Nielsen (NLSN) 10-Q 2 Nov 20 2020 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020shares
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2020
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Title of 12(b) Security	Ordinary shares, par value €0.07 per share
Trading Symbol	NLSN
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Registrant Name	Nielsen Holdings plc
Entity Central Index Key	0001492633
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Tax Identification Number	98-1225347
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity File Number	001-35042
Entity Address, Address Line One	85 Broad Street
Entity Address, City or Town	New York
Entity Address, State or Province	NY
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	10004
City Area Code	646
Local Phone Number	654-5000
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	X0
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Transition Report	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	356,998,802
Other Address
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Address, Address Line One	Nielsen House
Entity Address, City or Town	Oxford
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	OX4 2WB
City Area Code	646
Local Phone Number	654-5000
Entity Address, Address Line Two	John Smith Drive
Entity Address, Country	GB

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 1,563	$ 1,616	$ 4,618	$ 4,807
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	663	694	2,048	2,088
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	451	467	1,417	1,430
Depreciation and amortization	217	186	655	550
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets	8	1,004	53	1,004
Restructuring charges	50	5	145	52
Operating income/(loss)	174	(740)	300	(317)
Interest income		1	1	4
Interest expense	(92)	(100)	(277)	(299)
Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net	(3)	(6)	(6)	(10)
Other income/(expense), net		(3)	(5)	2
Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates	79	(848)	13	(620)
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes	(69)	380	(42)	325
Net income/(loss)	10	(468)	(29)	(295)
Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	3	4	12	11
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$ 7	$ (472)	$ (41)	$ (306)
Net income/(loss) per share of common stock, basic
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$ 0.02	$ (1.33)	$ (0.11)	$ (0.86)
Net income/(loss) per share of common stock, diluted
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$ 0.02	$ (1.33)	$ (0.11)	$ (0.86)
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, basic	356,913,312	355,779,274	356,661,167	355,620,821
Dilutive shares of common stock	1,529,996
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, diluted	358,443,308	355,779,274	356,661,167	355,620,821
Dividends declared per common share	$ 0.06	$ 0.35	$ 0.18	$ 1.05

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income/(loss)		$ 10	$ (468)	$ (29)	$ (295)
Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	[1]		(50)	(90)	(30)
Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges	[2]	6	(6)	(25)	(35)
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments	[3]	3	4	10	10
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)		9	(52)	(105)	(55)
Total comprehensive income/(loss)		19	(520)	(134)	(350)
Less: comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		5	3	7	12
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders		$ 14	$ (523)	$ (141)	$ (362)
[1]	Net of tax of $5 million
[2]	Net of tax of $(2) million
[3]	Net of tax of $(1)

Condensed Consolidated Statem_3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments, tax	$ 5	$ (7)	$ 5	$ (8)
Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges, tax	(2)	2	10	13
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments, tax	$ (1)	$ (1)	$ (3)	$ (2)

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 2,250	$ 454
Trade and other receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns of $52 and $28 as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively	1,094	1,103
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	434	420
Total current assets	3,778	1,977
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	390	466
Operating lease right-of-use asset	369	393
Goodwill	6,010	5,993
Other intangible assets, net	4,634	4,881
Deferred tax assets	288	276
Other non-current assets	306	333
Total assets	15,775	14,319
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	1,161	1,182
Deferred revenues	324	345
Income tax liabilities	51	60
Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease obligations and short-term borrowings	1,885	914
Total current liabilities	3,421	2,501
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations	8,125	7,395
Deferred tax liabilities	1,004	1,052
Operating lease liabilities	363	370
Other non-current liabilities	642	613
Total liabilities	13,555	11,931
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, 357,042,725 and 356,158,879 shares issued and 356,998,802 and 356,149,883 shares outstanding at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively	32	32
Additional paid-in capital	4,356	4,378
Retained earnings/(accumulated deficit)	(1,251)	(1,210)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	(1,105)	(1,005)
Total Nielsen shareholders’ equity	2,032	2,195
Noncontrolling interests	188	193
Total equity	2,220	2,388
Total liabilities and equity	$ 15,775	$ 14,319

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2020€ / shares	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)shares	Dec. 31, 2019€ / shares
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Trade and other receivables, allowances for doubtful accounts and sales returns | $	$ 52		$ 28
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	357,042,725		356,158,879
Common stock, shares outstanding	356,998,802		356,149,883

Condensed Consolidated Statem_4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Operating Activities
Net income/(loss)	$ (29)	$ (295)
Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Share-based compensation expense	44	39
Currency exchange rate differences on financial transactions and other (gains)/losses	11	7
Equity in net loss of affiliates, net of dividends received	1	1
Depreciation and amortization	655	550
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets	53	1,004
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of businesses acquired and divested:
Trade and other receivables, net	11	(57)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	137	9
Accounts payable and other current liabilities and deferred revenues	(129)	(157)
Other non-current liabilities	(37)	(48)
Interest payable	31	49
Income taxes	(86)	(506)
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	662	596
Investing Activities
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired	(29)	(62)
Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net	13
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets	(26)	(58)
Additions to intangible assets	(319)	(284)
Other investing activities	(4)	(18)
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities	(365)	(422)
Financing Activities
Net borrowings under revolving credit facility		190
Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs	2,974
Repayment of debt	(1,319)	(43)
Increase/(decrease) in other short-term borrowings		(1)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders	(64)	(373)
Activity from share-based compensation plans	(6)	(5)
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan	3	3
Finance leases	(43)	(44)
Other financing activities	(29)	(17)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities	1,516	(290)
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(17)	(19)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,796	(135)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	454	524
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	2,250	389
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash paid for income taxes	(128)	(181)
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized	$ (246)	$ (250)

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, 2018	$ 3,043		$ 32	$ 4,720	$ (795)	$ (779)	$ 11	$ (342)	$ 2,847	$ 196
Net income/(loss)	(295)				(306)				(306)	11
Currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(30)	[1]				(31)			(31)	1
Cash flow hedges, net of tax	(35)	[2]					(35)		(35)
Unrealized gain on pension liability, net of tax	10	[3]						10	10
Capital contribution by non-controlling partner	2									2
Employee stock purchase plan	3			3					3
Divestiture of a non-controlling interest in a consolidated subsidiary, net	(2)									(2)
Dividends to shareholders	(383)			(373)					(373)	(10)
Common stock activity from share-based compensation plans	(5)			(5)					(5)
Share-based compensation expense	45			45					45
Balance at Sep. 30, 2019	2,353		32	4,390	(1,101)	(810)	(24)	(332)	2,155	198
Balance at Jun. 30, 2019	2,988		32	4,501	(629)	(761)	(18)	(336)	2,789	199
Net income/(loss)	(468)				(472)				(472)	4
Currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(50)	[1]				(49)			(49)	(1)
Cash flow hedges, net of tax	(6)	[2]					(6)		(6)
Unrealized gain on pension liability, net of tax	4	[3]						4	4
Employee stock purchase plan	1			1					1
Dividends to shareholders	(128)			(124)					(124)	(4)
Common stock activity from share-based compensation plans	(1)			(1)					(1)
Share-based compensation expense	13			13					13
Balance at Sep. 30, 2019	2,353		32	4,390	(1,101)	(810)	(24)	(332)	2,155	198
Balance at Dec. 31, 2019	2,388		32	4,378	(1,210)	(776)	(19)	(210)	2,195	193
Net income/(loss)	(29)				(41)				(41)	12
Currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(90)	[1]				(85)			(85)	(5)
Cash flow hedges, net of tax	(25)	[2]					(25)		(25)
Unrealized gain on pension liability, net of tax	10	[3]						10	10
Capital contribution by non-controlling partner	1									1
Employee stock purchase plan	3			3					3
Dividends to shareholders	(77)			(64)					(64)	(13)
Common stock activity from share-based compensation plans	(6)			(6)					(6)
Share-based compensation expense	45			45					45
Balance at Sep. 30, 2020	2,220		32	4,356	(1,251)	(861)	(44)	(200)	2,032	188
Balance at Jun. 30, 2020	2,207		32	4,359	(1,258)	(859)	(50)	(203)	2,021	186
Net income/(loss)	10				7				7	3
Currency translation adjustments, net of tax						(2)			(2)	2
Cash flow hedges, net of tax	6	[2]					6		6
Unrealized gain on pension liability, net of tax	3	[3]						3	3
Capital contribution by non-controlling partner	1									1
Employee stock purchase plan	1			1					1
Dividends to shareholders	(25)			(21)					(21)	(4)
Common stock activity from share-based compensation plans	(1)			(1)					(1)
Share-based compensation expense	18			18					18
Balance at Sep. 30, 2020	$ 2,220		$ 32	$ 4,356	$ (1,251)	$ (861)	$ (44)	$ (200)	$ 2,032	$ 188
[1]	Net of tax of $5 million
[2]	Net of tax of $(2) million
[3]	Net of tax of $(1)

