Nielsen (NLSN) 10-Q 30 Apr 19 2019 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019shares
Document Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2019
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	NLSNNV
Entity Registrant Name	Nielsen Holdings plc
Entity Central Index Key	0001492633
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	355,494,014

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 1,563	$ 1,610
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	695	719
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	480	493
Depreciation and amortization	179	167
Restructuring charges	35	24
Operating income	174	207
Interest income	2	2
Interest expense	(99)	(96)
Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net	(3)
Other income/(expense), net	5	1
Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes	79	114
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes	(32)	(39)
Net income/(loss)	47	75
Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	4	3
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$ 43	$ 72
Net income/(loss) per share of common stock, basic
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$ 0.12	$ 0.20
Net income/(loss) per share of common stock, diluted
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$ 0.12	$ 0.20
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, basic	355,444,756	356,460,561
Dilutive shares of common stock	912,327	813,254
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, diluted	356,357,083	357,273,815
Dividends declared per common share	$ 0.35	$ 0.34

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income/(loss)		$ 47	$ 75
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	[1]	11	41
Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges	[2]	(9)	11
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments	[3]	4	4
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)		6	56
Total comprehensive income/(loss)		53	131
Less: comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		4	5
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders		$ 49	$ 126
[1]	Net of tax of $(4) million and $3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively
[2]	Net of tax of $3 million and $(4) million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively
[3]	Net of tax of $(1) million for each of the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018

Condensed Consolidated Statem_3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	$ (4)	$ 3
Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges, tax	3	(4)
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments, tax	$ (1)	$ (1)

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 402	$ 524
Trade and other receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns of $27 and $31 as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively	1,221	1,118
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	424	361
Total current assets	2,047	2,003
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	473	468
Operating lease right-of-use asset	506
Goodwill	7,009	6,987
Other intangible assets, net	5,020	5,024
Deferred tax assets	334	333
Other non-current assets	353	364
Total assets	15,742	15,179
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	1,071	1,119
Deferred revenues	376	355
Income tax liabilities	85	76
Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease obligations and short-term borrowings	385	107
Total current liabilities	1,917	1,657
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations	8,242	8,280
Deferred tax liabilities	1,100	1,108
Operating lease liabilities	468
Other non-current liabilities	1,026	1,091
Total liabilities	12,753	12,136
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Nielsen shareholders’ equity
Common stock, €0.07 par value, 1,185,800,000 and 1,185,800,000 shares authorized; 355,501,298 and 355,323,822 shares issued and 355,494,014 and 355,271,737 shares outstanding at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively	32	32
Additional paid-in capital	4,614	4,720
Retained earnings/(accumulated deficit)	(752)	(795)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	(1,104)	(1,110)
Total Nielsen shareholders’ equity	2,790	2,847
Noncontrolling interests	199	196
Total equity	2,989	3,043
Total liabilities and equity	$ 15,742	$ 15,179

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)shares	Mar. 31, 2019€ / shares	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2018€ / shares
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Trade and other receivables, allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns | $	$ 27		$ 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	355,501,298		355,323,822
Common stock, shares outstanding	355,494,014		355,271,737

Condensed Consolidated Statem_4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Operating Activities
Net income/(loss)	$ 47	$ 75
Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Share-based compensation expense	15	13
Currency exchange rate differences on financial transactions and other (gains)/losses	(2)
Depreciation and amortization	179	167
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of businesses acquired and divested:
Trade and other receivables, net	(115)	(110)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(50)	(123)
Accounts payable and other current liabilities and deferred revenues	(130)	(179)
Other non-current liabilities	(21)	(2)
Interest payable	44	45
Income taxes	(10)	(3)
Net cash provided by/(used in ) operating activities	(43)	(117)
Investing Activities
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired	(59)	(2)
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets	(30)	(26)
Additions to intangible assets	(92)	(102)
Other investing activities	1	(2)
Net cash used in by investing activities	(180)	(132)
Financing Activities
Net borrowings under revolving credit facility	263	195
Repayment of debt	(14)	(8)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders	(124)	(121)
Repurchase of common stock		(20)
Activity from share-based compensation plans	(3)	14
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan	1	1
Finance leases	(16)	(19)
Other financing activities	(3)	(2)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities	104	40
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(3)	15
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(122)	(194)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	524	656
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	402	462
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash paid for income taxes	(42)	(42)
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	$ (55)	$ (51)

Condensed Consolidated Statem_5

Condensed 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 Interests
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 4,443		$ 32	$ 4,742	$ 411	$ (610)	$ 10	$ (340)	$ 4,245	$ 198
Net income/(loss)	75				72				72	3
Currency translation adjustments, net of tax	41	[1]				39			39	2
Cash flow hedges, net of tax	11	[2]					11		11
Unrealized gain on pension liability, net of tax	4	[3]						4	4
Employee stock purchase plan	1			1					1
Dividends to shareholders	(124)				(121)				(121)	(3)
Common stock activity from share-based compensation plans	14			14					14
Repurchase of common stock	(20)			(20)					(20)
Share-based compensation expense	13			13					13
Balance at Mar. 31, 2018	4,458		32	4,750	362	(571)	21	(336)	4,258	200
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	3,043		32	4,720	(795)	(779)	11	(342)	2,847	196
Net income/(loss)	47				43				43	4
Currency translation adjustments, net of tax	11	[1]				11			11
Cash flow hedges, net of tax	(9)	[2]					(9)		(9)
Unrealized gain on pension liability, net of tax	4	[3]						4	4
Employee stock purchase plan	1			1					1
Capital contribution by non-controlling partner	2									2
Dividends to shareholders	(127)			(124)					(124)	(3)
Common stock activity from share-based compensation plans	(3)			(3)					(3)
Share-based compensation expense	20			20					20
Balance at Mar. 31, 2019	$ 2,989		$ 32	$ 4,614	$ (752)	$ (768)	$ 2	$ (338)	$ 2,790	$ 199
[1]	Net of tax of $(4) million and $3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively
[2]	Net of tax of $3 million and $(4) million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively
[3]	Net of tax of $(1) million for each of the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018

Condensed Consolidated Statem_6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Statement Of Stockholders Equity [Abstract]
Currency translation adjustments, tax	$ (4)	$ 3
Unrealized loss on pension liability, tax	(1)	(1)
Cash flow hedges, tax	$ 3	$ (4)

Background and Basis of Present

Background and Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Background and Basis of Presentation	1. Background and Basis of Presentation Background 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. 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. Basis of Presentation The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited but, in the opinion of management, contain all the adjustments (consisting of those of a normal recurring nature) considered necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) applicable to interim periods. For a more complete discussion of significant accounting policies, commitments and contingencies and certain other information, refer to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. All amounts are presented in U.S. Dollars (“$”), except for share data or where expressly stated as being in other currencies, e.g., Euros (“€”). The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nielsen and all subsidiaries and other controlled entities. The Company has evaluated events occurring subsequent to March 31, 2019 for potential recognition or disclosure in the condensed consolidated financial statements and concluded there were no subsequent events that required recognition or disclosure other than those provided. Earnings per Share Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares 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 units. The effect of 4,446,733 and 4,217,335 shares of common stock underlying outstanding equity awards under Nielsen’s stock compensation plans were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, as such shares would have been anti-dilutive. 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 three months ended March 31, 2019, Nielsen sold $44 million of accounts receivable to third parties and recorded an immaterial loss on the sale to interest expense, net in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, $33 million and $105 million, respectively, remained outstanding. The sales were accounted for as true sales, without recourse. Nielsen maintains servicing responsibilities of the majority of receivables sold during the year, for which the related costs are not significant. The proceeds of $44 million from the sales were reported as a component of the changes in trade and other receivables, net within operating activities in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows.

Summary of Recent Accounting Pr

Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 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 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 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 is 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. Nielsen is currently assessing the impact of the adoption of this ASU will have on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 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 our 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 our 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) (UNAUDITED) Three Three Connect Segment Measurement $ 539 $ 563 Predict/Activate 198 223 Connect $ 737 $ 786 Media Segment Audience Measurement $ 605 $ 596 Planning/Optimization 221 228 Media $ 826 $ 824 Total $ 1,563 $ 1,610 Timing of revenue recognition Products transferred at a point in time $ 131 $ 128 Products and services transferred over time 1,432 1,482 Total $ 1,563 $ 1,610 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. 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) March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Contract assets $ 291 $ 210 Contract liabilities $ 379 $ 359 The increase in the contract assets balance during the period was primarily due to $234 million of revenue recognized that was not billed, in accordance with the terms of the contracts, as of March 31, 2019, offset by $153 million of contract assets included in the December 31, 2018 balance that were invoiced to our clients and therefore transferred to trade receivables. The increase in the contract liability balance during the period is primarily due to $242 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 $223 million of revenue recognized that was included in the December 31, 2018 contract liability balance. Transaction Price Allocated to the Remaining Performance Obligations As of March 31, 2019, approximately $7.8 billion of revenue is expected to be recognized from remaining performance obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) for our 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 74% of these remaining performance obligations through December 31, 2020, 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 March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the balances of such capitalized costs were $16 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 three months ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018 was $2 million and $4 million, respectively. There was no impairment loss recorded in any of the periods presented.

Business Acquisitions

Business Acquisitions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Acquisitions	4. Business Acquisitions Acquisitions For the three months ended March 31, 2019, Nielsen paid cash consideration of $59 million associated with both current period and previously executed 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 three months ended March 31, 2018, Nielsen paid cash consideration of $2 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.

