizes the expense of its options that cliff vest using the straight-line method. For those that vest over time, an accelerated graded vesting is used. The Company recorded $50 million, $35 million and $45 million of expense associated with share-based compensation for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The tax benefit related to the share-based compensation expense was $6 million, $5 million and $13 million for each of the respective periods.

Nielsen has an equity-based, management compensation plan (“Equity Participation Plan” or “EPP”) to align compensation for certain key executives with the performance of the Company. Under this plan, certain of the Company’s executives may be granted stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and dividend equivalent rights in the shares of the Company or purchase its shares. In connection with the completion of Nielsen’s initial public offering of common stock on January 31, 2011 (and further amended), the Company implemented the Nielsen 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Prior Plan”) and suspended further grants under the EPP. In 2019, the Company replaced the Nielsen 2010 Stock Incentive Plan with the Nielsen 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Stock Incentive Plan”). The Stock Incentive Plan is the source of new equity-based awards permitting the Company to grant to its key employees, directors and other service providers the following types of awards:  incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other awards valued in whole or in part by reference to shares of Nielsen’s common stock and performance-based awards denominated in shares or cash.  

Under the Stock Incentive Plan, Nielsen granted zero, 750,000 and 1,000 time-based stock options to purchase shares during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. As of December 31, 2019, the total number of shares authorized for award of options or other equity-based awards was 10,420,826 under the Stock Incentive Plan. This includes the 7,200,000 newly authorized shares under the Stock Incentive Plan and the 3,220,826 shares reserved for issuance from the Prior Plan.  The 2018 time-based awards become exercisable over a three year vesting period at a rate of 33.3% per year on the anniversary date of the award, and are tied to the executives’ continuing employment. The 2017 time-based awards become exercisable over a four-year vesting period at a rate of 6.25% per quarter, and are tied to the executives’ continuing employment.  

The fair values of the granted time-based awards granted during 2018 and 2017 were estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the expected volatility based on the Company’s historical volatility.  

The following assumptions were used for the grants of time-based awards during 2019, 2018 and 2017:  

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018			2017
Expected life (years)		—		6.00			4.50
Risk-free interest rate		—		2.87	%		2.02	%
Expected dividend yield		—		4.97	%		3.76	%
Expected volatility		—		25.96	%		22.01	%
Weighted average volatility		—		25.96	%		22.01	%

Nielsen’s stock option plan activity is summarized below:

	Number of Options (Time Based)			Weighted-Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term in Years		Aggregate Intrinsic Value in Millions
Stock Option Plan activity
Outstanding at December 31, 2016		8,158,168		$	40.19		4.43	$	43
Granted		1,000			36.17
Forfeited		(996,015	)		47.59
Exercised		(1,293,850	)		28.13
Outstanding at December 31, 2017		5,869,303		$	41.58		3.52	$	13
Granted		750,000			40.00
Forfeited		(988,826	)		46.08
Expired options		(153,799	)		30.47
Exercised		(844,842	)		28.04
Outstanding at December 31, 2018		4,631,836		$	43.20		3.66	$	—
Granted		—			—
Forfeited		(662,732	)		46.31
Expired options		(445,760	)		28.09
Exercised		(9,027	)		17.44
Outstanding at December 31, 2019		3,514,317		$	44.60		3.15	$	—
Exercisable at December 31, 2019		2,817,876		$	44.77		2.61	$	—

During the year ended December 31, 2019, there were no options granted and the aggregate fair value of options vested was $5 million. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the weighted-average grant date fair value of the options granted was $2.16 and $4.70, respectively, and the aggregate fair value of options vested was $6 million and $9 million, respectively.

At December 31, 2019, there was approximately $1 million of unearned share-based compensation related to stock options (net of estimated forfeitures) which the Company expects to record as share-based compensation expense over the next two years. The compensation expense related to the time-based awards is amortized over the term of the award using the graded vesting method.

The intrinsic value of the options exercised during the year ended December 31, 2019 was insignificant. The intrinsic value of the options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 was $6 million and $17 million, respectively.  For the year ended December 31, 2019, cash proceeds from the exercise of options was insignificant.

Under the Nielsen 2010 Stock Incentive Plan, Nielsen granted 2,524,176 time and performance based stock options to purchase shares during the year ended December 31, 2018. The weighted average grant date fair value of the awards was $3.09. The performance aspect of the award is achieved based on the performance of Nielsen’s stock price. If the performance obligations are satisfied, the award will become exercisable over a three year vesting period at a rate of 33.3% per year on the anniversary date of the award, and are tied to the executives’ continuing employment. As of December 31, 2019, there was approximately $1 million of unearned share-based compensation related to performance stock options (net of estimated forfeitures) which the Company expects to record as share-based compensation over the next two years. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2017, there were no time and performance based stock options issued.

The fair values of the granted time and performance based awards during 2018 were estimated using the Monte Carlo simulation model with the expected volatility based on the Company’s historical volatility.

The following assumptions were used for grants of time and performance based awards during 2018:

	Year Ended December 31, 2018
Expected life (years)		5.00
Risk-free interest rate		2.83-2.92	%
Expected dividend yield		4.85- 5.54	%
Expected volatility		27.11-27.27	%
Weighted average volatility		27.13	%

Activity of Nielsen’s restricted stock units (RSUs) that are ultimately payable in shares of common stock granted under the Stock Incentive Plan is summarized below:

	Number of RSUs			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
RSU activity
Nonvested at December 31, 2016		1,356,393		$	47.69
Granted		1,574,973			36.23
Forfeited		(339,292	)		46.09
Vested		(503,086	)		44.62
Nonvested at December 31, 2017		2,088,988		$	40.36
Granted		2,780,914			25.35
Forfeited		(361,821	)		38.46
Vested		(642,397	)		41.24
Nonvested at December 31, 2018		3,865,684		$	29.88
Granted		2,454,871			21.46
Forfeited		(692,718	)		28.63
Vested		(986,852	)		33.60
Nonvested at December 31, 2019		4,640,985		$	25.10

With the exception of a limited group of senior executives, the 2019 and 2018 awards will vest at a rate of 6.25% per quarter over four years. The 2019 awards for the limited group of senior executives will vest at one of the following rates: 25% on the first anniversary date of the award/75% on the second anniversary date of the award, 100% on the second anniversary date of the award, 12.5% per quarter over two years, or 25% per year over four years on the anniversary date of the award.  The 2018 awards for the limited group of senior executives will vest at one of the following rates: 100% on the third anniversary date of the award, 100% on the second anniversary date of the award, 33.3% per year over three years on the anniversary date of the award, 12.5% per quarter over two years, or 25% per year over four years on the anniversary date of the award. The 2017 awards for the limited group of senior executives will vest at a rate of 25% per year over four years on the anniversary date of the award.    

On January 31, 2017, Nielsen completed the acquisition of Gracenote and concurrently provided 31,381 replacement restricted stock units under Nielsen’s existing 2010 Stock Incentive Plan. The exchange was accounted for as a modification in accordance with ASC 718. The aggregate fair value of the replacement awards granted on January 31, 2017 was $2 million, of which $1 million was attributed to post merger service and $1 million was included in purchase price consideration.

As of December 31, 2019, there was approximately $51 million of unearned share-based compensation related to unvested RSUs (net of estimated forfeitures) which the Company expects to record as stock-based compensation expense over a weighted average period of 2.8 years.

During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company granted 523,508, 463,442 and 348,885 performance restricted stock units, respectively, representing the target number of performance restricted stock subject to the award. The weighted average grant date fair value of the awards in 2019, 2018 and 2017 were $24.62, $27.94 and $37.88 per share. For the performance restricted stock units granted in 2019, the total number of performance restricted stock units to be earned is subject to achievement of cumulative performance goals for the three year period ending December 31, 2021.  For the performance restricted stock units granted in 2018, the total number of performance restricted stock units to be earned is subject to achievement of cumulative performance goals for the three year period ending December 31, 2020. For the performance restricted stock units granted in 2017, the total number of performance restricted stock units to be earned is subject to achievement of cumulative performance goals for the three year period ending December 31, 2019.  For the 2019 award, fifty percent of the target award will be determined based on the Company’s revenue compounded annual growth rate achievements and fifty percent of the award will be determined based on adjusted earnings per share achievements. There is a relative total shareholder return modifier that can increase or decrease the payout. For the 2018 award, twenty five percent of the target award will be determined based on the Company’s revenue compounded annual growth rate achievements, twenty five percent of the target award will be based on the Company’s relative total shareholder return and fifty percent of the award will be determined based on free cash flow achievements. For the 2017 awards, forty percent of the target award will be determined based on the Company’s relative total shareholder return and sixty percent of the target award will be determined based on free cash flow achievements.  The maximum payout is 200% of target. The fair value of the target award related to free cash flow was the fair value on the date of the grant, and the fair value of the target awards related to relative shareholder return was based on the Monte Carlo model. As of December 31, 2019, there is approximately $6 million of unearned share-based compensation related to unvested performance restricted stock units (net of estimated forfeitures). The compensation expense is amortized over the term of the award, which is 3 years after the grant date.

In 2016, the Company implemented the Nielsen Holdings plc 2016 Employee Share Purchase Plan (the ESPP) and 2,000,000 shares were authorized for issuance under the ESPP. There were 201,637, 174,246 and 159,279 shares issued under the ESPP in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. 

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Segments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Segments

18. Segments

The Company aligns its operating segments in order to conform to management’s internal reporting structure, which is reflective of service offerings by industry. Prior to February 2019, Management aggregated such operating segments into two reporting segments: what consumers buy (“Buy”), consisting principally of market research information and analytical services; and what consumers read, watch and listen to (“Watch”), consisting principally of television, radio, online and mobile audience and advertising measurement and corresponding analytics.

In February 2019, Nielsen realigned its business segments from Buy and Watch to Nielsen Global Connect (“Connect”) and Nielsen Global Media (“Media”). Each segment operates as a complete unit—from the conception of a product, through the collection of the data, into the technology and operations, all the way to the data being sold and delivered to the client. These changes better align Nielsen’s external view to its go-forward internal view. The Company’s reportable segments are stated on the new basis and such changes were retrospectively applied. The impact of these changes did not have a material impact on Nielsen’s consolidated financial statements or segment results.

Corporate consists principally of unallocated items such as certain facilities and infrastructure costs as well as intersegment eliminations. Certain corporate costs, other than those described above, including those related to selling, finance, legal, human resources, and information technology systems, are considered operating costs and are allocated to the Company’s segments based on either the actual amount of costs incurred or on a basis consistent with the operations of the underlying segment. Information with respect to the operations of each of Nielsen’s business segments is set forth below based on the nature of the services offered and geographic areas of operations.

Business Segment Information

	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Revenues
Connect	$	3,057		$	3,138		$	3,278
Media		3,441			3,377			3,294
Total	$	6,498		$	6,515		$	6,572
	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Business segment income/(loss)(1)
Connect	$	422		$	420		$	600
Media		1,476			1,476			1,470
Corporate and eliminations		(45	)		(46	)		(46	)
Total	$	1,853		$	1,850		$	2,024
	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Depreciation and amortization
Connect	$	231		$	223		$	208
Media		518			444			425
Corporate and eliminations		7			8			7
Total	$	756		$	675		$	640
	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Restructuring charges
Connect	$	49		$	101		$	43
Media		15			23			13
Corporate and eliminations		16			15			24
Total	$	80		$	139		$	80
					Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)		2019			2018			2017
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets
Connect	$	1,004		$	1,411		$	—
Media		—			—			—
Corporate and eliminations		—			2			—
Total	$	1,004		$	1,413		$	—
	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Share-based compensation expense
Connect	$	15		$	14		$	13
Media		13			11			11
Corporate and eliminations		22			10			21
Total	$	50		$	35		$	45
	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Other items(2)
Connect	$	—		$	—		$	—
Media		—			—			—
Corporate and eliminations		56			63			45
Total	$	56		$	63		$	45
	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Operating income/(loss)
Connect	$	(877	)	$	(1,329	)	$	336
Media		930			998			1,021
Corporate and eliminations		(146	)		(144	)		(143	)
Total	$	(93	)	$	(475	)	$	1,214

(IN MILLIONS)	December 31, 2019		December 31, 2018
Total assets
Connect	$	4,376	$	5,417
Media		9,675		9,647
Corporate and eliminations		268		115
Total	$	14,319	$	15,179

(1) The Company’s chief operating decision-maker uses business segment income/(loss) to measure performance from period to period both at the consolidated level as well as within its operating segments.

(2) For the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, other items primarily consist of business optimization costs, including strategic review costs, and transaction related costs.

	Year ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019		2018		2017
Capital expenditures
Connect	$	195	$	219	$	212
Media		308		278		271
Corporate and eliminations		16		23		6
Total	$	519	$	520	$	489

Geographic Segment Information

			Operating			Long-
			Income/			lived
(IN MILLIONS)	Revenues(1)		(Loss)			Assets(2)
2019
U.S.	$	3,724	$	85		$	10,176
North and South America, excluding the U.S.		551		(104	)		297
United Kingdom		208	(110		)	120
Other Europe, Middle East & Africa		1,179		(26	)		578
Asia Pacific		836		62			169
Total	$	6,498	$	(93	)	$	11,340
			Operating			Long-
			Income/			lived
(IN MILLIONS)	Revenues(1)		(Loss)			Assets(2)
2018
U.S.	$	3,697	$	31		$	10,806
North and South America, excluding the U.S.		569		(226	)		523
United Kingdom		192		(130)			153
Other Europe, Middle East & Africa		1,217		(157	)		734
Asia Pacific		840		7			263
Total	$	6,515	$	(475	)	$	12,479
			Operating
			Income/
(IN MILLIONS)	Revenues(1)		(Loss)
2017
U.S.	$	3,730	$	743
North and South America, excluding the U.S.		595		164
United Kingdom		194		(20	)
Other Europe, Middle East & Africa		1,188		159
Asia Pacific		865		168
Total	$	6,572	$	1,214

(1) Revenues are attributed to geographic areas based on the location of customers.

(2) Long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets.

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Segments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Business Segment Information

Business Segment Information

	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Revenues
Connect	$	3,057		$	3,138		$	3,278
Media		3,441			3,377			3,294
Total	$	6,498		$	6,515		$	6,572
	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Business segment income/(loss)(1)
Connect	$	422		$	420		$	600
Media		1,476			1,476			1,470
Corporate and eliminations		(45	)		(46	)		(46	)
Total	$	1,853		$	1,850		$	2,024
	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Depreciation and amortization
Connect	$	231		$	223		$	208
Media		518			444			425
Corporate and eliminations		7			8			7
Total	$	756		$	675		$	640
	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Restructuring charges
Connect	$	49		$	101		$	43
Media		15			23			13
Corporate and eliminations		16			15			24
Total	$	80		$	139		$	80
					Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)		2019			2018			2017
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets
Connect	$	1,004		$	1,411		$	—
Media		—			—			—
Corporate and eliminations		—			2			—
Total	$	1,004		$	1,413		$	—
	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Share-based compensation expense
Connect	$	15		$	14		$	13
Media		13			11			11
Corporate and eliminations		22			10			21
Total	$	50		$	35		$	45
	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Other items(2)
Connect	$	—		$	—		$	—
Media		—			—			—
Corporate and eliminations		56			63			45
Total	$	56		$	63		$	45
	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Operating income/(loss)
Connect	$	(877	)	$	(1,329	)	$	336
Media		930			998			1,021
Corporate and eliminations		(146	)		(144	)		(143	)
Total	$	(93	)	$	(475	)	$	1,214

(IN MILLIONS)	December 31, 2019		December 31, 2018
Total assets
Connect	$	4,376	$	5,417
Media		9,675		9,647
Corporate and eliminations		268		115
Total	$	14,319	$	15,179

(1) The Company’s chief operating decision-maker uses business segment income/(loss) to measure performance from period to period both at the consolidated level as well as within its operating segments.

(2) For the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, other items primarily consist of business optimization costs, including strategic review costs, and transaction related costs.

	Year ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019		2018		2017
Capital expenditures
Connect	$	195	$	219	$	212
Media		308		278		271
Corporate and eliminations		16		23		6
Total	$	519	$	520	$	489

Geographical Segment Information

Geographic Segment Information

			Operating			Long-
			Income/			lived
(IN MILLIONS)	Revenues(1)		(Loss)			Assets(2)
2019
U.S.	$	3,724	$	85		$	10,176
North and South America, excluding the U.S.		551		(104	)		297
United Kingdom		208	(110		)	120
Other Europe, Middle East & Africa		1,179		(26	)		578
Asia Pacific		836		62			169
Total	$	6,498	$	(93	)	$	11,340
			Operating			Long-
			Income/			lived
(IN MILLIONS)	Revenues(1)		(Loss)			Assets(2)
2018
U.S.	$	3,697	$	31		$	10,806
North and South America, excluding the U.S.		569		(226	)		523
United Kingdom		192		(130)			153
Other Europe, Middle East & Africa		1,217		(157	)		734
Asia Pacific		840		7			263
Total	$	6,515	$	(475	)	$	12,479
			Operating
			Income/
(IN MILLIONS)	Revenues(1)		(Loss)
2017
U.S.	$	3,730	$	743
North and South America, excluding the U.S.		595		164
United Kingdom		194		(20	)
Other Europe, Middle East & Africa		1,188		159
Asia Pacific		865		168
Total	$	6,572	$	1,214

(1) Revenues are attributed to geographic areas based on the location of customers.

(2) Long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets.

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Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Equity [Abstract]

Common Stock Activity

Common stock activity is as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018			2017
Actual number of shares of common stock outstanding
Beginning of period		355,271,737		355,944,976			357,465,614
Shares of common stock issued through compensation plans		835,057		1,587,947			1,578,917
Employee benefit trust activity		43,089		(41,030	)		269,284
Repurchases of common stock		-		(2,220,156	)		(3,368,839	)
End of period		356,149,883		355,271,737			355,944,976

Summary of Dividends Declared on Nielsen's Common Stock

The following table represents the cash dividends declared by the Board and paid to shareholders for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019, respectively.

Declaration Date	Record Date	Payment Date	Dividend Per Share
February 21, 2018	March 7, 2018	March 21, 2018	$	0.34
April 19, 2018	June 6, 2018	June 20, 2018	$	0.35
July 19, 2018	August 22, 2018	September 5, 2018	$	0.35
October 18, 2018	November 21, 2018	December 5, 2018	$	0.35
February 21, 2019	March 7, 2019	March 21, 2019	$	0.35
April 18, 2019	June 5, 2019	June 19, 2019	$	0.35
July 18, 2019	August 22, 2019	September 5, 2019	$	0.35
November 3, 2019	November 21, 2019	December 5, 2019	$	0.06

Summary of Approved Authorized Shares for Repurchase

Board Approval	Share Repurchase Authorization ($ in millions)
July 25, 2013	$	500
October 23, 2014	$	1,000
December 11, 2015	$	500
Total Share Repurchase Authorization	$	2,000

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Share-based Compensation - Summary of Assumptions Used for Grants of Time-Based Awards (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Expected life (years)	6 years	4 years 6 months
Risk-free interest rate	2.87%	2.02%
Expected dividend yield	4.97%	3.76%
Expected volatility	25.96%	22.01%
Weighted average volatility	25.96%	22.01%

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Property, Plant and Equipment - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization expense from operations	$ 158	$ 169	$ 171
Depreciation and amortization	756	675	640
Finance lease and other financing obligations
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	$ 62	$ 49	$ 47

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Long-Term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Schedule of Long-Term Debt Currency Wise (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Amount of Long Term Debt	$ 8,164	$ 8,225
U.S. Dollars
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Amount of Long Term Debt	7,561	7,602
Euro
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying Amount of Long Term Debt	$ 603	$ 623

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Leases - Schedule of Annual Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Operating Leases, 2020	$ 136
Operating Leases, 2021	99
Operating Leases, 2022	75
Operating Leases, 2023	53
Operating Leases, 2024	40
Operating Leases, Thereafter	171
Operating Leases, Total lease payments	574
Operating Leases, Less imputed interest	(94)
Operating Leases, Total	480	$ 600
Finance Leases, 2020	61
Finance Leases, 2021	42
Finance Leases, 2022	29
Finance Leases, 2023	15
Finance Leases, 2024	7
Finance Leases, Thereafter	8
Finance Leases, Total lease payments	162
Finance Leases, Less imputed interest	(17)
Finance Leases, Total	$ 145

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Estimated Future Amortization Expense (Detail) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2020	$ 600
2021	547
2022	417
2023	316
2024	258
Thereafter	822
Total	$ 2,960

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Shareholders' Equity - Schedule of Dividends Paid (Detail) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividend Per Share	$ 1.11	$ 1.39	$ 1.33
Installment One
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Declaration Date	Feb. 21, 2019	Feb. 21, 2018
Record Date	Mar. 07, 2019	Mar. 07, 2018
Payment Date	Mar. 21, 2019	Mar. 21, 2018
Dividend Per Share	$ 0.35	$ 0.34
Installment Two
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Declaration Date	Apr. 18, 2019	Apr. 19, 2018
Record Date	Jun. 05, 2019	Jun. 06, 2018
Payment Date	Jun. 19, 2019	Jun. 20, 2018
Dividend Per Share	$ 0.35	$ 0.35
Installment Three
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Declaration Date	Jul. 18, 2019	Jul. 19, 2018
Record Date	Aug. 22, 2019	Aug. 22, 2018
Payment Date	Sep. 05, 2019	Sep. 05, 2018
Dividend Per Share	$ 0.35	$ 0.35
Installment Four
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Declaration Date	Nov. 03, 2019	Oct. 18, 2018
Record Date	Nov. 21, 2019	Nov. 21, 2018
Payment Date	Dec. 05, 2019	Dec. 05, 2018
Dividend Per Share	$ 0.06	$ 0.35

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Guarantor Financial Information - Additional Information (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2019
Subsidiaries of Nielsen
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiaries	100.00%

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Segments - Additional Information (Detail) - Segment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	2	2

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Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) - Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 1,691	$ 1,616	$ 1,628	$ 1,563	$ 1,658	$ 1,600	$ 1,647	$ 1,610	$ 6,498	[1]	$ 6,515	[1]	$ 6,572	[1]
Operating income/(loss)	224	(740)	249	174	(1,171)	261	228	207	(93)		(475)		1,214
Income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates	(43)	(848)	149	79	(1,274)	157	121	114	(663)		(882)		828
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$ (109)	$ (472)	$ 123	$ 43	$ (952)	$ 96	$ 72	$ 72	$ (415)		$ (712)		$ 429
Net income/(loss) per share of common stock, basic
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$ (0.31)	$ (1.33)	$ 0.35	$ 0.12	$ (2.68)	$ 0.27	$ 0.20	$ 0.20	$ (1.17)		$ (2.00)		$ 1.20
Net income/(loss) per share of common stock, diluted
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$ (0.31)	$ (1.33)	$ 0.34	$ 0.12	$ (2.68)	$ 0.27	$ 0.20	$ 0.20	$ (1.17)		$ (2.00)		$ 1.20

[1] Revenues are attributed to geographic areas based on the location of customers.

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Shareholders' Equity

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Equity [Abstract]

Shareholders' Equity

13. Shareholders’ Equity

Common stock activity is as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018			2017
Actual number of shares of common stock outstanding
Beginning of period		355,271,737		355,944,976			357,465,614
Shares of common stock issued through compensation plans		835,057		1,587,947			1,578,917
Employee benefit trust activity		43,089		(41,030	)		269,284
Repurchases of common stock		-		(2,220,156	)		(3,368,839	)
End of period		356,149,883		355,271,737			355,944,976

On January 31, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) adopted a cash dividend policy to pay quarterly cash dividends on its outstanding common stock. The following table represents the cash dividends declared by the Board and paid to shareholders for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019, respectively.  

Declaration Date	Record Date	Payment Date	Dividend Per Share
February 21, 2018	March 7, 2018	March 21, 2018	$	0.34
April 19, 2018	June 6, 2018	June 20, 2018	$	0.35
July 19, 2018	August 22, 2018	September 5, 2018	$	0.35
October 18, 2018	November 21, 2018	December 5, 2018	$	0.35
February 21, 2019	March 7, 2019	March 21, 2019	$	0.35
April 18, 2019	June 5, 2019	June 19, 2019	$	0.35
July 18, 2019	August 22, 2019	September 5, 2019	$	0.35
November 3, 2019	November 21, 2019	December 5, 2019	$	0.06

On November 3, 2019 the Board approved a plan to reduce the quarterly cash dividend, with the goal of strengthening Nielsen’s balance sheet and providing added flexibility to invest for growth. On February 20, 2020, the Board declared a cash dividend of $0.06 per share on Nielsen’s common stock. The dividend is payable on March 19, 2020 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 5, 2020.

The dividend policy and the payment of future cash dividends are subject to the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors.

Nielsen’s Board approved a share repurchase program, as included in the below table, for up to $2 billion in the aggregate of our outstanding common stock. The primary purpose of the program is to return value to shareholders and to mitigate dilution associated with Nielsen’s equity compensation plans.

Board Approval	Share Repurchase Authorization ($ in millions)
July 25, 2013	$	500
October 23, 2014	$	1,000
December 11, 2015	$	500
Total Share Repurchase Authorization	$	2,000

Repurchases under this program will be made in accordance with applicable securities laws from time to time in the open market or otherwise depending on Nielsen’s evaluation of market conditions and other factors. This program has been executed within the limitations of the authority granted by Nielsen’s shareholders.

As of December 31, 2019, there have been 39,426,521 shares of our common stock purchased at an average price of $44.95 per share (total consideration of approximately $1,772 million) under this program. There were no share repurchases for the year ended December 31, 2019.

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Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

17. Commitments and Contingencies

Leases and Other Contractual Arrangements

In July 2019, the Company amended its Second Amended and Restated Master Services Agreement (the “MSA”), dated as of October 1, 2017 and effective as of January 1, 2017 (the “Effective Date”), with Tata America International Corporation and Tata Consultancy Services Limited (jointly, “TCS”) by executing Amendment Number One (the “Amendment”) with TCS, dated as of July 1, 2019 and effective as of January 1, 2019 (the “Amendment Effective Date”). The Amendment reduces the amount of services Nielsen has committed to purchase from TCS from the Amendment Effective Date through the remaining term of the MSA (the “Minimum Commitment”) to $1.413 billion, including a commitment to purchase at least $275 million in services during 2019, at least $250 million in services during 2020, $184.3 million in services per year from 2021 through 2024, and $137.8 million in services in 2025 (in each of the foregoing cases, the “Annual Commitment”). TCS’s charges under existing and future statements of work (“SOW”) pursuant to the MSA will continue to be credited against the Minimum Commitment and the Annual Commitment and the occurrence of certain events, some of which also provide Nielsen with the right to terminate the Agreement or SOWs, as applicable, will continue to be available to reduce the Minimum and Annual Commitment Amounts as they occur. The parties also agreed to certain other commercial terms. However, the other material terms of the MSA as reflected in the MSA and as previously disclosed remain unchanged. As of December 31, 2019, the remaining TCS commitment was approximately $1.1 billion.

Nielsen has also entered into operating leases and other contractual obligations to secure real estate facilities, agreements to purchase data processing services and leases of computers and other equipment used in the ordinary course of business and various outsourcing contracts. These agreements are not unilaterally cancelable by Nielsen, are legally enforceable and specify fixed or minimum amounts or quantities of goods or services at fixed or minimum prices.

The amounts presented below represent the minimum annual payments under Nielsen’s purchase obligations that have initial or remaining non-cancelable terms in excess of one year. These purchase obligations include data processing, building maintenance, equipment purchasing, photocopiers, land and mobile telephone service, computer software and hardware maintenance, and outsourcing.

	For the Years Ending December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2020		2021		2022		2023		2024		Thereafter		Total
Operating leases	$	136	$	99	$	75	$	53	$	40	$	171	$	574
Other contractual obligations(a)		627		295		203		190		185		139		1,639
Total	$	763	$	394	$	278	$	243	$	225	$	310	$	2,213

(a) Other contractual obligations represent obligations under agreement, which are not unilaterally cancelable by Nielsen, are legally enforceable and specify fixed or minimum amounts or quantities of goods or services at fixed or minimum prices. Nielsen generally requires purchase orders for vendor and third party spending. The amounts presented above represent the minimum future annual services covered by purchase obligations including data processing, building maintenance, equipment purchasing, photocopiers, land and mobile telephone service, computer software and hardware maintenance, and outsourcing. Nielsen’s remaining commitments as of December 31, 2019, under the outsourced services agreement with TCS have been included above based on the Annual Commitment minimum required payments.