Condensed Consolidated Statem_6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Statement Of Stockholders Equity [Abstract]
Currency translation adjustments, tax	$ 5	$ (7)	$ 5	$ (8)
Cash flow hedges, tax	(2)	2	10	13
Defined benefit pension plan adjustments, tax	$ (1)	$ (1)	$ (3)	$ (2)

Background and Basis of Present

Background and Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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 measurement and data analytics company that provides the most complete and trusted view available of consumers and markets worldwide. The company’s approach marries proprietary Nielsen 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. Nielsen is divided into two business units: Nielsen Global Media (“Media”) and Nielsen Global Connect (“Connect”). Media, the arbiter of truth for media markets, provides media and advertising clients with unbiased and reliable metrics that create the shared understanding of the industry required for markets to function. Media helps clients to define exactly who they want to reach, as well as optimize the outcomes they can achieve. The company's cross-platform measurement strategy brings together the best of TV and digital measurement to ensure a more functional marketplace for the industry. Connect provides consumer packaged goods manufacturers and retailers with accurate, actionable information and a complete picture of the complex and changing marketplace that brands need to innovate and grow their businesses. Connect provides data and builds tools that use predictive models to turn observations in the marketplace into business decisions and winning solutions. The business's data and insights, combined with the only open, cloud native measurement and analytics platform that democratizes the power of data, continue to provide an essential foundation that makes markets possible in the rapidly evolving world of commerce. On November 7, 2019, Nielsen announced its plan to spin-off the company's Global Connect business, creating two independent, publicly traded companies -- the Global Media business and the Global Connect business. On October 31, 2020, Nielsen entered into an agreement to sell its Global Connect business to affiliates of Advent International Corporation (the “Transaction”), for $2.7 billion in cash, subject to adjustments based on closing levels of cash, indebtedness, debt-like items and working capital, and a warrant to purchase equity interests in the company that will own the Global Connect business (the “Warrant”). The Transaction was unanimously approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. The Transaction is subject to approval by Nielsen’s shareholders, regulatory approvals, consultation with the works council and other customary closing conditions; and it is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021. Refer to “Note 16 Subsequent Events” for further discussion around the Transaction. On June 30, 2020, Nielsen announced a broad-based optimization plan (the “Restructuring Plan”) to drive permanent cost savings and operational efficiencies, as well as to position the Company for greater profitability and growth. The Company expects the Restructuring Plan to be substantially completed in 2020 and for restructuring actions and other permanent cost-savings initiatives to drive approximately $250 million in pre-tax annual run-rate savings. The Company expects 2020 pre-tax restructuring charges of $160 to $170 million. Nielsen has operations in approximately 100 countries , with its Basis of Presentation The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited but, in the opinion of management, contain all the adjustments (consisting of those of a normal recurring nature) considered necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) applicable to interim periods. For a more complete discussion of significant accounting policies, commitments and contingencies and certain other information, refer to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. All amounts are presented in U.S. Dollars (“$”), 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 September 30, 2020 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 2,900,800 and 7,102,196 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 September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, as such shares would have been anti-dilutive. The effect of 8,287,995 and 7,102,196 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 nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, 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. Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”. Prior to the adoption, an estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts was made when collection of the full amount was no longer probable (incurred loss) or returns were expected. Subsequent to the adoption, as noted in Note 2, the allowance for doubtful accounts is made when collection of the full amounts is no longer probable by also incorporating reasonable and supportable forecasts (expected loss). D uring the nine months ended September 30, 2020, Nielsen sold $187 million of accounts receivable . As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, $30 million and $85 .

Summary of Recent Accounting Pr

Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements	2. Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements Financial Instruments – Credit Losses Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”. The standard significantly changes how entities measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. The standard replaced the “incurred loss” approach with an “expected loss” model for instruments measured at amortized cost. For available-for-sale debt securities, entities are required to record allowances rather than reduce the carrying amount under the other-than-temporary impairment model. It also simplifies the accounting model for purchased credit-impaired debt securities and loans. Upon adoption, this new standard did not have a significant impact on Nielsen’s consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations. Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, Compensation—Retirement Benefits—Defined Benefit Plans—General (Subtopic 715-20), which amends the current disclosure requirements regarding defined benefit pensions and other post retirement plans, and allows for the removal of certain disclosures, while adding certain new disclosure requirements. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and allows for early adoption. Nielsen does not expect this new standard to have a significant impact on its disclosures. Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income taxes In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes which amends and aims to simplify accounting disclosure requirements regarding a number of topics including: intraperiod tax allocation, accounting for deferred taxes when there are changes in consolidation of certain investments, tax basis step up in an acquisition and the application of effective rate changes during interim periods, amongst other improvements. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and allows for early adoption. Nielsen is assessing the impact of this new standard on its consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations and its future disclosures. Reference Rate Reform - On March 12, 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (“ASC 848”): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. ASC 848 contains optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform. The provisions of ASC 848 must be applied at a Topic, Subtopic or Industry Subtopic for all transactions other than derivatives, which may be applied at a hedging relationship level. The Company has elected to apply the hedge accounting expedients related to probability and the assessments of effectiveness for future LIBOR-indexed cash flows to assume that the index upon which future hedged transactions will be based matches the index on the corresponding derivatives. Application of these expedients preserves the presentation of derivatives consistent with past presentation. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of the guidance and may apply other elections as applicable as additional changes in the market occur .