Leases

Leases	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 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 . 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) Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Lease cost Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets $ 12 Interest on lease liabilities 2 Total finance lease cost 14 Operating lease cost 22 Sublease income (1 ) Total lease cost $ 35 Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows: (in millions, except lease term and discount rate) March 31, 2019 Operating leases Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 506 Other current liabilities 114 Operating lease liabilities 469 Total operating lease liabilities $ 583 Finance leases Property, plant and equipment, gross $ 352 Accumulated depreciation (156 ) Property, plant and equipment, net 196 Other intangible assets, gross 19 Accumulated amortization (7 ) Other intangible assets, net 12 Accounts payable and other current liabilities 67 Long-term debt and capital lease obligations 96 Total finance lease liabilities $ 163 Other information Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating cash flows from finance leases (2 ) Operating cash flows from operating leases (28 ) Financing cash flows from finance leases (16 ) Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities 8 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities 30 Weighted-average remaining lease term--finance leases 4 years Weighted-average remaining lease term--operating leases 10 years Weighted-average discount rate--finance leases 4.58 % Weighted-average discount rate--operating leases 4.55 % Annual maturities of Nielsen’s lease liabilities are as follows: (in millions) Operating Leases Finance Leases For April 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 $ 98 $ 55 2020 113 54 2021 91 34 2022 82 18 2023 63 11 2024 41 7 Thereafter 226 6 Total lease payments 714 185 Less imputed interest (131 ) (22 ) Total S 583 $ 163

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	6. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill 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 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, which is the same as our reportable segments. As a result of this change in reporting units, Nielsen performed an interim goodwill impairment analysis during the 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. The Connect (formerly Buy) reporting unit's estimated fair value exceeded its carrying value by less than 10%. Nielsen will continue to closely evaluate and report on any indicators of future impairments. The table below summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the three months ended March 31, 2019. (IN MILLIONS) Connect Media Total Balance, December 31, 2018 $ 1,337 $ 5,650 $ 6,987 Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments (2 ) 24 22 Effect of foreign currency translation 3 (3 ) — Balance, March 31, 2019 $ 1,338 $ 5,671 $ 7,009 At March 31, 2019, $51 million of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. Other Intangible Assets Gross Amounts Accumulated Amortization March 31, December 31, March 31, December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2019 2018 2019 2018 Indefinite-lived intangibles: Trade names and trademarks $ 1,921 $ 1,921 $ — $ — Amortized intangibles: Trade names and trademarks 144 140 (105 ) (102 ) Customer-related intangibles 3,152 3,145 (1,645 ) (1,604 ) Covenants-not-to-compete 39 39 (38 ) (38 ) Content databases 168 167 (29 ) (26 ) Computer software 3,147 3,029 (1,781 ) (1,694 ) Patents and other 177 173 (130 ) (126 ) Total $ 6,827 $ 6,693 $ (3,728 ) $ (3,590 ) Amortization expense associated with the above intangible assets was $138 million and $120 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. These amounts included amortization expense associated with computer software of $87 million and $68 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Changes in and Reclassification

Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 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 three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018. Currency Translation Post-Employment Adjustments Cash Flow Hedges Benefits Total (IN MILLIONS) Balance December 31, 2018 $ (779 ) $ 11 $ (342 ) $ (1,110 ) Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications 11 (6 ) 2 7 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (income)/loss — (3 ) 2 (1 ) Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders 11 (9 ) 4 6 Balance March 31, 2019 $ (768 ) $ 2 $ (338 ) $ (1,104 ) Currency Translation Post-Employment Adjustments Cash Flow Hedges Benefits Total (IN MILLIONS) Balance December 31, 2017 $ (610 ) $ 10 $ (340 ) $ (940 ) Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications 41 11 1 53 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) — — 3 3 Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) 41 11 4 56 Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest 2 — — 2 Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders 39 11 4 54 Balance March 31, 2018 $ (571 ) $ 21 $ (336 ) $ (886 ) The table below summarizes the reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other (IN MILLIONS) Comprehensive Loss/(Income) Details about Accumulated Affected Line Item in the Other Comprehensive Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Condensed Consolidated Income components March 31, 2019 March 31, 2018 Statement of Operations Cash flow hedges Interest rate contracts $ (4 ) $ — Interest (income)/expense 1 — (Benefit)/provision for income taxes $ (3 ) $ — Total, net of tax Amortization of Post-Employment Benefits Actuarial loss $ 3 $ 4 (a) (1 ) (1 ) (Benefit)/provision for income taxes $ 2 $ 3 Total, net of tax Total reclassification for the period $ (1 ) $ 3 Net of tax (a) This accumulated other comprehensive loss component is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost.

Restructuring Activities

Restructuring Activities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Activities	8. Restructuring Activities Productivity Initiatives Restructuring charges are primarily related to programs associated with Nielsen’s plans to reduce selling, general and administrative expenses 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: (IN MILLIONS) Total Initiatives Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 68 Reclassification of ASC 420 real estate restructuring to right-of -use asset (1) (22 ) Charges 35 Payments (21 ) Effect of foreign currency translation and other adjustments (3 ) Balance at March 31, 2019 $ 57 (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. Nielsen recorded $35 million and $24 million in restructuring charges primarily relating to the productivity initiatives referenced above for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Of the $57 million in remaining liabilities for restructuring actions at March 31, 2019, $54 million is expected to be paid within one year and is classified as a current liability within the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2019.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	9. Fair Value Measurements 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, cost 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. 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 March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018: March 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Plan assets for deferred compensation (1) 27 27 — — Investment in mutual funds (2) 2 2 — — Interest rate swap arrangements (3) 14 — 14 — Total $ 43 $ 29 $ 14 — Liabilities: Interest rate swap arrangements (3) $ 6 — $ 6 — Deferred compensation liabilities (4) 27 27 — — Total $ 33 $ 27 $ 6 — 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 condensed 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 10 - 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 March 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. Foreign Currency Exchange Risk For each of the quarters ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, Nielsen recorded a net gain of $1 million, associated with foreign currency derivative financial instruments within foreign currency exchange transactions losses, net in its condensed consolidated statements of operations. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 the notional amount of the outstanding foreign currency derivative financial instruments were $85 million and $76 million, respectively. 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 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. As of March 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 $ 150,000,000 April 2019 US Dollar US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps $ 250,000,000 June 2019 US Dollar US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps $ 150,000,000 July 2019 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 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 The effect of cash flow hedge accounting on the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 respectively is as follows: Interest Expense Three Months Ended March 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2019 2018 Interest expense (Location in the consolidated statement of operations in which the effects of cash flow hedges are recorded) $ 99 $ 96 Amount of gain reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income, net of tax $ 3 $ — Amount of loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income as a result that a forecasted transaction is no longer probable of occurring, net of tax $ — $ — Nielsen expects to recognize approximately $9 million of net pre-tax gains from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense in the next 12 months associated with its interest-related derivative financial instruments. Fair Values of Derivative Instruments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were as follows: March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Derivatives Designated as Hedging Prepaid Expense Other Other Prepaid Expense Other Other Instruments and Other Current Non- Current Non-Current and Other Current Non- Current Non-Current (IN MILLIONS) Assets Assets Liabilities Assets Assets Liabilities Interest rate swaps $ 2 $ 12 $ 6 $ 3 $ 20 $ 3 Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships The pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 was as follows: Amount of (Gain)/Loss Amount of (Gain)/Loss Reclassified from AOCI Recognized in OCI Location of (Gain)/ Loss into Income (Effective Portion) Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion) Derivatives in Cash Flow Three Months Ended into Income (Effective Three Months Ended Hedging Relationships March 31, Portion) March 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2019 2018 2019 2018 Interest rate swaps $ 8 $ (15 ) Interest expense $ (4 ) $ — 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 three months ended March 31, 2019.

Long-term Debt and Other Financ

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements	10. Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements Unless otherwise stated, interest rates are as of March 31, 2019. Annual maturities of Nielsen’s long-term debt are as follows: March 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 4.24%) due 2023 $ 1,106 1,101 $ 1,112 1,100 $2,303 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based variable rate of 4.49%) due 2023 2,280 2,239 2,285 2,215 € of 2.50%) due 2023 608 608 623 619 $850 million senior secured revolving credit facility (Euro LIBOR or LIBOR based variable rate) due 2023 263 260 — — Total senior secured credit facilities (with weighted-average interest rate) 4.19 % 4,257 4,208 4.09 % 4,020 3,934 $800 million 4.50% senior debenture loan due 2020 797 798 797 792 $625 million 5.50% senior debenture loan due 2021 621 627 621 621 $2,300 million 5.00% senior debenture loan due 2022 2,291 2,268 2,290 2,179 $500 million 5.00% senior debenture loan due 2025 496 482 496 472 Total debenture loans (with weighted-average interest rate) 5.22 % 4,205 4,175 5.22 % 4,204 4,064 Other loans 1 1 1 1 Total long-term debt 4.70 % 8,463 8,384 4.67 % 8,225 7,999 Finance lease and other financing obligations 163 161 Bank overdrafts 1 1 Total debt and other financing arrangements 8,627 8,387 Less: Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease and other financing obligations and other short-term borrowings 385 107 Non-current portion of long-term debt and finance lease and other financing obligations $ 8,242 $ 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. Annual maturities of Nielsen’s long-term debt are as follows: (IN MILLIONS) For April 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 $ 297 2020 855 2021 703 2022 2,400 2023 3,711 2024 — Thereafter 499 $ 8,463