Total expenses incurred under operating leases were $123 million, $96 million and $96 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Nielsen recognized rental income received under subleases of $3 million, $6 million and $6 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. At December 31, 2019, Nielsen had aggregate future proceeds to be received under sub-lease guarantees of $8 million.

Nielsen also has minimum commitments under non-cancelable finance leases. See Note 5 “Leases” for more information on finance leases.

Guarantees and Other Contingent Commitments

At December 31, 2019, Nielsen was committed under the following significant guarantee arrangements:

Sub-lease guarantees

Nielsen provides sub-lease guarantees in accordance with certain agreements pursuant to which Nielsen guarantees all rental payments upon default of rental payment by the sub-lessee. To date, the Company has not been required to perform under such arrangements, does not anticipate making any significant payments related to such guarantees and, accordingly, no amounts have been recorded.

Letters of credit

Letters of credit issued and outstanding amount to $17 million and $16 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Legal Proceedings and Contingencies

In August 2018, a putative shareholder class action lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of New York, naming as defendants Nielsen, former Chief Executive Officer Dwight Mitchell Barns, and former Chief Financial Officer Jamere Jackson. Another lawsuit, which alleged similar facts but also named other Nielsen officers, was filed in the Northern District of Illinois in September 2018 and transferred to the Southern District of New York in December 2018. The actions were consolidated on April 22, 2019, and the Public Employees’ Retirement System of Mississippi was appointed lead plaintiff for the putative class. The operative complaint was filed on September 27, 2019, and asserts violations of certain provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, based on allegedly false and materially misleading statements relating to the outlook of Nielsen’s Buy (now “Connect”) segment, the Company’s preparedness for changes in global data privacy laws and Nielsen’s reliance on third-party data. The Company moved to dismiss the operative complaint on November 26, 2019. Briefing of the Company’s motion is scheduled to conclude on February 26, 2020. In addition, in January 2019, a shareholder derivative lawsuit was filed in New York Supreme Court against a number of Nielsen’s current and former officers and directors. The derivative lawsuit alleges that the named officers and directors breached their fiduciary duties to Nielsen in connection with factual assertions substantially similar to those in the putative class action complaints. The derivative lawsuit further alleges that certain officers and directors engaged in trading Nielsen stock based on material, nonpublic information. By agreement dated June 26, 2019, the derivative lawsuit has been stayed pending resolution of the Company’s motion to dismiss the aforementioned securities litigation. Nielsen intends to defend these lawsuits vigorously. Based on currently available information, Nielsen believes that the Company has meritorious defenses to these actions and that their resolution is not likely to have a material adverse effect on Nielsen’s business, financial position, or results of operations.

Nielsen is also subject to litigation and other claims in the ordinary course of business, some of which include claims for substantial sums. Accruals have been recorded when the outcome is probable and can be reasonably estimated. While the ultimate results of claims and litigation cannot be determined, the Company does expect that the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on its operations or financial condition. However, depending on the amount and the timing, an unfavorable resolution of some or all of these matters could materially affect the Company’s future results of operations or cash flows in a particular period.

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Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total		Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), Net Currency Translation Adjustments	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), Net Cash Flow Hedges	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), Net Post Employment Benefits	Total Nielsen Shareholders' Equity	Noncontrolling Interest
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 4,293		$ 32	$ 4,825	$ 456	$ (856)	$ (1)	$ (354)	$ 4,102	$ 191
Net income/(loss)	440				429				429	11
Currency translation adjustments, net of tax	248	[1]				246			246	2
Cash flow hedges, net of tax	11	[2]					11		11
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments	14	[3]						14	14
Capital contribution by a non-controlling partner	6									6
(Divestiture)/acquisition of an interest in a consolidated subsidiary	(12)			(12)					(12)
Employee stock purchase plan	6			6					6
Dividends to shareholders	(486)				(474)				(474)	(12)
Common stock activity from share-based compensation plans	21			21					21
Repurchase of common stock	(140)			(140)					(140)
Share-based compensation expense	42			42					42
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	4,443		32	4,742	411	(610)	10	(340)	4,245	198
Net income/(loss)	(700)				(712)				(712)	12
Currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(170)	[1]				(169)			(169)	(1)
Cash flow hedges, net of tax	1	[2]					1		1
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments	(2)	[3]						(2)	(2)
Employee stock purchase plan	5			5					5
Dividends to shareholders	(507)				(494)				(494)	(13)
Common stock activity from share-based compensation plans	15			15					15
Repurchase of common stock	(70)			(70)					(70)
Share-based compensation expense	28			28					28
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	3,043		32	4,720	(795)	(779)	11	(342)	2,847	196
Net income/(loss)	(403)				(415)				(415)	12
Currency translation adjustments, net of tax	5	[1]				3			3	2
Cash flow hedges, net of tax	(30)	[2]					(30)		(30)
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments	132	[3]						132	132
Capital contribution by a non-controlling partner	2									2
(Divestiture)/acquisition of an interest in a consolidated subsidiary	(2)									(2)
Employee stock purchase plan	4			4					4
Dividends to shareholders	(412)			(395)					(395)	(17)
Common stock activity from share-based compensation plans	(8)			(8)					(8)
Share-based compensation expense	57			57					57
Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 2,388		$ 32	$ 4,378	$ (1,210)	$ (776)	$ (19)	$ (210)	$ 2,195	$ 193

[1] Net of tax of $(4) million, $(6) million and $23 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 respectively.

[2] Net of tax of $11 million, $(1) million and $(7) million for the year ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 respectively.

[3] Net of tax of $(8), zero and $(2) million for the year ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 respectively.

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Investments in Affiliates and Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Investments In And Advances To Affiliates Schedule Of Investments [Abstract]
Investments in affiliates	$ 17	$ 16
Receivable from affiliates	$ 2	$ 3

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Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

9. Fair Value Measurements

Nielsen’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, investments, long-term debt and derivative financial instruments. These financial instruments potentially subject Nielsen to concentrations of credit risk. To minimize the risk of credit loss, these financial instruments are primarily held with acknowledged financial institutions. The carrying value of Nielsen’s financial instruments approximate fair value, except for differences with respect to long-term, fixed and variable-rate debt. The fair value of financial instruments is generally determined by reference to market values resulting from trading on a national securities exchange or in an over-the-counter market. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Cash equivalents have original maturities of three months or less.

In addition, the Company has accounts receivable that are not collateralized. The Connect and Media segments service high quality clients dispersed across many geographic areas. The Company analyzes the aging of accounts receivable, historical bad debts, customer creditworthiness and current economic trends in determining the allowance for doubtful accounts.

Investments include investments in affiliates and a trading asset portfolio maintained to generate returns to offset changes in certain liabilities related to deferred compensation arrangements. Nielsen assesses declines in the value of individual investments to determine whether such decline is other than temporary and thus the investment is impaired by considering available evidence. No impairment charge was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining fair value, the Company considers the principal or most advantageous market in which the Company would transact, and also considers assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions, and risk of non-performance.

There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1:	Quoted market prices available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date.
Level 2:	Pricing inputs other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date.
Level 3:	Pricing inputs that are generally unobservable and may not be corroborated by market data.

Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis

The Company’s financial assets and liabilities are measured and recorded at fair value, except for equity method investments and long-term debt. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurements requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of the assets and liabilities being measured and their placement within the fair value hierarchy. In addition, the Company records changes in the fair value of equity investments with readily determinable fair values in net income rather than in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss). Investments that do not have readily determinable fair values are recognized at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. The adjustments related to the observable price changes will also be recognized in net income.

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Company’s material financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:

	December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019		Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
Plan assets for deferred compensation (1)	$	26	$		26	$	—	$	—
Investment in mutual funds (2)		2			2	—			—
Interest rate swap arrangements (3)		—	—				—		—
Total	$	28	$		28	$	—	$	—
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap arrangements (3)	$	22	$	—		$	22	$	—
Deferred compensation liabilities (4)		26			26	—			—
Total	$	48	$		26	$	22	$	—

	December 31,
	2018		Level 1			Level 2					Level 3
Assets:
Plan assets for deferred compensation (1)	$	25	$	25		$	—	$			—
Investment in mutual funds (2)		2		2			—				—
Interest rate swap arrangements (3)		23		—			23				—
Total	$	50	$	27		$	23	$			—
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap arrangements (3)	$	3	$		—	$	3		$	—
Deferred compensation liabilities (4)		27		27			—				—
Total	$	30	$	27		$	3		$	—

(1) Plan assets are comprised of investments in mutual funds, which are intended to fund liabilities arising from deferred compensation plans. These investments are carried at fair value, which is based on quoted market prices at period end in active markets. These investments are classified as equity securities with any gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recorded in other income/(expense), net in the consolidated statement of operations.

(2) Investments in mutual funds are money-market accounts held with the intention of funding certain specific retirement plans.

(3) Derivative financial instruments include interest rate swap arrangements recorded at fair value based on externally-developed valuation models that use readily observable market parameters and the consideration of counterparty risk.

(4) The Company offers certain employees the opportunity to participate in a deferred compensation plan. A participant’s deferrals are invested in a variety of participant directed stock and bond mutual funds and are classified as equity securities. Changes in the fair value of these securities are measured using quoted prices in active markets based on the market price per unit multiplied by the number of units held exclusive of any transaction costs. A corresponding adjustment for changes in fair value of the equity securities is also reflected in the changes in fair value of the deferred compensation obligation.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Nielsen primarily uses interest rate swap derivative instruments to manage the risk that changes in interest rates will affect the cash flows of its underlying debt obligations.

To qualify for hedge accounting, the hedging relationship must meet several conditions with respect to documentation, probability of occurrence, hedge effectiveness and reliability of measurement. Nielsen documents the relationship between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions as well as the hedge effectiveness assessment, both at the hedge inception and on an ongoing basis. Nielsen recognizes all derivatives at fair value either as assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets and changes in the fair values of such instruments are recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. If specific cash flow hedge accounting criteria are met, Nielsen recognizes the changes in fair value of these instruments in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss).

Nielsen manages exposure to possible defaults on derivative financial instruments by monitoring the concentration of risk that Nielsen has with any individual bank and through the use of minimum credit quality standards for all counterparties. Nielsen does not require collateral or other security in relation to derivative financial instruments. A derivative contract entered into between Nielsen or certain of its subsidiaries and a counterparty that was also a lender under Nielsen’s senior secured credit facilities at the time the derivative contract was entered into is guaranteed under the senior secured credit facilities by Nielsen and certain of its subsidiaries (see Note 12 – (“Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements”) for more information). Since it is Nielsen’s policy to only enter into derivative contracts with banks of internationally acknowledged standing, Nielsen considers the counterparty risk to be remote.

It is Nielsen’s policy to have an International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) Master Agreement established with every bank with which it has entered into any derivative contract. Under each of these ISDA Master Agreements, Nielsen agrees to settle only the net amount of the combined market values of all derivative contracts outstanding with any one counterparty should that counterparty default. Certain of the ISDA Master Agreements contain cross-default provisions where if the Company either defaults in payment obligations under its credit facility or if such obligations are accelerated by the lenders, then the Company could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations. At December 31, 2019, Nielsen had no material exposure to potential economic losses due to counterparty credit default risk or cross-default risk on its derivative financial instruments.

Interest Rate Risk

Nielsen is exposed to cash flow interest rate risk on the floating-rate U.S. Dollar and Euro Term Loans, and uses floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps to hedge this exposure. For these derivatives, Nielsen reports the after-tax gain or loss from the effective portion of the hedge as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) and reclassifies it into earnings in the same period or periods in which the hedged transaction affects earnings, and within the same income statement line item as the impact of the hedged transaction.

In May 2019, the Company entered into a $150 million aggregate notional amount four-year forward interest rate swap agreement with a starting date of July 9, 2019. This agreement fixes the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate-debt at an average rate of 1.82%. This derivative has been designated as an interest rate cash flow hedge.

In March 2019, the Company entered into a $150 million aggregate notional amount four-year forward interest rate swap agreement with a starting date of April 9, 2019. This agreement fixes the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate-debt at an average rate of 2.26%. This derivative has been designated as an interest rate cash flow hedge.

In March 2019, the Company entered into a $250 million aggregate notional amount four-year forward interest rate swap agreement with a starting date of June 9, 2019. This agreement fixes the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate-debt at an average rate of 2.07%. This derivative has been designated as an interest rate cash flow hedge.

In May 2018, the Company entered into $250 million aggregate notional amount of a five-year interest rate swap agreement with a starting date of May 9, 2018. This agreement fixes the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate debt at an average rate of 2.72%. This derivative has been designated as an interest rate cash flow hedge.

In August 2017, the Company entered into $250 million in aggregate notional amount of a four-year forward interest rate swap agreement with a starting date of October 10, 2017. This agreement fixes the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate debt at an average rate of 1.60%. This derivative has been designated as an interest rate cash flow hedge.

In July 2017, the Company entered into $250 million in aggregate notional amount of a three-year forward interest rate swap agreement with a starting date of October 10, 2017. This agreement fixes the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate debt at an average rate of 1.66%. This derivative has been designated as an interest rate cash flow hedge.

In April 2017, the Company entered into $250 million in aggregate notional amount of a three-year forward interest rate swap agreement with a starting date of July 10, 2017. This agreement fixes the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate debt at an average rate of 1.63%. This derivative has been designated as an interest rate cash flow hedge.

In March 2017, the Company entered into $250 million in aggregate notional amount of a five-year forward interest rate swap agreement with a starting date of July 10, 2017. This agreement fixes the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate debt at an average rate of 2.00%. This derivative has been designated as an interest rate cash flow hedge.

In February 2017, the Company entered into $250 million in aggregate notional amount of a three-year forward interest rate swap agreement with a starting date of July 10, 2017. This agreement fixes the LIBOR-related portion of interest rates of a corresponding amount of the Company’s variable-rate debt at an average rate of 1.73%. This derivative has been designated as an interest rate cash flow hedge.

As of December 31, 2019 the Company had the following outstanding interest rate swaps utilized in the management of its interest rate risk:

	Notional Amount		Maturity Date	Currency
Interest rate swaps designated as hedging instruments
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	250,000,000	July 2020	US Dollar
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	250,000,000	July 2020	US Dollar
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	250,000,000	October 2020	US Dollar
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	250,000,000	October 2021	US Dollar
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	250,000,000	July 2022	US Dollar
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	150,000,000	April 2023	US Dollar
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	250,000,000	May 2023	US Dollar
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	250,000,000	June 2023	US Dollar
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	150,000,000	July 2023	US Dollar

The effect of cash flow hedge accounting on the consolidated statement of operations for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017:

	Interest Expense
	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Interest expense (Location in the consolidated statement of operations in which    the effects of cash flow hedges are recorded)	$	397		$	394		$	374
Amount of (gain)/loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive    income/(loss) into income, net of tax	$	(7	)	$	(5	)	$	3
Amount of income/(loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive    income/(loss) into income as a result that a forecasted transaction is no longer    probable of occurring, net of tax	$	—		$	—		$	—

Nielsen expects to recognize approximately $6 million of net pre-tax losses from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense in the next 12 months associated with its interest-related derivative financial instruments.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk

During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, Nielsen recorded a net gain of $1 million and a net loss of $2 million respectively, associated with foreign currency derivative financial instruments within foreign currency exchange transactions losses, net in Nielsen’s consolidated statements of operations.  As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the notional amounts of the outstanding foreign currency derivative financial instruments were $125 million and $76 million, respectively.

See Note 12 – “Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements” for more information on the long-term debt transactions referenced in this note.

Fair Values of Derivative Instruments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets

The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:

	December 31, 2019						December 31, 2018
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments	Prepaid Expense and Other Current		Other Non- Current			Other Non- Current	Prepaid Expense and Other Current		Other Non- Current			Other Non- Current
(IN MILLIONS)	Assets		Assets			Liabilities	Assets		Assets			Liabilities
Interest rate swaps	$	—	$	—	$	22	$	3		$	20	$	3

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships

The pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was as follows (amounts in millions):

	Amount of (Gain)/Loss									Amount of (Gain)/Loss
	Recognized in OCI								Location of (Gain)/Loss	Reclassified from OCI
	on Derivatives								Reclassified from OCI	into Income
Derivatives in Cash Flow	(Effective Portion)								into Income	(Effective Portion)
Hedging Relationships	December 31,								(Effective Portion)	December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019		2018			2017				2019			2018			2017
Interest rate swaps	$	33	$	(9	)	$	(13	)	Interest expense	$	(9	)	$	(7	)	$	5

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

The Company is required, on a nonrecurring basis, to adjust the carrying value for certain assets using fair value measurements. The Company’s equity method investments, and non-financial assets, such as goodwill, intangible assets, and property, plant and equipment, are measured at fair value when there is an indicator of impairment and recorded at fair value only when an impairment charge is recognized.

The Company did not measure any material non-financial assets or liabilities at fair value during the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

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Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

1. Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies

Nielsen Holdings plc (“Nielsen” or the “Company”), together with its subsidiaries, is a leading global information and measurement company that provides clients with a comprehensive understanding of consumers and consumer behavior. Nielsen’s approach marries the Company’s proprietary data with other data sources to help clients around the world understand what's happening now, what's happening next, and how to best act on this knowledge. For more than 90 years Nielsen has provided data and analytics based on scientific rigor and innovation, continually developing new ways to answer the most important questions facing the media, advertising, retail and fast-moving consumer goods industries.

Prior to February 2019, Nielsen was aligned into two reporting segments: what consumers buy (“Buy”) and what consumers read, watch and listen to (“Watch”). In February 2019, Nielsen realigned its business segments from Buy and Watch to Nielsen Global Connect (“Connect”) and Nielsen Global Media (“Media”). Each segment operates as a complete unit—from the conception of a product, through the collection of the data, into the technology and operations, all the way to the data being sold and delivered to the client. These changes better align Nielsen’s external view to the Company’s go-forward internal view. The Company’s reportable segments are stated on the new basis and such changes were retrospectively applied. The impact of these changes had an insignificant impact on Nielsen’s condensed consolidated financial statements or segment results. See Note 18- “Segments” for a discussion of the Company’s reportable segments.

Nielsen has a presence in more than 100 countries, with its registered office located in Oxford, the United Kingdom and headquarters located in New York, United States.

On August 31, 2015, Nielsen N.V., a Dutch public company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, merged with Nielsen Holdings plc, by way of a cross-border merger under the European Cross-Border Merger Directive, with Nielsen Holdings plc being the surviving company (the “Merger”). The Merger effectively changed the place of incorporation of Nielsen’s publically traded parent holding company from the Netherlands to England and Wales, with no changes made to the business being conducted by Nielsen prior to the Merger. Due to the fact that the Merger was a business combination between entities under common control, the exchange of assets and liabilities were made at carrying value. Therefore, there were no direct accounting implications in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements are presented in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). All amounts are presented in U.S. Dollars (“$”), except for share and per share data or where expressly stated as being in other currencies, e.g., Euros (“€”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nielsen and all subsidiaries and other controlled entities. The Company has evaluated events occurring subsequent to December 31, 2019 for potential recognition or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements and concluded there were no subsequent events that required recognition or disclosure other than those provided.

Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nielsen and all subsidiaries and other controlled entities. Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries are reported as a component of equity in the consolidated financial statements with disclosure on the face of the consolidated statements of operations of the amounts of consolidated net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders and to the noncontrolling interests. The equity method of accounting is used for investments in affiliates and joint ventures where Nielsen has significant influence but not control, usually supported by a shareholding of between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. In addition, the Company records changes in the fair value of non-equity method equity investments with readily determinable fair values in net income rather than in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss). Investments that do not have readily determinable fair values are recognized at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. The adjustments related to the observable price changes will also be recognized in net income. Intercompany accounts and transactions between consolidated companies have been eliminated in consolidation.

Foreign Currency Translation

Nielsen has significant investments outside the U.S., primarily in the Euro-zone, Canada and the United Kingdom. Therefore, changes in the value of foreign currencies affect the consolidated financial statements when translated into U.S. Dollars. The functional currency for substantially all subsidiaries outside the U.S. is the local currency. Financial statements for these subsidiaries are translated into U.S. Dollars at period-end exchange rates as to the assets and liabilities and monthly average exchange rates as to revenues, expenses and cash flows. For these countries, currency translation adjustments are recognized in shareholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), net, whereas transaction gains and losses are recognized in foreign exchange transaction losses, net in the consolidated statement of operations.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Research and Development Costs

Research and development costs, which were not material for any periods presented, are expensed as incurred.

Deferred Costs

Incremental direct costs incurred related to establishing or significantly expanding a panel in a designated market are deferred at the point when Nielsen determines them to be recoverable. Prior to this point, these cost are expensed as incurred. These deferred costs are typically amortized through cost of revenues over the original contract period beginning when the panel or infrastructure to service new clients is ready for its intended use.

Advertising and Marketing Costs

Advertising and marketing costs are expensed as incurred and are reflected as selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. These costs include all brand advertising, telemarketing, direct mail and other sales promotion associated with marketing/media research services. Advertising and marketing costs totaled $18 million, $18 million and $21 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Computation of Net Income per Share

Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares of common stock and dilutive potential shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Dilutive potential shares of common stock primarily consist of employee stock options and restricted stock.

Employee stock options, restricted stock and similar equity instruments granted by the Company are treated as potential common stock outstanding in computing diluted earnings per share. Diluted stock outstanding includes nonvested restricted stock units and the dilutive effect of in-the-money options which is calculated based on the average share price for each period using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the amount the employee must pay for exercising stock options, the amount of compensation cost for future service that the Company has not yet recognized are assumed to be used to repurchase stock.

The effect of 8,181,944, 8,519,133 and 4,351,564 shares of common stock equivalents under stock compensation plans were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, as such shares would have been anti-dilutive.  

Comprehensive Income/(Loss)

Comprehensive income/(loss) is reported in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss) and consists of net income/(loss) and other gains and losses, net of tax, affecting equity that are excluded from net income/(loss).

Cash and Cash Equivalents  

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and short-term, highly liquid investments with an original maturity date of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents are carried at fair value.

Accounts Receivable

The Company extends non-interest bearing trade credit to its customers in the ordinary course of business. To minimize credit risk, ongoing credit evaluations of client’s financial condition are performed. An estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts is made when collection of the full amount is no longer probable or returns are expected.

During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company sold $360 million, $295 million and $202 million, respectively, of accounts receivables to third parties and recorded an immaterial loss on the sale to interest expense, net in the consolidated statement of operations. As of December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, $85 million, $105 million and $110 million, respectively, of previously sold receivables, remained outstanding. The sales were accounted for as true sales, without recourse. Nielsen maintains servicing responsibilities of the majority of the receivables sold during the year, for which the related costs are not significant. The proceeds of $360 million, $295 million and $202 million from the sales were reported as a component of the changes in trade and other receivables, net within operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

Other Significant Accounting Policies

The following table includes other significant accounting policies that are described in other notes to the financial statements, including the related note:

Significant Accounting Policy	Note
Revenue recognition	3
Leases	5
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	6
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	6&8
Property, Plant and Equipment	8
Investments	9
Financial Instruments	9
Derivative Financial Instruments	9
Pensions and Other Post Retirement Benefits	11
Share-Based Compensation	14
Income Taxes	15

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Share-based Compensation - Summary of Assumptions Used for Time and Performance Based Awards (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Expected life (years)	6 years	4 years 6 months
Risk-free interest rate	2.87%	2.02%
Expected dividend yield	4.97%	3.76%
Expected volatility	25.96%	22.01%
Weighted average volatility	25.96%	22.01%
Time and Performance Based Stock Options
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Expected life (years)	5 years
Weighted average volatility	27.13%
Time and Performance Based Stock Options | Minimum
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	2.83%
Expected dividend yield	4.85%
Expected volatility	27.11%
Time and Performance Based Stock Options | Maximum
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]
Risk-free interest rate	2.92%
Expected dividend yield	5.54%
Expected volatility	27.27%

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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	$ (4)	$ (6)	$ 23
Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges, tax	11	(1)	(7)
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments, tax	$ (8)	$ 0	$ (2)

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Income Taxes - Provision for Income Taxes Attributable to Income/(loss) Before Income Taxes and Equity in Net Income/(loss) of Affiliates (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current:
Non-UK .	$ (265)	$ 332	$ 226
Total current income tax provision	(265)	332	226
Deferred:
UK	1		(5)
Non-UK	4	(514)	167
Total deferred income tax provision	5	(514)	162
Total (benefit)/provision for income taxes	$ (260)	$ (182)	$ 388

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Leases

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Leases [Abstract]

Leases

5. Leases

All significant lease arrangements are generally recognized at lease commencement. Operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities are recognized at commencement. An ROU asset and corresponding lease liability are not recorded for leases with an initial term of 12 months or less (short term leases) and Nielsen recognizes lease expense for these leases as incurred over the lease term. ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset during the reasonably certain lease term and lease liabilities represent its obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Nielsen’s lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that Nielsen will exercise that option. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Nielsen uses the rate implicit in the lease for the discount rate when determining the present value of lease payments whenever that rate is readily determinable. If the rate is not readily determinable, Nielsen uses its incremental borrowing rate, which is updated periodically, based on the information available at commencement date. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments related to initial direct cost and prepayments and excludes lease incentives. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Nielsen has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for together.

Nielsen has operating and finance leases for real estate facilities, servers, computer hardware, and other equipment. Nielsen’s leases have remaining lease terms of 1 year to 30 years, some of which include options to extend the leases for up to 5 years, and some of which include options to terminate the leases within 1 year.

The components of lease expense were as follows:

(in millions)	Year Ended December 31, 2019
Lease cost
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets	$	62
Interest on lease liabilities		9
Total finance lease cost		71
Operating lease cost		123
Short-term lease costs		5
Sublease income		(3	)
Total lease cost	$	196

Nielsen recognized rental income received under subleases from operating leases of $3 million, $6 million and $6 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. At December 31, 2019, Nielsen had aggregate future proceeds to be received under operating lease sub-lease guarantees of $8 million.

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:

(in millions, except lease term and discount rate)	December 31, 2019
Operating leases
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$	393
Other current liabilities		110
Operating lease liabilities		370
Total operating lease liabilities	$	480
Finance leases
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$	393
Accumulated depreciation		(213	)
Property, plant and equipment, net		180
Other intangible assets, gross		24
Accumulated amortization		(13	)
Other intangible assets, net		11
Accounts payable and other current liabilities		53
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations		92
Total finance lease liabilities	$	145
Other information
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of    lease liabilities
Operating cash flows used in finance leases		(9	)
Operating cash flows used in operating leases		(126	)
Financing cash flows used in finance leases		(60	)
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new    finance lease liabilities		40
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new    operating lease liabilities		43
Weighted-average remaining lease term--finance leases	4 years
Weighted-average remaining lease term--operating leases	8 years
Weighted-average discount rate--finance leases		6.2	%
Weighted-average discount rate--operating leases		4.5	%

Annual maturities of Nielsen’s lease liabilities are as follows:

(in millions)	Operating Leases			Finance Leases
2020	$	136		$	61
2021		99			42
2022		75			29
2023		53			15
2024		40			7
Thereafter		171			8
Total lease payments		574			162
Less imputed interest		(94	)		(17	)
Total	$	480		$	145

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Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) by Component (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Equity [Abstract]

Summary of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), Net of Tax by Component

The table below summarizes the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax, by component for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

	Currency
	Translation			Cash Flow			Post Employment
(IN MILLIONS)	Adjustments			Hedges			Benefits			Total
Balance December 31, 2018	$	(779	)	$	11		$	(342	)	$	(1,110	)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	$	5		$	(23	)	$	(42	)	$	(60	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive    (income)/loss		—			(7	)		174			167
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss)		5			(30	)		132			107
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss)    attributable to noncontrolling interest		2			—			—			2
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss)    attributable to Nielsen shareholders		3			(30	)		132			105
Balance December 31, 2019	$	(776	)	$	(19	)	$	(210	)	$	(1,005	)

	Currency
	Translation			Cash Flow			Post Employment
(IN MILLIONS)	Adjustments			Hedges			Benefits			Total
Balance December 31, 2017	$	(610	)	$	10		$	(340	)	$	(940	)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	$	(170	)	$	6		$	(21	)	$	(185	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive    (income)/loss		—			(5	)		19			14
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss)		(170	)		1			(2	)		(171	)
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss)    attributable to noncontrolling interest		(1	)		—			—			(1	)
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss)    attributable to Nielsen shareholders		(169	)		1			(2	)		(170	)
Balance December 31, 2018	$	(779	)	$	11		$	(342	)	$	(1,110	)

Summary of Reclassification of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component

The table below summarizes the reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

	Amount Reclassified from
	Accumulated Other
(IN MILLIONS)	Comprehensive Income/(Loss)
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive							Affected Line Item in the
	Year Ended December 31,						Consolidated
Income components	2019			2018			Statement of Operations
Cash flow hedges
Interest rate contracts	$	(9	)	$	(7	)	Interest (income)/ expense
		2			2		(Benefit)/provision for income taxes
	$	(7	)	$	(5	)	Total, net of tax
Post-Employment Benefits
Amortization of actuarial loss	$	12		$	19		(a)
		6			—		(Benefit)/provision for income taxes
	$	18		$	19		Total, net of tax
Pension settlements	$	170		$	—		(b)
		(14	)		—		(Benefit)/provision for income taxes
	$	156		$	—		Total, net of tax
Total Post-Employment Benefits reclassified from accumulated other    comprehensive (income)/loss	$	174		$	19
Total reclassification for the period	$	167		$	14		Net of tax

(a) This accumulated other comprehensive loss component is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost.