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition	3. Revenue Recognition Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer. The Company recognizes revenue when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control of a product or service to a customer, which generally occurs over time. Substantially all of the Company’s customer contracts are non-cancelable and non-refundable. The following is a description of principal activities, by reportable segment, from which the Company generates its revenues. Revenue from the Connect segment consists primarily of measurement services, which include the Company’s core tracking and scan data (primarily transactional measurement data and consumer behavior information) to businesses in the consumer packaged goods industry. Nielsen’s data is used by its clients to measure their market share, tracking billions of sales transactions per month in retail outlets around the world. Revenues for these services are recognized over the period during which the performance obligations are satisfied as the customer receives and consumes the benefits provided by the Company and control of the services are transferred to the customer. The Company also provides consumer intelligence and analytical services that help clients make smarter business decisions throughout their product development and marketing cycles. The Company’s performance under these arrangements do not create an asset with an alternative use to the company and generally include an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date, as such, revenue for these services is typically recognized over time. Revenue for contracts that do not include an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date is recognized at a point in time when the performance obligation is satisfied, generally upon delivery of the services, and when control of the service is transferred to the customer. Revenue from Nielsen’s Media segment is primarily generated from television, radio, digital and mobile audience measurement services and analytics which are used by the Company’s media clients to establish the value of airtime and more effectively schedule and promote their programming and the Company’s advertising clients to plan and optimize their spending. As the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by the Company’s performance, revenues for these services are recognized over the period during which the performance obligations are satisfied and control of the service is transferred to the customer. The Company enters int o 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 Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Connect Segment Measure $ 520 $ 530 $ 1,525 $ 1,615 Predict/Activate 207 216 604 640 Connect $ 727 $ 746 $ 2,129 $ 2,255 Media Segment Audience Measurement $ 613 $ 621 $ 1,831 $ 1,848 Plan/Optimize 223 249 658 704 Media $ 836 $ 870 $ 2,489 $ 2,552 Total $ 1,563 $ 1,616 $ 4,618 $ 4,807 Timing of revenue recognition Products transferred at a point in time $ 151 $ 138 $ 442 $ 409 Products and services transferred over time 1,412 1,478 4,176 4,398 Total $ 1,563 $ 1,616 $ 4,618 $ 4,807 Contract Assets and Liabilities Contract assets represent the Company’s rights to consideration in exchange for services transferred to a customer that have not been billed as of the reporting date. While the Company’s rights to consideration are generally unconditional at the time its performance obligations are satisfied, under certain circumstances the related billing occurs in arrears, generally within one month of the services being rendered. At the inception of a contract, the Company generally expects the period between when it transfers its services to its customers and when the customer pays for such services will be one year or less. Contract liabilities relate to advance consideration received or the right to consideration that is unconditional from customers for which revenue is recognized when the performance obligation is satisfied and control transferred to the customer. The table below sets forth the Company’s contract assets and contract liabilities from contracts with customers. (IN MILLIONS) September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Contract assets $ 262 $ 218 Contract liabilities $ 324 $ 346 The increase in the contract assets balance during the period was primarily due to $229 million of revenue recognized that was not billed, in accordance with the terms of the contracts, as of September 30, 2020, offset by $182 million of contract assets included in the December 31, 2019 balance that were invoiced to our clients and therefore transferred to trade receivables. The decrease in the contract liability balance during the period is primarily due to $286 million of advance consideration received or the right to consideration that is unconditional from customers for which revenue was not recognized during the period, more than offset by $308 million of revenue recognized that was included in the December 31, 2019 contract liability balance. Transaction Price Allocated to the Remaining Performance Obligations As of September 30, 2020, approximately $5.8 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 62% of these remaining performance obligations through December 31, 2021, with the balance recognized thereafter. Deferred Costs Incremental direct costs incurred to build the infrastructure to service new contracts are capitalized as a contract cost. As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the balances of such capitalized costs were $12 million and $11 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2020 was $2 million and $4 million, respectively. The amortization of these costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $2 million and $6 million, respectively. There was no impairment loss recorded in any of the periods presented. Expected Credit Losses Nielsen is required to measure expected credit losses on trade accounts receivable. Nielsen considered the asset’s contractual life, the risk of loss and reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic The following schedule represents the allowance for doubtful accounts rollforward incorporating expected credit losses as of September 30, 2020. (IN MILLIONS) Balance Charges to Deductions Effect of Balance at Allowance for accounts receivable For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 $ 12 $ 13 $ (7 ) $ - $ 18

Business Acquisitions

Business Acquisitions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Acquisitions	4. Business Acquisitions Acquisitions For the nine months ended September 30, 2020, Nielsen paid cash consideration of $29 million associated with current period acquisitions, net of cash acquired. Had these 2020 acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2020, the impact on Nielsen’s consolidated results of operations would not have been material. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, Nielsen paid cash consideration of $62 million associated with current period acquisitions, net of cash acquired. Had these 2019 acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2019, the impact on Nielsen’s consolidated results of operations would not have been material.

Leases

Leases	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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 . rate implicit in the lease for the discount rate when determining the present value of lease payments whenever that rate is readily determinable. If the rate is not readily determinable, Nielsen uses its incremental borrowing rate, which is updated periodically, based on the information available at commencement date. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments related to initial direct cost and prepayments and excludes lease incentives. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Nielsen has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for together . Nielsen has operating and finance leases for real estate facilities, servers, computer hardware, and other equipment. Nielsen’s leases have remaining lease terms of 1 year to 30 years, some of which include options to extend the leases for up to 5 years, and some of which include options to terminate the leases within 1 year. The components of lease expense were as follows: (in millions) Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 Lease cost Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets $ 14 $ 15 Interest on lease liabilities 2 2 Total finance lease cost 16 17 Operating lease cost 31 33 Sublease income (1 ) - Total lease cost $ 46 $ 50 (in millions) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 Lease cost Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets $ 46 $ 52 Interest on lease liabilities 6 7 Total finance lease cost 52 59 Operating lease cost 94 91 Short-term lease cost 2 - Sublease income (3 ) (2 ) Total lease cost $ 145 $ 148 Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows: (in millions, except lease term and discount rate) September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Operating leases Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 369 $ 393 Other current liabilities 108 110 Operating lease liabilities 363 370 Total operating lease liabilities $ 471 $ 480 Finance leases Property, plant and equipment, gross $ 412 $ 393 Accumulated depreciation (252 ) (213 ) Property, plant and equipment, net 160 180 Other intangible assets, gross 24 24 Accumulated amortization (17 ) (13 ) Other intangible assets, net 7 11 Accounts payable and other current liabilities 53 53 Long-term debt and capital lease obligations 73 92 Total finance lease liabilities $ 126 $ 145 Nine Months Ended September 30, Other information 2020 2019 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating cash flows from finance leases (6 ) (7 ) Operating cash flows from operating leases (97 ) (106 ) Financing cash flows from finance leases (43 ) (44 ) Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities 23 17 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities 38 41 Weighted-average remaining lease term--finance leases 4 years 4 years Weighted-average remaining lease term--operating leases 7 years 8 years Weighted-average discount rate--finance leases 5.49 % 6.30 % Weighted-average discount rate--operating leases 4.08 % 4.50 % Annual maturities of Nielsen’s lease liabilities are as follows: (in millions) Operating Leases Finance Leases For October 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 $ 33 $ 17 2021 112 51 2022 95 36 2023 68 24 2024 48 4 2025 32 1 Thereafter 165 5 Total lease payments 553 138 Less imputed interest (82 ) (12 ) Total $ 471 $ 126

Goodwill and Other Intangible A

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	6. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill During the first quarter of 2020, despite the excess fair value identified in our 2019 impairment assessment, we determined that the significant decline in Nielsen’s market capitalization and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic indicated that there was a triggering event for an interim assessment. As a result, we reviewed our previous forecasts and assumptions based on our projections that are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including: forecasted revenues, expenses and cash flows, including the duration and extent of impact to our business from the COVID-19 pandemic, current discount rates, the reduction in Nielsen's market capitalization, and observable market transactions. Based on our interim impairment assessment as of March 31, 2020, we determined that the estimated fair values of the reporting units exceeded their carrying values (including goodwill), thus no impairment was recorded. Based on our second and third quarter results and projections, there were no indicators of impairment during the second or third quarter of 2020. Nielsen will continue to closely evaluate any indicators of future impairments. During the third quarter ended September 30, 2019, prior to the annual assessment date, in connection with Nielsen’s ongoing strategic review, Nielsen considered various alternatives for the Company including the potential sale of the Connect business. During this process, there were indications that the fair value of the Connect reporting unit was lower than the carrying value. Nielsen considered this as well as other factors to be interim indicators of impairment and determined that it was more likely than not that the Connect reporting unit was impaired. Management performed an impairment analysis of Connect as of the September 30, 2019. As a result of this analysis, Nielsen concluded that the fair value was less than the carrying value and recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $1,004 million for the Connect reporting unit. The primary inputs for determining the estimated fair value were inputs from the strategic review process, market values for comparable entities and updated intrinsic values. The table below summarizes the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2020. (IN MILLIONS) Connect Media Total Balance, December 31, 2019 $ 331 $ 5,662 $ 5,993 Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments 20 (3 ) 17 Effect of foreign currency translation (1 ) 1 — Balance, September 30, 2020 $ 350 $ 5,660 $ 6,010 At September 30, 2020, $38 million of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. Other Intangible Assets Gross Amounts Accumulated Amortization September 30, December 31, September 30, December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Indefinite-lived intangibles: Trade names and trademarks $ 1,921 $ 1,921 $ — $ — Amortized intangibles: Trade names and trademarks 144 144 (114 ) (109 ) Customer-related intangibles 3,125 3,153 (1,881 ) (1,764 ) Covenants-not-to-compete 37 37 (36 ) (36 ) Content databases 168 168 (50 ) (40 ) Computer software 2,931 2,626 (1,646 ) (1,260 ) Patents and other 186 182 (151 ) (141 ) Total $ 6,591 $ 6,310 $ (3,878 ) $ (3,350 ) During 2020, Nielsen decided to exit smaller, underperforming markets and non-core businesses and product line and concluded that this decision represented an impairment indicator for the long-lived assets within those markets and businesses. To the extent that the carrying value of the assets exceeded the sum of the future undiscounted cash flows, we measured an impairment charge using a discounted cash flow method for estimation of the assets’ fair value. The non-cash impairment charge associated with amortizable intangibles was $8 million and $45 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively. This charge was primarily recorded within our Media segment. Amortization expense associated with the above intangible assets was $177 million and $141 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. These amounts included amortization expense associated with computer software of $131 million and $94 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Amortization expense associated with the above intangible assets was $527 million and $415 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. These amounts included amortization expense associated with computer software of $386 million and $267 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. At September 30, 2020, the net book value of purchased software and internally developed software was $22 million and $1,263 million, respectively.