Shareholders_ Equity

Shareholders’ Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders’ Equity	11. Shareholders’ Equity Common stock activity is as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Actual number of shares of common stock outstanding Beginning of period 355,271,737 Shares of common stock issued through compensation plans 177,476 Employee benefit trust activity 44,801 End of period 355,494,014 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 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and the three months ended March 31, 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 On April 18, 2019, the Board declared a cash dividend of $0.35 per share on the Company’s common stock. The dividend is payable on June 19, 2019 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 5, 2019. The dividend policy and the 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 $2 billion in the aggregate of our outstanding common stock. The primary purpose of the program is to return value to shareholders and to mitigate dilution associated with Nielsen’s equity compensation plans. Board Approval Share Repurchase Authorization ($ 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 March 31, 2019, there were 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 three months ended March 31, 2019.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	12. Income Taxes The effective tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 were 41% and 34%, respectively. The tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was higher than the statutory rate as a result of the impact of tax rate differences in other jurisdictions where the Company files tax returns, offset by the favorable impact of certain financing activities. The tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2018 was higher than the statutory rate as a result of the impact of tax rate differences in other jurisdictions where the Company files tax returns, and the effect of foreign distributions, offset by the favorable impact of certain financing activities. The principal reason for the increase in the first quarter effective tax rate in 2019 when compared to 2018 was due to profit mix in various jurisdictions. The estimated liability for unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2018 was $572 million. The Company expects to conclude a number of audits in multiple jurisdictions throughout the remainder of the year. Various statutes of limitation are also due to expire. This is likely to result in a decrease in these liabilities as well as a reduction in the Company’s effective tax rate in subsequent quarters and future periods. The Company files numerous consolidated and separate income tax returns in the U.S. and in many state and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions the Company is no longer subject to U.S. Federal income tax examination for 2006 and prior periods. In addition, the Company has subsidiaries in various states, provinces and countries that are currently under audit for years ranging from 2003 through 2017. To date, the Company is not aware of any material adjustments not already accrued related to any of the current Federal, state or foreign audits under examination.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	13. Commitments and Contingencies 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 alleges similar facts but also names other defendants, including former Chief Operating Officer Stephen Hasker, was filed in the Northern District of Illinois in September 2018 and transferred to the Southern District of New York in December 2018. These lawsuits assert 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 actions were consolidated on April 22, 2019, and the Public Employees’ Retirement System of Mississippi was appointed lead plaintiff for the putative class. Nielsen expects that an amended or consolidated complaint will be filed and intends to file a motion to dismiss the amended or consolidated complaint. 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. 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.

Segments

Segments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segments	14. 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 condensed 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 (IN MILLIONS) Connect Media Corporate Total Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Revenues $ 737 $ 826 — $ 1,563 Depreciation and amortization $ 55 $ 123 $ 1 $ 179 Restructuring charges $ 22 $ 7 $ 6 $ 35 Share-based compensation expense $ 4 $ 3 $ 8 $ 15 Other items (1) $ — $ — $ 12 $ 12 Operating income/(loss) $ (2 ) $ 214 $ (38 ) $ 174 Business segment income/(loss) (2) $ 79 $ 347 $ (11 ) $ 415 Total assets as of March 31, 2019 $ 5,558 $ 9,878 $ 306 $ 15,742 (IN MILLIONS) Connect Media Corporate Total Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Revenues $ 786 $ 824 — $ 1,610 Depreciation and amortization $ 54 $ 112 $ 1 $ 167 Restructuring charges $ 15 $ 9 $ — $ 24 Share-based compensation expense $ 4 $ 3 $ 6 $ 13 Other items (1) $ — $ — $ 12 $ 12 Operating income/(loss) $ 14 $ 223 $ (30 ) $ 207 Business segment income/(loss) (2) $ 87 $ 347 $ (11 ) $ 423 Total assets as of December 31, 2018 $ 5,416 $ 9,641 $ 122 $ 15,179 (1) Other items primarily consist of business optimization costs, including strategic review costs, and transaction related costs for the three months ended March 31, 2019. Other items primarily consists of transaction related costs and business optimization costs for the three months ended March 31, 2018. (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.

Guarantor Financial Information

Guarantor Financial Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Guarantees [Abstract]
Guarantor Financial Information	15. 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 March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 and consolidating statements of operations and cash flows for the periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018. 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 Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Unaudited) For the three months ended March 31, 2019 Non- (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Guarantor Elimination Consolidated Revenues $ - $ - $ 867 $ 696 $ - $ 1,563 Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below - - 376 319 - 695 Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below 1 - 234 245 - 480 Depreciation and amortization - - 145 34 - 179 Restructuring charges - - 12 23 - 35 Operating income/(loss) (1 ) - 100 75 - 174 Interest income - 184 10 2 (194 ) 2 Interest expense - (93 ) (190 ) (10 ) 194 (99 ) Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net - - 1 (4 ) - (3 ) Other income/(expense), net - - (7 ) 12 - 5 Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries (1 ) 91 (86 ) 75 - 79 Benefit/(provision) for income taxes - (25 ) 63 (70 ) - (32 ) Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries 44 56 67 - (167 ) - Net income/(loss) 43 122 44 5 (167 ) 47 Less net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests - - - 4 - 4 Net income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest 43 122 44 1 (167 ) 43 Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interests 6 1 6 32 (39 ) 6 Total comprehensive income/(loss) 49 123 50 37 (206 ) 53 Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests - - - 4 - 4 Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest $ 49 $ 123 $ 50 $ 33 $ (206 ) $ 49 Nielsen Holdings plc Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Unaudited) For the three months ended March 31, 2018 (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Non Guarantor Elimination Consolidated Revenues — — $ 870 $ 740 $ — $ 1,610 Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below — — 375 344 — 719 Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below 1 — 234 258 — 493 Depreciation and amortization — — 132 35 — 167 Restructuring charges — — 11 13 — 24 Operating income/(loss) (1 ) — 118 90 — 207 Interest income — 151 10 1 (160 ) 2 Interest expense — (91 ) (154 ) (11 ) 160 (96 ) Foreign currency exchange transaction gain/(losses), net — — — — — — Other income/(expense), net — (1 ) — 2 — 1 Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries (1 ) 59 (26 ) 82 — 114 Benefit/(provision) for income taxes — (12 ) 2 (29 ) — (39 ) Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries 73 58 97 — (228 ) — Net income/(loss) 72 105 73 53 (228 ) 75 Less net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 3 - 3 Net income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest 72 105 73 50 (228 ) 72 Total other comprehensive income/(loss) 54 2 54 59 (113 ) 56 Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 2 — 2 Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interests 54 2 54 57 (113 ) 54 Total comprehensive income/(loss) 126 107 127 112 (341 ) 131 Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 5 — 5 Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest $ 126 $ 107 $ 127 $ 107 $ (341 ) $ 126 Nielsen Holdings plc Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Unaudited) March 31, 2019 Non- (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Guarantor Elimination Consolidated Assets: Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 3 $ 2 $ 60 $ 337 $ - $ 402 Trade and other receivables, net - 1 460 760 - 1,221 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1 1 290 132 - 424 Intercompany receivables 3 1,442 353 68 (1,866 ) - Total current assets 7 1,446 1,163 1,297 (1,866 ) 2,047 Non-current assets - Property, plant and equipment, net - - 292 181 - 473 Operating lease right-of-use asset - - 221 285 - 506 Goodwill - - 5,543 1,466 - 7,009 Other intangible assets, net - - 4,504 516 - 5,020 Deferred tax assets 1 - - 333 - 334 Other non-current assets - 12 270 71 - 353 Equity investment in subsidiaries 2,757 1,225 3,399 - (7,381 ) - Intercompany loans 25 8,822 897 104 (9,848 ) - Total assets $ 2,790 $ 11,505 $ 16,289 $ 4,253 $ (19,095 ) $ 15,742 Liabilities and equity: Current liabilities Accounts payable and other current liabilities $ - $ 103 $ 440 $ 528 $ - $ 1,071 Deferred revenues - - 230 146 - 376 Income tax liabilities - - 16 69 - 85 Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease obligations and short-term borrowings - 55 316 14 - 385 Intercompany payables - - 1,513 353 (1,866 ) - Total current liabilities - 158 2,515 1,110 (1,866 ) 1,917 Non-current liabilities - Long-term debt and finance lease obligations - 8,144 82 16 - 8,242 Deferred tax liabilities - 71 953 76 - 1,100 Operating lease liabilities - - 245 223 - 468 Intercompany loans - - 8,951 897 (9,848 ) - Other non-current liabilities - 6 786 234 - 1,026 Total liabilities - 8,379 13,532 2,556 (11,714 ) 12,753 Total shareholders’ equity 2,790 3,126 2,757 1,498 (7,381 ) 2,790 Noncontrolling interests - - - 199 - 199 Total equity 2,790 3,126 2,757 1,697 (7,381 ) 2,989 Total liabilities and equity $ 2,790 $ 11,505 $ 16,289 $ 4,253 $ (19,095 ) $ 15,742 Nielsen Holdings plc Condensed 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, capital 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 capital 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 Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) For the three months ended March 31, 2019 Non- (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Guarantor Consolidated Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities $ (4 ) $ 15 $ 40 $ (94 ) $ (43 ) Investing activities: - Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired - - (11 ) (48 ) (59 ) Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net - - - - - Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets - - (14 ) (16 ) (30 ) Additions to intangible assets - - (76 ) (16 ) (92 ) Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets - - - - - Other investing activities - - 1 - 1 Net cash used in investing activities - - (100 ) (80 ) (180 ) Financing activities: - Net borrowings under revolving credit facility - - 263 - 263 Repayments of debt - (14 ) - - (14 ) Proceeds from the issuance of debt, net of issuance costs - - - - - Increase/(decrease) in other short-term borrowings - - - - - Cash dividends paid to shareholders (124 ) - - - (124 ) Repurchase of common stock - - - - - Activity under stock plans - - (3 ) - (3 ) Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan 1 - - - 1 Finance leases - - (13 ) (3 ) (16 ) Settlement of intercompany and other financing activities 127 1 (203 ) 72 (3 ) Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities 4 (13 ) 44 69 104 Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents - - (3 ) - (3 ) Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents - 2 (19 ) (105 ) (122 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 3 - 79 442 524 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 3 $ 2 $ 60 $ 337 $ 402 Nielsen Holdings plc Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) For the three months ended March 31, 2018 Non- (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Guarantor Consolidated Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities $ (2 ) $ (20 ) $ (113 ) $ 18 $ (117 ) Investing activities: Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired — — (1 ) (1 ) (2 ) Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets — — (20 ) (6 ) (26 ) Additions to intangible assets — — (86 ) (16 ) (102 ) Other investing activities — — 1 (3 ) (2 ) Net cash used in investing activities — — (106 ) (26 ) (132 ) Financing activities: Net borrowings under revolving credit facility — — 195 — 195 Repayments of debt — (7 ) — (1 ) (8 ) Proceeds from the issuance of debt, net of issuance costs — (1 ) — 1 — Cash dividends paid to shareholders (121 ) — — — (121 ) Repurchase of common stock (20 ) — — — (20 ) Activity under stock plans 18 — (4 ) — 14 Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan 1 — — — 1 Capital leases — — (17 ) (2 ) (19 ) Settlement of intercompany and other financing activities 123 28 (8 ) (145 ) (2 ) Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities 1 20 166 (147 ) 40 Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — — — 15 15 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (1 ) — (53 ) (140 ) (194 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 2 1 69 584 656 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 1 $ 1 $ 16 $ 444 $ 462