(b) See Note 11 “Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits” for more information on the pension plan non-cash settlements referenced in this note.

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Condensed Financial Information of Registrant - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)		12 Months Ended
	Feb. 20, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 11, 2015	Oct. 23, 2014	Jul. 25, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Loan receivable from subsidiaries associated with financing transactions		$ 25,000,000	$ 25,000,000
Dividends declared per common share		$ 1.11	$ 1.39	$ 1.33
Cost of treasury stock		$ 2,000,000,000			$ 500,000,000	$ 1,000,000,000	$ 500,000,000
Cumulative shares repurchased		39,426,521
Average price of common stock purchased		$ 44.95
Payments for repurchase of common stock		$ 1,772,000,000
Repurchases of common stock		0	2,220,156	3,368,839
Maximum
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Cost of treasury stock		$ 2,000,000,000
Subsequent Event
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Declaration Date	Feb. 20, 2020
Dividends declared per common share	$ 0.06
Cash dividend, date to be Paid	Mar. 19, 2020
Cash dividend, recorded date	Mar. 05, 2020

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Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Consolidation

Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nielsen and all subsidiaries and other controlled entities. Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries are reported as a component of equity in the consolidated financial statements with disclosure on the face of the consolidated statements of operations of the amounts of consolidated net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders and to the noncontrolling interests. The equity method of accounting is used for investments in affiliates and joint ventures where Nielsen has significant influence but not control, usually supported by a shareholding of between 20% and 50% of the voting rights. In addition, the Company records changes in the fair value of non-equity method equity investments with readily determinable fair values in net income rather than in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss). Investments that do not have readily determinable fair values are recognized at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. The adjustments related to the observable price changes will also be recognized in net income. Intercompany accounts and transactions between consolidated companies have been eliminated in consolidation.

Foreign Currency Translations

Foreign Currency Translation

Nielsen has significant investments outside the U.S., primarily in the Euro-zone, Canada and the United Kingdom. Therefore, changes in the value of foreign currencies affect the consolidated financial statements when translated into U.S. Dollars. The functional currency for substantially all subsidiaries outside the U.S. is the local currency. Financial statements for these subsidiaries are translated into U.S. Dollars at period-end exchange rates as to the assets and liabilities and monthly average exchange rates as to revenues, expenses and cash flows. For these countries, currency translation adjustments are recognized in shareholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), net, whereas transaction gains and losses are recognized in foreign exchange transaction losses, net in the consolidated statement of operations.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Research and Development Costs

Research and Development Costs

Research and development costs, which were not material for any periods presented, are expensed as incurred.

Deferred Costs

Deferred Costs

Incremental direct costs incurred related to establishing or significantly expanding a panel in a designated market are deferred at the point when Nielsen determines them to be recoverable. Prior to this point, these cost are expensed as incurred. These deferred costs are typically amortized through cost of revenues over the original contract period beginning when the panel or infrastructure to service new clients is ready for its intended use.

Advertising and Marketing Costs

Advertising and Marketing Costs

Advertising and marketing costs are expensed as incurred and are reflected as selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. These costs include all brand advertising, telemarketing, direct mail and other sales promotion associated with marketing/media research services. Advertising and marketing costs totaled $18 million, $18 million and $21 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Computation of Net Income per Share

Computation of Net Income per Share

Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares of common stock and dilutive potential shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Dilutive potential shares of common stock primarily consist of employee stock options and restricted stock.

Employee stock options, restricted stock and similar equity instruments granted by the Company are treated as potential common stock outstanding in computing diluted earnings per share. Diluted stock outstanding includes nonvested restricted stock units and the dilutive effect of in-the-money options which is calculated based on the average share price for each period using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the amount the employee must pay for exercising stock options, the amount of compensation cost for future service that the Company has not yet recognized are assumed to be used to repurchase stock.

The effect of 8,181,944, 8,519,133 and 4,351,564 shares of common stock equivalents under stock compensation plans were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, as such shares would have been anti-dilutive.  

Comprehensive Income/(Loss)

Comprehensive Income/(Loss)

Comprehensive income/(loss) is reported in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income/(loss) and consists of net income/(loss) and other gains and losses, net of tax, affecting equity that are excluded from net income/(loss).

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents  

Cash and cash equivalents include cash and short-term, highly liquid investments with an original maturity date of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents are carried at fair value.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable

The Company extends non-interest bearing trade credit to its customers in the ordinary course of business. To minimize credit risk, ongoing credit evaluations of client’s financial condition are performed. An estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts is made when collection of the full amount is no longer probable or returns are expected.

During the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company sold $360 million, $295 million and $202 million, respectively, of accounts receivables to third parties and recorded an immaterial loss on the sale to interest expense, net in the consolidated statement of operations. As of December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, $85 million, $105 million and $110 million, respectively, of previously sold receivables, remained outstanding. The sales were accounted for as true sales, without recourse. Nielsen maintains servicing responsibilities of the majority of the receivables sold during the year, for which the related costs are not significant. The proceeds of $360 million, $295 million and $202 million from the sales were reported as a component of the changes in trade and other receivables, net within operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

Other Significant Accounting Policies

Other Significant Accounting Policies

The following table includes other significant accounting policies that are described in other notes to the financial statements, including the related note:

Significant Accounting Policy	Note
Revenue recognition	3
Leases	5
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	6
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets	6&8
Property, Plant and Equipment	8
Investments	9
Financial Instruments	9
Derivative Financial Instruments	9
Pensions and Other Post Retirement Benefits	11
Share-Based Compensation	14
Income Taxes	15

Leases

Leases

Effective January 1, 2019, the Company adopted the new lease accounting standard using the transition method approved by the FASB on July 30, 2018, which allows companies to apply the provisions of the new leasing standard as of January 1, 2019, without adjusting the comparative periods presented. In addition, we elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard. This allowed us to carry forward the historical lease classification. Adoption of this standard resulted in the recording of net operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets of $0.5 billion (amount is net of lease incentives and ASC 420 cease-use liabilities) and corresponding operating lease liabilities of $0.6 billion. Financial position for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 are presented under the new guidance, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with previous guidance. See Note 5 (“Leases”) for further discussion.

All significant lease arrangements are generally recognized at lease commencement. Operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) assets and lease liabilities are recognized at commencement. An ROU asset and corresponding lease liability are not recorded for leases with an initial term of 12 months or less (short term leases) and Nielsen recognizes lease expense for these leases as incurred over the lease term. ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset during the reasonably certain lease term and lease liabilities represent its obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Nielsen’s lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that Nielsen will exercise that option. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Nielsen uses the rate implicit in the lease for the discount rate when determining the present value of lease payments whenever that rate is readily determinable. If the rate is not readily determinable, Nielsen uses its incremental borrowing rate, which is updated periodically, based on the information available at commencement date. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments related to initial direct cost and prepayments and excludes lease incentives. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Nielsen has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for together.

Nielsen has operating and finance leases for real estate facilities, servers, computer hardware, and other equipment. Nielsen’s leases have remaining lease terms of 1 year to 30 years, some of which include options to extend the leases for up to 5 years, and some of which include options to terminate the leases within 1 year.

Income Taxes

Income taxes

In February 2018, the FASB issued an ASU, “Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects From Accumulated Comprehensive Income”. The new standard gives companies the option to reclassify stranded tax effects caused by the newly-enacted US Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) from accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) to retained earnings. The new standard became effective for Nielsen on January 1, 2019. Nielsen elected to not reclassify stranded income tax effects of the TCJA from AOCI to retained earnings.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer.  The Company recognizes revenue when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control of a product or service to a customer, which generally occurs over time. Substantially all of the Company’s customer contracts are non-cancelable and non-refundable.

The following is a description of principal activities, by reportable segment, from which the Company generates its revenues.

Revenue from the Connect segment consists primarily of measurement services, which include the Company’s core tracking and scan data (primarily transactional measurement data and consumer behavior information) to businesses in the consumer packaged goods industry. Nielsen’s data is used by its clients to measure their market share, tracking billions of sales transactions per month in retail outlets around the world. Revenues for these services are recognized over the period during which the performance obligations are satisfied as the customer receives and consumes the benefits provided by the Company and control of the services are transferred to the customer.

The Company also provides consumer intelligence and analytical services that help clients make smarter business decisions throughout their product development and marketing cycles. The Company’s performance under these arrangements do not create an asset with an alternative use to the company and generally include an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date, as such, revenue for these services is typically recognized over time. Revenue for contracts that do not include an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date is recognized at a point in time when the performance obligation is satisfied, generally upon delivery of the services, and when control of the service is transferred to the customer.

Revenue from Nielsen’s Media segment is primarily generated from television, radio, digital and mobile audience measurement services and analytics which are used by the Company’s media clients to establish the value of airtime and more effectively schedule and promote their programming and the Company’s advertising clients to plan and optimize their spending. As the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by the Company’s performance, revenues for these services are recognized over the period during which the performance obligations are satisfied and control of the service is transferred to the customer.

The Company enters into cooperation arrangements with certain customers, under which the customer provides Nielsen with its data in exchange for Nielsen’s services. Nielsen records these transactions at fair value, which is determined based on the fair value of goods or services received, if reasonably estimable. If not reasonably estimable, the Company considers the fair value of the goods or services surrendered.

Recent Accounting Pronouncement Not Yet Adopted

Financial Instruments – Credit Losses

Financial Instruments – Credit Losses

In June 2016, the FASB issued an ASU, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”. The standard significantly changes how entities will measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. The standard will replace today’s “incurred loss” approach with an “expected loss” model for instruments measured at amortized cost. For available-for-sale debt securities, entities will be required to record allowances rather than reduce the carrying amount, as they do today under the other-than-temporary impairment model. It also simplifies the accounting model for purchased credit-impaired debt securities and loans. The new standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Nielsen does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General

Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, Compensation—Retirement Benefits—Defined Benefit Plans—General (Subtopic 715-20), which amends the current disclosure requirements regarding defined benefit pensions and other post retirement plans, and allows for the removal of certain disclosures, while adding certain new disclosure requirements. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and allows for early adoption. The Company does not expect this new standard to have a significant impact to our disclosures.

Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income taxes

Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income taxes

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes which amends and aims to simplify accounting disclosure requirements regarding a number of topics including: intraperiod tax allocation, accounting for deferred taxes when there are changes in consolidation of certain investments, tax basis step up in an acquisition and the application of effective rate changes during interim periods, amongst other improvements. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and allows for early adoption. Nielsen is assessing the impact of this new standard on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations and its future disclosures.

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Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Operating lease right-of-use asset	$ 393	$ 500
Operating lease liability	$ 480	$ 600

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Business Acquisitions and Dispositions - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)		12 Months Ended
	Feb. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Discontinued operations		$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Other acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire businesses, net of cash acquired		$ 61,000,000	$ 43,000,000	$ 210,000,000
Gracenote
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Name of acquired entity	Gracenote Inc., Gracenote Canada, Inc., Gracenote Netherlands Holdings B.V., Tribune Digital Ventures, LLC, and Tribune International Holdco, LLC (each, a “Gracenote Company” and together “Gracenote”)
Percentage ownership interest acquired	100.00%
Payments to acquire businesses	$ 585,000,000
Acquisition Date	Feb. 01, 2017

XML

Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits - Assets at Fair Value (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value excluding NAV per share practical expedient	$ 627	$ 1,184
Total assets at fair value	901	1,396	$ 1,559
Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value excluding NAV per share practical expedient	281	260
Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value excluding NAV per share practical expedient	324	750
Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value excluding NAV per share practical expedient	22	174
Cash and equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value excluding NAV per share practical expedient	11	30
Cash and equivalents | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value excluding NAV per share practical expedient	11	30
Equity securities - U.S.
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value excluding NAV per share practical expedient	79	63
Equity securities - U.S. | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value excluding NAV per share practical expedient	75	53
Equity securities - U.S. | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value excluding NAV per share practical expedient	4	10
Equity securities - U.S. | Net Asset Value
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value	30	23
Equity securities - Global
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value excluding NAV per share practical expedient	151	243
Equity securities - Global | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value excluding NAV per share practical expedient	36	37
Equity securities - Global | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value excluding NAV per share practical expedient	115	206
Equity securities - Global | Net Asset Value
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value	40	29
Equity securities – non-U.S.
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value excluding NAV per share practical expedient	89	77
Equity securities – non-U.S. | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value excluding NAV per share practical expedient	9	9
Equity securities – non-U.S. | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value excluding NAV per share practical expedient	80	68
Real estate
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value excluding NAV per share practical expedient	22	42
Real estate | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value excluding NAV per share practical expedient	22	42
Real estate | Net Asset Value
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value	5	6
Corporate bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value excluding NAV per share practical expedient	192	370
Corporate bonds | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value excluding NAV per share practical expedient	112	100
Corporate bonds | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value excluding NAV per share practical expedient	80	270
Debt issued by national, state or local government
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value excluding NAV per share practical expedient	77	225
Debt issued by national, state or local government | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value excluding NAV per share practical expedient	38	31
Debt issued by national, state or local government | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value excluding NAV per share practical expedient	39	194
Debt issued by national, state or local government | Net Asset Value
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value	10	10
Other
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value excluding NAV per share practical expedient	6	134
Other | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value excluding NAV per share practical expedient	6	2
Other | Level 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value excluding NAV per share practical expedient		132
Investments | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1, 2 and 3
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value	627	1,184
Cash | Net Asset Value
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value	6	4
Liability Driven Investments | Net Asset Value
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value	76	59
Private Equity And Hedge Funds | Net Asset Value
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value	73	60
Insurance And Other | Net Asset Value
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total assets at fair value	$ 34	$ 21

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Restructuring Activities - Summary of Changes in Liabilities for Restructuring Activities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Beginning Balance		$ 68		$ 58	$ 73
Reclassification of ASC 420 real estate restructuring to right-of -use asset	[1]	(22)
Charges		62	[2]	139	80
Non cash charges and other adjustments		1		(2)	2
Payments		(74)		(127)	(97)
Ending Balance		$ 35		$ 68	$ 58

[1] Upon adoption of ASC 842, the real estate operating lease ASC 420 liabilities were reclassified and presented as a reduction of the related operating lease right-of-use asset.

[2] Excludes charges related to operating lease right-of-use assets of $18 million. Includes $6 million of adjustments related to changes in previous productivity initiatives.

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Fair Value Measurements - Outstanding Interest Rate Swaps (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	May 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	May 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2017	Jul. 31, 2017	Apr. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Feb. 28, 2017
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on July 2020
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 250,000,000								$ 250,000,000
Maturity Date	2020-07
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on July 2020
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 250,000,000						$ 250,000,000
Maturity Date	2020-07
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on October 2020
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 250,000,000					$ 250,000,000
Maturity Date	2020-10
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on October 2021
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 250,000,000				$ 250,000,000
Maturity Date	2021-10
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on July 2022
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 250,000,000							$ 250,000,000
Maturity Date	2022-07
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on April 2023
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 150,000,000		$ 150,000,000
Maturity Date	2023-04
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on May 2023
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 250,000,000			$ 250,000,000
Maturity Date	2023-05
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on June 2023
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 250,000,000		$ 250,000,000
Maturity Date	2023-06
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on July 2023
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 150,000,000	$ 150,000,000
Maturity Date	2023-07

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Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits - Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 7	$ 9	$ 13
Interest cost	36	35	34
Expected return on plan assets	(58)	(61)	(63)
Settlement loss recognized	170	1	1
Curtailment gain recognized	(1)
Amortization of prior service costs		(1)	(1)
Amortization of net loss	13	19	18
Net periodic pension cost	167	2	2
Foreign Plan
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Settlement loss recognized	170
The Netherlands
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Service cost	3	3	5
Interest cost	9	10	9
Expected return on plan assets	(20)	(23)	(24)
Settlement loss recognized	164
Curtailment gain recognized	(1)
Amortization of net loss	5	6	7
Net periodic pension cost	160	(4)	(3)
Other
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Service cost	4	6	8
Interest cost	13	13	13
Expected return on plan assets	(21)	(21)	(22)
Settlement loss recognized	6	1	1
Amortization of prior service costs		(1)	(1)
Amortization of net loss	2	4	5
Net periodic pension cost	4	2	4
United States
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Interest cost	14	12	12
Expected return on plan assets	(17)	(17)	(17)
Amortization of net loss	6	9	6
Net periodic pension cost	$ 3	$ 4	$ 1

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Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits - Summary of Pension Plans (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Change in projected benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	$ 1,598	$ 1,772
Service cost	7	9	$ 13
Interest cost	36	35	34
Plan participants’ contributions	1	1
Actuarial (gain)/loss	156	(86)
Benefits paid	(70)	(69)
Premiums paid		(1)
Settlements	(632)	(4)
Curtailments	(3)
Combinations		2
Amendments	1	1
Effect of foreign currency translation	2	(62)
Benefit obligation at end of period	1,096	1,598	1,772
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period	1,396	1,559
Actual return on plan assets	176	(62)
Employer contributions	28	29
Plan participants’ contributions	1	1
Benefits paid	(70)	(69)
Premiums paid		1
Settlements	(632)	(4)
Combinations		2
Effect of foreign currency translation	2	(59)
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	901	1,396	1,559
Funded status	(195)	(202)
Premiums paid		(1)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Pension assets included in other non-current assets	26	17
Current liabilities	(2)	(2)
Accrued benefit liability included in other non-current liabilities	(219)	(217)
Net amount recognized	(195)	(202)
Amounts recognized in Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Net (gain)/loss	35	22
Settlement loss	(170)	(1)
Amortization of prior service cost		1	1
Curtailment gain recognized	1
Amortization of net loss	(13)	(19)	(18)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)	(147)	3
Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Unrecognized losses	286	433
Amortization of prior service cost		1	1
The Netherlands
Change in projected benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	647	724
Service cost	3	3	5
Interest cost	9	10	9
Actuarial (gain)/loss	42	(29)
Benefits paid	(29)	(30)
Settlements	(573)
Curtailments	(3)
Effect of foreign currency translation	(14)	(31)
Benefit obligation at end of period	82	647	724
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period	637	718
Actual return on plan assets	50	(25)
Employer contributions	4	5
Benefits paid	(29)	(30)
Settlements	(573)
Effect of foreign currency translation	(14)	(31)
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	75	637	718
Funded status	(7)	(10)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Accrued benefit liability included in other non-current liabilities	(7)	(10)
Net amount recognized	(7)	(10)
Amounts recognized in Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Net (gain)/loss	5	11
Settlement loss	(164)
Curtailment gain recognized	1
Amortization of net loss	(5)	(6)	(7)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)	(163)	5
Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Unrecognized losses	27	190
Other
Change in projected benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	613	678
Service cost	4	6	8
Interest cost	13	13	13
Plan participants’ contributions	1	1
Actuarial (gain)/loss	71	(28)
Benefits paid	(24)	(24)
Premiums paid		(1)
Settlements	(59)	(4)
Combinations		2
Amendments	1	1
Effect of foreign currency translation	16	(31)
Benefit obligation at end of period	636	613	678
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period	528	581
Actual return on plan assets	80	(14)
Employer contributions	14	15
Plan participants’ contributions	1	1
Benefits paid	(24)	(24)
Premiums paid		1
Settlements	(59)	(4)
Combinations		2
Effect of foreign currency translation	16	(28)
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	556	528	581
Funded status	(80)	(85)
Premiums paid		(1)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Pension assets included in other non-current assets	26	17
Current liabilities	(2)	(1)
Accrued benefit liability included in other non-current liabilities	(104)	(101)
Net amount recognized	(80)	(85)
Amounts recognized in Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Net (gain)/loss	15	1
Settlement loss	(6)	(1)
Amortization of prior service cost		1	1
Amortization of net loss	(2)	(4)	(5)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)	7	(3)
Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Unrecognized losses	136	129
Amortization of prior service cost		1	1
United States
Change in projected benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	338	370
Interest cost	14	12	12
Actuarial (gain)/loss	43	(29)
Benefits paid	(17)	(15)
Benefit obligation at end of period	378	338	370
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period	231	260
Actual return on plan assets	46	(23)
Employer contributions	10	9
Benefits paid	(17)	(15)
Fair value of plan assets at end of period	270	231	260
Funded status	(108)	(107)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Current liabilities		(1)
Accrued benefit liability included in other non-current liabilities	(108)	(106)
Net amount recognized	(108)	(107)
Amounts recognized in Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Net (gain)/loss	15	10
Amortization of net loss	(6)	(9)	$ (6)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)	9	1
Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Unrecognized losses	$ 123	$ 114

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Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Summary of Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) € in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019 EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2018 EUR (€)
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2023 | Libor Based Variable Rate of 3.46%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$ 1,125	$ 1,125
Debt instrument, variable rate	3.46%	3.46%
Debt instrument, maturity year	2023	2023
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2023 | Libor Based Variable Rate of 3.71%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$ 2,303	$ 2,303
Debt instrument, variable rate	3.71%	3.71%
Debt instrument, maturity year	2023	2023
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2023 | Euro Libor Based Variable Rate of 2.50%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value | €			€ 545	€ 545
Debt instrument, variable rate	2.50%	2.50%
Debt instrument, maturity year	2023	2023
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility Due 2023 | Euro Libor or Libor based variable rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$ 850	$ 850
Debt instrument, maturity year	2023	2023
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$ 800	$ 800
Debt instrument, maturity year	2020	2020
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%
Senior debenture loan due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$ 625	$ 625
Debt instrument, maturity year	2021	2021
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage	5.50%	5.50%	5.50%	5.50%
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$ 2,300	$ 2,300
Debt instrument, maturity year	2022	2022
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$ 500	$ 500
Debt instrument, maturity year	2025	2025
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%

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Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Additional Information (Detail)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018 EUR (€)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Wrote-off certain previously capitalized deferred financing fees		$ 2,000,000
Debt refinancing costs		$ 5,000,000
Capital stock of non-U.S. subsidiaries of the company, percentage		65.00%
Net restricted assets, subsidiary entities		$ 2,100,000,000
Letters of credit, outstanding		$ 17,000,000		$ 16,000,000
Debenture loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption of Senior notes and Senior subordinated discount notes at a percentage of aggregated accreted principal plus accrued and unpaid interest		101.00%
Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage ratio		5.50%
Total net debt to covenant EBITDA		5.00%
Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$ 850,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity date	Jul. 09, 2023
Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility | Minimum | Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, variable rate	0.25%
Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility | Minimum | Eurocurrency Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, variable rate	1.25%
Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility | Maximum | Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, variable rate	1.00%
Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility | Maximum | Eurocurrency Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, variable rate	2.00%
Class A Term Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$ 1,125,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity date	Jul. 09, 2023
Original principal amount repayment term		The new Class A Term Loans will mature in full on July 9, 2023 and are required to be repaid in quarterly installments in an aggregate amount equal to 0.63% of the original principal amount of the Class A Term Loans for each of the first eight quarters following the effective date of the Amendment Agreement, 1.25% of the original principal amount of the Class A Term Loans for each of the subsequent eight quarters and 2.50% of the original principal amount of the Class A Term Loans for each of the subsequent three quarters, with the balance payable on July 9, 2023. The new Class B-2 Euro Term Loans will mature in full on October 4, 2023
Class A Term Loans | Minimum | Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, variable rate	0.25%
Class A Term Loans | Minimum | Eurocurrency Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, variable rate	1.25%
Class A Term Loans | Maximum | Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, variable rate	1.00%
Class A Term Loans | Maximum | Eurocurrency Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, variable rate	2.00%
Class A Term Loans | Repayment on Each of First Eight Quarters
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Original principal amount repaid	0.63%
Class A Term Loans | Repayment on Each of Subsequent Eight Quarters
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Original principal amount repaid	1.25%
Class A Term Loans | Repayment on Each of Subsequent Three Quarters
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Original principal amount repaid	2.50%
Class B-2 Euro Term Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value | €					€ 545,245,518
Debt instrument, maturity date	Oct. 04, 2023
Original principal amount repaid	0.25%
Debt instrument, variable rate	2.50%
Class B-4 Term Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$ 75,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity date	Oct. 04, 2023
Original principal amount repaid	0.25%
Class B-4 Term Loans | Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, variable rate	1.00%
Class B-4 Term Loans | Eurocurrency Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, variable rate	2.00%
New revolving credit commitments
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maximum borrowing capacity		$ 850,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity date			2023-07
Revolving credit commitments
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Borrowings, outstanding		0		0
Letters of credit, outstanding		17,000,000		16,000,000
Debt instrument, remaining borrowing capacity		833,000,000
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value		$ 800,000,000		$ 800,000,000
Debt instrument maturity month and year		2020-10
Long term debt including interest payable		$ 808,000,000

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 01, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance beginning		$ 6,987	$ 6,987	$ 8,495
Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments			20	26
Impairment	$ 0	0	(1,004)	(1,411)
Effect of foreign currency translation			(10)	(123)
Balance ending			5,993	6,987
Cumulative impairments			2,791
Connect
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance beginning		1,337	1,337	2,844
Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments			8	11
Impairment			(1,004)	(1,411)
Effect of foreign currency translation			(10)	(107)
Balance ending			331	1,337
Cumulative impairments			2,415
Media
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance beginning		$ 5,650	5,650	5,651
Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments			12	15
Effect of foreign currency translation				(16)
Balance ending			5,662	$ 5,650
Cumulative impairments			$ 376

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Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) by Component - Summary of Reclassification of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes									$ 260	$ 182	$ (388)
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$ (109)	$ (472)	$ 123	$ 43	$ (952)	$ 96	$ 72	$ 72	(415)	(712)	$ 429
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders									167	14
Cash Flow Hedges
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders									(7)	(5)
Cash Flow Hedges | Interest rate contracts | Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest (income)/expense									(9)	(7)
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes									2	2
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders									(7)	(5)
Amortization of Actuarial Loss
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, before Tax									12	19
(Benefit)/provision for income taxes									6
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders									18	19
Pension Settlements
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, before Tax									170
(Benefit)/provision for income taxes									(14)
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders									156
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), Net Post Employment Benefits
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders									$ 174	$ 19

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Shareholders' Equity - Summary of Approved Authorized Shares for Repurchase Program (Detail) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 11, 2015	Oct. 23, 2014	Jul. 25, 2013
Statement Of Stockholders Equity [Abstract]
Cost of treasury stock	$ 2,000,000,000	$ 500,000,000	$ 1,000,000,000	$ 500,000,000

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Guarantor Financial Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Guarantees [Abstract]

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

Nielsen Holdings plc

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the year ended December 31, 2019

										Non-
(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	3,586		$	2,912		$	—		$	6,498
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		—			—			1513			1,309			—			2,822
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		14			—			936			979			—			1,929
Depreciation and amortization		—			—			610			146			—			756
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets		—			—			419			585			—			1,004
Restructuring charges		—			—			35			45			—			80
Operating income/(loss)		(14	)		—			73			(152	)		—			(93	)
Interest income		1			726			40			10			(771	)		6
Interest expense		—			(371	)		(756	)		(41	)		771			(397	)
Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net		—			—			(1	)		(9	)		—			(10	)
Other income/(expense), net		—			—			86			(255	)		—			(169	)
Income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries		(13	)		355			(558	)		(447	)		—			(663	)
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes		—			(112	)		292			80			—			260
Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries		(402	)		176			(135	)		—			361			—
Equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates		—			—			(1	)		1			—			—
Net income/(loss)		(415	)		419			(402	)		(366	)		361			(403	)
Less net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			12			—			12
Net income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest		(415	)		419			(402	)		(378	)		361			(415	)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)		105			(20	)		105			165			(248	)		107
Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			2			—			2
Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interests		105			(20	)		105			163			(248	)		105
Total comprehensive income/(loss)		(310	)		399			(297	)		(201	)		113			(296	)
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			14			—			14
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	(310	)	$	399		$	(297	)	$	(215	)	$	113		$	(310	)

Nielsen Holdings plc

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the year ended December 31, 2018