Changes in and Reclassification

Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) by Component	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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 nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. Foreign Currency Translation Post Employment Adjustments Cash Flow Hedges Benefits Total (IN MILLIONS) Balance December 31, 2019 $ (776 ) $ (19 ) $ (210 ) $ (1,005 ) Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications (90 ) (37 ) 1 (126 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (income)/loss — 12 9 21 Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) (90 ) (25 ) 10 (105 ) Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest (5 ) — — (5 ) Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders (85 ) (25 ) 10 (100 ) Balance September 30, 2020 $ (861 ) $ (44 ) $ (200 ) $ (1,105 ) Foreign 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 (30 ) (28 ) 2 (56 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (income)/loss — (7 ) 8 1 Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) (30 ) (35 ) 10 (55 ) Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest 1 — — 1 Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders (31 ) (35 ) 10 (56 ) Balance September 30, 2019 $ (810 ) $ (24 ) $ (332 ) $ (1,166 ) The table below summarizes the reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other (IN MILLIONS) Comprehensive (Income)/Loss Details about Accumulated Affected Line Item in the Other Comprehensive Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Condensed Consolidated Income components September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Statement of Operations Cash flow hedges Interest rate contracts $ 7 $ (2 ) Interest (income)/expense (2 ) — (Benefit)/provision for income taxes $ 5 $ (2 ) Total, net of tax Amortization of Post-Employment Benefits Actuarial loss $ 4 $ 3 (a) (1 ) (1 ) (Benefit)/provision for income taxes $ 3 $ 2 Total, net of tax Total reclassification for the period $ 8 $ — Net of tax (a) This accumulated other comprehensive loss component is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. The table below summarizes the reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for th e nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 , respectively. Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other (IN MILLIONS) Comprehensive (Income)/Loss Details about Accumulated Affected Line Item in the Other Comprehensive Nine Months Ended Nine Months Ended Condensed Consolidated Income components September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Statement of Operations Cash flow hedges Interest rate contracts $ 17 $ (9 ) Interest (income)/expense (5 ) 2 (Benefit)/provision for income taxes $ 12 $ (7 ) Total, net of tax Amortization of Post-Employment Benefits Actuarial loss $ 12 $ 10 (a) (3 ) (2 ) (Benefit)/provision for income taxes $ 9 $ 8 Total, net of tax Total reclassification for the period $ 21 $ 1 Net of tax (a) This accumulated other comprehensive loss component is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost.

Restructuring Activities

Restructuring Activities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Activities	8. Restructuring Activities Optimization Initiatives In June, 2020, Nielsen announced a broad-based optimization plan to drive permanent cost savings and operational efficiencies, as well as to position the Company for greater profitability and growth. The Company expects the plan to be substantially completed in 2020. Nielsen incurred $50 million of restructuring charges in the third quarter of 2020. These charges mostly represent severance costs related to employee separation packages. The amounts are calculated based on salary levels and past service periods. Severance costs are generally charged to earnings when planned employee terminations are approved. A summary of the changes in the liabilities for restructuring activities is provided below: Total (IN MILLIONS) Initiatives Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 35 Charges (1) 128 Payments (71 ) Effect of foreign currency translation and other adjustments 2 Balance at September 30, 2020 $ 94 (1 ) Excludes charges related to operating lease right-of-use assets of $17 million. Nielsen recorded $50 million and $145 million in restructuring charges primarily relating to the optimization initiatives referenced above for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively. Nielsen recorded $5 million and $52 million in restructuring charges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, respectively, primarily related to programs associated with Nielsen’s plans to reduce selling, general and administrative expenses as well as automation initiatives. These charges primarily related to severance costs associated with employee separation packages. Of the $94 million in remaining liabilities for restructuring actions, $87 million is expected to be paid within one year and is classified as a current liability within the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2020.

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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 and long-term debt. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurements. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurements requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of the assets and liabilities being measured and their placement within the fair value hierarchy. In addition, the Company records changes in the fair value of equity investments with readily determinable fair values in net income rather than in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss). Investments that do not have readily determinable fair values are recognized at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. The adjustments related to the observable price changes will also be recognized in net income . The following table summarizes the valuation of the Company’s material financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019: September 30, (IN MILLIONS) 2020 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) — — — — Total $ 29 $ 29 $ — — Liabilities: Interest rate swap arrangements (3) $ 59 — $ 59 — Deferred compensation liabilities (4) 27 27 — — Total $ 86 $ 27 $ 59 — December 31, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Plan assets for deferred compensation (1) $ 26 $ 26 — — Investment in mutual funds (2) 2 2 — — Interest rate swap arrangements (3) — — — — Total $ 28 $ 28 — — Liabilities: Interest rate swap arrangements (3) $ 22 — $ 22 — Deferred compensation liabilities (4) 26 26 — — Total $ 48 $ 26 $ 22 — (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 September 30, 2020, 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 During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, Nielsen recorded a net loss of $3 million and zero, respectively, associated with foreign currency derivative financial instruments within foreign currency exchange transactions losses, net in its condensed consolidated statements of operations. As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 the notional amount of the outstanding foreign currency derivative financial instruments were $77 million and $125 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. As of September 30, 2020, the Company had the following outstanding interest rate swaps utilized in the management of its interest rate risk: Notional Amount Maturity Date Currency Interest rate swaps designated as hedging instruments US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps $ 250,000,000 October 2020 U.S. Dollar US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps $ 250,000,000 October 2021 U.S. Dollar US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps $ 250,000,000 July 2022 U.S. Dollar US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps $ 150,000,000 April 2023 U.S. Dollar US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps $ 250,000,000 May 2023 U.S. Dollar US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps $ 250,000,000 June 2023 U.S. Dollar US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps $ 150,000,000 July 2023 U.S. Dollar The effect of cash flow hedge accounting on the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 respectively: Interest Expense Interest Expense Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (IN MILLIONS) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Interest expense (Location in the consolidated statement of operations in which the effects of cash flow hedges are recorded) $ 92 $ 100 $ 277 $ 299 Amount of gain/(loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income, net of tax $ (5 ) $ 2 $ (12 ) $ 7 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 $26 million of net pre-tax losses from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense in the next 12 months associated with its interest-related derivative financial instruments. Fair Values of Derivative Instruments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets The fair values of the Company’s derivative instruments as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were as follows: September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments Prepaid Expense Prepaid Expense Other and Other Current Other Current Other Non-Current Other Current Other Current Non-Current (IN MILLIONS) Assets Liabilities Liabilities Assets Liabilities Liabilities Interest rate swaps $ — $ 2 $ 57 $ — $ — $ 22 Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships The pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 was as follows: Amount of (Gain)/Loss Amount of (Gain)/Loss Reclassified from AOCI Recognized in OCI Location of 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 September 30, Portion) September 30, (IN MILLIONS) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Interest rate swaps $ (1 ) $ 6 Interest expense $ 7 $ (2 ) The pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 was as follows: Amount of (Gain)/Loss Amount of (Gain)/Loss Reclassified from AOCI Recognized in OCI Location of Loss into Income (Effective Portion) Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion) Derivatives in Cash Flow Nine Months Ended into Income Nine Months Ended Hedging Relationships September 30, (Effective Portion) September 30, (IN MILLIONS) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Interest rate swaps $ 52 $ 39 Interest expense $ 17 $ (9 ) Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis During 2020, Nielsen concluded that the decision to exit smaller, underperforming markets and non-core businesses was an impairment indicator for the long-lived assets within those exits. Where the carrying value of the assets exceeded the sum of the future undiscounted cash flows, we measured an impairment charge using a discounted cash flow method for estimation of the assets’ fair value. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we recognized a pre-tax non-cash impairment charge associated with long- lived assets of $53 million, including $45 million of definite-lived intangible assets and $8 million of property, plant and equipment.