Background and Basis of Prese_2

Background and Basis of Presentation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited but, in the opinion of management, contain all the adjustments (consisting of those of a normal recurring nature) considered necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) applicable to interim periods. For a more complete discussion of significant accounting policies, commitments and contingencies and certain other information, refer to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. All amounts are presented in U.S. Dollars (“$”), except for share data or where expressly stated as being in other currencies, e.g., Euros (“€”). The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Nielsen and all subsidiaries and other controlled entities. The Company has evaluated events occurring subsequent to March 31, 2019 for potential recognition or disclosure in the condensed consolidated financial statements and concluded there were no subsequent events that required recognition or disclosure other than those provided.
Earnings per Share	Earnings per Share Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of shares 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 units. The effect of 4,446,733 and 4,217,335 shares of common stock underlying outstanding equity awards under Nielsen’s stock compensation plans were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, as such shares would have been anti-dilutive.
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 three months ended March 31, 2019, Nielsen sold $44 million of accounts receivable to third parties and recorded an immaterial loss on the sale to interest expense, net in the condensed consolidated statement of operations. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, $33 million and $105 million, respectively, remained outstanding. The sales were accounted for as true sales, without recourse. Nielsen maintains servicing responsibilities of the majority of receivables sold during the year, for which the related costs are not significant. The proceeds of $44 million from the sales were reported as a component of the changes in trade and other receivables, net within operating activities in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows.

Summary of Recent Accounting _2

Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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 periods 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 . 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 is electing to not reclassify stranded income tax effects of the TCJA from AOCI to retained earnings.
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 is currently assessing the impact of the adoption of this ASU will have on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

Revenue Recognition (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 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) (UNAUDITED) Three Three Connect Segment Measurement $ 539 $ 563 Predict/Activate 198 223 Connect $ 737 $ 786 Media Segment Audience Measurement $ 605 $ 596 Planning/Optimization 221 228 Media $ 826 $ 824 Total $ 1,563 $ 1,610 Timing of revenue recognition Products transferred at a point in time $ 131 $ 128 Products and services transferred over time 1,432 1,482 Total $ 1,563 $ 1,610
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) March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Contract assets $ 291 $ 210 Contract liabilities $ 379 $ 359

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Components of Lease Expense	The components of lease expense were as follows: (in millions) Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Lease cost Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets $ 12 Interest on lease liabilities 2 Total finance lease cost 14 Operating lease cost 22 Sublease income (1 ) Total lease cost $ 35
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) March 31, 2019 Operating leases Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 506 Other current liabilities 114 Operating lease liabilities 469 Total operating lease liabilities $ 583 Finance leases Property, plant and equipment, gross $ 352 Accumulated depreciation (156 ) Property, plant and equipment, net 196 Other intangible assets, gross 19 Accumulated amortization (7 ) Other intangible assets, net 12 Accounts payable and other current liabilities 67 Long-term debt and capital lease obligations 96 Total finance lease liabilities $ 163 Other information Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating cash flows from finance leases (2 ) Operating cash flows from operating leases (28 ) Financing cash flows from finance leases (16 ) Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities 8 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities 30 Weighted-average remaining lease term--finance leases 4 years Weighted-average remaining lease term--operating leases 10 years Weighted-average discount rate--finance leases 4.58 % Weighted-average discount rate--operating leases 4.55 %
Schedule of Annual Maturities of Lease Liabilities	Annual maturities of Nielsen’s lease liabilities are as follows: (in millions) Operating Leases Finance Leases For April 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 $ 98 $ 55 2020 113 54 2021 91 34 2022 82 18 2023 63 11 2024 41 7 Thereafter 226 6 Total lease payments 714 185 Less imputed interest (131 ) (22 ) Total S 583 $ 163

Goodwill and Other Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 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 three months ended March 31, 2019. (IN MILLIONS) Connect Media Total Balance, December 31, 2018 $ 1,337 $ 5,650 $ 6,987 Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments (2 ) 24 22 Effect of foreign currency translation 3 (3 ) — Balance, March 31, 2019 $ 1,338 $ 5,671 $ 7,009
Other Intangible Assets	Other Intangible Assets Gross Amounts Accumulated Amortization March 31, December 31, March 31, December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2019 2018 2019 2018 Indefinite-lived intangibles: Trade names and trademarks $ 1,921 $ 1,921 $ — $ — Amortized intangibles: Trade names and trademarks 144 140 (105 ) (102 ) Customer-related intangibles 3,152 3,145 (1,645 ) (1,604 ) Covenants-not-to-compete 39 39 (38 ) (38 ) Content databases 168 167 (29 ) (26 ) Computer software 3,147 3,029 (1,781 ) (1,694 ) Patents and other 177 173 (130 ) (126 ) Total $ 6,827 $ 6,693 $ (3,728 ) $ (3,590 )

Changes in and Reclassificati_2

Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 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 three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018. Currency Translation Post-Employment Adjustments Cash Flow Hedges Benefits Total (IN MILLIONS) Balance December 31, 2018 $ (779 ) $ 11 $ (342 ) $ (1,110 ) Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications 11 (6 ) 2 7 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (income)/loss — (3 ) 2 (1 ) Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders 11 (9 ) 4 6 Balance March 31, 2019 $ (768 ) $ 2 $ (338 ) $ (1,104 ) Currency Translation Post-Employment Adjustments Cash Flow Hedges Benefits Total (IN MILLIONS) Balance December 31, 2017 $ (610 ) $ 10 $ (340 ) $ (940 ) Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications 41 11 1 53 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) — — 3 3 Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) 41 11 4 56 Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest 2 — — 2 Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders 39 11 4 54 Balance March 31, 2018 $ (571 ) $ 21 $ (336 ) $ (886 )
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 three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other (IN MILLIONS) Comprehensive Loss/(Income) Details about Accumulated Affected Line Item in the Other Comprehensive Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Condensed Consolidated Income components March 31, 2019 March 31, 2018 Statement of Operations Cash flow hedges Interest rate contracts $ (4 ) $ — Interest (income)/expense 1 — (Benefit)/provision for income taxes $ (3 ) $ — Total, net of tax Amortization of Post-Employment Benefits Actuarial loss $ 3 $ 4 (a) (1 ) (1 ) (Benefit)/provision for income taxes $ 2 $ 3 Total, net of tax Total reclassification for the period $ (1 ) $ 3 Net of tax (a) This accumulated other comprehensive loss component is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost.

Restructuring Activities (Table

Restructuring Activities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 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: (IN MILLIONS) Total Initiatives Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 68 Reclassification of ASC 420 real estate restructuring to right-of -use asset (1) (22 ) Charges 35 Payments (21 ) Effect of foreign currency translation and other adjustments (3 ) Balance at March 31, 2019 $ 57 (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.