										Non-
(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	3,566		$	2,949		$	—		$	6,515
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		—			—			1,457			1,348			—			2,805
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		4			—			946			1,008			—			1,958
Depreciation and amortization		—			—			542			133			—			675
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets		—			—			579			834			—			1,413
Restructuring charges		—			—			51			88			—			139
Operating income/(loss)		(4	)		—			(9	)		(462	)		—			(475	)
Interest income		1			681			38			6			(718	)		8
Interest expense		—			(369	)		(704	)		(39	)		718			(394	)
Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net		—			—			—			(16	)		—			(16	)
Other income/(expense), net		—			(6	)		860			(859	)		—			(5	)
Income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries		(3	)		306			185			(1,370	)		—			(882	)
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes		—			(99	)		139			142			—			182
Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries		(709	)		167			(1,033	)		—			1,575			—
Net income/(loss)		(712	)		374			(709	)		(1,228	)		1,575			(700	)
Less net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			12			—			12
Net income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest		(712	)		374			(709	)		(1,240	)		1,575			(712	)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)		(170	)		17			(170	)		(176	)		328			(171	)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			(1	)		—			(1	)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interests		(170	)		17			(170	)		(175	)		328			(170	)
Total comprehensive income/(loss)		(882	)		391			(879	)		(1,404	)		1,903			(871	)
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			11			—			11
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	(882	)	$	391		$	(879	)	$	(1,415	)	$	1,903		$	(882	)

Nielsen Holdings plc

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the year ended December 31, 2017

										Non-
(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	3,608		$	2,964		$	—		$	6,572
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		—			—			1,419			1,346			—			2,765
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		4			—			933			936			—			1,873
Depreciation and amortization		—			—			504			136			—			640
Restructuring charges		—			—			44			36			—			80
Operating income/(loss)		(4	)		—			708			510			—			1,214
Interest income		1			839			37			4			(877	)		4
Interest expense		—			(353	)		(857	)		(41	)		877			(374	)
Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net		—			—			(4	)		(6	)		—			(10	)
Other income/(expense), net		—			(4	)		162			(164	)		—			(6	)
Income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries and affiliates		(3	)		482			46			303			—			828
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes		(1	)		(146	)		(165	)		(76	)		—			(388	)
Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries		433			193			553			—			(1,179	)		—
Equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates		—			—			(1	)		1			—			—
Net income/(loss)		429			529			433			228			(1,179	)		440
Less net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			11			—			11
Net income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest		429			529			433			217			(1,179	)		429
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)		271			(21	)		271			308			(556	)		273
Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			2			—			2
Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interests		271			(21	)		271			306			(556	)		271
Total comprehensive income/(loss)		700			508			704			536			(1,735	)		713
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			13			—			13
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	700		$	508		$	704		$	523		$	(1,735	)	$	700

Consolidated Balance Sheet

Nielsen Holdings plc

Consolidated Balance Sheet

December 31, 2019

							Non-
(IN MILLIONS)	Parent		Issuers		Guarantor		Guarantor		Elimination			Consolidated
Assets:
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2	$	-	$	48	$	404	$	-		$	454
Trade and other receivables, net		-		-		404		699		-			1,103
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		-		-		291		129		-			420
Intercompany receivables		7		1,615		278		69		(1,969	)		-
Total current assets		9		1,615		1,021		1,301		(1,969	)		1,977
Non-current assets													-
Property, plant and equipment, net		-		-		292		174		-			466
Operating lease right-of-use asset		-		-		190		203		-			393
Goodwill		-		-		5,103		890		-			5,993
Other intangible assets, net		-		-		4,370		511		-			4,881
Deferred tax assets		1		-		-		275		-			276
Other non-current assets		-		-		256		77		-			333
Equity investment in subsidiaries		2,170		1,298		4,576		-		(8,044	)		-
Intercompany loans		25		8,887		896		1,605		(11,413	)		-
Total assets	$	2,205	$	11,800	$	16,704	$	5,036	$	(21,426	)	$	14,319
Liabilities and equity:
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	$	10	$	62	$	517	$	593	$	-		$	1,182
Deferred revenues		-		-		217		128		-			345
Income tax liabilities		-		-		4		56		-			60
Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease obligations and short-term borrowings		-		861		46		7		-			914
Intercompany payables		-		3		1,689		277		(1,969	)		-
Total current liabilities		10		926		2,473		1,061		(1,969	)		2,501
Non-current liabilities													-
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations		-		7,302		80		13		-			7,395
Operating lease liabilities		-		-		213		157		-			370
Deferred tax liabilities		-		71		887		94		-			1,052
Intercompany loans		-		-		10,516		897		(11,413	)		-
Other non-current liabilities		-		22		365		226		-			613
Total liabilities		10		8,321		14,534		2,448		(13,382	)		11,931
Total shareholders’ equity		2,195		3,479		2,170		2,395		(8,044	)		2,195
Noncontrolling interests		-		-		-		193		-			193
Total equity		2,195		3,479		2,170		2,588		(8,044	)		2,388
Total liabilities and equity	$	2,205	$	11,800	$	16,704	$	5,036	$	(21,426	)	$	14,319

Nielsen Holdings plc

Consolidated Balance Sheet

December 31, 2018

							Non-
(IN MILLIONS)	Parent		Issuers		Guarantor		Guarantor		Elimination			Consolidated
Assets:
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	3	$	—	$	79	$	442	$	—		$	524
Trade and other receivables, net		—		1		377		740		—			1,118
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		—		3		234		124		—			361
Intercompany receivables		3		1,310		399		94		(1,806	)		—
Total current assets		6		1,314		1,089		1,400		(1,806	)		2,003
Non-current assets													-
Property, plant and equipment, net		—		—		303		165		—			468
Goodwill		—		—		5,531		1,456		—			6,987
Other intangible assets, net		—		—		4,545		479		—			5,024
Deferred tax assets		1		—		—		332		—			333
Other non-current assets		—		19		273		72		—			364
Equity investment in subsidiaries		2,815		1,232		1,936		—		(5,983	)		—
Intercompany loans		25		8,822		2,220		105		(11,172	)		—
Total assets	$	2,847	$	11,387	$	15,897	$	4,009	$	(18,961	)	$	15,179
Liabilities and equity:
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	$	—	$	62	$	541	$	516	$	—		$	1,119
Deferred revenues		—		—		225		130		—			355
Income tax liabilities		—		—		20		56		—			76
Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease obligations and short-term borrowings		—		54		46		7		—			107
Intercompany payables		—		—		1,408		398		(1,806	)		—
Total current liabilities		—		116		2,240		1,107		(1,806	)		1,657
Non-current liabilities													—
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations		—		8,170		95		15		—			8,280
Deferred tax liabilities		—		71		956		81		—			1,108
Intercompany loans		—		—		8,952		2,220		(11,172	)		—
Other non-current liabilities		—		3		839		249		—			1,091
Total liabilities		—		8,360		13,082		3,672		(12,978	)		12,136
Total shareholders’ equity		2,847		3,027		2,815		141		(5,983	)		2,847
Noncontrolling interests		—		—		—		196		—			196
Total equity		2,847		3,027		2,815		337		(5,983	)		3,043
Total liabilities and equity	$	2,847	$	11,387	$	15,897	$	4,009	$	(18,961	)	$	15,179

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

Nielsen Holdings plc

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended December 31, 2019

										Non-
(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Guarantor			Consolidated
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	$	(8	)	$	90		$	482		$	502		$	1,066
Investing activities:														—
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired		—			—			(11	)		(50	)		(61	)
Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries and affiliates								17			—			17
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets		—			—			(55	)		(61	)		(116	)
Additions to intangible assets		—			—			(326	)		(77	)		(403	)
Other investing activities		—			—			(18	)		(1	)		(19	)
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities		—			—			(393	)		(189	)		(582	)
Financing activities:
Repayments of debt		—			(57	)		—			—			(57	)
Increase/(decrease) in short term borrowings		—			—			—			(1	)		(1	)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders		(395	)		—			—			—			(395	)
Activity under stock plans		—			—			(8	)		—			(8	)
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan		4			—			—			—			4
Finance leases		—			—			(54	)		(6	)		(60	)
Settlement of intercompany and other financing activities		398			(33	)		(58	)		(334	)		(27	)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities		7			(90	)		(120	)		(341	)		(544	)
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—			—			—			(10	)		(10	)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(1	)		—			(31	)		(38	)		(70	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		3			—			79			442			524
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	2		$	—		$	48		$	404		$	454

Nielsen Holdings plc

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended December 31, 2018

										Non-
(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Guarantor			Consolidated
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	$	(2	)	$	240		$	383		$	437		$	1,058
Investing activities:														—
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired		—			—			(15	)		(28	)		(43	)
Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries and affiliates								51			—			51
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets		—			—			(53	)		(53	)		(106	)
Additions to intangible assets		—			—			(356	)		(58	)		(414	)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets		—			—			—			4			4
Other investing activities		—			—			9			(7	)		2
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities		—			—			(364	)		(142	)		(506	)
Financing activities:
Repayments of debt		—			(818	)		—			(1	)		(819	)
Proceeds from the issuance of debt, net of issuance costs		—			781			—			—			781
Increase/(decrease) in short term borrowings		—			—			—			1			1
Cash dividends paid to shareholders		(494	)		—			—			—			(494	)
Repurchase of common stock		(70	)		—			—			—			(70	)
Activity under stock plans		23			—			(8	)		—			15
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan		5			—			—			—			5
Finance leases		—			—			(69	)		(7	)		(76	)
Settlement of intercompany and other financing activities		539			(204	)		67			(421	)		(19	)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities		3			(241	)		(10	)		(428	)		(676	)
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—			—			1			(9	)		(8	)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		1			—			10			(142	)		(132	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		2			1			69			584			656
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	3		$	—		$	79		$	442		$	524

Nielsen Holdings plc

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended December 31, 2017

											Non-
(IN MILLIONS)	Parent				Issuers			Guarantor			Guarantor			Consolidated
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	$	(1	)		$	171		$	789		$	351		$	1,310
Investing activities:															—
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired		—				—			(755	)		(23	)		(778	)
Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries and affiliates									1			1			2
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets		—				—			(63	)		(56	)		(119	)
Additions to intangible assets		—				—			(307	)		(63	)		(370	)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and    other assets		—				—			29			13			42
Other investing activities		—				—			(11	)		(2	)		(13	)
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities		—				—			(1,106	)		(130	)		(1,236	)
Financing activities:
Repayments of debt		—				(2,295	)		—			(1	)		(2,296	)
Proceeds from the issuance of debt, net of issuance costs		—				2,744			1			—			2,745
Increase/(decrease) in short term borrowings		—		-		—			—			(5	)		(5	)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders		(474	)			—			—			—			(474	)
Repurchase of common stock		(140	)			—			—			—			(140	)
Activity under stock plans		32				—			(11	)		—			21
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan		6				—			—			—			6
Finance leases		—				—			(51	)		(4	)		(55	)
Settlement of intercompany and other financing activities		574				(620	)		236			(207	)		(17	)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities		(2	)			(171	)		175			(217	)		(215	)
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—				—			(4	)		47			43
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(3	)			—			(146	)		51			(98	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		5				1			215			533			754
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	2			$	1		$	69		$	584		$	656

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Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Components of Income/(Loss) Before Income Taxes and Equity in Net Income/(Loss) of Affiliates

The components of income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates, were:

	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
UK	$	(30	)	$	3		$	27
Non-UK		(633	)		(885	)		801
Income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net    income/(loss) of affiliates	$	(663	)	$	(882	)	$	828

Provision for Income Taxes Attributable to Income Before Income Taxes and Equity in Net Income of Affiliates

The provision for income taxes attributable to the income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates consisted of:

	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Current:
UK	$	—		$	—		$	—
Non-UK .		(265	)		332			226
		(265	)		332			226
Deferred:
UK		1			—			(5	)
Non-UK		4			(514	)		167
		5			(514	)		162
Total	$	(260	)	$	(182	)	$	388

Schedule of Provision for Income Taxes as Per UK Federal Income Tax Rates

The Company’s provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was different from the amount computed by applying the statutory UK federal income tax rates to the underlying income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates as a result of the following:

		Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net    income/(loss) of affiliates	$	(663	)	$	(882	)	$	828
UK statutory tax rate		19.00	%		19.00	%		19.25	%
(Benefit)/provision for income taxes at the UK statutory    rate	$	(126	)	$	(168	)	$	159
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets		191			268			—
Tax impact on distributions from foreign subsidiaries		4			9			8
Effect of operations in non-UK jurisdictions		32			32			35
Tax impact of global licensing arrangements		(16	)		18			66
Tax impact of intercompany restructuring		—			(142	)		—
U.S. state and local taxation		10			17			23
Base erosion and other anti-abuse tax		35			—			—
Withholding and other taxation		29			28			39
Effect of global financing activities		(7	)		(67	)		(68	)
Changes in estimates for uncertain tax positions and audit settlements		(442	)		25			45
Changes in valuation allowances		(40	)		39			(8	)
Effect of change in deferred tax rates		46			(6	)		7
Tax impact of post-retirement settlements		26			—			—
Tax impact due to US Tax Reform (1)		—			(228	)		104
Other, net		(2	)		(7	)		(22	)
Total (benefit)/provision for income taxes	$	(260	)	$	(182	)	$	388
Effective tax rate (benefit) and expense		(39.2	)%		(20.6	)%		46.9	%

(1) This includes the impact of BEAT and GILTI for 2018 and 2017.

Components of Current and Non-Current Deferred Income Tax Assets/(Liabilities)

The components of current and non-current deferred income tax assets/(liabilities) were:

(IN MILLIONS)	December 31, 2019			December 31, 2018
Deferred tax assets (on balance):
Net operating loss carryforwards	$	484		$	532
Capital loss carryforwards		50			3
Interest expense limitation		349			301
Employee benefits		59			59
Tax credit carryforwards		186			205
Share-based payments		12			15
Accrued expenses		39			41
Other assets		30			66
Financial instruments		1			—
		1,210			1,222
Valuation allowances		(636	)		(651	)
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances		574			571
Deferred tax liabilities (on balance):
Intangible assets		(892	)		(913	)
Fixed asset and computer software depreciation		(273	)		(241	)
Financial instruments		—			(6	)
Unremitted earnings		(57	)		(61	)
Unrealized gain on investments		(49	)		(49	)
Deferred (revenues)/costs		(5	)		(9	)
Other liabilities		(74	)		(67	)
		(1,350	)		(1,346	)
Net deferred tax liability	$	(776	)	$	(775	)

Schedule of Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Gross Uncertain Tax Positions

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross uncertain tax positions is as follows:

(IN MILLIONS)	December 31, 2019			December 31, 2018			December 31, 2017
Balance as of the beginning of period	$	572		$	452		$	432
Additions for current year tax positions		2			21			11
Additions for tax positions of prior years		14			108			15
Reductions for lapses of statute of limitations		(424	)		(8	)		(2	)
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		—			(1	)		(4	)
Balance as of the end of the period	$	164		$	572		$	452

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Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Summary of Pension Plans

A summary of the activity for the Pension Plans follows:

	Year Ended December 31, 2019
	The			United
(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands			States			Other			Total
Change in projected benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	$	647		$	338		$	613		$	1,598
Service cost		3		—				4			7
Interest cost		9			14			13			36
Plan participants’ contributions	—			—				1			1
Actuarial (gain)/loss		42			43			71			156
Benefits paid		(29	)		(17	)		(24	)		(70	)
Settlements	(573		)	—				(59	)		(632	)
Curtailments	(3		)	—				—			(3	)
Amendments		—		—				1			1
Effect of foreign currency translation		(14	)	—				16			2
Benefit obligation at end of period		82			378			636			1,096
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period		637			231			528			1,396
Actual return on plan assets		50			46			80			176
Employer contributions		4		10				14			28
Plan participants’ contributions	—			—				1			1
Benefits paid		(29	)		(17	)		(24	)		(70	)
Settlements	(573		)	—				(59	)		(632	)
Effect of foreign currency translation		(14	)	—				16			2
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		75			270			556			901
Funded status	$	(7	)	$	(108	)	$	(80	)	$	(195	)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Pension assets included in other non-current assets	—			—				26			26
Current liabilities	—				—			(2	)		(2	)
Accrued benefit liability included in other non-current liabilities		(7	)		(108	)		(104	)		(219	)
Net amount recognized	$	(7	)	$	(108	)	$	(80	)	$	(195	)
Amounts recognized in Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Net (gain)/loss	$	5		$	15		$	15		$	35
Settlement loss		(164	)		—			(6	)		(170	)
Curtailment gain recognized		1			—			—			1
Amortization of net loss		(5	)		(6	)		(2	)		(13	)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)	$	(163	)	$	9		$	7		$	(147	)
Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in     Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Unrecognized losses	$	27		$	123		$	136		$	286

	Year Ended December 31, 2018
	The			United
(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands			States			Other			Total
Change in projected benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	$	724		$	370		$	678		$	1,772
Service cost		3		—				6			9
Interest cost		10			12			13			35
Plan participants’ contributions	—			—				1			1
Actuarial (gain)/loss		(29	)		(29	)		(28	)		(86	)
Benefits paid		(30	)		(15	)		(24	)		(69	)
Expenses paid		—		—				—			—
Premiums paid	—			—				(1	)		(1	)
Settlements	—			—				(4	)		(4	)
Combinations	—			—				2			2
Amendments		—		—				1			1
Effect of foreign currency translation		(31	)	—				(31	)		(62	)
Benefit obligation at end of period		647			338			613			1,598
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period		718			260			581			1,559
Actual return on plan assets		(25	)		(23	)		(14	)		(62	)
Employer contributions		5		9				15			29
Plan participants’ contributions	—			—				1			1
Benefits paid		(30	)		(15	)		(24	)		(69	)
Expenses paid		—		—				—			—
Premiums paid	—			—				(1	)		(1	)
Settlements	—			—				(4	)		(4	)
Combinations	—			—				2			2
Effect of foreign currency translation		(31	)	—				(28	)		(59	)
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		637			231			528			1,396
Funded status	$	(10	)	$	(107	)	$	(85	)	$	(202	)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Pension assets included in other non-current assets	—			—				17			17
Current liabilities	—				(1	)		(1	)		(2	)
Accrued benefit liability included in other non-current liabilities		(10	)		(106	)		(101	)		(217	)
Net amount recognized	$	(10	)	$	(107	)	$	(85	)	$	(202	)
Amounts recognized in Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Net (gain)/loss	$	11		$	10		$	1		$	22
Settlement loss		—			—			(1	)		(1)
Amortization of prior service cost		—			—			1			1
Amortization of net loss		(6	)		(9	)		(4	)		(19	)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)	$	5		$	1		$	(3	)	$	3
Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in     Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Unrecognized losses	$	190		$	114		$	129		$	433

Total Accumulated Benefit Obligation and Minimum Liability Changes for Pension Plans

The total accumulated benefit obligation and minimum liability changes for the Pension Plans were as follows:

	Year Ended		Year Ended		Year Ended
	December 31,		December 31,		December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019		2018		2017
Accumulated benefit obligation.	$	1,078	$	1,579	$	1,750

	Pension Plans with Accumulated
	Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan
	Assets at December 31, 2019
	The		United
(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands		States		Other		Total
Projected benefit obligation	$	83	$	377	$	428	$	888
Accumulated benefit obligation		83		377		414		874
Fair value of plan assets		75		270		323		668
	Pension Plans with Projected
	Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan
	Assets at December 31, 2019
	The		United
(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands		States		Other		Total
Projected benefit obligation	$	83	$	377	$	483	$	943
Accumulated benefit obligation		83		377		618		1,078
Fair value of plan assets		75		270		378		723
	Pension Plans with Accumulated
	Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan
	Assets at December 31, 2018
	The		United
(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands		States		Other		Total
Projected benefit obligation	$	646	$	338	$	506	$	1,490
Accumulated benefit obligation		644		338		491		1,473
Fair value of plan assets		637		231		404		1,272
	Pension Plans with Projected
	Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan
	Assets at December 31, 2018
	The		United
(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands		States		Other		Total
Projected benefit obligation	$	646	$	338	$	506	$	1,490
Accumulated benefit obligation		644		338		597		1,579
Fair value of plan assets		637		231		404		1,272

Net Periodic Benefit Cost

Net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, includes the following components:

	Net Periodic Pension Costs
	The			United
(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands			States			Other			Total
Year ended December 31, 2019
Service cost	$	3		$	—		$	4		$	7
Interest cost		9			14			13			36
Expected return on plan assets		(20	)		(17	)		(21	)		(58	)
Settlement loss recognized		164			—			6			170
Curtailment gain recognized		(1	)		—			—			(1	)
Amortization of net loss		5			6			2			13
Net periodic pension cost	$	160			3			4			167
Year ended December 31, 2018
Service cost	$	3		$	—		$	6		$	9
Interest cost		10			12			13			35
Expected return on plan assets		(23	)		(17	)		(21	)		(61	)
Settlement loss recognized		—			—			1			1
Amortization of prior service costs		—			—			(1	)		(1	)
Amortization of net loss		6			9			4			19
Net periodic pension cost	$	(4	)		4			2			2
Year ended December 31, 2017
Service cost	$	5		$	—		$	8		$	13
Interest cost		9			12			13			34
Expected return on plan assets		(24	)		(17	)		(22	)		(63	)
Settlement loss recognized		—			—			1			1
Amortization of prior service costs		—			—			(1	)		(1	)
Amortization of net loss		7			6			5			18
Net periodic pension cost	$	(3	)		1			4			2

Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) Expected to be Recognized

The deferred loss included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) that is expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost during 2020 is as follows:

	The Netherlands			United States			Other			Total
Net actuarial loss	$	(2	)	$	(11	)	$	(4	)	$	(17	)

Weighted Average Assumptions Underlying Pension Computations

The weighted average assumptions underlying the pension computations were as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
	NL	US	Other	NL	US	Other	NL	US	Other
Pension benefit obligation:
—discount rate	1.5%	3.4%	1.9%	2.0%	4.4%	2.5%	1.9%	3.7%	2.3%
—rate of compensation increase	—	—	1.1%	1.8%	—	1.1%	1.8%	—	1.1%
Net periodic pension costs:
—discount rate	2.0%	4.4%	2.5%	1.9%	3.7%	2.3%	1.8%	4.4%	2.3%
—rate of compensation increase	1.8%	—	1.1%	1.8%	—	1.1%	3.8%	—	1.1%
—expected long-term return on plan assets	3.5%	6.7%	4.2%	3.6%	6.9%	4.3%	3.8%	7.0%	4.4%

Weighted Average Asset Allocation by Asset Category

Nielsen’s pension plans’ weighted average asset allocations by asset category are as follows:

	The			United
	Netherlands			States			Other			Total
At December 31, 2019
Equity securities		39	%		54	%		50	%		51	%
Fixed income securities		53			45			39			43
Other		8			1			11			6
Total		100	%		100	%		100	%		100	%
At December 31, 2018
Equity securities		21	%		52	%		41	%		33	%
Fixed income securities		62			47			28			50
Other		17			1			31			17
Total		100	%		100	%		100	%		100	%

Assets at Fair Value

Assets at fair value (See Note 9 – “Fair Value Measurements” for additional information on fair value measurement and the underlying fair value hierarchy) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:

(IN MILLIONS)	December 31, 2019								December 31, 2018
Asset Category	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Cash and equivalents	$	11	$	—	$	—	$	11	$	30	$	—	$	—	$	30
Equity securities – U.S.		75		4		—		79		53		10		—		63
Equity securities – Global.		36		115		—		151		37		206		—		243
Equity securities – non-U.S.		9		80		—		89		9		68		—		77
Real estate		—		—		22		22		—		—		42		42
Corporate bonds		112		80		—		192		100		270		—		370
Debt issued by national, state or    local government		38		39		—		77		31		194		—		225
Other		—		6		—		6		—		2		132		134
Total assets at fair value, excluding    NAV per share practical expedient    at December 31, 2019 and    December 31, 2018	$	281	$	324	$	22	$	627	$	260	$	750	$	174	$	1,184

The following presents our total fair value of plan assets including the NAV per share practical expedient:

(IN MILLIONS)	December 31, 2019			December 31, 2018
Fair value of investments, excluding NAV per share practical    expedient.		$	627	$	1,184
Fair value of investments, using NAV per share practical    expedient
Asset Category
Cash		$	6	$	4
Equity securities – U.S.			30		23
Equity securities – Global.			40		29
Corporate debt securities or bonds.			—		—
Debt issued by national, state or local government			10		10
Liability driven investments			76		59
Real estate			5		6
Private equity and hedge funds			73		60
Insurance and other			34		21
Total assets at fair value including NAV per share practical    expedient at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018		$	901	$	1,396

Summary of Changes in Fair Value of Pension Plans Level 3 Assets

The following is a summary of changes in the fair value of the Pension Plans’ Level 3 assets for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018:

(IN MILLIONS)	Real Estate			Other			Total
Balance, end of year December 31, 2017	$	47		$	149		$	196
Actual return on plan assets:
(Sales)/investments		(4	)		(8	)		(12	)
Unrealized gains		—			(1	)		(1	)
Effect of foreign currency translation		(1	)		(8	)		(9	)
Balance, end of year December 31, 2018	$	42		$	132		$	174
Actual return on plan assets:
(Sales)/Investments		(2	)		—			(2	)
Settlements		(18	)		(130	)		(148	)
Unrealized losses		—			—			—
Effect of foreign currency translation		—			(2	)		(2	)
Balance, end of year December 31, 2019	$	22		$	—		$	22

Estimated Future Benefit Payments

Estimated future benefit payments are as follows:

	The		United
(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands		States		Other		Total
For the years ending December 31,
2020	$	2	$	16	$	20	$	38
2021		2		16		21		39
2022		2		17		22		41
2023		2		18		23		43
2024		2		19		23		44
2025-2029		12		102		137		251

XML

Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Compensation And Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits

11. Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits

Nielsen sponsors both funded and unfunded defined benefit pension plans (the “Pension Plans”) and post-retirement medical plans for some if its employees in the Netherlands, the U.S. and other international locations. Pension costs, in respect of defined benefit pension plans, primarily represent the increase in the actuarial present value of the obligation for pension benefits based on employee service during the year and the interest on this obligation in respect of employee service in previous years, net of the expected return on plan assets. Differences between this expected return and the actual return on these plan assets and actuarial changes are not recognized in the statement of operations, unless the accumulated differences and changes exceed a certain threshold. Nielsen recognizes obligations for contributions to defined contribution pension plans as expenses in the statement of operations as they are incurred.

The determination of benefit obligations and expenses is based on actuarial models. In order to measure benefit costs and obligations using these models, critical assumptions are made with regard to the discount rate, the expected return on plan assets and the assumed rate of compensation increases. Nielsen provides retiree medical benefits to a limited number of participants in the U.S. Therefore, retiree medical care cost trend rates are not a significant driver of our post retirement costs. Management reviews these critical assumptions at least annually. Other assumptions involve demographic factors such as turnover, retirement and mortality rates. Management reviews these assumptions periodically and updates them as necessary.

The discount rate is the rate at which the benefit obligations could be effectively settled. For Nielsen’s U.S. plans, the discount rate is based on a bond portfolio that includes only long-term bonds with an Aa rating, or equivalent, from a major rating agency. For the Dutch and other non-U.S. plans, the discount rate is set by reference to market yields on high-quality corporate bonds. Nielsen believes the timing and amount of cash flows related to the bonds in these portfolios are expected to match the estimated payment benefit streams of our plans.

The Company uses the spot rate approach to calculate the discount rate for its retirement benefit plans.  Under the spot-rate approach, the Company uses individual spot rates along the yield curve that correspond with the timing of each future cash outflow for benefit payments in order to calculate interest cost and service cost within net periodic benefit costs.

To determine the expected long-term rate of return on pension plan assets, Nielsen considers, for each country, the structure of the asset portfolio and the expected rates of return for each of the components. For Nielsen’s U.S. plans, a 50 basis point decrease in the expected return on assets would increase pension expense on our principal plans by approximately $1 million per year. A similar 50 basis point decrease in the expected return on assets for the Company’s principal Dutch plan would also increase pension expense by approximately $1 million per year. The Company assumed that the weighted-averages of long-term returns on our pension plans were 4.3% for the year ended December 31, 2019, 4.4% for the year ended December 31, 2018 and 4.6% for the year ended December 31, 2017. The expected long-term rate of return is applied to the fair value of pension plan assets. The actual return on plan assets will vary year to year from this assumption. Although the actual return on plan assets will vary from year to year, it is appropriate to use long-term expected forecasts in selecting Nielsen’s expected return on plan assets. As such, there can be no assurance that the Company’s actual return on plan assets will approximate the long-term expected forecasts.