Long-term Debt and Other Financ

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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 September 30, 2020. September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 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 1.90%) due 2023 $ 1,063 1,059 $ 1,086 1,079 $2,303 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based variable rate of 2.15%) due 2023 2,245 2,198 2,263 2,273 € of 2.50%) due 2023 344 341 603 606 €660 of 3.75%) due 2025 757 771 — — $550 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based variable rate of 4.75%) due 2025 534 547 — — $850 million senior secured revolving credit facility (Euro LIBOR or LIBOR based variable rate) due 2023 — — — — Total senior secured credit facilities (with weighted-average interest rate) 2.94 % 4,943 4,916 3.52 % 3,952 3,958 $800 million 4.500% senior debenture loan due 2020 — — 799 802 $425 million 5.500% senior debenture loan due 2021 424 425 622 629 $2,300 million 5.000% senior debenture loan due 2022 2,295 2,302 2,293 2,312 $500 million 5.000% senior debenture loan due 2025 497 508 497 516 $1,000 million 5.625% senior debenture loan due 2028 985 1,026 — — $750 million 5.875% senior debenture loan due 2030 739 776 — — Total debenture loans (with weighted-average interest rate) 5.55 % 4,940 5,037 5.22 % 4,211 4,259 Other loans — — 1 1 Total long-term debt 4.25 % 9,883 9,953 4.40 % 8,164 8,218 Finance lease and other financing obligations 127 145 Total debt and other financing arrangements 10,010 8,309 Less: Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease and other financing obligations and other short-term borrowings 1,885 914 Non-current portion of long-term debt and finance lease and other financing obligations $ 8,125 $ 7,395 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. Senior Secured Credit Facilities Term Loan Facilities In June 2020, Nielsen entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) € On June 4, 2020, Nielsen borrowed the full amount of the Dollar Term B-5 Loans and the Euro Term B-3 Loans. The proceeds of the Dollar Term B-5 Loans and Euro Term B-3 Loans were used to redeem all of the $800 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of the 4.500% Notes due 2020 and redeem $200 million of the $625 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of its 5.500% Senior Notes due 2021. The partial redemption of the 5.500% Notes resulted in $425 million aggregate principal amount of 2021 Notes remaining outstanding. The Dollar Term B-5 Loans and the Euro Term B-3 Loans will mature in full on the earlier of (i) June 4, 2025 and (ii) if the existing Class B Term Loans incurred pursuant to and as defined in the Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 29, 2018 (the “Existing Credit Agreement”) have not been repaid or refinanced (subject to additional limitations in the Credit Agreement) on or prior to the date that is 91 days prior to October 4, 2023, on October 4, 2023. The Dollar Term B-5 Loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at the election of Nielsen, (i) a base rate or eurocurrency rate, plus (ii) an applicable margin of 2.75%, in the case of base rate loans, and 3.75%, in the case of eurocurrency rate loans. The Euro Term B-3 Loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to (i) a eurocurrency rate plus (ii) an applicable margin of 3.75%. The Credit Agreement contains substantially the same affirmative and negative covenants as those of the Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 29, 2018 (as amended, restated, supplemented, replaced or otherwise modified from time to time), however, the Credit Agreement expressly permits actions in connection with and resulting in the disposition of Nielsen Global Connect, including by way of a spin-off of the Connect Business, as previously announced by Nielsen. The obligations under the Credit Agreement are secured on a pari passu Nielsen wrote-off certain previously deferred financing fees of $1 million associated with the June 2020 debt refinancing and capitalized certain fees in connection with the refinancing of $9 million. In July, 2020, Nielsen entered into Amendment No. 1 (“Amendment No. 1”), relating to its Credit Agreement, dated as of June 4, 2020. Pursuant to Amendment No. 1, the Company incurred new Euro Term B-3 Loans in an aggregate principal amount of €240 million (the “Incremental Euro Term B-3 Loans”), thereby increasing the outstanding amount of existing Euro Term B-3 Loans under the 2020 Credit Agreement to approximately €660 million. The proceeds of the Incremental Euro Term B-3 Loans were used by Nielsen to prepay the €545 million Senior secured term loan The Incremental Euro Term B-3 Loans are subject to the same terms, maturity date and interest rate as the existing Euro Term B-3 Loans. The Incremental Euro Term B-3 Loans are subject to customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default. In July, 2020, Nielsen entered into the Sixth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Amendment Agreement”) amending and restating the Existing Credit Agreement. The modifications in the agreement primarily conform the covenants and certain other terms to the terms of the 2020 Credit Agreement. The amended agreement expressly permits actions in connection with and resulting in the disposition of Nielsen Global Connect, including by way of a spin-off of the Connect Business, as previously announced by Nielsen. Nielsen wrote-off certain previously deferred financing fees and incurred new fees as part of the July financings of $3 million and capitalized certain fees in connection with the July financings of $5 million. Debenture Loans In September, 2020, Nielsen issued $1 billion aggregate principal amount of 5.625% Senior Notes due 2028 (the “2028 Notes”), which mature on October 1, 2028 at par and $750 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.875% Senior Notes due 2030 (the “2030 Notes” and together with the 2028 Notes, the “Notes”), which mature on October 1, 2030 at par. Nielsen capitalized certain fees in connection with the refinancing of $27 million. Nielsen will pay interest on the 2028 Notes at a rate of 5.625% per annum and on the 2030 Notes at a rate of 5.875% per annum, in each case semiannually on the interest payment dates provided in the applicable Indenture. Concurrent with this issuance the Company called for partial redemption of 100% 30, 2020. The proceeds from the 2028 Notes and 2030 Notes were primarily held in money market funds and included within cash and cash equivalents within the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2020. The funds will be utilized for the $ 275 million partial redemption of the 5.500 % 2021 Notesand $ 1,475 million partial redemption of the 5.000 % 2022 Notes. Subsequent Events: In October 2020 the Company redeemed $275 million of the $425 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of the 5.500% senior notes due 2021 and $1,475 million of the $2,300 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of its 5.000% senior notes due 2022, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the partial redemption date. The partial redemption of the redeemed notes resulted in $150 million aggregate principal amount of 2021 Notes and $825 million aggregate principal amount of 2022 Notes remaining outstanding. The redemption of the 2021 Notes and 2022 Notes will result in a pre-tax charge of $4 million in the fourth quarter of 2020. Annual maturities of Nielsen’s long-term debt are as follows: (IN MILLIONS) For October 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 (1) $ 1,768 2021 221 2022 911 2023 3,469 2024 8 2025 (2) 1,759 Thereafter 1,747 $ 9,883 (1) Includes the portion of the Senior Notes due 2021 and Senior notes due 2022 to be partially redeemed during October 2020 which are presented within the current portion of long-term debt, finance lease obligations and short-term borrowings within the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2020. (2) If the existing € 545 have not been repaid or refinanced (subject to additional limitations in the Credit Agreement) on or prior to the date that is 91 days prior to October 4, 2023, the € 420