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 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 March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018: March 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Plan assets for deferred compensation (1) 27 27 — — Investment in mutual funds (2) 2 2 — — Interest rate swap arrangements (3) 14 — 14 — Total $ 43 $ 29 $ 14 — Liabilities: Interest rate swap arrangements (3) $ 6 — $ 6 — Deferred compensation liabilities (4) 27 27 — — Total $ 33 $ 27 $ 6 — 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 condensed 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 March 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 $ 150,000,000 April 2019 US Dollar US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps $ 250,000,000 June 2019 US Dollar US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps $ 150,000,000 July 2019 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 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
Schedule of Effect of Cash Flow Hedge Accounting on Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations	The effect of cash flow hedge accounting on the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 respectively is as follows: Interest Expense Three Months Ended March 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2019 2018 Interest expense (Location in the consolidated statement of operations in which the effects of cash flow hedges are recorded) $ 99 $ 96 Amount of gain reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income, net of tax $ 3 $ — Amount of loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income 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 March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 were as follows: March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Derivatives Designated as Hedging Prepaid Expense Other Other Prepaid Expense Other Other Instruments and Other Current Non- Current Non-Current and Other Current Non- Current Non-Current (IN MILLIONS) Assets Assets Liabilities Assets Assets Liabilities Interest rate swaps $ 2 $ 12 $ 6 $ 3 $ 20 $ 3
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	The pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 was as follows: Amount of (Gain)/Loss Amount of (Gain)/Loss Reclassified from AOCI Recognized in OCI Location of (Gain)/ Loss into Income (Effective Portion) Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion) Derivatives in Cash Flow Three Months Ended into Income (Effective Three Months Ended Hedging Relationships March 31, Portion) March 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2019 2018 2019 2018 Interest rate swaps $ 8 $ (15 ) Interest expense $ (4 ) $ —

Long-term Debt and Other Fina_2

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Long-Term Debt	Unless otherwise stated, interest rates are as of March 31, 2019. March 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 4.24%) due 2023 $ 1,106 1,101 $ 1,112 1,100 $2,303 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based variable rate of 4.49%) due 2023 2,280 2,239 2,285 2,215 € of 2.50%) due 2023 608 608 623 619 $850 million senior secured revolving credit facility (Euro LIBOR or LIBOR based variable rate) due 2023 263 260 — — Total senior secured credit facilities (with weighted-average interest rate) 4.19 % 4,257 4,208 4.09 % 4,020 3,934 $800 million 4.50% senior debenture loan due 2020 797 798 797 792 $625 million 5.50% senior debenture loan due 2021 621 627 621 621 $2,300 million 5.00% senior debenture loan due 2022 2,291 2,268 2,290 2,179 $500 million 5.00% senior debenture loan due 2025 496 482 496 472 Total debenture loans (with weighted-average interest rate) 5.22 % 4,205 4,175 5.22 % 4,204 4,064 Other loans 1 1 1 1 Total long-term debt 4.70 % 8,463 8,384 4.67 % 8,225 7,999 Finance lease and other financing obligations 163 161 Bank overdrafts 1 1 Total debt and other financing arrangements 8,627 8,387 Less: Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease and other financing obligations and other short-term borrowings 385 107 Non-current portion of long-term debt and finance lease and other financing obligations $ 8,242 $ 8,280
Annual Maturities of Long-Term Debt	Annual maturities of Nielsen’s long-term debt are as follows: (IN MILLIONS) For April 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 $ 297 2020 855 2021 703 2022 2,400 2023 3,711 2024 — Thereafter 499 $ 8,463

Shareholders_ Equity (Tables)

Shareholders’ Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
Common Stock Activity	Common stock activity is as follows: Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Actual number of shares of common stock outstanding Beginning of period 355,271,737 Shares of common stock issued through compensation plans 177,476 Employee benefit trust activity 44,801 End of period 355,494,014
Summary of Dividends Declared on Nielsen's Common Stock	The following table represents the cash dividends declared by the Board and paid for the years ended December 31, 2018 and the three months ended March 31, 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
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

Segments (Tables)

Segments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segment Information	Business Segment Information (IN MILLIONS) Connect Media Corporate Total Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Revenues $ 737 $ 826 — $ 1,563 Depreciation and amortization $ 55 $ 123 $ 1 $ 179 Restructuring charges $ 22 $ 7 $ 6 $ 35 Share-based compensation expense $ 4 $ 3 $ 8 $ 15 Other items (1) $ — $ — $ 12 $ 12 Operating income/(loss) $ (2 ) $ 214 $ (38 ) $ 174 Business segment income/(loss) (2) $ 79 $ 347 $ (11 ) $ 415 Total assets as of March 31, 2019 $ 5,558 $ 9,878 $ 306 $ 15,742 (IN MILLIONS) Connect Media Corporate Total Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Revenues $ 786 $ 824 — $ 1,610 Depreciation and amortization $ 54 $ 112 $ 1 $ 167 Restructuring charges $ 15 $ 9 $ — $ 24 Share-based compensation expense $ 4 $ 3 $ 6 $ 13 Other items (1) $ — $ — $ 12 $ 12 Operating income/(loss) $ 14 $ 223 $ (30 ) $ 207 Business segment income/(loss) (2) $ 87 $ 347 $ (11 ) $ 423 Total assets as of December 31, 2018 $ 5,416 $ 9,641 $ 122 $ 15,179 (1) Other items primarily consist of business optimization costs, including strategic review costs, and transaction related costs for the three months ended March 31, 2019. Other items primarily consists of transaction related costs and business optimization costs for the three months ended March 31, 2018. (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.

Guarantor Financial Informati_2

Guarantor Financial Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Guarantees [Abstract]
Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income	Nielsen Holdings plc Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Unaudited) For the three months ended March 31, 2019 Non- (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Guarantor Elimination Consolidated Revenues $ - $ - $ 867 $ 696 $ - $ 1,563 Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below - - 376 319 - 695 Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below 1 - 234 245 - 480 Depreciation and amortization - - 145 34 - 179 Restructuring charges - - 12 23 - 35 Operating income/(loss) (1 ) - 100 75 - 174 Interest income - 184 10 2 (194 ) 2 Interest expense - (93 ) (190 ) (10 ) 194 (99 ) Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net - - 1 (4 ) - (3 ) Other income/(expense), net - - (7 ) 12 - 5 Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries (1 ) 91 (86 ) 75 - 79 Benefit/(provision) for income taxes - (25 ) 63 (70 ) - (32 ) Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries 44 56 67 - (167 ) - Net income/(loss) 43 122 44 5 (167 ) 47 Less net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests - - - 4 - 4 Net income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest 43 122 44 1 (167 ) 43 Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interests 6 1 6 32 (39 ) 6 Total comprehensive income/(loss) 49 123 50 37 (206 ) 53 Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests - - - 4 - 4 Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest $ 49 $ 123 $ 50 $ 33 $ (206 ) $ 49 Nielsen Holdings plc Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Unaudited) For the three months ended March 31, 2018 (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Non Guarantor Elimination Consolidated Revenues — — $ 870 $ 740 $ — $ 1,610 Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below — — 375 344 — 719 Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below 1 — 234 258 — 493 Depreciation and amortization — — 132 35 — 167 Restructuring charges — — 11 13 — 24 Operating income/(loss) (1 ) — 118 90 — 207 Interest income — 151 10 1 (160 ) 2 Interest expense — (91 ) (154 ) (11 ) 160 (96 ) Foreign currency exchange transaction gain/(losses), net — — — — — — Other income/(expense), net — (1 ) — 2 — 1 Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries (1 ) 59 (26 ) 82 — 114 Benefit/(provision) for income taxes — (12 ) 2 (29 ) — (39 ) Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries 73 58 97 — (228 ) — Net income/(loss) 72 105 73 53 (228 ) 75 Less net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 3 - 3 Net income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest 72 105 73 50 (228 ) 72 Total other comprehensive income/(loss) 54 2 54 59 (113 ) 56 Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 2 — 2 Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interests 54 2 54 57 (113 ) 54 Total comprehensive income/(loss) 126 107 127 112 (341 ) 131 Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 5 — 5 Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest $ 126 $ 107 $ 127 $ 107 $ (341 ) $ 126
Consolidating Balance Sheet	Nielsen Holdings plc Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Unaudited) March 31, 2019 Non- (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Guarantor Elimination Consolidated Assets: Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 3 $ 2 $ 60 $ 337 $ - $ 402 Trade and other receivables, net - 1 460 760 - 1,221 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 1 1 290 132 - 424 Intercompany receivables 3 1,442 353 68 (1,866 ) - Total current assets 7 1,446 1,163 1,297 (1,866 ) 2,047 Non-current assets - Property, plant and equipment, net - - 292 181 - 473 Operating lease right-of-use asset - - 221 285 - 506 Goodwill - - 5,543 1,466 - 7,009 Other intangible assets, net - - 4,504 516 - 5,020 Deferred tax assets 1 - - 333 - 334 Other non-current assets - 12 270 71 - 353 Equity investment in subsidiaries 2,757 1,225 3,399 - (7,381 ) - Intercompany loans 25 8,822 897 104 (9,848 ) - Total assets $ 2,790 $ 11,505 $ 16,289 $ 4,253 $ (19,095 ) $ 15,742 Liabilities and equity: Current liabilities Accounts payable and other current liabilities $ - $ 103 $ 440 $ 528 $ - $ 1,071 Deferred revenues - - 230 146 - 376 Income tax liabilities - - 16 69 - 85 Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease obligations and short-term borrowings - 55 316 14 - 385 Intercompany payables - - 1,513 353 (1,866 ) - Total current liabilities - 158 2,515 1,110 (1,866 ) 1,917 Non-current liabilities - Long-term debt and finance lease obligations - 8,144 82 16 - 8,242 Deferred tax liabilities - 71 953 76 - 1,100 Operating lease liabilities - - 245 223 - 468 Intercompany loans - - 8,951 897 (9,848 ) - Other non-current liabilities - 6 786 234 - 1,026 Total liabilities - 8,379 13,532 2,556 (11,714 ) 12,753 Total shareholders’ equity 2,790 3,126 2,757 1,498 (7,381 ) 2,790 Noncontrolling interests - - - 199 - 199 Total equity 2,790 3,126 2,757 1,697 (7,381 ) 2,989 Total liabilities and equity $ 2,790 $ 11,505 $ 16,289 $ 4,253 $ (19,095 ) $ 15,742 Nielsen Holdings plc Condensed 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, capital 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 capital 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
Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows	Nielsen Holdings plc Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) For the three months ended March 31, 2019 Non- (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Guarantor Consolidated Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities $ (4 ) $ 15 $ 40 $ (94 ) $ (43 ) Investing activities: - Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired - - (11 ) (48 ) (59 ) Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net - - - - - Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets - - (14 ) (16 ) (30 ) Additions to intangible assets - - (76 ) (16 ) (92 ) Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets - - - - - Other investing activities - - 1 - 1 Net cash used in investing activities - - (100 ) (80 ) (180 ) Financing activities: - Net borrowings under revolving credit facility - - 263 - 263 Repayments of debt - (14 ) - - (14 ) Proceeds from the issuance of debt, net of issuance costs - - - - - Increase/(decrease) in other short-term borrowings - - - - - Cash dividends paid to shareholders (124 ) - - - (124 ) Repurchase of common stock - - - - - Activity under stock plans - - (3 ) - (3 ) Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan 1 - - - 1 Finance leases - - (13 ) (3 ) (16 ) Settlement of intercompany and other financing activities 127 1 (203 ) 72 (3 ) Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities 4 (13 ) 44 69 104 Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents - - (3 ) - (3 ) Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents - 2 (19 ) (105 ) (122 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 3 - 79 442 524 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 3 $ 2 $ 60 $ 337 $ 402 Nielsen Holdings plc Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) For the three months ended March 31, 2018 Non- (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Guarantor Consolidated Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities $ (2 ) $ (20 ) $ (113 ) $ 18 $ (117 ) Investing activities: Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired — — (1 ) (1 ) (2 ) Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets — — (20 ) (6 ) (26 ) Additions to intangible assets — — (86 ) (16 ) (102 ) Other investing activities — — 1 (3 ) (2 ) Net cash used in investing activities — — (106 ) (26 ) (132 ) Financing activities: Net borrowings under revolving credit facility — — 195 — 195 Repayments of debt — (7 ) — (1 ) (8 ) Proceeds from the issuance of debt, net of issuance costs — (1 ) — 1 — Cash dividends paid to shareholders (121 ) — — — (121 ) Repurchase of common stock (20 ) — — — (20 ) Activity under stock plans 18 — (4 ) — 14 Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan 1 — — — 1 Capital leases — — (17 ) (2 ) (19 ) Settlement of intercompany and other financing activities 123 28 (8 ) (145 ) (2 ) Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities 1 20 166 (147 ) 40 Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — — — 15 15 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (1 ) — (53 ) (140 ) (194 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 2 1 69 584 656 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 1 $ 1 $ 16 $ 444 $ 462