During 2019, certain of the Company’s pension plans contracted with insurance companies and transferred $632 million of outstanding defined benefit pension obligations and related pension assets for approximately 6,000 retirees and beneficiaries in the Netherlands and UK to the insurance companies. The insurance companies are now required to pay and administer the retirement benefits owed to these retirees and beneficiaries. These transactions have no impact on the amount, timing, or form of the monthly retirement benefit payments to the covered retirees and beneficiaries. These transactions resulted in a non-cash charge to other income/expense of $170 million in our consolidated statements of operations and did not impact cash flows in 2019.

A summary of the activity for the Pension Plans follows:

	Year Ended December 31, 2019
	The			United
(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands			States			Other			Total
Change in projected benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	$	647		$	338		$	613		$	1,598
Service cost		3		—				4			7
Interest cost		9			14			13			36
Plan participants’ contributions	—			—				1			1
Actuarial (gain)/loss		42			43			71			156
Benefits paid		(29	)		(17	)		(24	)		(70	)
Settlements	(573		)	—				(59	)		(632	)
Curtailments	(3		)	—				—			(3	)
Amendments		—		—				1			1
Effect of foreign currency translation		(14	)	—				16			2
Benefit obligation at end of period		82			378			636			1,096
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period		637			231			528			1,396
Actual return on plan assets		50			46			80			176
Employer contributions		4		10				14			28
Plan participants’ contributions	—			—				1			1
Benefits paid		(29	)		(17	)		(24	)		(70	)
Settlements	(573		)	—				(59	)		(632	)
Effect of foreign currency translation		(14	)	—				16			2
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		75			270			556			901
Funded status	$	(7	)	$	(108	)	$	(80	)	$	(195	)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Pension assets included in other non-current assets	—			—				26			26
Current liabilities	—				—			(2	)		(2	)
Accrued benefit liability included in other non-current liabilities		(7	)		(108	)		(104	)		(219	)
Net amount recognized	$	(7	)	$	(108	)	$	(80	)	$	(195	)
Amounts recognized in Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Net (gain)/loss	$	5		$	15		$	15		$	35
Settlement loss		(164	)		—			(6	)		(170	)
Curtailment gain recognized		1			—			—			1
Amortization of net loss		(5	)		(6	)		(2	)		(13	)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)	$	(163	)	$	9		$	7		$	(147	)
Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in     Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Unrecognized losses	$	27		$	123		$	136		$	286

	Year Ended December 31, 2018
	The			United
(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands			States			Other			Total
Change in projected benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	$	724		$	370		$	678		$	1,772
Service cost		3		—				6			9
Interest cost		10			12			13			35
Plan participants’ contributions	—			—				1			1
Actuarial (gain)/loss		(29	)		(29	)		(28	)		(86	)
Benefits paid		(30	)		(15	)		(24	)		(69	)
Expenses paid		—		—				—			—
Premiums paid	—			—				(1	)		(1	)
Settlements	—			—				(4	)		(4	)
Combinations	—			—				2			2
Amendments		—		—				1			1
Effect of foreign currency translation		(31	)	—				(31	)		(62	)
Benefit obligation at end of period		647			338			613			1,598
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period		718			260			581			1,559
Actual return on plan assets		(25	)		(23	)		(14	)		(62	)
Employer contributions		5		9				15			29
Plan participants’ contributions	—			—				1			1
Benefits paid		(30	)		(15	)		(24	)		(69	)
Expenses paid		—		—				—			—
Premiums paid	—			—				(1	)		(1	)
Settlements	—			—				(4	)		(4	)
Combinations	—			—				2			2
Effect of foreign currency translation		(31	)	—				(28	)		(59	)
Fair value of plan assets at end of period		637			231			528			1,396
Funded status	$	(10	)	$	(107	)	$	(85	)	$	(202	)
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Pension assets included in other non-current assets	—			—				17			17
Current liabilities	—				(1	)		(1	)		(2	)
Accrued benefit liability included in other non-current liabilities		(10	)		(106	)		(101	)		(217	)
Net amount recognized	$	(10	)	$	(107	)	$	(85	)	$	(202	)
Amounts recognized in Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Net (gain)/loss	$	11		$	10		$	1		$	22
Settlement loss		—			—			(1	)		(1)
Amortization of prior service cost		—			—			1			1
Amortization of net loss		(6	)		(9	)		(4	)		(19	)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income/(loss)	$	5		$	1		$	(3	)	$	3
Amounts not yet reflected in net periodic benefit cost and included in     Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), before tax
Unrecognized losses	$	190		$	114		$	129		$	433

The total accumulated benefit obligation and minimum liability changes for the Pension Plans were as follows:

	Year Ended		Year Ended		Year Ended
	December 31,		December 31,		December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019		2018		2017
Accumulated benefit obligation.	$	1,078	$	1,579	$	1,750

	Pension Plans with Accumulated
	Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan
	Assets at December 31, 2019
	The		United
(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands		States		Other		Total
Projected benefit obligation	$	83	$	377	$	428	$	888
Accumulated benefit obligation		83		377		414		874
Fair value of plan assets		75		270		323		668
	Pension Plans with Projected
	Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan
	Assets at December 31, 2019
	The		United
(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands		States		Other		Total
Projected benefit obligation	$	83	$	377	$	483	$	943
Accumulated benefit obligation		83		377		618		1,078
Fair value of plan assets		75		270		378		723
	Pension Plans with Accumulated
	Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan
	Assets at December 31, 2018
	The		United
(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands		States		Other		Total
Projected benefit obligation	$	646	$	338	$	506	$	1,490
Accumulated benefit obligation		644		338		491		1,473
Fair value of plan assets		637		231		404		1,272
	Pension Plans with Projected
	Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan
	Assets at December 31, 2018
	The		United
(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands		States		Other		Total
Projected benefit obligation	$	646	$	338	$	506	$	1,490
Accumulated benefit obligation		644		338		597		1,579
Fair value of plan assets		637		231		404		1,272

Net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, includes the following components:

	Net Periodic Pension Costs
	The			United
(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands			States			Other			Total
Year ended December 31, 2019
Service cost	$	3		$	—		$	4		$	7
Interest cost		9			14			13			36
Expected return on plan assets		(20	)		(17	)		(21	)		(58	)
Settlement loss recognized		164			—			6			170
Curtailment gain recognized		(1	)		—			—			(1	)
Amortization of net loss		5			6			2			13
Net periodic pension cost	$	160			3			4			167
Year ended December 31, 2018
Service cost	$	3		$	—		$	6		$	9
Interest cost		10			12			13			35
Expected return on plan assets		(23	)		(17	)		(21	)		(61	)
Settlement loss recognized		—			—			1			1
Amortization of prior service costs		—			—			(1	)		(1	)
Amortization of net loss		6			9			4			19
Net periodic pension cost	$	(4	)		4			2			2
Year ended December 31, 2017
Service cost	$	5		$	—		$	8		$	13
Interest cost		9			12			13			34
Expected return on plan assets		(24	)		(17	)		(22	)		(63	)
Settlement loss recognized		—			—			1			1
Amortization of prior service costs		—			—			(1	)		(1	)
Amortization of net loss		7			6			5			18
Net periodic pension cost	$	(3	)		1			4			2

The non-cash settlement loss of $170 million resulted from the transfer of defined benefit pension obligations and related assets in the Netherlands ($164 million) and the UK ($6 million) to insurance companies which relieved Nielsen of its obligations related to the plans. The settlement loss of $1 million in 2018 resulted primarily from settling benefit liabilities in Mexico. The settlement loss of $1 million in 2017 resulted primarily from settling benefit liabilities in Canada and Switzerland.  

The deferred loss included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) that is expected to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost during 2020 is as follows:

	The Netherlands			United States			Other			Total
Net actuarial loss	$	(2	)	$	(11	)	$	(4	)	$	(17	)

Actuarial gains and losses are amortized over the average remaining service lives for plans with active participants, and over the average remaining lives for legacy plans with no active participants.

The weighted average assumptions underlying the pension computations were as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019			2018			2017
	NL	US	Other	NL	US	Other	NL	US	Other
Pension benefit obligation:
—discount rate	1.5%	3.4%	1.9%	2.0%	4.4%	2.5%	1.9%	3.7%	2.3%
—rate of compensation increase	—	—	1.1%	1.8%	—	1.1%	1.8%	—	1.1%
Net periodic pension costs:
—discount rate	2.0%	4.4%	2.5%	1.9%	3.7%	2.3%	1.8%	4.4%	2.3%
—rate of compensation increase	1.8%	—	1.1%	1.8%	—	1.1%	3.8%	—	1.1%
—expected long-term return on plan assets	3.5%	6.7%	4.2%	3.6%	6.9%	4.3%	3.8%	7.0%	4.4%

The assumptions for the expected return on plan assets for the Pension Plans were based on a review of the historical returns of the asset classes in which the assets of the Pension Plans are invested and long-term economic forecast for the type of investments held by the plans.  The historical returns on these asset classes were weighted based on the expected long-term allocation of the assets of the Pension Plans.

Nielsen’s pension plans’ weighted average asset allocations by asset category are as follows:

	The			United
	Netherlands			States			Other			Total
At December 31, 2019
Equity securities		39	%		54	%		50	%		51	%
Fixed income securities		53			45			39			43
Other		8			1			11			6
Total		100	%		100	%		100	%		100	%
At December 31, 2018
Equity securities		21	%		52	%		41	%		33	%
Fixed income securities		62			47			28			50
Other		17			1			31			17
Total		100	%		100	%		100	%		100	%

No Nielsen shares are held by the Pension Plans.

Nielsen’s primary objective with regard to the investment of the Pension Plans’ assets is to ensure that in each individual plan, sufficient funds are available to satisfy future benefit obligations. For this purpose, asset and liability management studies are made periodically at each pension fund. For each of the Pension Plans, an appropriate mix is determined on the basis of the outcome of these studies, taking into account the national rules and regulations. The overall target asset allocation among all plans for 2019 was 49% equity securities and 45% long-term interest-earning investments (debt or fixed income securities), and 6% other investments.

Equity securities primarily include investments in U.S. and non U.S. companies. Fixed income securities include corporate bonds of companies from diversified industries and mortgage-backed securities. Insurance contracts are categorized as level 3 and are valued based on contractual terms.

Assets at fair value (See Note 9 – “Fair Value Measurements” for additional information on fair value measurement and the underlying fair value hierarchy) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 are as follows:

(IN MILLIONS)	December 31, 2019								December 31, 2018
Asset Category	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Cash and equivalents	$	11	$	—	$	—	$	11	$	30	$	—	$	—	$	30
Equity securities – U.S.		75		4		—		79		53		10		—		63
Equity securities – Global.		36		115		—		151		37		206		—		243
Equity securities – non-U.S.		9		80		—		89		9		68		—		77
Real estate		—		—		22		22		—		—		42		42
Corporate bonds		112		80		—		192		100		270		—		370
Debt issued by national, state or    local government		38		39		—		77		31		194		—		225
Other		—		6		—		6		—		2		132		134
Total assets at fair value, excluding    NAV per share practical expedient    at December 31, 2019 and    December 31, 2018	$	281	$	324	$	22	$	627	$	260	$	750	$	174	$	1,184

The following presents our total fair value of plan assets including the NAV per share practical expedient:

(IN MILLIONS)	December 31, 2019			December 31, 2018
Fair value of investments, excluding NAV per share practical    expedient.		$	627	$	1,184
Fair value of investments, using NAV per share practical    expedient
Asset Category
Cash		$	6	$	4
Equity securities – U.S.			30		23
Equity securities – Global.			40		29
Corporate debt securities or bonds.			—		—
Debt issued by national, state or local government			10		10
Liability driven investments			76		59
Real estate			5		6
Private equity and hedge funds			73		60
Insurance and other			34		21
Total assets at fair value including NAV per share practical    expedient at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018		$	901	$	1,396

The following is a summary of changes in the fair value of the Pension Plans’ Level 3 assets for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018:

(IN MILLIONS)	Real Estate			Other			Total
Balance, end of year December 31, 2017	$	47		$	149		$	196
Actual return on plan assets:
(Sales)/investments		(4	)		(8	)		(12	)
Unrealized gains		—			(1	)		(1	)
Effect of foreign currency translation		(1	)		(8	)		(9	)
Balance, end of year December 31, 2018	$	42		$	132		$	174
Actual return on plan assets:
(Sales)/Investments		(2	)		—			(2	)
Settlements		(18	)		(130	)		(148	)
Unrealized losses		—			—			—
Effect of foreign currency translation		—			(2	)		(2	)
Balance, end of year December 31, 2019	$	22		$	—		$	22

Real estate investment valuations require significant judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices, the inherent lack of liquidity and the long-term nature of such assets. These assets are initially valued at cost and are reviewed periodically utilizing available and relevant market data to determine if the carrying value of these assets should be adjusted. The valuation methodology is applied consistently from period to period.

Other types of investments categorized as Level 3 are primarily insurance contracts and are valued based on contractual terms.

Contributions to the Pension Plans in 2020 are expected to be approximately zero for the Netherlands plan, $11 million for the U.S. plan and $17 million for other plans.

Estimated future benefit payments are as follows:

	The		United
(IN MILLIONS)	Netherlands		States		Other		Total
For the years ending December 31,
2020	$	2	$	16	$	20	$	38
2021		2		16		21		39
2022		2		17		22		41
2023		2		18		23		43
2024		2		19		23		44
2025-2029		12		102		137		251

Defined Contribution Plans

Nielsen also offers defined contribution plans to certain participants, primarily in the U.S. Nielsen’s expense related to these plans was $54 million, $59 million and $53 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. In the U.S., Nielsen contributes cash to each employee’s account in an amount up to 3% of compensation (subject to IRS limitations). No contributions are made in shares of the Company’s common stock.

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Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

15. Income Taxes

Nielsen provides for income taxes utilizing the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recorded to reflect the tax consequences in future years of differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their financial reporting amounts at each balance sheet date, based on enacted tax laws and statutory tax rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. If it is determined that it is more likely than not that future tax benefits associated with a deferred tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is provided. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in the tax rates is recognized in the consolidated statements of operations as an adjustment to income tax expense in the period that includes the enactment date.

The Company records a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Such tax positions are, based solely on their technical merits, more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities and reflect the largest amount of benefit, determined on a cumulative probability basis that is more likely than not to be realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority with full knowledge of all relevant information. The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense.

On December 22, 2017, the TCJA was signed into law and significantly changed the way the U.S. taxes corporations. The TCJA reduced the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent and created a territorial-style taxing system. The TCJA required companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously deferred and also created new taxes on certain types of foreign earnings. As of December 31, 2017, we made a reasonable estimate of the (a) effects on our existing deferred tax balances, and (b) the one-time transition tax. Consequently, our fourth quarter of 2017 and full year 2017 results of operations reflected a non-cash provisional net expense of $104 million. We finalized our accounting for the TCJA in December of 2018 and our results for the fourth quarter of 2018 and full year 2018 results of operations reflect, in accordance with SAB 118, a reduction in tax expense of $252 million as an adjustment to the 2017 provisional expense. This was primarily comprised of a net tax benefit of $57 million relating to finalizing the calculation of the transition tax (including withholding taxes) together with a net tax benefit of $195 million associated with the re-measurement of our deferred taxes.

The TCJA imposed a U.S. tax on global intangible low taxed income (“GILTI”) that is earned by certain foreign affiliates owned by a U.S. shareholder and was intended to tax earnings of a foreign corporation that are deemed to be in excess of certain threshold return. As of December 31, 2018, Nielsen made a policy decision and elected to treat taxes on GILTI as a current period expense and have reflected as such within the financial statements as of December 31, 2019 as well.

As part of an intercompany restructuring during the year ended December 31, 2018, we transferred certain intellectual property assets between wholly-owned legal entities in non-U.S. tax jurisdictions. As the impact of the transfer was the result of an intra-entity transaction, the resulting gain on the transfer was eliminated for purposes of the consolidated financial statements.  The transferring entity recognized a gain on the transfer of assets that was not subject to income tax in its local jurisdiction. In accordance with ASU 2016-16, which the Company adopted in the first quarter of 2018, and as further described in Note 1. “Significant Accounting Policies”, Nielsen recorded an income tax benefit of approximately $193 million.

Throughout 2019, ongoing federal and international audits were effectively settled in certain tax jurisdictions and the impact was recorded accordingly the financial statements.

The components of income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates, were:

	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
UK	$	(30	)	$	3		$	27
Non-UK		(633	)		(885	)		801
Income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net    income/(loss) of affiliates	$	(663	)	$	(882	)	$	828

The above amounts for UK and non-UK activities were determined based on the location of the taxing authorities.

The provision for income taxes attributable to the income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates consisted of:

	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Current:
UK	$	—		$	—		$	—
Non-UK .		(265	)		332			226
		(265	)		332			226
Deferred:
UK		1			—			(5	)
Non-UK		4			(514	)		167
		5			(514	)		162
Total	$	(260	)	$	(182	)	$	388

The Company’s provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was different from the amount computed by applying the statutory UK federal income tax rates to the underlying income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates as a result of the following:

		Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net    income/(loss) of affiliates	$	(663	)	$	(882	)	$	828
UK statutory tax rate		19.00	%		19.00	%		19.25	%
(Benefit)/provision for income taxes at the UK statutory    rate	$	(126	)	$	(168	)	$	159
Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets		191			268			—
Tax impact on distributions from foreign subsidiaries		4			9			8
Effect of operations in non-UK jurisdictions		32			32			35
Tax impact of global licensing arrangements		(16	)		18			66
Tax impact of intercompany restructuring		—			(142	)		—
U.S. state and local taxation		10			17			23
Base erosion and other anti-abuse tax		35			—			—
Withholding and other taxation		29			28			39
Effect of global financing activities		(7	)		(67	)		(68	)
Changes in estimates for uncertain tax positions and audit settlements		(442	)		25			45
Changes in valuation allowances		(40	)		39			(8	)
Effect of change in deferred tax rates		46			(6	)		7
Tax impact of post-retirement settlements		26			—			—
Tax impact due to US Tax Reform (1)		—			(228	)		104
Other, net		(2	)		(7	)		(22	)
Total (benefit)/provision for income taxes	$	(260	)	$	(182	)	$	388
Effective tax rate (benefit) and expense		(39.2	)%		(20.6	)%		46.9	%

(1) This includes the impact of BEAT and GILTI for 2018 and 2017.

The components of current and non-current deferred income tax assets/(liabilities) were:

(IN MILLIONS)	December 31, 2019			December 31, 2018
Deferred tax assets (on balance):
Net operating loss carryforwards	$	484		$	532
Capital loss carryforwards		50			3
Interest expense limitation		349			301
Employee benefits		59			59
Tax credit carryforwards		186			205
Share-based payments		12			15
Accrued expenses		39			41
Other assets		30			66
Financial instruments		1			—
		1,210			1,222
Valuation allowances		(636	)		(651	)
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances		574			571
Deferred tax liabilities (on balance):
Intangible assets		(892	)		(913	)
Fixed asset and computer software depreciation		(273	)		(241	)
Financial instruments		—			(6	)
Unremitted earnings		(57	)		(61	)
Unrealized gain on investments		(49	)		(49	)
Deferred (revenues)/costs		(5	)		(9	)
Other liabilities		(74	)		(67	)
		(1,350	)		(1,346	)
Net deferred tax liability	$	(776	)	$	(775	)

Realization of deferred tax assets is based, in part, on Nielsen’s judgment and various factors including reversal of deferred tax liabilities, Nielsen’s ability to generate future taxable income in jurisdictions where such assets have arisen and potential tax planning strategies. Valuation allowances are recorded in order to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized in the future.

At December 31, 2019 and 2018 the Company had net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $2,066 million and $2,208 million, respectively, which began to expire in 2020. In addition, the Company had tax credit carryforwards of approximately $186 million and $205 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, which began to expire in 2020.

In certain jurisdictions, the Company has operating losses and other tax attributes that, due to the uncertainty of achieving sufficient profits to utilize these operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards, the Company currently believes it is more likely than not that a portion of these losses will not be realized. Therefore, the Company had a valuation allowance of approximately $636 million and $651 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, related to net operating loss carryforwards, tax credit carryforwards and deferred tax assets related to other temporary differences.

With respect to the outside basis differences of “domestic” subsidiaries, in each taxing jurisdiction where a tiered ownership structure exists, the Company has confirmed that one or more viable tax planning strategies exists in each separate taxing jurisdiction that it could, and would - if required - employ to eliminate any income tax liability on such outside basis differences. In addition, resulting from TCJA, the company no longer asserts that all foreign undistributed earnings will be permanently reinvested, but rather the company will, over time, remit up foreign earnings and has provisioned for withholding taxes related to those earnings.

At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had gross uncertain tax positions of $164 million and $572 million, respectively. The Company has also accrued interest and penalties associated with these unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 of $25 million and $70 million, respectively. Estimated interest and penalties related to the underpayment of income taxes is classified as a component of benefit (provision) for income taxes in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. It is reasonably possible that within the next 12 months certain tax examinations will close, which could result in a change in unrecognized tax benefits, along with related interest and penalties. Furthermore, the amounts ultimately paid may differ from the amounts accrued. An estimate of any possible change cannot be made at this time.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross uncertain tax positions is as follows:

(IN MILLIONS)	December 31, 2019			December 31, 2018			December 31, 2017
Balance as of the beginning of period	$	572		$	452		$	432
Additions for current year tax positions		2			21			11
Additions for tax positions of prior years		14			108			15
Reductions for lapses of statute of limitations		(424	)		(8	)		(2	)
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		—			(1	)		(4	)
Balance as of the end of the period	$	164		$	572		$	452

Throughout 2019, ongoing federal and international audits were effectively settled in certain tax jurisdictions and the impact was recorded accordingly the financial statements.

If the balance of the Company’s uncertain tax positions is sustained by the taxing authorities in the Company’s favor, the reversal of the entire balance would reduce the Company’s effective tax rate in future periods.

The Company files numerous consolidated and separate income tax returns in the U.S. Federal jurisdiction and in many state and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. Federal income tax examinations for 2015 and prior periods. In addition, the Company has subsidiaries in various states, provinces and countries that are currently under audit for years ranging from 2007 through 2018.

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Additional Financial Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Payables And Accruals [Abstract]

Additional Financial Information

19. Additional Financial Information

Accounts payable and other current liabilities

	December 31,		December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019		2018
Trade payables	$	230	$	288
Personnel costs		301		225
Current portion of restructuring liabilities		30		62
Data and professional services		202		221
Interest payable		61		64
Current portion of operating leases		111		-
Other current liabilities(1)		247		259
Total accounts payable and other current liabilities	$	1,182	$	1,119

(1) Other includes multiple items, none of which is individually significant.

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Guarantor Financial Information - Consolidated Balance Sheet (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 454		$ 524	$ 656	$ 754
Trade and other receivables, net	1,103		1,118
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	420		361
Total current assets	1,977		2,003
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	466		468
Operating lease right-of-use asset	393	$ 500
Goodwill	5,993		6,987	8,495
Other intangible assets, net	4,881		5,024
Deferred tax assets	276		333
Other non-current assets	333		364
Intercompany loans	25		25
Total assets	14,319		15,179
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	1,182		1,119
Deferred revenues	345		355
Income tax liabilities	60		76
Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease obligations and short-term borrowings	914		107
Total current liabilities	2,501		1,657
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations	7,395		8,280
Operating lease liabilities	370
Deferred tax liabilities	1,052		1,108
Other non-current liabilities	613		1,091
Total liabilities	11,931		12,136
Total shareholders’ equity	2,195		2,847
Noncontrolling interests	193		196
Total equity	2,388		3,043	4,443	4,293
Total liabilities and equity	14,319		15,179
Parent
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	2		3	2	5
Intercompany receivables	7		3
Total current assets	9		6
Non-current assets
Deferred tax assets	1		1
Equity investment in subsidiaries	2,170		2,815
Intercompany loans	25		25
Total assets	2,205		2,847
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	10
Total current liabilities	10
Non-current liabilities
Total liabilities	10
Total shareholders’ equity	2,195		2,847
Total equity	2,195		2,847
Total liabilities and equity	2,205		2,847
Issuers
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents				1	1
Trade and other receivables, net			1
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			3
Intercompany receivables	1,615		1,310
Total current assets	1,615		1,314
Non-current assets
Other non-current assets			19
Equity investment in subsidiaries	1,298		1,232
Intercompany loans	8,887		8,822
Total assets	11,800		11,387
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	62		62
Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease obligations and short-term borrowings	861		54
Intercompany payables	3
Total current liabilities	926		116
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations	7,302		8,170
Deferred tax liabilities	71		71
Other non-current liabilities	22		3
Total liabilities	8,321		8,360
Total shareholders’ equity	3,479		3,027
Total equity	3,479		3,027
Total liabilities and equity	11,800		11,387
Guarantor
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	48		79	69	215
Trade and other receivables, net	404		377
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	291		234
Intercompany receivables	278		399
Total current assets	1,021		1,089
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	292		303
Operating lease right-of-use asset	190
Goodwill	5,103		5,531
Other intangible assets, net	4,370		4,545
Other non-current assets	256		273
Equity investment in subsidiaries	4,576		1,936
Intercompany loans	896		2,220
Total assets	16,704		15,897
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	517		541
Deferred revenues	217		225
Income tax liabilities	4		20
Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease obligations and short-term borrowings	46		46
Intercompany payables	1,689		1,408
Total current liabilities	2,473		2,240
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations	80		95
Operating lease liabilities	213
Deferred tax liabilities	887		956
Intercompany loans	10,516		8,952
Other non-current liabilities	365		839
Total liabilities	14,534		13,082
Total shareholders’ equity	2,170		2,815
Total equity	2,170		2,815
Total liabilities and equity	16,704		15,897
Non-Guarantor
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	404		442	$ 584	$ 533
Trade and other receivables, net	699		740
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	129		124
Intercompany receivables	69		94
Total current assets	1,301		1,400
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	174		165
Operating lease right-of-use asset	203
Goodwill	890		1,456
Other intangible assets, net	511		479
Deferred tax assets	275		332
Other non-current assets	77		72
Intercompany loans	1,605		105
Total assets	5,036		4,009
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	593		516
Deferred revenues	128		130
Income tax liabilities	56		56
Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease obligations and short-term borrowings	7		7
Intercompany payables	277		398
Total current liabilities	1,061		1,107
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations	13		15
Operating lease liabilities	157
Deferred tax liabilities	94		81
Intercompany loans	897		2,220
Other non-current liabilities	226		249
Total liabilities	2,448		3,672
Total shareholders’ equity	2,395		141
Noncontrolling interests	193		196
Total equity	2,588		337
Total liabilities and equity	5,036		4,009
Consolidation Eliminations
Current assets
Intercompany receivables	(1,969)		(1,806)
Total current assets	(1,969)		(1,806)
Non-current assets
Equity investment in subsidiaries	(8,044)		(5,983)
Intercompany loans	(11,413)		(11,172)
Total assets	(21,426)		(18,961)
Current liabilities
Intercompany payables	(1,969)		(1,806)
Total current liabilities	(1,969)		(1,806)
Non-current liabilities
Intercompany loans	(11,413)		(11,172)
Total liabilities	(13,382)		(12,978)
Total shareholders’ equity	(8,044)		(5,983)
Total equity	(8,044)		(5,983)
Total liabilities and equity	$ (21,426)		$ (18,961)

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Segments - Geographic Segment Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		$ 1,691	$ 1,616	$ 1,628	$ 1,563	$ 1,658	$ 1,600	$ 1,647	$ 1,610	$ 6,498	[1]	$ 6,515	[1]	$ 6,572	[1]
Operating income/(loss)		224	$ (740)	$ 249	$ 174	(1,171)	$ 261	$ 228	$ 207	(93)		(475)		1,214
Long-lived Assets	[2]	11,340				12,479				11,340		12,479
United States
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]									3,724		3,697		3,730
Operating income/(loss)										85		31		743
Long-lived Assets	[2]	10,176				10,806				10,176		10,806
North and South America, excluding the U.S.
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]									551		569		595
Operating income/(loss)										(104)		(226)		164
Long-lived Assets	[2]	297				523				297		523
United Kingdom
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]									208		192		194
Operating income/(loss)										(110)		(130)		(20)
Long-lived Assets	[2]	120				153				120		153
Other Europe, Middle East & Africa
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]									1,179		1,217		1,188
Operating income/(loss)										(26)		(157)		159
Long-lived Assets	[2]	578				734				578		734
Asia Pacific
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	[1]									836		840		865
Operating income/(loss)										62		7		$ 168
Long-lived Assets	[2]	$ 169				$ 263				$ 169		$ 263

[1] Revenues are attributed to geographic areas based on the location of customers.