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	11. Shareholders’ Equity Common stock activity is as follows: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 Actual number of shares of common stock outstanding Beginning of period 356,149,883 Shares of common stock issued through compensation plans 883,846 Employee benefit trust activity (34,927 ) End of period 356,998,802 On January 31, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) adopted a cash dividend policy to pay quarterly cash dividends on its outstanding common stock. The following table represents the cash dividends declared by the Board and paid to shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2019 and the nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively. Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date Dividend Per Share February 21, 2019 March 7, 2019 March 21, 2019 $ 0.35 April 18, 2019 June 5, 2019 June 19, 2019 $ 0.35 July 18, 2019 August 22, 2019 September 5, 2019 $ 0.35 November 3, 2019 November 21, 2019 December 5, 2019 $ 0.06 February 20, 2020 March 5, 2020 March 19, 2020 $ 0.06 April 16, 2020 June 4, 2020 June 18, 2020 $ 0.06 July 16, 2020 August 20, 2020 September 3, 2020 $ 0.06 On November 3, 2019 the Board approved a plan to reduce the quarterly cash dividend, with the goal of strengthening Nielsen’s balance sheet and providing added flexibility to invest for growth . On October 27, 2020, the Board declared a cash dividend of $0.06 per share on Nielsen’s common stock. The dividend is payable on December 3, 2020 to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 19, 2020. 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 and depending on Nielsen’s evaluation of market conditions and other factors. This program has been executed within the limitations of the authority granted Nielsen on August 6, 2015 and which has been extended by the authority approved by Nielsen's shareholders at its annual general meeting of shareholders held on May 12, 2020, which authority will expire on May 12, 2025 . As of September 30, 2020, 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 nine months ended September 30, 2020.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	12. Income Taxes The effective tax rates before discrete tax items for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 were 60% ($48 million tax expense) and 30% ($47 million tax expense), respectively. The tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2020 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, Base Erosion and Anti-Abuse Tax (“BEAT tax”) and withholding taxes. The tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 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. For the three months ended September 30, 2020, the total tax expense was $69 million which includes the tax impact of spin-off related transactions, offset by the favorable impact of releasing certain tax contingencies recognized in the third quarter. For the three months ended September 30, 2019, the total tax benefit was $380 million which includes the favorable impact of releasing certain tax contingencies and other discrete items recognized in the third quarter. The effective tax rates before discrete tax items for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 were 50% ( $7 million tax expense) and 31% ( $118 million tax expense), respectively. The tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 was higher than the statutory rate as a result of the impact of tax rate differences in other jurisdictions where the Company files tax retur ns, BEAT tax , and withholding taxes offset by reversal of valuation allowance related to certain loss carryforwards. The tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 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. For the nine months ended September 30, 202 0, the total tax expense was $42 million which includes the impact of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act, and the tax impact of spin-off related transactions, offset by the favorable impact of releasing certain tax contingencies and other discrete items recognized in the period. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the total tax benefit was $325 million which includes the favorable impact of releasing certain tax contingencies and other discrete items recognized in the period. The estimated liability for unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2019 was $164 million. If the Company’s tax positions are favorably sustained by the taxing authorities, the reversal of the underlying liabilities would reduce the Company’s effective tax rate in future periods. The Company files numerous consolidated and separate income tax returns in the U.S. and in many state and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. Federal income tax examination for 2015 and prior periods. In addition, the Company has subsidiaries in various states, provinces and countries that are currently under audit for years ranging from 2007 through 2019. 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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 alleged similar facts but also named other Nielsen officers, was filed in the Northern District of Illinois in September 2018 and transferred to the Southern District of New York in December 2018. The actions were consolidated on April 22, 2019, and the Public Employees’ Retirement System of Mississippi was appointed lead plaintiff for the putative class. The operative complaint was filed on September 27, 2019, and asserts violations of certain provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, based on allegedly false and materially misleading statements relating to the outlook of Nielsen’s Buy (now “Connect”) segment, Nielsen’s preparedness for changes in global data privacy laws and Nielsen’s reliance on third-party data. Nielsen moved to dismiss the operative complaint on November 26, 2019. Briefing of Nielsen’s motion concluded on February 26, 2020. In addition, in January 2019, a shareholder derivative lawsuit was filed in New York Supreme Court against a number of Nielsen’s current and former officers and directors. The derivative lawsuit alleges that the named officers and directors breached their fiduciary duties to the Company in connection with factual assertions substantially similar to those in the putative class action complaint. The derivative lawsuit further alleges that certain officers and directors engaged in trading Nielsen stock based on material, nonpublic information. By agreement dated June 26, 2019, the derivative lawsuit has been stayed pending resolution of Nielsen’s motion to dismiss the aforementioned securities litigation. Nielsen intends to defend these lawsuits vigorously. Based on currently available information, Nielsen believes that the Company has meritorious defenses to these actions and that their resolution is not likely to have a material adverse effect on Nielsen’s business, financial position, or results of operations. Nielsen is subject to litigation and other claims in the ordinary course of business, some of which include claims for substantial sums. Accruals have been recorded when the outcome is probable and can be reasonably estimated. While the ultimate results of claims and litigation cannot be determined, the Company does expect that the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on its operations or financial condition. However, depending on the amount and the timing, an unfavorable resolution of some or all of these matters could materially affect the Company’s future results of operations or cash flows in a particular period.