Background and Basis of Prese_3

Background and Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)SegmentCountryshares	Mar. 31, 2018shares	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | Segment	2
Number of countries in which entity operates | Country	100
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from calculation of earning per share under compensation plan | shares	4,446,733	4,217,335
Accounts receivable sold to third parties	$ 44
Proceed from sales of accounts receivable	44
Accounts receivable outstanding	$ 33		$ 105

Summary of Recent Accounting _3

Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Operating lease right-of-use asset	$ 506	$ 500
Operating lease liability	$ 583	$ 600

Revenue Recognition - Summary o

Revenue Recognition - Summary of Revenue Disaggregated by Segment by Major Product Offerings and Timing of Revenue Recognition (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,563	$ 1,610
Operating Segments | Products Transferred at a Point in Time
Segment Reporting Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	131	128
Operating Segments | Products and Services Transferred Over Time
Segment Reporting Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	1,432	1,482
Connect | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	737	786
Connect | Operating Segments | Measurement
Segment Reporting Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	539	563
Connect | Operating Segments | Predict/Activate
Segment Reporting Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	198	223
Media | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	826	824
Media | Operating Segments | Audience Measurement
Segment Reporting Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	605	596
Media | Operating Segments | Planning/Optimization
Segment Reporting Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 221	$ 228

Revenue Recognition - Summary_2

Revenue Recognition - Summary of Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenues [Abstract]
Contract assets	$ 291	$ 210
Contract liabilities	$ 379	$ 359

Revenue Recognition - Additiona

Revenue Recognition - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenues [Abstract]
Increase in contract with customer asset	$ 234,000,000
Contract with customer asset offset	153,000,000
Increase in contract with customer liability	242,000,000
Contract with customer liability offset	223,000,000
Revenue, remaining performance obligation	$ 7,800,000,000
Revenue, remaining performance obligations, percentage	74.00%
Deferred costs capitalized	$ 16,000,000		$ 18,000,000
Amortization of deferred costs	2,000,000	$ 4,000,000
Impairment loss	$ 0	$ 0

Business Acquisitions - Additio

Business Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Other acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire businesses, net of cash acquired	$ 59	$ 2

Leases - Additional Information

Leases - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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

Leases - Components of Lease Ex

Leases - Components of Lease Expense (Detail) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets	$ 12
Interest on lease liabilities	2
Total finance lease cost	14
Operating lease cost	22
Sublease income	(1)
Total lease cost	$ 35

Leases - Supplemental Balance S

Leases - Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related to Leases (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Operating leases
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$ 506	$ 500
Total operating lease liabilities	583	$ 600
Finance leases
Property, plant and equipment, net	473		$ 468
Other intangible assets, gross	6,827		6,693
Accumulated amortization	(3,728)		(3,590)
Other intangible assets, net	5,020		5,024
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	1,071		1,119
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations	8,242		$ 8,280
Total finance lease liabilities	163
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash flows from finance leases	(2)
Operating cash flows from operating leases	(28)
Financing cash flows from finance leases	(16)
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities	8
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities	$ 30
Weighted-average remaining lease term--finance leases	4 years
Weighted-average remaining lease term--operating leases	10 years
Weighted-average discount rate--finance leases	4.58%
Weighted-average discount rate--operating leases	4.55%
Finance Leases
Finance leases
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 352
Accumulated depreciation	(156)
Property, plant and equipment, net	196
Other intangible assets, gross	19
Accumulated amortization	(7)
Other intangible assets, net	12
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	67
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations	96
Other Current Liabilities
Operating leases
Total operating lease liabilities	114
Operating Lease Liabilities
Operating leases
Total operating lease liabilities	$ 469

Leases - Schedule of Annual Mat

Leases - Schedule of Annual Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Operating Leases, April 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019	$ 98
Operating Leases, 2020	113
Operating Leases, 2021	91
Operating Leases, 2022	82
Operating Leases, 2023	63
Operating Leases, 2024	41
Operating Leases, Thereafter	226
Operating Leases, Total lease payments	714
Operating Leases, Less imputed interest	(131)
Operating Leases, Total	583	$ 600
Finance Leases, April 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019	55
Finance Leases, 2020	54
Finance Leases, 2021	34
Finance Leases, 2022	18
Finance Leases, 2023	11
Finance Leases, 2024	7
Finance Leases, Thereafter	6
Finance Leases, Total lease payments	185
Finance Leases, Less imputed interest	(22)
Finance Leases, Total	$ 163

Goodwill and Other Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of goodwill	$ 0
Goodwill deductible for income tax purposes	51,000,000
Amortization expense, intangible assets	138,000,000	$ 120,000,000
Amortization expense, computer software	$ 87,000,000	$ 68,000,000
Maximum
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Reporting unit percentage of fair value exceeded its carrying value	10.00%

Goodwill and Other Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance beginning	$ 6,987
Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments	22
Balance ending	7,009
Connect
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance beginning	1,337
Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments	(2)
Effect of foreign currency translation	3
Balance ending	1,338
Media
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance beginning	5,650
Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments	24
Effect of foreign currency translation	(3)
Balance ending	$ 5,671

Goodwill and Other Intangible_5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Other Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	$ 6,827	$ 6,693
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	(3,728)	(3,590)
Trade names and trademarks
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	144	140
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	(105)	(102)
Customer - related intangibles
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	3,152	3,145
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	(1,645)	(1,604)
Covenants-not-to-compete
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	39	39
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	(38)	(38)
Content database
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	168	167
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	(29)	(26)
Computer software
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	3,147	3,029
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	(1,781)	(1,694)
Patents and other
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	177	173
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	(130)	(126)
Trade names and trademarks
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangibles, Gross Amounts	$ 1,921	$ 1,921

Changes in and Reclassificati_3

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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance	$ 3,043	$ 4,443
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	(1)	3
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	6	56
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		2
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	6	54
Balance	2,989	4,458
Currency Translation Adjustments
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance	(779)	(610)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	11	41
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)		41
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		2
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	11	39
Balance	(768)	(571)
Cash Flow Hedges
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance	11	10
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	(6)	11
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	(3)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)		11
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	(9)	11
Balance	2	21
Post-Employment Benefits
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance	(342)	(340)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	2	1
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	2	3
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)		4
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	4	4
Balance	(338)	(336)
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	7	53
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	(1)	3
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)		56
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest		2
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	6	54
Balance	$ (1,104)	$ (886)

Changes in and Reclassificati_4

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
		Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
(Benefit)/provision for income taxes		$ 32	$ 39
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders		(43)	(72)
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders		(1)	3
Cash Flow Hedges
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders		(3)
Cash Flow Hedges | Interest rate contracts | Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss/(Income)
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest (income)/expense		(4)
(Benefit)/provision for income taxes		1
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders		(3)
Post-Employment Benefits
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Actuarial loss, before Tax	[1]	3	4
(Benefit)/provision for income taxes		(1)	(1)
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders		$ 2	$ 3
[1]	This accumulated other comprehensive loss component is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost.