[2] Long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets.

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Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis

The following table summarizes the valuation of the Company’s material financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:

	December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019		Level 1			Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
Plan assets for deferred compensation (1)	$	26	$		26	$	—	$	—
Investment in mutual funds (2)		2			2	—			—
Interest rate swap arrangements (3)		—	—				—		—
Total	$	28	$		28	$	—	$	—
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap arrangements (3)	$	22	$	—		$	22	$	—
Deferred compensation liabilities (4)		26			26	—			—
Total	$	48	$		26	$	22	$	—

	December 31,
	2018		Level 1			Level 2					Level 3
Assets:
Plan assets for deferred compensation (1)	$	25	$	25		$	—	$			—
Investment in mutual funds (2)		2		2			—				—
Interest rate swap arrangements (3)		23		—			23				—
Total	$	50	$	27		$	23	$			—
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap arrangements (3)	$	3	$		—	$	3		$	—
Deferred compensation liabilities (4)		27		27			—				—
Total	$	30	$	27		$	3		$	—

(1) Plan assets are comprised of investments in mutual funds, which are intended to fund liabilities arising from deferred compensation plans. These investments are carried at fair value, which is based on quoted market prices at period end in active markets. These investments are classified as equity securities with any gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recorded in other income/(expense), net in the consolidated statement of operations.

(2) Investments in mutual funds are money-market accounts held with the intention of funding certain specific retirement plans.

(3) Derivative financial instruments include interest rate swap arrangements recorded at fair value based on externally-developed valuation models that use readily observable market parameters and the consideration of counterparty risk.

(4) The Company offers certain employees the opportunity to participate in a deferred compensation plan. A participant’s deferrals are invested in a variety of participant directed stock and bond mutual funds and are classified as equity securities. Changes in the fair value of these securities are measured using quoted prices in active markets based on the market price per unit multiplied by the number of units held exclusive of any transaction costs. A corresponding adjustment for changes in fair value of the equity securities is also reflected in the changes in fair value of the deferred compensation obligation.

Outstanding Interest Rate Swaps

As of December 31, 2019 the Company had the following outstanding interest rate swaps utilized in the management of its interest rate risk:

	Notional Amount		Maturity Date	Currency
Interest rate swaps designated as hedging instruments
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	250,000,000	July 2020	US Dollar
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	250,000,000	July 2020	US Dollar
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	250,000,000	October 2020	US Dollar
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	250,000,000	October 2021	US Dollar
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	250,000,000	July 2022	US Dollar
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	150,000,000	April 2023	US Dollar
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	250,000,000	May 2023	US Dollar
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	250,000,000	June 2023	US Dollar
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps	$	150,000,000	July 2023	US Dollar

Schedule of Effect of Cash Flow Hedge Accounting on Consolidated Statement of Operations

The effect of cash flow hedge accounting on the consolidated statement of operations for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017:

	Interest Expense
	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Interest expense (Location in the consolidated statement of operations in which    the effects of cash flow hedges are recorded)	$	397		$	394		$	374
Amount of (gain)/loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive    income/(loss) into income, net of tax	$	(7	)	$	(5	)	$	3
Amount of income/(loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive    income/(loss) into income as a result that a forecasted transaction is no longer    probable of occurring, net of tax	$	—		$	—		$	—

Fair Values of Derivative Instruments in Consolidated Balance Sheets

The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:

	December 31, 2019						December 31, 2018
Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments	Prepaid Expense and Other Current		Other Non- Current			Other Non- Current	Prepaid Expense and Other Current		Other Non- Current			Other Non- Current
(IN MILLIONS)	Assets		Assets			Liabilities	Assets		Assets			Liabilities
Interest rate swaps	$	—	$	—	$	22	$	3		$	20	$	3

Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships

The pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was as follows (amounts in millions):

	Amount of (Gain)/Loss									Amount of (Gain)/Loss
	Recognized in OCI								Location of (Gain)/Loss	Reclassified from OCI
	on Derivatives								Reclassified from OCI	into Income
Derivatives in Cash Flow	(Effective Portion)								into Income	(Effective Portion)
Hedging Relationships	December 31,								(Effective Portion)	December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019		2018			2017				2019			2018			2017
Interest rate swaps	$	33	$	(9	)	$	(13	)	Interest expense	$	(9	)	$	(7	)	$	5

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Condensed Financial Information of Registrant - Summary of Approved Authorized Shares for Repurchase Program (Detail) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 11, 2015	Oct. 23, 2014	Jul. 25, 2013
Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Cost of treasury stock	$ 2,000,000,000	$ 500,000,000	$ 1,000,000,000	$ 500,000,000

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Leases (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Leases [Abstract]

Components of Lease Expense

The components of lease expense were as follows:

(in millions)	Year Ended December 31, 2019
Lease cost
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets	$	62
Interest on lease liabilities		9
Total finance lease cost		71
Operating lease cost		123
Short-term lease costs		5
Sublease income		(3	)
Total lease cost	$	196

Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related to Leases

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:

(in millions, except lease term and discount rate)	December 31, 2019
Operating leases
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$	393
Other current liabilities		110
Operating lease liabilities		370
Total operating lease liabilities	$	480
Finance leases
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$	393
Accumulated depreciation		(213	)
Property, plant and equipment, net		180
Other intangible assets, gross		24
Accumulated amortization		(13	)
Other intangible assets, net		11
Accounts payable and other current liabilities		53
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations		92
Total finance lease liabilities	$	145
Other information
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of    lease liabilities
Operating cash flows used in finance leases		(9	)
Operating cash flows used in operating leases		(126	)
Financing cash flows used in finance leases		(60	)
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new    finance lease liabilities		40
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new    operating lease liabilities		43
Weighted-average remaining lease term--finance leases	4 years
Weighted-average remaining lease term--operating leases	8 years
Weighted-average discount rate--finance leases		6.2	%
Weighted-average discount rate--operating leases		4.5	%

Schedule of Annual Maturities of Lease Liabilities

Annual maturities of Nielsen’s lease liabilities are as follows:

(in millions)	Operating Leases			Finance Leases
2020	$	136		$	61
2021		99			42
2022		75			29
2023		53			15
2024		40			7
Thereafter		171			8
Total lease payments		574			162
Less imputed interest		(94	)		(17	)
Total	$	480		$	145

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Schedule I-Condensed Financial Information of Registrant

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule I-Condensed Financial Information of Registrant

Schedule I—Condensed Financial Information of Registrant   

Nielsen Holdings plc

Parent Company Only

Statements of Operations

	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$	14		$	4		$	4
Operating loss		(14	)		(4	)		(4	)
Interest income/(loss)		1			1			1
Interest expense		—			—			—
Other income/(expense), net		—			—			—
Income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries		(13	)		(3	)		(3	)
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes		—			—			(1	)
Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries		(402	)		(709	)		433
Net income/(loss)	$	(415	)	$	(712	)	$	429

Nielsen Holdings plc

Parent Company Only

Balance Sheets

	December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019		2018
Assets:
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2	$	3
Amounts receivable from subsidiary		7		3
Total current assets		9		6
Investment in subsidiaries		2,170		2,815
Loans outstanding from subsidiary		25		25
Other non-current assets		1		1
Total assets	$	2,205	$	2,847
Liabilities and equity:
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities		10		—
Intercompany payables		—		—
Total current liabilities		10		—
Loans outstanding from subsidiary		—		—
Other non-current liabilities		—		—
Total liabilities		10		—
Total equity		2,195		2,847
Total liabilities and equity	$	2,205	$	2,847

Nielsen Holdings plc

Parent Company Only

Statements of Cash Flows

	Year Ended December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019			2018			2017
Net cash used in operating activities	$	(8	)	$	(2	)	$	(1	)
Financing Activities:
Cash dividends paid to shareholders		(395	)		(494	)		(474	)
Repurchase of common stock		—			(70	)		(140	)
Activity under stock plans		—			23			32
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan		4			5			6
Other financing activities		398			539			574
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities		7			3			(2	)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(1	)		1			(3	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		3			2			5
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	2		$	3		$	2

The notes to the consolidated financial statements of Nielsen Holdings plc (the “Company”) are an integral part of these nonconsolidated financial statements.

Notes to Schedule I

1. Basis of Presentation

The Company has accounted for the earnings of its subsidiaries under the equity method in these financial statements.

2. Commitments and Contingencies

The debenture loans are jointly and severally guaranteed on an unconditional basis by the Company and subject to certain exceptions, each of the direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company, including VNU Intermediate Holding B.V., Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V., VNU International B.V., TNC (US) Holdings, Inc., VNU Marketing Information, Inc. and ACN Holdings, Inc., and the wholly-owned subsidiaries thereof, including the wholly-owned U.S. subsidiaries of ACN Holdings, Inc., in each case to the extent that such entities provide a guarantee under the senior secured credit facilities. The issuers are Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co., both wholly-owned subsidiaries of ACN Holdings, Inc. and subsidiary guarantors and The Nielsen Company (Luxembourg) S ar l., a wholly owned subsidiary of Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V. The historical financial information has been updated to reflect The Nielsen Company (Luxembourg) S.ar.l. as an issuer.

The Company had no material commitments or contingencies during the reported periods.

3. Related Party Transactions

The Company enters into certain transactions with its subsidiaries through the normal course of operations and periodically settles these transactions in cash. The Company had a $25 million loan receivable from subsidiaries associated with financing transactions for each of the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

4. Common Stock and Related Transactions

On January 31, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) adopted a cash dividend policy to pay quarterly cash dividends on its outstanding common stock. The following table represents the cash dividends declared by the Board and paid to shareholders for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2019, respectively.

Declaration Date	Record Date	Payment Date	Dividend Per Share
February 21, 2018	March 7, 2018	March 21, 2018	$	0.34
April 19, 2018	June 6, 2018	June 20, 2018	$	0.35
July 19, 2018	August 22, 2018	September 5, 2018	$	0.35
October 18, 2018	November 21, 2018	December 5, 2018	$	0.35
February 21, 2019	March 7, 2019	March 21, 2019	$	0.35
April 18, 2019	June 5, 2019	June 19, 2019	$	0.35
July 18, 2019	August 22, 2019	September 5, 2019	$	0.35
November 3, 2019	November 21, 2019	December 5, 2019	$	0.06

On November 3, 2019 the Board approved a plan to reduce the quarterly cash dividend, with the goal of strengthening Nielsen’s balance sheet and providing added flexibility to invest for growth. On February 20, 2020, the Board declared a cash dividend of $0.06 per share on Nielsen’s common stock. The dividend is payable on March 19, 2020 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 5, 2020.

The dividend policy and payment of future cash dividends are subject to the discretion of the Board.

Nielsen’s Board approved a share repurchase program, as included in the below table, for up to $2 billion of the Company’s outstanding common stock. The primary purpose of the program is to return value to shareholders and to mitigate dilution associated with Nielsen’s equity compensation plans.

Board Approval	Share Repurchase Authorization ($ in millions)
July 25, 2013	$	500
October 23, 2014	$	1,000
December 11, 2015	$	500
Total Share Repurchase Authorization	$	2,000

Repurchases under this program will be made in accordance with applicable securities laws from time to time in the open market or otherwise depending on Nielsen’s evaluation of market conditions and other factors. This program has been executed within the limitations of the authority granted by Nielsen’s shareholders.

As of December 31, 2019, there have been 39,426,521 shares of the Company’s common stock purchased at an average price of $44.95 per share (total consideration of approximately $1,772 million) under this program. There were no share repurchases for the year ended December 31, 2019

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Condensed Financial Information of Registrant - Balance Sheets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 454	$ 524	$ 656	$ 754
Total current assets	1,977	2,003
Other non-current assets	333	364
Total assets	14,319	15,179
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	1,182	1,119
Total current liabilities	2,501	1,657
Other non-current liabilities	613	1,091
Total liabilities	11,931	12,136
Total shareholders’ equity	2,195	2,847
Total liabilities and equity	14,319	15,179
Total Nielsen Shareholders' Equity
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	2	3
Amounts receivable from subsidiary	7	3
Total current assets	9	6
Investment in subsidiaries	2,170	2,815
Loans outstanding from subsidiary	25	25
Other non-current assets	1	1
Total assets	2,205	2,847
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	10
Total current liabilities	10
Total liabilities	10
Total shareholders’ equity	2,195	2,847
Total liabilities and equity	$ 2,205	$ 2,847

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Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax [Line Items]
U.S. federal corporate income tax rate				21.00%	21.00%		35.00%
Non-cash provisional net expense (benefit)			$ 104		$ (228)	[1]	$ 104	[1]
Reduction in tax expense as adjustment to provisional expense	$ 252				252
Reduction in tax expense as adjustment to provisional expense related to transition tax (including withholding taxes)	57				57
Reduction in tax expense as adjustment to provisional expense associated to re-measurement of deferred taxes	195				195
Income tax benefit				$ 260	182		(388)
Net operating loss carryforwards	2,208			2,066	2,208
Deferred tax assets, gross tax credit carry forwards	205			$ 186	205
Operating loss carryforwards year of expiration				2020
Tax credit carryforward expiration				2020
Valuation allowance on tax credit, loss carryforwards and deferred tax assets related to other temporary differences	651			$ 636	651
Liabilities for unrecognized income tax benefits	572		$ 452	164	572		$ 452		$ 432
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 70			$ 25	$ 70
ASU 2016-16
Income Tax [Line Items]
Income tax benefit		$ 193

[1] This includes the impact of BEAT and GILTI for 2018 and 2017.

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Revenue Recognition

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Revenue Recognition [Abstract]

Revenue Recognition

3. Revenue Recognition

Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer.  The Company recognizes revenue when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control of a product or service to a customer, which generally occurs over time. Substantially all of the Company’s customer contracts are non-cancelable and non-refundable.

The following is a description of principal activities, by reportable segment, from which the Company generates its revenues.

Revenue from the Connect segment consists primarily of measurement services, which include the Company’s core tracking and scan data (primarily transactional measurement data and consumer behavior information) to businesses in the consumer packaged goods industry. Nielsen’s data is used by its clients to measure their market share, tracking billions of sales transactions per month in retail outlets around the world. Revenues for these services are recognized over the period during which the performance obligations are satisfied as the customer receives and consumes the benefits provided by the Company and control of the services are transferred to the customer.

The Company also provides consumer intelligence and analytical services that help clients make smarter business decisions throughout their product development and marketing cycles. The Company’s performance under these arrangements do not create an asset with an alternative use to the company and generally include an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date, as such, revenue for these services is typically recognized over time. Revenue for contracts that do not include an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date is recognized at a point in time when the performance obligation is satisfied, generally upon delivery of the services, and when control of the service is transferred to the customer.

Revenue from Nielsen’s Media segment is primarily generated from television, radio, digital and mobile audience measurement services and analytics which are used by the Company’s media clients to establish the value of airtime and more effectively schedule and promote their programming and the Company’s advertising clients to plan and optimize their spending. As the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by the Company’s performance, revenues for these services are recognized over the period during which the performance obligations are satisfied and control of the service is transferred to the customer.

The Company enters into cooperation arrangements with certain customers, under which the customer provides Nielsen with its data in exchange for Nielsen’s services. Nielsen records these transactions at fair value, which is determined based on the fair value of goods or services received, if reasonably estimable. If not reasonably estimable, the Company considers the fair value of the goods or services surrendered.

The table below sets forth the Company’s revenue disaggregated within each segment by major product offerings and timing of revenue recognition.

(IN MILLIONS)			Year Ended December 31,
		2019			2018		2017
Connect Segment
Measure	$	2,161		$	2,211	$	2,233
Predict/Activate		896			927		1,045
Connect	$	3,057		$	3,138	$	3,278
Media Segment
Audience Measurement	$	2,471			2,411		2,321
Plan/Optimize		970			966		973
Media	$	3,441		$	3,377	$	3,294
Total	$	6,498		$	6,515	$	6,572
Timing of revenue recognition
Products transferred at a point in time	$	576		$	576	$	495
Products and services transferred over time		5,922			5,939		6,077
Total	$	6,498		$	6,515	$	6,572

Contract Assets and Liabilities

Contract assets represent the Company’s rights to consideration in exchange for services transferred to a customer that have not been billed as of the reporting date. While the Company’s rights to consideration are generally unconditional at the time its performance obligations are satisfied, under certain circumstances the related billing occurs in arrears, generally within one month of the services being rendered.

At the inception of a contract, the Company generally expects the period between when it transfers its services to its customers and when the customer pays for such services will be one year or less.

Contract liabilities relate to advance consideration received or the right to consideration that is unconditional from customers for which revenue is recognized when the performance obligation is satisfied and control transferred to the customer.

The table below sets forth the Company’s contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers.

(IN MILLIONS)	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018
Contract assets	$	218	$	210
Contract liabilities	$	346	$	359

The increase in the contract assets balance during the period was primarily due to $203 million of revenue recognized that was not billed, in accordance with the terms of the contracts, as of December 31, 2019, offset by $193 million of contract assets included in the December 31, 2018 balance that were invoiced to Nielsen’s clients and therefore transferred to trade receivables.

The decrease in the contract liability balance during the period was primarily due to $326 million of advance consideration received or the right to consideration that is unconditional from customers for which revenue was not recognized during the period, offset by $337 million of revenue recognized during the period that had been included in the December 31, 2018 contract liability balance.

Transaction Price Allocated to the Remaining Performance Obligations

As of December 31, 2019, approximately $5.9 billion of revenue is expected to be recognized from remaining performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) for Nielsen’s services. This amount excludes variable consideration allocated to performance obligations related to sales and usage based royalties on licenses of intellectual property.

The Company expects to recognize revenue on approximately 82% of these remaining performance obligations through December 31, 2021, with the balance recognized thereafter.

Deferred Costs

Incremental direct costs incurred to build the infrastructure to service new contracts are capitalized as a contract cost. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the balances of such capitalized costs were $11 million and $18 million, respectively. These costs are typically amortized through cost of revenues over the original contract period beginning when the infrastructure to service new clients is ready for its intended use. The amortization of these costs for the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 was $8 million and $23 million, respectively. There was no impairment loss recorded in any of the periods recorded.

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2019 € / shares	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) shares	Dec. 31, 2018 € / shares
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Trade and other receivables, allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns | $	$ 28		$ 31
Common stock, par value | € / shares		€ 0.07		€ 0.07
Common stock, shares authorized	1,185,800,000		1,185,800,000
Common stock, shares issued	356,158,879		355,323,822
Common stock, shares outstanding	356,149,883		355,271,737

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Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	[1]	$ 6,498	$ 6,515	$ 6,572
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		2,822	2,805	2,765
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		1,929	1,958	1,873
Depreciation and amortization		756	675	640
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets		1,004	1,413
Restructuring charges		80	139	80
Operating income/(loss)		(93)	(475)	1,214
Interest income		6	8	4
Interest expense		(397)	(394)	(374)
Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net		(10)	(16)	(10)
Other income/(expense), net		(169)	(5)	(6)
Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes		(663)	(882)	828
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes		260	182	(388)
Net income/(loss)		(403)	(700)	440
Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		12	12	11
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders		$ (415)	$ (712)	$ 429
Net income/(loss) per share of common stock, basic
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders		$ (1.17)	$ (2.00)	$ 1.20
Net income/(loss) per share of common stock, diluted
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders		$ (1.17)	$ (2.00)	$ 1.20
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, basic		355,731,862	355,601,564	356,714,940
Dilutive shares of common stock				1,337,493
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, diluted		355,731,862	355,601,564	358,052,433
Dividends declared per common share		$ 1.11	$ 1.39	$ 1.33

[1] Revenues are attributed to geographic areas based on the location of customers.

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Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) by Component

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Equity [Abstract]

Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) by Component

7. Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) by Component

The table below summarizes the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax, by component for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

	Currency
	Translation			Cash Flow			Post Employment
(IN MILLIONS)	Adjustments			Hedges			Benefits			Total
Balance December 31, 2018	$	(779	)	$	11		$	(342	)	$	(1,110	)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	$	5		$	(23	)	$	(42	)	$	(60	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive    (income)/loss		—			(7	)		174			167
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss)		5			(30	)		132			107
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss)    attributable to noncontrolling interest		2			—			—			2
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss)    attributable to Nielsen shareholders		3			(30	)		132			105
Balance December 31, 2019	$	(776	)	$	(19	)	$	(210	)	$	(1,005	)

	Currency
	Translation			Cash Flow			Post Employment
(IN MILLIONS)	Adjustments			Hedges			Benefits			Total
Balance December 31, 2017	$	(610	)	$	10		$	(340	)	$	(940	)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	$	(170	)	$	6		$	(21	)	$	(185	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive    (income)/loss		—			(5	)		19			14
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss)		(170	)		1			(2	)		(171	)
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss)    attributable to noncontrolling interest		(1	)		—			—			(1	)
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss)    attributable to Nielsen shareholders		(169	)		1			(2	)		(170	)
Balance December 31, 2018	$	(779	)	$	11		$	(342	)	$	(1,110	)

The table below summarizes the reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

	Amount Reclassified from
	Accumulated Other
(IN MILLIONS)	Comprehensive Income/(Loss)
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive							Affected Line Item in the
	Year Ended December 31,						Consolidated
Income components	2019			2018			Statement of Operations
Cash flow hedges
Interest rate contracts	$	(9	)	$	(7	)	Interest (income)/ expense
		2			2		(Benefit)/provision for income taxes
	$	(7	)	$	(5	)	Total, net of tax
Post-Employment Benefits
Amortization of actuarial loss	$	12		$	19		(a)
		6			—		(Benefit)/provision for income taxes
	$	18		$	19		Total, net of tax
Pension settlements	$	170		$	—		(b)
		(14	)		—		(Benefit)/provision for income taxes
	$	156		$	—		Total, net of tax
Total Post-Employment Benefits reclassified from accumulated other    comprehensive (income)/loss	$	174		$	19
Total reclassification for the period	$	167		$	14		Net of tax

(a) This accumulated other comprehensive loss component is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost.

(b) See Note 11 “Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits” for more information on the pension plan non-cash settlements referenced in this note.

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Income Taxes - Components of Current and Non-Current Deferred Income Tax Assets/(Liabilities) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 484	$ 532
Capital loss carryforwards	50	3
Interest expense limitation	349	301
Employee benefits	59	59
Tax credit carryforwards	186	205
Share-based payments	12	15
Accrued expenses	39	41
Other assets	30	66
Financial instruments	1
Total deferred tax assets, gross	1,210	1,222
Valuation allowances	(636)	(651)
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances	574	571
Intangible assets	(892)	(913)
Fixed asset and computer software depreciation	(273)	(241)
Financial instruments		(6)
Unremitted earnings	(57)	(61)
Unrealized gain on investments	(49)	(49)
Deferred (revenues)/costs	(5)	(9)
Other liabilities	(74)	(67)
Total deferred income tax liabilities	(1,350)	(1,346)
Net deferred tax liability	$ (776)	$ (775)

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Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits - Estimated Future Benefit Payments (Detail) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
2020	$ 38
2021	39
2022	41
2023	43
2024	44
2025-2029	251
The Netherlands
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
2020	2
2021	2
2022	2
2023	2
2024	2
2025-2029	12
Other
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
2020	20
2021	21
2022	22
2023	23
2024	23
2025-2029	137
United States
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
2020	16
2021	16
2022	17
2023	18
2024	19
2025-2029	$ 102

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Restructuring Activities - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring reserve	$ 35	$ 68	$ 58	$ 73
Restructuring actions for remaining liabilities, Current	$ 30

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Fair Value Measurements - Fair Values of Derivative Instruments in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) - Interest Rate Swap Arrangements - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Non-Current Liabilities
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Liabilities	$ 22	$ 3
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets		3
Other Non- Current Assets
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets		$ 20

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Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits - Weighted Average Assumptions Underlying Pension Computations (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Net periodic pension costs:
Weighted average expected long term rate of return	4.30%	4.40%	4.60%
The Netherlands
Pension benefit obligation:
Pension benefit obligation - discount rate	1.50%	2.00%	1.90%
Pension benefit obligation - rate of compensation increase		1.80%	1.80%
Net periodic pension costs:
Net periodic pension costs - discount rate	2.00%	1.90%	1.80%
Net periodic pension costs - rate of compensation increase	1.80%	1.80%	3.80%
Weighted average expected long term rate of return	3.50%	3.60%	3.80%
Other
Pension benefit obligation:
Pension benefit obligation - discount rate	1.90%	2.50%	2.30%
Pension benefit obligation - rate of compensation increase	1.10%	1.10%	1.10%
Net periodic pension costs:
Net periodic pension costs - discount rate	2.50%	2.30%	2.30%
Net periodic pension costs - rate of compensation increase	1.10%	1.10%	1.10%
Weighted average expected long term rate of return	4.20%	4.30%	4.40%
United States
Pension benefit obligation:
Pension benefit obligation - discount rate	3.40%	4.40%	3.70%
Net periodic pension costs:
Net periodic pension costs - discount rate	4.40%	3.70%	4.40%
Weighted average expected long term rate of return	6.70%	6.90%	7.00%

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Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)

	First		Second		Third			Fourth
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)	Quarter		Quarter		Quarter			Quarter
2019
Revenues	$	1,563	$	1,628	$	1,616		$	1,691
Operating income/(loss)	$	174	$	249	$	(740	)	$	224
Income(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income(loss) of affiliates	$	79	$	149	$	(848	)	$	(43	)
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$	43	$	123	$	(472	)	$	(109	)
Net income/(loss) per share of common stock, basic
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$	0.12	$	0.35	$	(1.33	)	$	(0.31	)
Net income/(loss) per share of common stock, diluted
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$	0.12	$	0.34	$	(1.33	)	$	(0.31	)
	First		Second		Third			Fourth
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)	Quarter		Quarter		Quarter			Quarter
2018
Revenues	$	1,610	$	1,647	$	1,600		$	1,658
Operating income/(loss)	$	207	$	228	$	261		$	(1,171	)
Income(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income(loss) of affiliates	$	114	$	121	$	157		$	(1,274	)
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$	72	$	72	$	96		$	(952	)
Net income/(loss) per share of common stock, basic
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$	0.20	$	0.20	$	0.27		$	(2.68	)
Net income/(loss) per share of common stock, diluted
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$	0.20	$	0.20	$	0.27		$	(2.68	)

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Revenue Recognition - Summary of Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenues [Abstract]
Contract assets	$ 218	$ 210
Contract liabilities	$ 346	$ 359

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Leases - Components of Lease Expense (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets	$ 62
Interest on lease liabilities	9
Total finance lease cost	71
Operating lease cost	123
Short-term lease costs	5
Sublease income	(3)	$ (6)	$ (6)
Total lease cost	$ 196

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Revenue Recognition (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Revenue Recognition [Abstract]

Summary of Revenue Disaggregated by Segment by Major Product Offerings and Timing of Revenue Recognition

The table below sets forth the Company’s revenue disaggregated within each segment by major product offerings and timing of revenue recognition.

(IN MILLIONS)			Year Ended December 31,
		2019			2018		2017
Connect Segment
Measure	$	2,161		$	2,211	$	2,233
Predict/Activate		896			927		1,045
Connect	$	3,057		$	3,138	$	3,278
Media Segment
Audience Measurement	$	2,471			2,411		2,321
Plan/Optimize		970			966		973
Media	$	3,441		$	3,377	$	3,294
Total	$	6,498		$	6,515	$	6,572
Timing of revenue recognition
Products transferred at a point in time	$	576		$	576	$	495
Products and services transferred over time		5,922			5,939		6,077
Total	$	6,498		$	6,515	$	6,572

Summary of Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers

The table below sets forth the Company’s contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers.