Segments

Segments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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. Operating segments are aggregated into two reporting segments: Nielsen Global Connect (“Connect”), consisting principally of market research information and analytical services; and Nielsen Global Media (“Media”), consisting principally of television, radio, online and mobile audience and advertising measurement and corresponding analytics. 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 September 30, 2020 Revenues $ 727 $ 836 $ — $ 1,563 Operating income/(loss) 10 226 (62 ) 174 Depreciation and amortization 67 148 2 217 Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets — 8 — 8 Restructuring charges 40 4 6 50 Share-based compensation expense 6 4 7 17 Separation-related costs (1) 1 2 27 30 Other items (2) — — 5 5 Business segment income/(loss) (3) $ 124 $ 392 $ (15 ) $ 501 Total assets as of September 30, 2020 $ 4,368 $ 9,129 $ 2,278 $ 15,775 (IN MILLIONS) Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 Revenues $ 746 $ 870 $ — $ 1,616 Operating income/(loss) (964 ) $ 250 $ (26 ) $ (740 ) Depreciation and amortization 57 $ 127 $ 2 $ 186 Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets 1,004 $ — $ — $ 1,004 Restructuring charges 8 $ 1 $ (4 ) $ 5 Share-based compensation expense 4 $ 3 $ 6 $ 13 Other items (2 ) — $ — $ 8 $ 8 Business segment income/(loss) (3) $ 109 $ 381 $ (14 ) $ 476 Total assets as of December 31, 2019 $ 4,376 $ 9,675 $ 268 $ 14,319 (IN MILLIONS) Connect Media Corporate Total Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 Revenues $ 2,129 $ 2,489 $ — $ 4,618 Operating income/(loss) (41 ) 537 (196 ) 300 Depreciation and amortization 198 451 6 655 Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets 4 49 — 53 Restructuring charges 103 30 12 145 Share-based compensation expense 12 12 20 44 Separation-related costs (1) 1 2 88 91 Other items (2) 1 — 33 34 Business segment income/(loss) (3) $ 278 $ 1,081 $ (37 ) $ 1,322 (IN MILLIONS) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Revenues $ 2,255 $ 2,552 $ — $ 4,807 Operating income/(loss) (920 ) $ 701 $ (98 ) $ (317 ) Depreciation and amortization 167 $ 378 $ 5 $ 550 Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets 1,004 $ — $ — $ 1,004 Restructuring charges 34 $ 11 $ 7 $ 52 Share-based compensation expense 12 $ 9 $ 18 $ 39 Other items (2 ) — $ — $ 33 $ 33 Business segment income/(loss) (3) $ 297 $ 1,099 $ (35 ) $ 1,361 (1) Separation-related costs consists of costs that would not have been incurred if Nielsen was not undertaking the separation of the Nielsen Global Connect business from the Nielsen Global Media business and positioning Global Connect and Global Media to operate as two independent companies. (2) Other items primarily consist of business optimization costs and transaction related costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020. Other items primarily consist of business optimization costs, including strategic review costs, and transaction related costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019. (3) 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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 September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, and consolidating statements of operations and cash flows for the periods ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, the Company re-designated certain subsidiaries between guarantor and non-guarantor. As a result, the Company adjusted the prior period condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income and the condensed consolidated balance sheet to reflect the current year structure. The issued debt securities are jointly and severally guaranteed on a full and unconditional basis by Nielsen, Valcon Acquisition B.V. and, subject to certain exceptions, each of the other 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.à r.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 (Unaudited) For the three months ended September 30, 2020 Non- (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Guarantor Elimination Consolidated Revenues $ — $ — $ 1,045 $ 518 $ — $ 1,563 Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below — — 389 274 — 663 Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below 2 — 246 203 — 451 Depreciation and amortization — — 182 35 — 217 Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets — — 8 — — 8 Restructuring charges — — 17 33 — 50 Operating income/(loss) (2 ) — 203 (27 ) — 174 Interest income — 154 1 — (155 ) — Interest expense — (82 ) (164 ) (1 ) 155 (92 ) Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net — — (2 ) (1 ) — (3 ) Other income/(expense), net — (1 ) (51 ) 52 — — Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries and affiliates (2 ) 71 (13 ) 23 — 79 Benefit/(provision) for income taxes — (125 ) 33 23 — (69 ) Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries 9 51 (12 ) — (48 ) — Equity on net income/(loss) of affiliates — — 1 (1 ) — — Net income/(loss) 7 (3 ) 9 45 (48 ) 10 Less net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 3 — 3 Net income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest 7 (3 ) 9 42 (48 ) 7 Total other comprehensive income/(loss) 7 (7 ) 7 (15 ) 17 9 Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 2 — 2 Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interests 7 (7 ) 7 (17 ) 17 7 Total comprehensive income/(loss) 14 (10 ) 16 30 (31 ) 19 Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest — — — 5 — 5 Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest $ 14 $ (10 ) $ 16 $ 25 $ (31 ) $ 14 Nielsen Holdings plc Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) For the three months ended September 30, 2019 Non- (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Guarantor Elimination Consolidated Revenues $ — $ — $ 1,067 $ 549 $ — $ 1,616 Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below — — 400 294 — 694 Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below 1 — 240 226 — 467 Depreciation and amortization — — 158 28 — 186 Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets 419 585 1,004 Restructuring charges — — — 5 — 5 Operating income/(loss) (1 ) — (150 ) (589 ) — (740 ) Interest income — 180 49 2 (230 ) 1 Interest expense — (93 ) (188 ) (49 ) 230 (100 ) Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net — — 42 (48 ) — (6 ) Other income/(expense), net — — (109 ) 106 — (3 ) Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries (1 ) 87 (356 ) (578 ) — (848 ) Benefit/(provision) for income taxes — (23 ) 383 20 — 380 Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries (471 ) 57 (498 ) — 912 — Net income/(loss) (472 ) 121 (471 ) (558 ) 912 (468 ) Less net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 4 — 4 Net income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest (472 ) 121 (471 ) (562 ) 912 (472 ) Total other comprehensive income/(loss) (51 ) 12 (51 ) 38 — (52 ) Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — (1 ) — (1 ) Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interests (51 ) 12 (51 ) 39 — (51 ) Total comprehensive income/(loss) (523 ) 133 (522 ) (520 ) 912 (520 ) Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 3 — 3 Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest $ (523 ) $ 133 $ (522 ) $ (523 ) $ 912 $ (523 ) Nielsen Holdings plc Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 Non- (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Guarantor Elimination Consolidated Revenues $ — $ — $ 3,096 $ 1,522 $ — $ 4,618 Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below — — 1,206 842 — 2,048 Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below 13 — 758 646 — 1,417 Depreciation and amortization — — 548 107 — 655 Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets — — 53 — — 53 Restructuring charges — — 50 95 — 145 Operating income/(loss) (13 ) — 481 (168 ) — 300 Interest income 1 526 17 11 (554 ) 1 Interest expense — (258 ) (555 ) (18 ) 554 (277 ) Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net — — 16 (22 ) — (6 ) Other income/(expense), net — (2 ) (106 ) 103 — (5 ) Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries and affiliates (12 ) 266 (147 ) (94 ) — 13 Benefit/(provision) for income taxes — (72 ) 9 21 — (42 ) Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries (29 ) 133 109 — (213 ) — Net income/(loss) (41 ) 327 (29 ) (73 ) (213 ) (29 ) Less net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 12 — 12 Net income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest (41 ) 327 (29 ) (85 ) (213 ) (41 ) Total other comprehensive income/(loss) (100 ) (39 ) (100 ) (112 ) 246 (105 ) Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — (5 ) — (5 ) Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interests (100 ) (39 ) (100 ) (107 ) 246 (100 ) Total comprehensive income/(loss) (141 ) 288 (129 ) (185 ) 33 (134 ) Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 7 — 7 Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest $ (141 ) $ 288 $ (129 ) $ (192 ) $ 33 $ (141 ) Nielsen Holdings plc Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 Non- (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Guarantor Elimination Consolidated Revenues $ — $ — $ 3,137 $ 1,670 $ — $ 4,807 Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below — — 1,176 912 — 2,088 Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below 3 — 734 693 — 1,430 Depreciation and amortization — — 460 90 — 550 Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets — — 419 585 — 1,004 Restructuring charges — — 25 27 — 52 Operating income/(loss) (3 ) — 323 (637 ) — (317 ) Interest income 1 565 51 5 (618 ) 4 Interest expense — (279 ) (586 ) (52 ) 618 (299 ) Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net — — 48 (58 ) — (10 ) Other income/(expense), net — — (206 ) 208 — 2 Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries (2 ) 286 (370 ) (534 ) — (620 ) Benefit/(provision) for income taxes — (77 ) 442 (40 ) — 325 Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries (304 ) 146 (376 ) — 534 — Net income/(loss) (306 ) 355 (304 ) (574 ) 534 (295 ) Less net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 11 — 11 Net income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest (306 ) 355 (304 ) (585 ) 534 (306 ) Total other comprehensive income/(loss) (56 ) (13 ) (56 ) 75 (5 ) (55 ) Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 1 — 1 Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interests (56 ) (13 ) (56 ) 74 (5 ) (56 ) Total comprehensive income/(loss) (362 ) 342 (360 ) (499 ) 529 (350 ) Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 12 — 12 Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest $ (362 ) $ 342 $ (360 ) $ (511 ) $ 529 $ (362 ) Nielsen Holdings plc Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Unaudited) September 30, 2020 Non- (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Guarantor Elimination Consolidated Assets: Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 3 $ 77 $ 1,688 $ 482 $ — $ 2,250 Trade and other receivables, net — — 623 471 — 1,094 Prepaid expenses and other current assets — — 299 135 — 434 Intercompany receivables — 3,378 131 145 (3,654 ) — Total current assets 3 3,455 2,741 1,233 (3,654 ) 3,778 Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment, net — — 253 137 — 390 Operating lease right-of-use asset — — 172 197 369 Goodwill — — 5,145 865 — 6,010 Other intangible assets, net — — 4,084 550 — 4,634 Deferred tax assets 1 — — 287 — 288 Other non-current assets — — 230 76 — 306 Equity investment in subsidiaries 2,004 1,332 4,385 — (7,721 ) — Intercompany loans 25 8,521 212 46 (8,804 ) — Total assets $ 2,033 $ 13,308 $ 17,222 $ 3,391 $ (20,179 ) $ 15,775 Liabilities and equity: Current liabilities Accounts payable and other current liabilities $ 1 $ 83 $ 549 $ 528 $ — $ 1,161 Deferred revenues — — 231 93 — 324 Income tax liabilities — — 27 24 — 51 Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease obligations and short-term borrowings — 1,825 54 6 — 1,885 Intercompany payables — 2 3,523 129 (3,654 ) — Total current liabilities 1 1,910 4,384 780 (3,654 ) 3,421 Non-current liabilities Long-term debt and finance lease obligations — 7,301 814 10 — 8,125 Operating lease liabilities — — 204 159 — 363 Deferred tax liabilities — 71 851 82 — 1,004 Intercompany loans — — 8,592 212 (8,804 ) — Other non-current liabilities — 57 373 212 — 642 Total liabilities 1 9,339 15,218 1,455 (12,458 ) 13,555 Total shareholders’ equity 2,032 3,969 2,004 1,748 (7,721 ) 2,032 Noncontrolling interests — — — 188 — 188 Total equity 2,032 3,969 2,004 1,936 (7,721 ) 2,220 Total liabilities and equity $ 2,033 $ 13,308 $ 17,222 $ 3,391 $ (20,179 ) $ 15,775 Nielsen Holdings plc Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet December 31, 2019 Non- (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Guarantor Elimination Consolidated Assets: Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 2 $ — $ 78 $ 374 $ — $ 454 Trade and other receivables, net — — 540 563 — 1,103 Prepaid expenses and other current assets — — 295 125 — 420 Intercompany receivables 7 1,615 309 328 (2,259 ) — Total current assets 9 1,615 1,222 1,390 (2,259 ) 1,977 Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment, net — — 303 163 — 466 Operating lease right-of-use asset — — 194 199 — 393 Goodwill — — 5,131 862 — 5,993 Other intangible assets, net — — 4,332 549 — 4,881 Deferred tax assets 1 — — 275 — 276 Other non-current assets — — 260 73 — 333 Equity investment in subsidiaries 2,170 1,298 5,399 — (8,867 ) — Intercompany loans 25 8,887 223 1,605 (10,740 ) — Total assets $ 2,205 $ 11,800 $ 17,064 $ 5,116 $ (21,866 ) $ 14,319 Liabilities and equity: Current liabilities Accounts payable and other current liabilities $ 10 $ 62 $ 565 $ 545 $ — $ 1,182 Deferred revenues — — 257 88 — 345 Income tax liabilities — — 4 56 — 60 Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease obligations and short-term borrowings — 861 46 7 — 914 Intercompany payables — 3 1,948 308 (2,259 ) — Total current liabilities 10 926 2,820 1,004 (2,259 ) 2,501 Non-current liabilities Long-term debt and finance lease obligations — 7,302 80 13 — 7,395 Operating lease liabilities — — 217 153 — 370 Deferred tax liabilities — 71 887 94 — 1,052 Intercompany loans — — 10,516 224 (10,740 ) — Other non-current liabilities — 22 374 217 — 613 Total liabilities 10 8,321 14,894 1,705 (12,999 ) 11,931 Total shareholders’ equity 2,195 3,479 2,170 3,218 (8,867 ) 2,195 Noncontrolling interests — — — 193 — 193 Total equity 2,195 3,479 2,170 3,411 (8,867 ) 2,388 Total liabilities and equity $ 2,205 $ 11,800 $ 17,064 $ 5,116 $ (21,866 ) $ 14,319 Nielsen Holdings plc Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 Non- (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Guarantor Consolidated Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities $ (13 ) $ 62 $ 727 $ (114 ) $ 662 Investing activities: Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired — — (15 ) (14 ) (29 ) Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net — — 5 8 13 Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets — — (11 ) (15 ) (26 ) Additions to intangible assets — — (255 ) (64 ) (319 ) Other investing activities — — (1 ) (3 ) (4 ) Net cash used in investing activities — — (277 ) (88 ) (365 ) Financing activities: Net borrowings under revolving credit facility — — — — — Proceeds from issuance of debt, net of issuance costs — 2,261 713 2,974 Repayments of debt — (1,318 ) (1 ) — (1,319 ) Cash dividends paid to shareholders (64 ) — — — (64 ) Activity from share-based compensation plans (1 ) — (5 ) — (6 ) Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan 3 — — — 3 Finance leases — — (37 ) (6 ) (43 ) Settlement of intercompany and other financing activities 76 (928 ) 492 331 (29 ) Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities 14 15 1,162 325 1,516 Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — — (2 ) (15 ) (17 ) Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 1 77 1,610 108 1,796 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 2 — 78 374 454 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 3 $ 77 $ 1,688 $ 482 $ 2,250 Nielsen Holdings plc Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 Non- (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Guarantor Consolidated Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities $ (8 ) $ 63 $ 672 $ (131 ) $ 596 Investing activities: Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired — — (38 ) (24 ) (62 ) Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets — — (27 ) (31 ) (58 ) Additions to intangible assets — — (240 ) (44 ) (284 ) Other investing activities — — (18 ) — (18 ) Net cash used in investing activities — — (323 ) (99 ) (422 ) Financing activities: Net borrowings under revolving credit facility — — 190 — 190 Repayments of debt — (43 ) — — (43 ) Decrease in other short-term borrowings (1 ) (1 ) Cash dividends paid to shareholders (373 ) — — — (373 ) Activity from share-based compensation plans — — (5 ) — (5 ) Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan 3 — — — 3 Finance leases — — (41 ) (3 ) (44 ) Settlement of intercompany and other financing activities 377 (20 ) (511 ) 137 (17 ) Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities 7 (63 ) (367 ) 133 (290 ) Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — — (7 ) (12 ) (19 ) Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (1 ) — (25 ) (109 ) (135 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 3 — 79 442 524 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 2 $ — $ 54 $ 333 $ 389