Restructuring Activities - Summ

Restructuring Activities - Summary of Changes in Liabilities for Restructuring Activities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Beginning Balance		$ 68
Reclassification of ASC 420 real estate restructuring to right-of -use asset	[1]	(22)
Charges		35	$ 24
Payments		(21)
Effect of foreign currency translation and other adjustments		(3)
Ending Balance		$ 57
[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.

Restructuring Activities - Addi

Restructuring Activities - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring charges	$ 35	$ 24
Restructuring reserve	57		$ 68
Restructuring actions for remaining liabilities, Current	$ 54

Fair Value Measurements - Finan

Fair Value Measurements - Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Detail) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring - USD ($) $ in Millions		Mar. 31, 2019		Dec. 31, 2018
Assets:
Asset		$ 43		$ 50
Liabilities:
Liabilities		33		30
Interest Rate Swap Arrangements
Assets:
Asset	[1]	14		23
Liabilities:
Liabilities		6	[2]	3	[1]
Deferred Compensation Liabilities
Liabilities:
Liabilities		27		27	[2]
Plan Assets for Deferred Compensation
Assets:
Asset	[3]	27		25
Investment In Mutual Funds
Assets:
Asset	[4]	2		2
Level 1
Assets:
Asset		29		27
Liabilities:
Liabilities		27		27
Level 1 | Deferred Compensation Liabilities
Liabilities:
Liabilities		27		27	[2]
Level 1 | Plan Assets for Deferred Compensation
Assets:
Asset	[3]	27		25
Level 1 | Investment In Mutual Funds
Assets:
Asset	[4]	2		2
Level 2
Assets:
Asset		14		23
Liabilities:
Liabilities		6		3
Level 2 | Interest Rate Swap Arrangements
Assets:
Asset	[1]	14		23
Liabilities:
Liabilities		$ 6	[2]	$ 3	[1]
[1]	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.
[2]	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.
[3]	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 condensed consolidated statement of operations.
[4]	Investments in mutual funds are money-market accounts held with the intention of funding certain specific retirement plans.

Fair Value Measurements - Addit

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Pre-tax gains from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense expected to be recognized in next twelve months		$ 9,000,000
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%	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%	2.07%
Foreign Currency Exchange Contract
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments		$ 1,000,000	$ 1,000,000
Notional amount of outstanding derivative financial instruments	$ 85,000,000	$ 85,000,000		$ 76,000,000

Fair Value Measurements - Outst

Fair Value Measurements - Outstanding Interest Rate Swaps (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on April 2019
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 150,000,000
Maturity Date	Apr. 1, 2019
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on June 2019
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 250,000,000
Maturity Date	Jun. 1, 2019
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on July 2019
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 150,000,000
Maturity Date	Jul. 1, 2019
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on July 2020
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 250,000,000
Maturity Date	Jul. 1, 2020
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on July 2020
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 250,000,000
Maturity Date	Jul. 1, 2020
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on October 2020
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 250,000,000
Maturity Date	Oct. 1, 2020
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on October 2021
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 250,000,000
Maturity Date	Oct. 1, 2021
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on July 2022
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 250,000,000
Maturity Date	Jul. 1, 2022
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on April 2023
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 150,000,000
Maturity Date	Apr. 1, 2023
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on May 2023
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 250,000,000
Maturity Date	May 1, 2023
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on June 2023
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 250,000,000
Maturity Date	Jun. 1, 2023

Fair Value Measurements - Sched

Fair Value Measurements - Schedule of Effect of Cash Flow Hedge Accounting on Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations (Detail) - Interest Expense - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
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)	$ 99	$ 96
Amount of gain reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income, net of tax	$ 3

Fair Value Measurements - Fair

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Values of Derivative Instruments in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) - Interest Rate Swap Arrangements - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets	$ 2	$ 3
Other Non- Current Assets
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets	12
Liabilities		20
Other Non-Current Liabilities
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Liabilities	$ 6	$ 3

Fair Value Measurements - Deriv

Fair Value Measurements - Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Interest Rate Swap Arrangements
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Amount of (Gain)/Loss Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)	$ 8	$ (15)
Interest Expense
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Amount of (Gain)/Loss Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)	$ (4)

Long-term Debt and Other Fina_3

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Summary of Long-Term Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Weighted average interest rate	4.70%	4.67%
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	$ 8,463	$ 8,225
Finance lease and other financing obligations	163	161
Bank overdrafts	1	1
Total debt and other financing arrangements	8,627	8,387
Less: Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease and other financing obligations and other short-term borrowings	385	107
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations	8,242	8,280
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	$ 8,384	$ 7,999
Senior secured credit facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Weighted average interest rate	4.19%	4.09%
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	$ 4,257	$ 4,020
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	$ 4,208	$ 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	$ 4,205	$ 4,204
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	4,175	4,064
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2023 | Libor Based Variable Rate of 4.24%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	1,106	1,112
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	1,101	1,100
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2023 | Libor Based Variable Rate of 4.49%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	2,280	2,285
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	2,239	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	608	623
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	608	619
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility Due 2023 | Euro Libor or Libor based variable rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	263
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	260
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	797	797
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	798	792
Senior debenture loan due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	621	621
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	627	621
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	2,291	2,290
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	2,268	2,179
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	496	496
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	482	472
Other Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	1	1
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	$ 1	$ 1

Long-term Debt and Other Fina_4

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Summary of Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) € in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2019EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2018EUR (€)
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2023 | Libor Based Variable Rate of 4.24%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$ 1,125	$ 1,125
Debt instrument, variable rate	4.24%	4.24%
Debt instrument, maturity year	2023	2023
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2023 | Libor Based Variable Rate of 4.49%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$ 2,303	$ 2,303
Debt instrument, variable rate	4.49%	4.49%
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%

Long-term Debt and Other Fina_5

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Annual Maturities of Long-Term Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
For April 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019	$ 297
2020	855
2021	703
2022	2,400
2023	3,711
Thereafter	499
Total	$ 8,463	$ 8,225

Shareholders' Equity - Common S

Shareholders' Equity - Common Stock Activity (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019shares
Actual number of shares of common stock outstanding
Beginning of period	355,271,737
Shares of common stock issued through compensation plans	177,476
Employee benefit trust activity	44,801
End of period	355,494,014

Shareholders' Equity - Schedule

Shareholders' Equity - Schedule of Dividends Paid (Detail) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividend Per Share	$ 0.35	$ 0.34
Installment One
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Declaration Date	Feb. 21, 2019		Feb. 21, 2018
Record Date	Mar. 7, 2019		Mar. 7, 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. 19, 2018
Record Date			Jun. 6, 2018
Payment Date			Jun. 20, 2018
Dividend Per Share			$ 0.35
Installment Three
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Declaration Date			Jul. 19, 2018
Record Date			Aug. 22, 2018
Payment Date			Sep. 5, 2018
Dividend Per Share			$ 0.35
Installment Four
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Declaration Date			Oct. 18, 2018
Record Date			Nov. 21, 2018
Payment Date			Dec. 5, 2018
Dividend Per Share			$ 0.35

Shareholders' Equity - Addition

Shareholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Apr. 18, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 11, 2015	Oct. 23, 2014	Jul. 25, 2013
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Dividends declared per common share		$ 0.35	$ 0.34
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
Maximum
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Cost of treasury stock		$ 2,000,000,000
Subsequent Event
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Declaration Date	Apr. 18, 2019
Dividends declared per common share	$ 0.35
Cash dividend, date to be Paid	Jun. 19, 2019
Cash dividend, recorded date	Jun. 5, 2019

Shareholders' Equity - Summary

Shareholders' Equity - Summary of Approved Authorized Shares for Repurchase Program (Detail) - USD ($)	Mar. 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

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rates	41.00%	34.00%
Liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits			$ 572

Segments - Additional Informati

Segments - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	2

Segments - Business Segment Inf

Segments - Business Segment Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		$ 1,563	$ 1,610
Depreciation and amortization		179	167
Restructuring charges		35	24
Share-based compensation expense		15	13
Other items	[1]	12	12
Operating income/(loss)		174	207
Business segment income/(loss)	[2]	415	423
Total assets		15,742		$ 15,179
Operating Segments | Connect
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		737	786
Depreciation and amortization		55	54
Restructuring charges		22	15
Share-based compensation expense		4	4
Operating income/(loss)		(2)	14
Business segment income/(loss)	[2]	79	87
Total assets		5,558		5,416
Operating Segments | Media
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		826	824
Depreciation and amortization		123	112
Restructuring charges		7	9
Share-based compensation expense		3	3
Operating income/(loss)		214	223
Business segment income/(loss)	[2]	347	347
Total assets		9,878		9,641
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization		1	1
Restructuring charges		6
Share-based compensation expense		8	6
Other items	[1]	12	12
Operating income/(loss)		(38)	(30)
Business segment income/(loss)	[2]	(11)	$ (11)
Total assets		$ 306		$ 122
[1]	Other items primarily consist of business optimization costs, including strategic review costs, and transaction related costs for the three months ended March 31, 2019. Other items primarily consists of transaction related costs and business optimization costs for the three months ended March 31, 2018.
[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.