(IN MILLIONS)	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018
Contract assets	$	218	$	210
Contract liabilities	$	346	$	359

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Condensed Financial Information of Registrant - Schedule Of Dividends Paid (Detail) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Dividend Per Share	$ 1.11	$ 1.39	$ 1.33
Installment One
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Declaration Date	Feb. 21, 2019	Feb. 21, 2018
Record Date	Mar. 07, 2019	Mar. 07, 2018
Payment Date	Mar. 21, 2019	Mar. 21, 2018
Dividend Per Share	$ 0.35	$ 0.34
Installment Two
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Declaration Date	Apr. 18, 2019	Apr. 19, 2018
Record Date	Jun. 05, 2019	Jun. 06, 2018
Payment Date	Jun. 19, 2019	Jun. 20, 2018
Dividend Per Share	$ 0.35	$ 0.35
Installment Three
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Declaration Date	Jul. 18, 2019	Jul. 19, 2018
Record Date	Aug. 22, 2019	Aug. 22, 2018
Payment Date	Sep. 05, 2019	Sep. 05, 2018
Dividend Per Share	$ 0.35	$ 0.35
Installment Four
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Declaration Date	Nov. 03, 2019	Oct. 18, 2018
Record Date	Nov. 21, 2019	Nov. 21, 2018
Payment Date	Dec. 05, 2019	Dec. 05, 2018
Dividend Per Share	$ 0.06	$ 0.35

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Condensed Financial Information of Registrant - Statement of Operations (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses									$ 1,929	$ 1,958	$ 1,873
Operating income/(loss)	$ 224	$ (740)	$ 249	$ 174	$ (1,171)	$ 261	$ 228	$ 207	(93)	(475)	1,214
Interest income/(loss)									6	8	4
Interest expense									(397)	(394)	(374)
Other income/(expense), net									(169)	(5)	(6)
Income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates	$ (43)	$ (848)	$ 149	$ 79	$ (1,274)	$ 157	$ 121	$ 114	(663)	(882)	828
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes									260	182	(388)
Net income/(loss)									(403)	(700)	440
Total Nielsen Shareholders' Equity
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses									14	4	4
Operating income/(loss)									(14)	(4)	(4)
Interest income/(loss)									1	1	1
Income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates									(13)	(3)	(3)
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes											(1)
Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries									(402)	(709)	433
Net income/(loss)									$ (415)	$ (712)	$ 429

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Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)

21. Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)

	First		Second		Third			Fourth
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)	Quarter		Quarter		Quarter			Quarter
2019
Revenues	$	1,563	$	1,628	$	1,616		$	1,691
Operating income/(loss)	$	174	$	249	$	(740	)	$	224
Income(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income(loss) of affiliates	$	79	$	149	$	(848	)	$	(43	)
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$	43	$	123	$	(472	)	$	(109	)
Net income/(loss) per share of common stock, basic
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$	0.12	$	0.35	$	(1.33	)	$	(0.31	)
Net income/(loss) per share of common stock, diluted
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$	0.12	$	0.34	$	(1.33	)	$	(0.31	)
	First		Second		Third			Fourth
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)	Quarter		Quarter		Quarter			Quarter
2018
Revenues	$	1,610	$	1,647	$	1,600		$	1,658
Operating income/(loss)	$	207	$	228	$	261		$	(1,171	)
Income(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income(loss) of affiliates	$	114	$	121	$	157		$	(1,274	)
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$	72	$	72	$	96		$	(952	)
Net income/(loss) per share of common stock, basic
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$	0.20	$	0.20	$	0.27		$	(2.68	)
Net income/(loss) per share of common stock, diluted
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$	0.20	$	0.20	$	0.27		$	(2.68	)

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Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]

Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment

The following tables summarizes the carrying value of our property, plant and equipment including the associated useful lives:

	Estimated	December 31,			December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	Useful Life	2019			2018
Land and buildings	25-50 years	$	383		$	378
Information and communication equipment	3-10 years		1,108			1,014
Furniture, equipment and other	3-10 years		103			109
			1,594			1,501
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization			(1,128	)		(1,033	)
		$	466		$	468

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Business Acquisitions and Dispositions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Business Acquisitions and Dispositions

4. Business Acquisitions and Dispositions

Gracenote

For the year ended December 31, 2019, Nielsen paid cash consideration of $61 million associated with current period acquisitions, net of cash acquired. Had these 2019 acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2019, the impact on Nielsen’s consolidated results of operations would not have been material.

For the year ended December 31, 2018, Nielsen paid cash consideration of $43 million associated with both current period and previously executed acquisitions, net of cash acquired. Had these 2018 acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2018, the impact on Nielsen’s consolidated results of operations would not have been material.

On February 1, 2017, Nielsen completed the acquisition of Gracenote Inc., Gracenote Canada, Inc., Gracenote Netherlands Holdings B.V., Tribune Digital Ventures, LLC, and Tribune International Holdco, LLC (each, a “Gracenote Company” and together “Gracenote”) through the purchase of 100% of Gracenote’s outstanding common stock for a total purchase price of $585 million.  Nielsen acquired the data and technology that underpins the programming guides and personnel user experience for major video, music, audio and sports content. This acquisition expands Nielsen’s footprint with major clients including Gracenote’s global content database which spans across platforms including multichannel video programing distributors (MVPD’s), smart television, streaming music services, connected devices, media players and in-car infotainment systems.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, excluding Gracenote, Nielsen paid cash consideration of $210 million associated with both current period and previously executed acquisitions, net of cash acquired. Had these 2017 acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2017, the impact on Nielsen’s consolidated results of operations would not have been material.

There were no discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

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Income Taxes - Components of Income/(loss) Before Income Taxes and Equity in Net Income(Loss) of Affiliates (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
UK									$ (30)	$ 3	$ 27
Non-UK									(633)	(885)	801
Income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates	$ (43)	$ (848)	$ 149	$ 79	$ (1,274)	$ 157	$ 121	$ 114	$ (663)	$ (882)	$ 828

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Operating Activities
Net income/(loss)	$ (403)	$ (700)	$ 440
Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Share-based compensation expense	50	35	45
Deferred income tax	5	(514)	162
Currency exchange rate differences on financial transactions and other (gains)/losses	178	17	(20)
Equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates, net of dividends received	1		2
Depreciation and amortization	756	675	640
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets	1,004	1,413
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of businesses acquired and divested:
Trade and other receivables, net	4	95	10
Prepaid expenses and other assets	64	(76)	(28)
Accounts payable and other current liabilities and deferred revenues	(20)	(21)	41
Other non-current liabilities	(95)	(6)	2
Interest payable	11	14	22
Income taxes	(489)	126	(6)
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,066	1,058	1,310
Investing Activities
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired	(61)	(43)	(778)
Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net	17	51	2
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets	(116)	(106)	(119)
Additions to intangible assets	(403)	(414)	(370)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets		4	42
Other investing activities	(19)	2	(13)
Net cash used in by investing activities	(582)	(506)	(1,236)
Financing Activities
Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs		781	2,745
Repayment of debt	(57)	(819)	(2,296)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders	(395)	(494)	(474)
Repurchase of common stock		(70)	(140)
Activity from share-based compensation plans	(8)	15	21
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan	4	5	6
Finance leases	(60)	(76)	(55)
Other financing activities	(28)	(18)	(22)
Net cash used in financing activities	(544)	(676)	(215)
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(10)	(8)	43
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(70)	(132)	(98)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	524	656	754
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	454	524	656
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash paid for income taxes	(224)	(206)	(232)
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	$ (386)	$ (380)	$ (352)

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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income/(loss)		$ (403)	$ (700)	$ 440
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	[1]	5	(170)	248
Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges	[2]	(30)	1	11
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments	[3]	132	(2)	14
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)		107	(171)	273
Total comprehensive income/(loss)		(296)	(871)	713
Less: comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		14	11	13
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders		$ (310)	$ (882)	$ 700

[1] Net of tax of $(4) million, $(6) million and $23 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 respectively.

[2] Net of tax of $11 million, $(1) million and $(7) million for the year ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 respectively.

[3] Net of tax of $(8), zero and $(2) million for the year ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 respectively.

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Income Taxes - Schedule of Reconciliation of Beginning and Ending Amount of Gross Uncertain Tax Positions (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Balance as of the beginning of period	$ 572	$ 452	$ 432
Additions for current year tax positions	2	21	11
Additions for tax positions of prior years	14	108	15
Reductions for lapses of statute of limitations	(424)	(8)	(2)
Reductions for tax positions of prior years		(1)	(4)
Balance as of the end of the period	$ 164	$ 572	$ 452

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Property, Plant and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment

8. Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are carried at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Property, plant and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives.

Nielsen is required to assess whether the value of our long-lived assets, including the Company’s buildings, improvements, technical and other equipment have been impaired whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets might not be recoverable. Nielsen does not perform a periodic assessment of assets for impairment in the absence of such information or indicators. Conditions that would necessitate an impairment assessment include a significant decline in the observable market value of an asset, a significant change in the extent or manner in which an asset is used or a significant adverse change that would indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or group of assets is not recoverable. Recoverability of assets that are held and used is measured by comparing the sum of the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be derived from an asset (or a group of assets) to their carrying value. If the carrying value of the asset (or the group of assets) exceeds the sum of the future undiscounted cash flows, impairment is considered to exist. If impairment is considered to exist based on undiscounted cash flows, the impairment charge is measured using an estimation of the assets’ fair value, typically using a discounted cash flow method. The identification of impairment indicators, the estimation of future cash flows and the determination of fair values for assets (or groups of assets) requires Nielsen to make significant judgments concerning the identification and validation of impairment indicators, expected cash flows and applicable discount rates. These estimates are subject to revision as market conditions and our assessments change. There was no impairment or indicators of impairment noted in any period presented with respect to the Company’s finite long-lived assets.

The following tables summarizes the carrying value of our property, plant and equipment including the associated useful lives:

	Estimated	December 31,			December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	Useful Life	2019			2018
Land and buildings	25-50 years	$	383		$	378
Information and communication equipment	3-10 years		1,108			1,014
Furniture, equipment and other	3-10 years		103			109
			1,594			1,501
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization			(1,128	)		(1,033	)
		$	466		$	468

Depreciation and amortization expense from operations related to property, plant and equipment was $158 million, $169 million and $171 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

The above amounts include amortization expense on assets under finance leases and other financing obligations of $62 million, $49 million and $47 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Finance leases and other financing obligations are comprised primarily of land and buildings and information and communication equipment. See Note 5 “Leases” for further information on finance leases.

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Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits - Summary of Changes in Fair Value of Pension Plans Level 3 Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Actual return on plan assets:
Effect of foreign currency translation	$ 2	$ (59)
Level 3
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	174	196
Actual return on plan assets:
(Sales)/investments	(2)	(12)
Settlements	(148)
Unrealized gains (losses)		(1)
Effect of foreign currency translation	(2)	(9)
Balance, end of year	22	174
Level 3 | Real estate
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	42	47
Actual return on plan assets:
(Sales)/investments	(2)	(4)
Settlements	(18)
Effect of foreign currency translation		(1)
Balance, end of year	22	42
Level 3 | Other
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Balance, beginning of year	132	149
Actual return on plan assets:
(Sales)/investments		(8)
Settlements	(130)
Unrealized gains (losses)		(1)
Effect of foreign currency translation	$ (2)	(8)
Balance, end of year		$ 132

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Restructuring Activities - Summary of Changes in Liabilities for Restructuring Activities (Parenthetical) (Detail) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Adjustments related to changes in previous productivity initiatives	$ 6
Operating Lease Right-of-use Assets
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 18

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Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Effect of Cash Flow Hedge Accounting on Consolidated Statement of Operations (Detail) - Interest Expense - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Interest expense (Location in the consolidated statement of operations in which the effects of cash flow hedges are recorded)	$ 397	$ 394	$ 374
Amount of (gain)/loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) into income, net of tax	$ (7)	$ (5)	$ 3

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Pensions and Other Post-Retirement Benefits - Component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) Expected to be Recognized (Detail) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	$ (17)
The Netherlands
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	(2)
Other
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	(4)
United States
Pension Plans Postretirement And Other Employee Benefits [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	$ (11)

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Leases - Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related to Leases (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Operating leases
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$ 393	$ 500
Total operating lease liabilities	480	$ 600
Finance leases
Property, plant and equipment, gross	1,594		$ 1,501
Accumulated depreciation	(1,128)		(1,033)
Property, plant and equipment, net	466		468
Other intangible assets, gross	6,310		6,693
Accumulated amortization	(3,350)		(3,590)
Other intangible assets, net	4,881		5,024
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	1,182		1,119
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations	7,395		$ 8,280
Total finance lease liabilities	145
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash flows used in finance leases	(9)
Operating cash flows used in operating leases	(126)
Financing cash flows used in finance leases	(60)
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities	40
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities	$ 43
Weighted-average remaining lease term--finance leases	4 years
Weighted-average remaining lease term--operating leases	8 years
Weighted-average discount rate--finance leases	6.20%
Weighted-average discount rate--operating leases	4.50%
Finance Leases
Finance leases
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 393
Accumulated depreciation	(213)
Property, plant and equipment, net	180
Other intangible assets, gross	24
Accumulated amortization	(13)
Other intangible assets, net	11
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	53
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations	92
Other Current Liabilities
Operating leases
Total operating lease liabilities	110
Operating Lease Liabilities
Operating leases
Total operating lease liabilities	$ 370

XML

Description of Business, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($) Segment shares	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($) Segment Country shares	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($) shares
Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | Segment	2	2
Number of countries in which entity operates | Country		100
Advertising and marketing expenses	$ 18	$ 18	$ 21
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from calculation of earning per share under compensation plan | shares	8,181,944	8,519,133	4,351,564
Accounts receivable sold to third parties	$ 360	$ 295	$ 202
Accounts receivable outstanding	85	105	110
Proceed from sale of accounts receivable	$ 360	$ 295	$ 202
Minimum
Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Equity method investments, percentage	20.00%
Maximum
Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Equity method investments, percentage	50.00%

XML

Revenue Recognition - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenues [Abstract]
Increase in contract with customer asset	$ 203,000,000
Contract with customer asset offset	193,000,000
Decrease in contract with customer liability	(326,000,000)
Contract with customer liability offset	337,000,000
Revenue, remaining performance obligation	$ 5,900,000,000
Revenue, remaining performance obligations, percentage	82.00%
Deferred costs capitalized	$ 11,000,000	$ 18,000,000
Amortization of deferred costs	8,000,000	23,000,000
Impairment loss	$ 0	$ 0

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Shareholders' Equity - Common Stock Activity (Detail) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Actual number of shares of common stock outstanding
Beginning of period	355,271,737	355,944,976	357,465,614
Shares of common stock issued through compensation plans	835,057	1,587,947	1,578,917
Employee benefit trust activity	43,089	41,030	269,284
Repurchases of common stock	0	(2,220,156)	(3,368,839)
End of period	356,149,883	355,271,737	355,944,976

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Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Other Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	$ 6,310	$ 6,693
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	$ (3,350)	(3,590)
Trade names and trademarks
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite Lived Intangible Asset, Weighted Average Useful Life	12 years
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	$ 144	140
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	$ (109)	(102)
Trade names and trademarks | Minimum
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	5 years
Trade names and trademarks | Maximum
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	20 years
Customer - related intangibles
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite Lived Intangible Asset, Weighted Average Useful Life	21 years
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	$ 3,153	3,145
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	$ (1,764)	(1,604)
Customer - related intangibles | Minimum
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	6 years
Customer - related intangibles | Maximum
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	25 years
Covenants-not-to-compete
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite Lived Intangible Asset, Weighted Average Useful Life	3 years
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	$ 37	39
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	$ (36)	(38)
Covenants-not-to-compete | Minimum
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	1 year
Covenants-not-to-compete | Maximum
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	7 years
Content database
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite Lived Intangible Asset, Weighted Average Useful Life	12 years
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	$ 168	167
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	$ (40)	(26)
Content database | Minimum
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	12 years
Content database | Maximum
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	16 years
Computer software
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite Lived Intangible Asset, Weighted Average Useful Life	5 years
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	$ 2,626	3,029
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	$ (1,260)	(1,694)
Computer software | Minimum
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	3 years
Computer software | Maximum
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	10 years
Patents and other
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite Lived Intangible Asset, Weighted Average Useful Life	6 years
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	$ 182	173
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	$ (141)	(126)
Patents and other | Minimum
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	3 years
Patents and other | Maximum
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	10 years
Trade names and trademarks
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangibles, Gross Amounts	$ 1,921	$ 1,921

XML

Property, Plant and Equipment - Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 1,594	$ 1,501
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(1,128)	(1,033)
Property, plant and equipment, net	466	468
Land and buildings
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 383	378
Land and buildings | Minimum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	25 years
Land and buildings | Maximum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	50 years
Information and communication equipment
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 1,108	1,014
Information and communication equipment | Minimum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	3 years
Information and communication equipment | Maximum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	10 years
Furniture, equipment and other
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 103	$ 109
Furniture, equipment and other | Minimum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	3 years
Furniture, equipment and other | Maximum
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	10 years

XML

Share-based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation expense		$ 50	$ 35	$ 45
Tax benefit related to the share-based compensation expense		$ 6	5	13
Stock options granted		0
Number of shares authorized		10,420,826
Aggregate fair value of options vested		$ 5	$ 6	$ 9
Weighted-average grant date fair value of the options granted			$ 2.16	$ 4.70
Intrinsic value of options exercised			$ 6	$ 17
Stock Incentive Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized		7,200,000
2010 Stock Incentive Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized		3,220,826
2016 Employee Share Purchase Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized					2,000,000
Shares issued under the ESPP		201,637	174,246	159,279
Time-based stock options | Stock Incentive Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted		0	750,000	1,000
Vesting period			3 years	4 years
Vesting description			33.3% per year	6.25% per quarter
Vesting rate			33.30%	6.25%
Stock option
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unearned share-based compensation related to stock options		$ 1
Unearned share-based compensation, expected period to recognize		2 years
Time and Performance Based Stock Options | Stock Incentive Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted		0	2,524,176	0
Vesting period		3 years
Vesting rate		33.30%
Unearned share-based compensation related to stock options		$ 1
Unearned share-based compensation, expected period to recognize		2 years
Weighted-average grant date fair value of the options granted			$ 3.09
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unearned share-based compensation, expected period to recognize		2 years 9 months 18 days
Weighted-average grant date fair value of the options granted		$ 21.46	$ 25.35	$ 36.23
Restricted stock units granted		2,454,871	2,780,914	1,574,973
Unearned stock-based compensation of RSUs		$ 51
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | Stock Incentive Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted stock units granted	31,381
Aggregate fair value of restricted stock units granted	$ 2
Aggregate fair value of restricted stock units granted attributed to post merger service	1
Aggregate fair value of restricted stock units granted included in purchase consideration	$ 1
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | 2019 Stock Incentive Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period		4 years
Vesting description		6.25% per quarter
Vesting rate		6.25%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | 2019 Stock Incentive Plan | Over Four Years on Anniversary Date
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period		4 years
Vesting rate		25.00%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | 2019 Stock Incentive Plan | Over Two Years on Anniversary Date
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period		2 years
Vesting rate		12.50%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | 2019 Stock Incentive Plan | Limited Group Of Senior Executives | First Anniversary Date of Award
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting rate		25.00%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | 2019 Stock Incentive Plan | Limited Group Of Senior Executives | Second Anniversary Date of Award
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting rate		75.00%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | 2019 Stock Incentive Plan | Limited Group Of Senior Executives | End of Second Anniversary Date of Award
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting rate		100.00%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | 2018 Stock Incentive Plan
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period		4 years
Vesting description		6.25% per quarter
Vesting rate		6.25%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | 2018 Stock Incentive Plan | Limited Group Of Senior Executives | Second Anniversary Date of Award
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting rate		100.00%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | 2018 Stock Incentive Plan | Limited Group Of Senior Executives | Over Three Years on Anniversary Date
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period		3 years
Vesting rate		33.30%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | 2018 Stock Incentive Plan | Limited Group Of Senior Executives | Third Anniversary Date Of Award
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting rate		100.00%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | 2018 Stock Incentive Plan | Limited Group Of Senior Executives | Over Four Years on Anniversary Date
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period		4 years
Vesting rate		25.00%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | 2018 Stock Incentive Plan | Limited Group Of Senior Executives | Over Two Years on Anniversary Date
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period		2 years
Vesting rate		12.50%
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) | 2017 Stock Incentive Plan | Limited Group Of Senior Executives | Over Four Years on Anniversary Date
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period		4 years
Vesting rate		25.00%
Performance restricted stock
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period		3 years
Unearned stock-based compensation of RSUs		$ 6
Number of Options, Granted		523,508	463,442	348,885
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Granted		$ 24.62	$ 27.94	$ 37.88
Share based compensation arrangement required service period, years		3 years	3 years	3 years
Revenue compounded annual growth rate, Percentage		50.00%	25.00%
Relative shareholder return, percentage			25.00%	40.00%
Adjusted earnings per share, percentage		50.00%
Free cash flow achievement, percentage			50.00%	60.00%
Maximum payout, percentage		200.00%

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Share-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Summary of Assumptions Used for Grants of Time-Based Awards

The following assumptions were used for the grants of time-based awards during 2019, 2018 and 2017:  

	Year Ended December 31,
	2019		2018			2017
Expected life (years)		—		6.00			4.50
Risk-free interest rate		—		2.87	%		2.02	%
Expected dividend yield		—		4.97	%		3.76	%
Expected volatility		—		25.96	%		22.01	%
Weighted average volatility		—		25.96	%		22.01	%

Summary of Stock Option Plan Activity

Nielsen’s stock option plan activity is summarized below:

	Number of Options (Time Based)			Weighted-Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term in Years		Aggregate Intrinsic Value in Millions
Stock Option Plan activity
Outstanding at December 31, 2016		8,158,168		$	40.19		4.43	$	43
Granted		1,000			36.17
Forfeited		(996,015	)		47.59
Exercised		(1,293,850	)		28.13
Outstanding at December 31, 2017		5,869,303		$	41.58		3.52	$	13
Granted		750,000			40.00
Forfeited		(988,826	)		46.08
Expired options		(153,799	)		30.47
Exercised		(844,842	)		28.04
Outstanding at December 31, 2018		4,631,836		$	43.20		3.66	$	—
Granted		—			—
Forfeited		(662,732	)		46.31
Expired options		(445,760	)		28.09
Exercised		(9,027	)		17.44
Outstanding at December 31, 2019		3,514,317		$	44.60		3.15	$	—
Exercisable at December 31, 2019		2,817,876		$	44.77		2.61	$	—

Summary of Restricted Stock Units

Activity of Nielsen’s restricted stock units (RSUs) that are ultimately payable in shares of common stock granted under the Stock Incentive Plan is summarized below:

	Number of RSUs			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
RSU activity
Nonvested at December 31, 2016		1,356,393		$	47.69
Granted		1,574,973			36.23
Forfeited		(339,292	)		46.09
Vested		(503,086	)		44.62
Nonvested at December 31, 2017		2,088,988		$	40.36
Granted		2,780,914			25.35
Forfeited		(361,821	)		38.46
Vested		(642,397	)		41.24
Nonvested at December 31, 2018		3,865,684		$	29.88
Granted		2,454,871			21.46
Forfeited		(692,718	)		28.63
Vested		(986,852	)		33.60
Nonvested at December 31, 2019		4,640,985		$	25.10

Time and Performance Based Stock Options

Summary of Assumptions Used for Grants of Time-Based Awards

The following assumptions were used for grants of time and performance based awards during 2018:

	Year Ended December 31, 2018
Expected life (years)		5.00
Risk-free interest rate		2.83-2.92	%
Expected dividend yield		4.85- 5.54	%
Expected volatility		27.11-27.27	%
Weighted average volatility		27.13	%

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Restructuring Activities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]

Summary of Changes in Liabilities for Restructuring Activities

A summary of the changes in the liabilities for restructuring activities is provided below:

	Total
(IN MILLIONS)	Initiatives
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	73
Charges		80
Non cash charges and other adjustments		2
Payments		(97	)
Balance at December 31, 2017		58
Charges		139
Non cash charges and other adjustments		(2	)
Payments		(127	)
Balance at December 31, 2018		68
Reclassification of ASC 420 real estate restructuring to right-of -use asset (1)		(22	)
Charges (2)		62
Payments		(74	)
Non cash charges and other adjustments		1
Balance at December 31, 2019	$	35

(1) Upon adoption of ASC 842, the real estate operating lease ASC 420 liabilities were reclassified and presented as a reduction of the related operating lease right-of-use asset.

(2) Excludes charges related to operating lease right-of-use assets of $18 million. Includes $6 million of adjustments related to changes in previous productivity initiatives.

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Additional Financial Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Payables And Accruals [Abstract]

Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities

Accounts payable and other current liabilities

	December 31,		December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019		2018
Trade payables	$	230	$	288
Personnel costs		301		225
Current portion of restructuring liabilities		30		62
Data and professional services		202		221
Interest payable		61		64
Current portion of operating leases		111		-
Other current liabilities(1)		247		259
Total accounts payable and other current liabilities	$	1,182	$	1,119

(1) Other includes multiple items, none of which is individually significant.

XML

Guarantor Financial Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Guarantees [Abstract]

Guarantor Financial Information

20. Guarantor Financial Information

The following supplemental financial information is being provided for purposes of compliance with reporting covenants contained in certain debt obligations of Nielsen and its subsidiaries. The financial information sets forth for Nielsen, its subsidiaries that have issued certain debt securities (the “Issuers”) and its guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries, the consolidating balance sheet as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 and consolidating statements of operations and cash flows for the periods ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

The issued debt securities are jointly and severally guaranteed on a full and unconditional basis by Nielsen and subject to certain exceptions, each of the direct and indirect 100% owned subsidiaries of Nielsen, in each case to the extent that such entities provide a guarantee under the senior secured credit facilities. The issuers are also 100% owned indirect subsidiaries of Nielsen: Nielsen Finance LLC and Nielsen Finance Co. for certain series of debt obligations, and The Nielsen Company (Luxembourg) S.ar.l., for the other series of debt obligations. Each issuer is a guarantor of the debt obligations not issued by it.

Nielsen is a holding company and does not have any material assets or operations other than ownership of the capital stock of its direct and indirect subsidiaries. All of Nielsen’s operations are conducted through its subsidiaries, and, therefore, Nielsen is expected to continue to be dependent upon the cash flows of its subsidiaries to meet its obligations. The senior secured credit facilities contain certain limitations on the ability of Nielsen to receive the cash flows of its subsidiaries.

While all subsidiary guarantees of the issued debt securities are full and unconditional, these guarantees contain customary release provisions including when (i) the subsidiary is sold or sells all of its assets, (ii) the subsidiary is declared “unrestricted” for covenant purposes, (iii) the subsidiary’s guarantee under the senior secured credit facilities is released and (iv) the requirements for discharge of the indenture have been satisfied.

Nielsen Holdings plc

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the year ended December 31, 2019

										Non-
(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	3,586		$	2,912		$	—		$	6,498
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		—			—			1513			1,309			—			2,822
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		14			—			936			979			—			1,929
Depreciation and amortization		—			—			610			146			—			756
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets		—			—			419			585			—			1,004
Restructuring charges		—			—			35			45			—			80
Operating income/(loss)		(14	)		—			73			(152	)		—			(93	)
Interest income		1			726			40			10			(771	)		6
Interest expense		—			(371	)		(756	)		(41	)		771			(397	)
Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net		—			—			(1	)		(9	)		—			(10	)
Other income/(expense), net		—			—			86			(255	)		—			(169	)
Income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries		(13	)		355			(558	)		(447	)		—			(663	)
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes		—			(112	)		292			80			—			260
Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries		(402	)		176			(135	)		—			361			—
Equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates		—			—			(1	)		1			—			—
Net income/(loss)		(415	)		419			(402	)		(366	)		361			(403	)
Less net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			12			—			12
Net income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest		(415	)		419			(402	)		(378	)		361			(415	)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)		105			(20	)		105			165			(248	)		107
Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			2			—			2
Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interests		105			(20	)		105			163			(248	)		105
Total comprehensive income/(loss)		(310	)		399			(297	)		(201	)		113			(296	)
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			14			—			14
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	(310	)	$	399		$	(297	)	$	(215	)	$	113		$	(310	)

Nielsen Holdings plc

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the year ended December 31, 2018

										Non-
(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	3,566		$	2,949		$	—		$	6,515
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		—			—			1,457			1,348			—			2,805
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		4			—			946			1,008			—			1,958
Depreciation and amortization		—			—			542			133			—			675
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets		—			—			579			834			—			1,413
Restructuring charges		—			—			51			88			—			139
Operating income/(loss)		(4	)		—			(9	)		(462	)		—			(475	)
Interest income		1			681			38			6			(718	)		8
Interest expense		—			(369	)		(704	)		(39	)		718			(394	)
Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net		—			—			—			(16	)		—			(16	)
Other income/(expense), net		—			(6	)		860			(859	)		—			(5	)
Income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries		(3	)		306			185			(1,370	)		—			(882	)
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes		—			(99	)		139			142			—			182
Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries		(709	)		167			(1,033	)		—			1,575			—
Net income/(loss)		(712	)		374			(709	)		(1,228	)		1,575			(700	)
Less net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			12			—			12
Net income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest		(712	)		374			(709	)		(1,240	)		1,575			(712	)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)		(170	)		17			(170	)		(176	)		328			(171	)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			(1	)		—			(1	)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interests		(170	)		17			(170	)		(175	)		328			(170	)
Total comprehensive income/(loss)		(882	)		391			(879	)		(1,404	)		1,903			(871	)
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			11			—			11
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	(882	)	$	391		$	(879	)	$	(1,415	)	$	1,903		$	(882	)

Nielsen Holdings plc

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

For the year ended December 31, 2017

										Non-
(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Guarantor			Elimination			Consolidated
Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	3,608		$	2,964		$	—		$	6,572
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		—			—			1,419			1,346			—			2,765
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		4			—			933			936			—			1,873
Depreciation and amortization		—			—			504			136			—			640
Restructuring charges		—			—			44			36			—			80
Operating income/(loss)		(4	)		—			708			510			—			1,214
Interest income		1			839			37			4			(877	)		4
Interest expense		—			(353	)		(857	)		(41	)		877			(374	)
Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net		—			—			(4	)		(6	)		—			(10	)
Other income/(expense), net		—			(4	)		162			(164	)		—			(6	)
Income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries and affiliates		(3	)		482			46			303			—			828
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes		(1	)		(146	)		(165	)		(76	)		—			(388	)
Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries		433			193			553			—			(1,179	)		—
Equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates		—			—			(1	)		1			—			—
Net income/(loss)		429			529			433			228			(1,179	)		440
Less net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			11			—			11
Net income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest		429			529			433			217			(1,179	)		429
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)		271			(21	)		271			308			(556	)		273
Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			2			—			2
Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interests		271			(21	)		271			306			(556	)		271
Total comprehensive income/(loss)		700			508			704			536			(1,735	)		713
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		—			—			—			13			—			13
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest	$	700		$	508		$	704		$	523		$	(1,735	)	$	700

Nielsen Holdings plc

Consolidated Balance Sheet

December 31, 2019

							Non-
(IN MILLIONS)	Parent		Issuers		Guarantor		Guarantor		Elimination			Consolidated
Assets:
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2	$	-	$	48	$	404	$	-		$	454
Trade and other receivables, net		-		-		404		699		-			1,103
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		-		-		291		129		-			420
Intercompany receivables		7		1,615		278		69		(1,969	)		-
Total current assets		9		1,615		1,021		1,301		(1,969	)		1,977
Non-current assets													-
Property, plant and equipment, net		-		-		292		174		-			466
Operating lease right-of-use asset		-		-		190		203		-			393
Goodwill		-		-		5,103		890		-			5,993
Other intangible assets, net		-		-		4,370		511		-			4,881
Deferred tax assets		1		-		-		275		-			276
Other non-current assets		-		-		256		77		-			333
Equity investment in subsidiaries		2,170		1,298		4,576		-		(8,044	)		-
Intercompany loans		25		8,887		896		1,605		(11,413	)		-
Total assets	$	2,205	$	11,800	$	16,704	$	5,036	$	(21,426	)	$	14,319
Liabilities and equity:
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	$	10	$	62	$	517	$	593	$	-		$	1,182
Deferred revenues		-		-		217		128		-			345
Income tax liabilities		-		-		4		56		-			60
Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease obligations and short-term borrowings		-		861		46		7		-			914
Intercompany payables		-		3		1,689		277		(1,969	)		-
Total current liabilities		10		926		2,473		1,061		(1,969	)		2,501
Non-current liabilities													-
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations		-		7,302		80		13		-			7,395
Operating lease liabilities		-		-		213		157		-			370
Deferred tax liabilities		-		71		887		94		-			1,052
Intercompany loans		-		-		10,516		897		(11,413	)		-
Other non-current liabilities		-		22		365		226		-			613
Total liabilities		10		8,321		14,534		2,448		(13,382	)		11,931
Total shareholders’ equity		2,195		3,479		2,170		2,395		(8,044	)		2,195
Noncontrolling interests		-		-		-		193		-			193
Total equity		2,195		3,479		2,170		2,588		(8,044	)		2,388
Total liabilities and equity	$	2,205	$	11,800	$	16,704	$	5,036	$	(21,426	)	$	14,319

Nielsen Holdings plc

Consolidated Balance Sheet

December 31, 2018

							Non-
(IN MILLIONS)	Parent		Issuers		Guarantor		Guarantor		Elimination			Consolidated
Assets:
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	3	$	—	$	79	$	442	$	—		$	524
Trade and other receivables, net		—		1		377		740		—			1,118
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		—		3		234		124		—			361
Intercompany receivables		3		1,310		399		94		(1,806	)		—
Total current assets		6		1,314		1,089		1,400		(1,806	)		2,003
Non-current assets													-
Property, plant and equipment, net		—		—		303		165		—			468
Goodwill		—		—		5,531		1,456		—			6,987
Other intangible assets, net		—		—		4,545		479		—			5,024
Deferred tax assets		1		—		—		332		—			333
Other non-current assets		—		19		273		72		—			364
Equity investment in subsidiaries		2,815		1,232		1,936		—		(5,983	)		—
Intercompany loans		25		8,822		2,220		105		(11,172	)		—
Total assets	$	2,847	$	11,387	$	15,897	$	4,009	$	(18,961	)	$	15,179
Liabilities and equity:
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	$	—	$	62	$	541	$	516	$	—		$	1,119
Deferred revenues		—		—		225		130		—			355
Income tax liabilities		—		—		20		56		—			76
Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease obligations and short-term borrowings		—		54		46		7		—			107
Intercompany payables		—		—		1,408		398		(1,806	)		—
Total current liabilities		—		116		2,240		1,107		(1,806	)		1,657
Non-current liabilities													—
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations		—		8,170		95		15		—			8,280
Deferred tax liabilities		—		71		956		81		—			1,108
Intercompany loans		—		—		8,952		2,220		(11,172	)		—
Other non-current liabilities		—		3		839		249		—			1,091
Total liabilities		—		8,360		13,082		3,672		(12,978	)		12,136
Total shareholders’ equity		2,847		3,027		2,815		141		(5,983	)		2,847
Noncontrolling interests		—		—		—		196		—			196
Total equity		2,847		3,027		2,815		337		(5,983	)		3,043
Total liabilities and equity	$	2,847	$	11,387	$	15,897	$	4,009	$	(18,961	)	$	15,179

Nielsen Holdings plc

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended December 31, 2019

										Non-
(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Guarantor			Consolidated
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	$	(8	)	$	90		$	482		$	502		$	1,066
Investing activities:														—
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired		—			—			(11	)		(50	)		(61	)
Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries and affiliates								17			—			17
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets		—			—			(55	)		(61	)		(116	)
Additions to intangible assets		—			—			(326	)		(77	)		(403	)
Other investing activities		—			—			(18	)		(1	)		(19	)
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities		—			—			(393	)		(189	)		(582	)
Financing activities:
Repayments of debt		—			(57	)		—			—			(57	)
Increase/(decrease) in short term borrowings		—			—			—			(1	)		(1	)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders		(395	)		—			—			—			(395	)
Activity under stock plans		—			—			(8	)		—			(8	)
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan		4			—			—			—			4
Finance leases		—			—			(54	)		(6	)		(60	)
Settlement of intercompany and other financing activities		398			(33	)		(58	)		(334	)		(27	)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities		7			(90	)		(120	)		(341	)		(544	)
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—			—			—			(10	)		(10	)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(1	)		—			(31	)		(38	)		(70	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		3			—			79			442			524
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	2		$	—		$	48		$	404		$	454

Nielsen Holdings plc

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended December 31, 2018

										Non-
(IN MILLIONS)	Parent			Issuers			Guarantor			Guarantor			Consolidated
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	$	(2	)	$	240		$	383		$	437		$	1,058
Investing activities:														—
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired		—			—			(15	)		(28	)		(43	)
Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries and affiliates								51			—			51
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets		—			—			(53	)		(53	)		(106	)
Additions to intangible assets		—			—			(356	)		(58	)		(414	)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets		—			—			—			4			4
Other investing activities		—			—			9			(7	)		2
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities		—			—			(364	)		(142	)		(506	)
Financing activities:
Repayments of debt		—			(818	)		—			(1	)		(819	)
Proceeds from the issuance of debt, net of issuance costs		—			781			—			—			781
Increase/(decrease) in short term borrowings		—			—			—			1			1
Cash dividends paid to shareholders		(494	)		—			—			—			(494	)
Repurchase of common stock		(70	)		—			—			—			(70	)
Activity under stock plans		23			—			(8	)		—			15
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan		5			—			—			—			5
Finance leases		—			—			(69	)		(7	)		(76	)
Settlement of intercompany and other financing activities		539			(204	)		67			(421	)		(19	)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities		3			(241	)		(10	)		(428	)		(676	)
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—			—			1			(9	)		(8	)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		1			—			10			(142	)		(132	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		2			1			69			584			656
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	3		$	—		$	79		$	442		$	524

Nielsen Holdings plc

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

For the year ended December 31, 2017

											Non-
(IN MILLIONS)	Parent				Issuers			Guarantor			Guarantor			Consolidated
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	$	(1	)		$	171		$	789		$	351		$	1,310
Investing activities:															—
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired		—				—			(755	)		(23	)		(778	)
Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries and affiliates									1			1			2
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets		—				—			(63	)		(56	)		(119	)
Additions to intangible assets		—				—			(307	)		(63	)		(370	)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and    other assets		—				—			29			13			42
Other investing activities		—				—			(11	)		(2	)		(13	)
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities		—				—			(1,106	)		(130	)		(1,236	)
Financing activities:
Repayments of debt		—				(2,295	)		—			(1	)		(2,296	)
Proceeds from the issuance of debt, net of issuance costs		—				2,744			1			—			2,745
Increase/(decrease) in short term borrowings		—		-		—			—			(5	)		(5	)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders		(474	)			—			—			—			(474	)
Repurchase of common stock		(140	)			—			—			—			(140	)
Activity under stock plans		32				—			(11	)		—			21
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan		6				—			—			—			6
Finance leases		—				—			(51	)		(4	)		(55	)
Settlement of intercompany and other financing activities		574				(620	)		236			(207	)		(17	)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities		(2	)			(171	)		175			(217	)		(215	)
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		—				—			(4	)		47			43
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(3	)			—			(146	)		51			(98	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		5				1			215			533			754
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	2			$	1		$	69		$	584		$	656

XML

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements

12. Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements

Unless otherwise stated, interest rates are as of December 31, 2019.

	December 31, 2019											December 31, 2018
	Weighted											Weighted
	Interest			Carrying				Fair				Interest			Carrying			Fair
(IN MILLIONS)	Rate			Amount				Value				Rate			Amount			Value
$1,125 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based variable rate of 3.46%) due 2023					$		1,086		$	1,079						$	1,112		$	1,100
$2,303 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based variable rate of 3.71%) due 2023						2,263					2,273					2,285			2,215
€545 million Senior secured term loan (Euro LIBOR based variable rate of 2.50%) due 2023						603					606						623			619
$850 million senior secured revolving credit facility (Euro LIBOR or LIBOR based variable rate) due 2023						—					—						—			—
Total senior secured credit facilities (with weighted-average interest rate)		3.52	%			3,952					3,958		4.09	%			4,020			3,934
$800 million 4.50% senior debenture loan due 2020						799					802						797			792
$625 million 5.50% senior debenture loan due 2021						622					629						621			621
$2,300 million 5.00% senior debenture loan due 2022						2,293					2,312						2,290			2,179
$500 million 5.00% senior debenture loan due 2025						497					516					496			472
Total debenture loans (with weighted-average interest rate)		5.22	%			4,211					4,259		5.22	%			4,204			4,064
Other loans						1					1						1			1
Total long-term debt		4.40	%			8,164					8,218		4.67	%			8,225			7,999
Finance lease and other financing obligations						145											161
Bank overdrafts						—											1
Total debt and other financing arrangements						8,309											8,387
Less: Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease and other financing obligations and other short-term borrowings						914											107
Non-current portion of long-term debt and finance lease and other financing obligations					$	7,395										$	8,280

The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt instruments was based on the yield on public debt where available or current borrowing rates available for financings with similar terms and maturities and such fair value measurements are considered Level 1 or Level 2 in nature, respectively.

The carrying value of Nielsen’s long-term debt are denominated in the following currencies:

	December 31,		December 31,
(IN MILLIONS)	2019		2018
U.S. Dollars	$	7,561	$	7,602
Euro		603		623
	$	8,164	$	8,225

Annual maturities of Nielsen’s long-term debt are as follows:

(IN MILLIONS)
2020	$	854
2021	$	702
2022	$	2,399
2023	$	3,710
2024	$	—
Thereafter	$	499
	$	8,164

The Company’s $800 million senior debenture loan matures in October 2020 and, as of December 31, 2019, there was approximately $808 million of outstanding principal and interest payable thereunder. The Company believes that it is probable that it will be able to refinance this debt prior to maturity.

Senior Secured Credit Facilities

Term Loan Facilities

In June 2018, Nielsen entered into an Amendment Agreement to amend and restate its Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Prior Credit Agreement”) in the form of the Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Amended Credit Agreement”). Among other things, the Amendment Agreement provided for: (i) the refinancing and replacement of the prior Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility with a new Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility having commitments in an aggregate principal amount of $850,000,000; (ii) the refinancing and replacement of the prior Class A Term Loans with new Class A Term Loans in an aggregate principal amount of $1,125,000,000; (iii) the refinancing and replacement of the prior Class B-2 Euro Term Loans with new Class B-2 Euro Term Loans in an aggregate principal amount of € 545,245,518; and (iv) incurring incremental term loans in the form of Class B-4 Term Loans in an aggregate principal amount of $75,000,000.

The proceeds of loans under each replacement facility were used to replace or refinance the entire outstanding principal amount of loans under the prior facility that was replaced, and the proceeds of the incremental Class B-4 Term Loans, together with a portion of the proceeds of the Class B-2 Euro Term Loans in excess of the amount of the prior Class B-2 Euro Term Loans that were replaced, were used to prepay the amount of prior Class A Term Loans in excess of the amount of new Class A Term Loans.

The new Class A Term Loans will mature in full on July 9, 2023 and are required to be repaid in quarterly installments in an aggregate amount equal to 0.63% of the original principal amount of the Class A Term Loans for each of the first eight quarters following the effective date of the Amendment Agreement, 1.25% of the original principal amount of the Class A Term Loans for each of the subsequent eight quarters and 2.50% of the original principal amount of the Class A Term Loans for each of the subsequent three quarters, with the balance payable on July 9, 2023. The new Class B-2 Euro Term Loans will mature in full on October 4, 2023 and are required to be repaid in equal quarterly installments in an aggregate amount equal to 0.25% of the original principal amount of the Class B-2 Euro Term Loans, with the balance payable on October 4, 2023. The Class B-4 Term Loans will mature in full on October 4, 2023 and are required to be repaid in equal quarterly installments in an aggregate amount equal to 0.25% of the original principal amount of the Class B-4 Term Loans, with the balance payable on October 4, 2023. The new Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility matures on July 9, 2023.

The new Class A Term Loans and loans under the new Tranche A Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at our election, (i) a base rate or eurocurrency rate, plus (ii) an applicable margin determined by reference to the Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement), which varies from 0.25% to 1.00%, in the case of base rate loans, and from 1.25% to 2.00%, in the case of eurocurrency rate loans. The Class B-2 Euro Term Loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to (i) a eurocurrency rate plus (ii) an applicable margin equal to 2.50%. The Class B-4 Term Loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at our election, (i) a base rate or eurocurrency rate, plus (ii) an applicable margin, which is equal to 2.00%, in the case of eurocurrency loans, or 1.00%, in the case of base rate loans.

The Amended Credit Agreement contains substantially the same affirmative and negative covenants as those of the Prior Credit Agreement, except the exceptions to the restrictions on restricted payments and investments that are determined by reference to the Total Leverage Ratio were amended to increase the applicable limits.

Nielsen wrote-off certain previously capitalized deferred financing fees of $2 million associated with the June 2018 debt refinancing and incurred certain costs in connection with the refinancing of $5 million.

Obligations under the Amended Credit Agreement are guaranteed by TNC B.V., substantially all of the wholly-owned U.S. subsidiaries of TNC B.V. and certain of the non-U.S. wholly-owned subsidiaries of TNC B.V., and are secured by substantially all of the existing and future property and assets of the U.S. subsidiaries of TNC B.V. and by a pledge of substantially all of the capital stock of the guarantors, the capital stock of substantially all of the U.S. subsidiaries of TNC B.V., and up to 65% of the capital stock of certain of the non-U.S. subsidiaries of TNC B.V. Under a separate security agreement, substantially all of the assets of TNC B.V. are pledged as collateral for amounts outstanding under the Amended Credit Agreement.

Covenants

The Amended Credit Agreement contains a number of covenants that, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the ability of Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V. and its restricted subsidiaries (which together constitute most of Nielsen’s subsidiaries) to incur additional indebtedness or guarantees, incur liens and engage in sale and leaseback transactions, make certain loans and investments, declare dividends, make payments or redeem or repurchase capital stock, engage in certain mergers, acquisitions and other business combinations, prepay, redeem or purchase certain indebtedness, amend or otherwise alter terms of certain indebtedness, sell certain assets, transact with affiliates, enter into agreements limiting subsidiary distributions and alter the business they conduct. These entities are restricted, subject to certain exceptions, in their ability to transfer their net assets to us. Such restricted net assets amounted to approximately $2.1 billion at December 31, 2019. In addition, these entities are subject to a total leverage covenant. The leverage ratio requires that Nielsen not permit the ratio of total net debt (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) at the end of any calendar quarter to Consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement) for the four quarters then ended to exceed a specified threshold. The maximum permitted ratio is 5.50 to 1.00. Neither Nielsen nor TNC B.V. is currently bound by any financial or negative covenants contained in the Amended Credit Agreement. The Amended Credit Agreement also contains certain customary affirmative covenants and events of default. Certain significant financial covenants are described further below.

Failure to comply with this financial covenant would result in an event of default under Nielsen’s Amended Credit Agreement unless waived by certain of Nielsen’s term lenders and the Company’s revolving lenders. An event of default under Nielsen’s Amended Credit Agreement can result in the acceleration of Nielsen’s indebtedness under the facilities, which in turn would result in an event of default and possible acceleration of indebtedness under the agreements governing Nielsen’s debt securities as well. As Nielsen’s failure to comply with the financial covenant described above can cause the Company to go into default under the agreements governing Nielsen’s indebtedness, management believes that Nielsen’s Amended Credit Agreement and this covenant are material to Nielsen. As of December 31, 2019, Nielsen was in full compliance with the financial covenant described above.

Pursuant to Nielsen’s Amended Credit Agreement, the Company is subject to making mandatory prepayments on the term loans within Nielsen’s Amended Credit Agreement to the extent in any full calendar year Nielsen generate Excess Cash Flow (“ECF”), as defined in the Amended Credit Agreement. The percentage of ECF that must be applied as a repayment is a function of several factors, including Nielsen’s ratio of total net debt to Covenant EBITDA, as well other adjustments, including any voluntary term loan repayments made in the course of the calendar year. To the extent any mandatory repayment is required pursuant to this ECF clause; such payment must generally occur on or around the time of the delivery of the annual consolidated financial statements to the lenders. At December 31, 2019, Nielsen’s ratio of total net debt to Covenant EBITDA was less than 5.00 to 1.00 and therefore no mandatory repayment was required. Nielsen’s next ECF measurement date will occur upon completion of the 2020 results, and although Nielsen do not expect to be required to issue any mandatory repayments in 2020 or beyond, it is uncertain at this time if any such payments will be required in future periods.

Revolving Credit Facility

The Amended Credit Agreement contains a senior secured revolving credit facility under which Nielsen Finance LLC, TNC (US) Holdings, Inc., and Nielsen Holding and Finance B.V. can borrow revolving loans. The revolving credit facility can also be used for letters of credit, guarantees and swingline loans. The existing revolving credit facility has commitments of $850 million with a final maturity of July 2023.

The senior secured revolving credit facility is provided under the Amended Credit Agreement and so contains covenants and restrictions as noted under the “Term loan facilities” section above. Obligations under the revolving credit facility are guaranteed by the same entities that guarantee obligations under the Amended Credit Agreement and Senior Secured Loan Agreement.

As of December 31, 2019, Nielsen had zero borrowings outstanding and outstanding letters of credit of $17 million.  As of December 31, 2018, Nielsen had zero borrowings outstanding and outstanding letters of credit of $16 million. As of December 31, 2019, Nielsen had $833 million available for borrowing under the revolving credit facility.

Debenture Loans

The indentures governing the Senior Notes limit the majority of Nielsen’s subsidiaries’ ability to incur additional indebtedness, pay dividends or make other distributions or repurchase its capital stock, make certain investments, enter into certain types of transactions with affiliates, use assets as security in other transactions and sell certain assets or merge with or into other companies subject to certain exceptions. Upon a change in control, Nielsen is required to make an offer to redeem all of the Senior Notes at a redemption price equal to the 101% of the aggregate accreted principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. The Senior Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed by Nielsen, substantially all of the wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries of Nielsen, and certain of the non-U.S. wholly-owned subsidiaries of Nielsen.

Other Transactions

Effective July 1, 2010, the Company designated its Euro denominated variable rate senior secured term loans as non-derivative hedges of its net investment in a European subsidiary. Gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in the Euro as compared to the U.S. Dollar associated with this debenture were recorded to the cumulative translation adjustment within shareholders’ equity, net of income tax.

Debt-Issuance Costs

The costs related to the issuance of debt are presented as a deduction from the corresponding debt liability and amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the life of the related debt.  

Finance Lease and Other Obligations

Nielsen finances certain computer equipment, software, buildings and automobiles under finance leases and related transactions. These arrangements do not include terms of renewal, purchase options, or escalation clauses.

Assets under finance lease are recorded within property, plant and equipment. See Note 8 “Property, Plant and Equipment.” Liabilities under finance leases are recorded within long-term debt and other financing obligations above. See Note 5 “Leases” for more information on finance leases and other financing obligations referenced in this note.

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Investments in Affiliates and Related Party Transactions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Investments In And Advances To Affiliates Schedule Of Investments [Abstract]

Investments in Affiliates and Related Party Transactions

16. Investments in Affiliates and Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions with Affiliates

As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, Nielsen had investments in affiliates of $17 million and $16 million, respectively.

Obligations between Nielsen and its affiliates are regularly settled in cash in the ordinary course of business. Nielsen had net receivables from its affiliates of approximately $2 million and $3 million for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

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Guarantor Financial Information - Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,691	$ 1,616	$ 1,628	$ 1,563	$ 1,658	$ 1,600	$ 1,647	$ 1,610	$ 6,498	[1]	$ 6,515	[1]	$ 6,572	[1]
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below									2,822		2,805		2,765
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below									1,929		1,958		1,873
Depreciation and amortization									756		675		640
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets									1,004		1,413
Restructuring charges									80		139		80
Operating income/(loss)	224	(740)	249	174	(1,171)	261	228	207	(93)		(475)		1,214
Interest income									6		8		4
Interest expense									(397)		(394)		(374)
Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net									(10)		(16)		(10)
Other income/(expense), net									(169)		(5)		(6)
Income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates	(43)	(848)	149	79	(1,274)	157	121	114	(663)		(882)		828
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes									260		182		(388)
Net income/(loss)									(403)		(700)		440
Less net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests									12		12		11
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$ (109)	$ (472)	$ 123	$ 43	$ (952)	$ 96	$ 72	$ 72	(415)		(712)		429
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)									107		(171)		273
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest									2		(1)		2
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders									105		(170)		271
Total comprehensive income/(loss)									(296)		(871)		713
Less: comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests									14		11		13
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders									(310)		(882)		700
Parent
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below									14		4		4
Operating income/(loss)									(14)		(4)		(4)
Interest income									1		1		1
Income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates									(13)		(3)		(3)
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes													(1)
Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries									(402)		(709)		433
Net income/(loss)									(415)		(712)		429
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders									(415)		(712)		429
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)									105		(170)		271
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders									105		(170)		271
Total comprehensive income/(loss)									(310)		(882)		700
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders									(310)		(882)		700
Issuers
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Interest income									726		681		839
Interest expense									(371)		(369)		(353)
Other income/(expense), net											(6)		(4)
Income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates									355		306		482
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes									(112)		(99)		(146)
Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries									176		167		193
Net income/(loss)									419		374		529
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders									419		374		529
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)									(20)		17		(21)
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders									(20)		17		(21)
Total comprehensive income/(loss)									399		391		508
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders									399		391		508
Guarantor
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Revenues									3,586		3,566		3,608
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below									1,513		1,457		1,419
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below									936		946		933
Depreciation and amortization									610		542		504
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets									419		579
Restructuring charges									35		51		44
Operating income/(loss)									73		(9)		708
Interest income									40		38		37
Interest expense									(756)		(704)		(857)
Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net									(1)				(4)
Other income/(expense), net									86		860		162
Income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates									(558)		185		46
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes									292		139		(165)
Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries									(135)		(1,033)		553
Equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates									(1)				(1)
Net income/(loss)									(402)		(709)		433
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders									(402)		(709)		433
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)									105		(170)		271
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders									105		(170)		271
Total comprehensive income/(loss)									(297)		(879)		704
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders									(297)		(879)		704
Non-Guarantor
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Revenues									2,912		2,949		2,964
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below									1,309		1,348		1,346
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below									979		1,008		936
Depreciation and amortization									146		133		136
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets									585		834
Restructuring charges									45		88		36
Operating income/(loss)									(152)		(462)		510
Interest income									10		6		4
Interest expense									(41)		(39)		(41)
Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net									(9)		(16)		(6)
Other income/(expense), net									(255)		(859)		(164)
Income/(loss) before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates									(447)		(1,370)		303
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes									80		142		(76)
Equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates									1				1
Net income/(loss)									(366)		(1,228)		228
Less net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests									12		12		11
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders									(378)		(1,240)		217
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)									165		(176)		308
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest									2		(1)		2
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders									163		(175)		306
Total comprehensive income/(loss)									(201)		(1,404)		536
Less: comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests									14		11		13
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders									(215)		(1,415)		523
Consolidation Eliminations
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Interest income									(771)		(718)		(877)
Interest expense									771		718		877
Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries									361		1,575		(1,179)
Net income/(loss)									361		1,575		(1,179)
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders									361		1,575		(1,179)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)									(248)		328		(556)
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders									(248)		328		(556)
Total comprehensive income/(loss)									113		1,903		(1,735)
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders									$ 113		$ 1,903		$ (1,735)

[1] Revenues are attributed to geographic areas based on the location of customers.

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Segments - Business Segment Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		$ 1,691	$ 1,616	$ 1,628	$ 1,563	$ 1,658	$ 1,600	$ 1,647	$ 1,610	$ 6,498	[1]	$ 6,515	[1]	$ 6,572	[1]
Business segment income/(loss)	[2]									1,853		1,850		2,024
Depreciation and amortization										756		675		640
Restructuring charges										80		139		80
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets										1,004		1,413
Share-based compensation expense										50		35		45
Other items	[3]									56		63		45
Operating income/(loss)		224	$ (740)	$ 249	$ 174	(1,171)	$ 261	$ 228	$ 207	(93)		(475)		1,214
Total assets		14,319				15,179				14,319		15,179
Capital expenditures										519		520		489
Operating Segments | Connect
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										3,057		3,138		3,278
Business segment income/(loss)	[2]									422		420		600
Depreciation and amortization										231		223		208
Restructuring charges										49		101		43
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets										1,004		1,411
Share-based compensation expense										15		14		13
Operating income/(loss)										(877)		(1,329)		336
Total assets		4,376				5,417				4,376		5,417
Capital expenditures										195		219		212
Operating Segments | Media
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues										3,441		3,377		3,294
Business segment income/(loss)	[2]									1,476		1,476		1,470
Depreciation and amortization										518		444		425
Restructuring charges										15		23		13
Share-based compensation expense										13		11		11
Operating income/(loss)										930		998		1,021
Total assets		9,675				9,647				9,675		9,647
Capital expenditures										308		278		271
Corporate and Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Business segment income/(loss)	[2]									(45)		(46)		(46)
Depreciation and amortization										7		8		7
Restructuring charges										16		15		24
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets												2
Share-based compensation expense										22		10		21
Other items	[3]									56		63		45
Operating income/(loss)										(146)		(144)		(143)
Total assets		$ 268				$ 115				268		115
Capital expenditures										$ 16		$ 23		$ 6

[1] Revenues are attributed to geographic areas based on the location of customers.

[2] The Company’s chief operating decision-maker uses business segment income/(loss) to measure performance from period to period both at the consolidated level as well as within its operating segments.

[3] For the year ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, other items primarily consist of business optimization costs, including strategic review costs, and transaction related costs.