Guarantor Financial Informati_3

Guarantor Financial Information - Additional Information (Detail)	Mar. 31, 2018
Subsidiaries of Nielsen
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Ownership percentage in subsidiaries	100.00%

Guarantor Financial Informati_4

Guarantor Financial Information - Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,563	$ 1,610
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	695	719
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	480	493
Depreciation and amortization	179	167
Restructuring charges	35	24
Operating income	174	207
Interest income	2	2
Interest expense	(99)	(96)
Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net	(3)
Other income/(expense), net	5	1
Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries	79	114
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes	(32)	(39)
Net income/(loss)	47	75
Less net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	4	3
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	43	72
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	6	56
Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		2
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	6	54
Total comprehensive income/(loss)	53	131
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	4	5
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	49	126
Parent
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	1	1
Operating income	(1)	(1)
Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries	(1)	(1)
Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries	44	73
Net income/(loss)	43	72
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	43	72
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)		54
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	6	54
Total comprehensive income/(loss)	49	126
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	49	126
Issuers
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Interest income	184	151
Interest expense	(93)	(91)
Other income/(expense), net		(1)
Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries	91	59
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes	(25)	(12)
Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries	56	58
Net income/(loss)	122	105
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	122	105
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)		2
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	1	2
Total comprehensive income/(loss)	123	107
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	123	107
Guarantor
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	867	870
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	376	375
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	234	234
Depreciation and amortization	145	132
Restructuring charges	12	11
Operating income	100	118
Interest income	10	10
Interest expense	(190)	(154)
Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net	1
Other income/(expense), net	(7)
Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries	(86)	(26)
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes	63	2
Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries	67	97
Net income/(loss)	44	73
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	44	73
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)		54
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	6	54
Total comprehensive income/(loss)	50	127
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	50	127
Non-Guarantor
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	696	740
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	319	344
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	245	258
Depreciation and amortization	34	35
Restructuring charges	23	13
Operating income	75	90
Interest income	2	1
Interest expense	(10)	(11)
Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net	(4)
Other income/(expense), net	12	2
Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries	75	82
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes	(70)	(29)
Net income/(loss)	5	53
Less net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	4	3
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	1	50
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)		59
Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		2
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	32	57
Total comprehensive income/(loss)	37	112
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	4	5
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	33	107
Consolidation Eliminations
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Interest income	(194)	(160)
Interest expense	194	160
Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries	(167)	(228)
Net income/(loss)	(167)	(228)
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	(167)	(228)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)		(113)
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	(39)	(113)
Total comprehensive income/(loss)	(206)	(341)
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$ (206)	$ (341)

Guarantor Financial Informati_5

Guarantor Financial Information - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Unaudited) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019	Jan. 01, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 402		$ 524	$ 462	$ 656
Trade and other receivables, net	1,221		1,118
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	424		361
Total current assets	2,047		2,003
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	473		468
Operating lease right-of-use asset	506	$ 500
Goodwill	7,009		6,987
Other intangible assets, net	5,020		5,024
Deferred tax assets	334		333
Other non-current assets	353		364
Total assets	15,742		15,179
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	1,071		1,119
Deferred revenues	376		355
Income tax liabilities	85		76
Current portion of long-term debt, finance/capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings	385		107
Total current liabilities	1,917		1,657
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and finance/capital lease obligations	8,242		8,280
Deferred tax liabilities	1,100		1,108
Operating lease liabilities	468
Other non-current liabilities	1,026		1,091
Total liabilities	12,753		12,136
Total shareholders’ equity	2,790		2,847
Noncontrolling interests	199		196
Total equity	2,989		3,043	4,458	4,443
Total liabilities and equity	15,742		15,179
Parent
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	3		3	1	2
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1
Intercompany receivables	3		3
Total current assets	7		6
Non-current assets
Deferred tax assets	1		1
Equity investment in subsidiaries	2,757		2,815
Intercompany loans	25		25
Total assets	2,790		2,847
Non-current liabilities
Total shareholders’ equity	2,790		2,847
Total equity	2,790		2,847
Total liabilities and equity	2,790		2,847
Issuers
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	2			1	1
Trade and other receivables, net	1		1
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1		3
Intercompany receivables	1,442		1,310
Total current assets	1,446		1,314
Non-current assets
Other non-current assets	12		19
Equity investment in subsidiaries	1,225		1,232
Intercompany loans	8,822		8,822
Total assets	11,505		11,387
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	103		62
Current portion of long-term debt, finance/capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings	55		54
Total current liabilities	158		116
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and finance/capital lease obligations	8,144		8,170
Deferred tax liabilities	71		71
Other non-current liabilities	6		3
Total liabilities	8,379		8,360
Total shareholders’ equity	3,126		3,027
Total equity	3,126		3,027
Total liabilities and equity	11,505		11,387
Guarantor
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	60		79	16	69
Trade and other receivables, net	460		377
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	290		234
Intercompany receivables	353		399
Total current assets	1,163		1,089
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	292		303
Operating lease right-of-use asset	221
Goodwill	5,543		5,531
Other intangible assets, net	4,504		4,545
Other non-current assets	270		273
Equity investment in subsidiaries	3,399		1,936
Intercompany loans	897		2,220
Total assets	16,289		15,897
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	440		541
Deferred revenues	230		225
Income tax liabilities	16		20
Current portion of long-term debt, finance/capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings	316		46
Intercompany payables	1,513		1,408
Total current liabilities	2,515		2,240
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and finance/capital lease obligations	82		95
Deferred tax liabilities	953		956
Operating lease liabilities	245
Intercompany loans	8,951		8,952
Other non-current liabilities	786		839
Total liabilities	13,532		13,082
Total shareholders’ equity	2,757		2,815
Total equity	2,757		2,815
Total liabilities and equity	16,289		15,897
Non-Guarantor
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	337		442	$ 444	$ 584
Trade and other receivables, net	760		740
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	132		124
Intercompany receivables	68		94
Total current assets	1,297		1,400
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	181		165
Operating lease right-of-use asset	285
Goodwill	1,466		1,456
Other intangible assets, net	516		479
Deferred tax assets	333		332
Other non-current assets	71		72
Intercompany loans	104		105
Total assets	4,253		4,009
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	528		516
Deferred revenues	146		130
Income tax liabilities	69		56
Current portion of long-term debt, finance/capital lease obligations and short-term borrowings	14		7
Intercompany payables	353		398
Total current liabilities	1,110		1,107
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and finance/capital lease obligations	16		15
Deferred tax liabilities	76		81
Operating lease liabilities	223
Intercompany loans	897		2,220
Other non-current liabilities	234		249
Total liabilities	2,556		3,672
Total shareholders’ equity	1,498		141
Noncontrolling interests	199		196
Total equity	1,697		337
Total liabilities and equity	4,253		4,009
Consolidation Eliminations
Current assets
Intercompany receivables	(1,866)		(1,806)
Total current assets	(1,866)		(1,806)
Non-current assets
Equity investment in subsidiaries	(7,381)		(5,983)
Intercompany loans	(9,848)		(11,172)
Total assets	(19,095)		(18,961)
Current liabilities
Intercompany payables	(1,866)		(1,806)
Total current liabilities	(1,866)		(1,806)
Non-current liabilities
Intercompany loans	(9,848)		(11,172)
Total liabilities	(11,714)		(12,978)
Total shareholders’ equity	(7,381)		(5,983)
Total equity	(7,381)		(5,983)
Total liabilities and equity	$ (19,095)		$ (18,961)

Guarantor Financial Informati_6

Guarantor Financial Information - Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	$ (43)	$ (117)
Investing activities:
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired	(59)	(2)
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets	(30)	(26)
Additions to intangible assets	(92)	(102)
Other investing activities	1	(2)
Net cash used in by investing activities	(180)	(132)
Net borrowings under revolving credit facility	263	195
Repayment of debt	(14)	(8)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders	(124)	(121)
Repurchase of common stock		(20)
Activity under stock plans	(3)	14
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan	1	1
Finance/capital leases	(16)	(19)
Settlement of intercompany and other financing activities	(3)	(2)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities	104	40
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(3)	15
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(122)	(194)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	524	656
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	402	462
Parent
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	(4)	(2)
Investing activities:
Cash dividends paid to shareholders	(124)	(121)
Repurchase of common stock		(20)
Activity under stock plans		18
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan	1	1
Settlement of intercompany and other financing activities	127	123
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities	4	1
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(1)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	3	2
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	3	1
Issuers
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	15	(20)
Investing activities:
Repayment of debt	(14)	(7)
Proceeds from the issuance of debt, net of issuance costs		(1)
Settlement of intercompany and other financing activities	1	28
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities	(13)	20
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	2
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		1
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	2	1
Guarantor
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	40	(113)
Investing activities:
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired	(11)	(1)
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets	(14)	(20)
Additions to intangible assets	(76)	(86)
Other investing activities	1	1
Net cash used in by investing activities	(100)	(106)
Net borrowings under revolving credit facility	263	195
Activity under stock plans	(3)	(4)
Finance/capital leases	(13)	(17)
Settlement of intercompany and other financing activities	(203)	(8)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities	44	166
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(3)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(19)	(53)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	79	69
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	60	16
Non-Guarantor
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	(94)	18
Investing activities:
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired	(48)	(1)
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets	(16)	(6)
Additions to intangible assets	(16)	(16)
Other investing activities		(3)
Net cash used in by investing activities	(80)	(26)
Repayment of debt		(1)
Proceeds from the issuance of debt, net of issuance costs		1
Finance/capital leases	(3)	(2)
Settlement of intercompany and other financing activities	72	(145)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities	69	(147)
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents		15
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(105)	(140)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	442	584
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 337	$ 444