Subsequent Event

Subsequent Event	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	16. Subsequent Events On October 31, 2020, Nielsen entered into an agreement (the “Agreement”) to sell its Global Connect business to affiliates of Advent International Corporation (“Advent”), for $2.7 billion in cash, subject to adjustments based on closing levels of cash, indebtedness, debt-like items and working capital, and a warrant to purchase equity interests in the company that will own the Global Connect business (the “Warrant”). The Transaction was unanimously approved by the Board. The Transaction is subject to approval by Nielsen’s shareholders, regulatory approvals, consultation with the works council and other customary closing conditions; and it is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021. Nielsen expects the Transaction to result in the Global Connect segment being reported on a discontinued operations basis in the first quarter of 2021. Pursuant to the Agreement, Nielsen will enter into certain ancillary agreements at the closing of the Transaction. Nielsen will grant Advent a license to brand its products and services with the “Nielsen” name and other Nielsen trademarks for 20 years following the closing of the Transaction. Additionally, Nielsen and Advent will enter into agreements pursuant to which, among other things, Nielsen and Advent will (i) provide certain transitional services to each other for periods of up to 24 months following the closing, (ii) grant each other reciprocal licenses for certain data and corresponding services relating to that data for periods of up to five years following the closing and (iii) grant each other licenses to use certain patents and other intellectual property. The Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants by each party that are subject, in some cases, to specified exceptions and qualifications contained in the stock purchase agreement.

Summary of Recent Accounting _2

Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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, 2019. 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 September 30, 2020 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 2,900,800 and 7,102,196 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 September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, as such shares would have been anti-dilutive. The effect of 8,287,995 and 7,102,196 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 nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, 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. Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”. Prior to the adoption, an estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts was made when collection of the full amount was no longer probable (incurred loss) or returns were expected. Subsequent to the adoption, as noted in Note 2, the allowance for doubtful accounts is made when collection of the full amounts is no longer probable by also incorporating reasonable and supportable forecasts (expected loss). D uring the nine months ended September 30, 2020, Nielsen sold $187 million of accounts receivable . As of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, $30 million and $85 .
Financial Instruments – Credit Losses	Financial Instruments – Credit Losses Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”. The standard significantly changes how entities measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. The standard replaced the “incurred loss” approach with an “expected loss” model for instruments measured at amortized cost. For available-for-sale debt securities, entities are required to record allowances rather than reduce the carrying amount under the other-than-temporary impairment model. It also simplifies the accounting model for purchased credit-impaired debt securities and loans. Upon adoption, this new standard did not have a significant impact on Nielsen’s consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue is measured based on the consideration specified in a contract with a customer. The Company recognizes revenue when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control of a product or service to a customer, which generally occurs over time. Substantially all of the Company’s customer contracts are non-cancelable and non-refundable. The following is a description of principal activities, by reportable segment, from which the Company generates its revenues. Revenue from the Connect segment consists primarily of measurement services, which include the Company’s core tracking and scan data (primarily transactional measurement data and consumer behavior information) to businesses in the consumer packaged goods industry. Nielsen’s data is used by its clients to measure their market share, tracking billions of sales transactions per month in retail outlets around the world. Revenues for these services are recognized over the period during which the performance obligations are satisfied as the customer receives and consumes the benefits provided by the Company and control of the services are transferred to the customer. The Company also provides consumer intelligence and analytical services that help clients make smarter business decisions throughout their product development and marketing cycles. The Company’s performance under these arrangements do not create an asset with an alternative use to the company and generally include an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date, as such, revenue for these services is typically recognized over time. Revenue for contracts that do not include an enforceable right to payment for performance completed to date is recognized at a point in time when the performance obligation is satisfied, generally upon delivery of the services, and when control of the service is transferred to the customer. Revenue from Nielsen’s Media segment is primarily generated from television, radio, digital and mobile audience measurement services and analytics which are used by the Company’s media clients to establish the value of airtime and more effectively schedule and promote their programming and the Company’s advertising clients to plan and optimize their spending. As the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by the Company’s performance, revenues for these services are recognized over the period during which the performance obligations are satisfied and control of the service is transferred to the customer. The Company enters int o 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 .
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 . rate implicit in the lease for the discount rate when determining the present value of lease payments whenever that rate is readily determinable. If the rate is not readily determinable, Nielsen uses its incremental borrowing rate, which is updated periodically, based on the information available at commencement date. The operating lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments related to initial direct cost and prepayments and excludes lease incentives. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Nielsen has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for together . Nielsen has operating and finance leases for real estate facilities, servers, computer hardware, and other equipment. Nielsen’s leases have remaining lease terms of 1 year to 30 years, some of which include options to extend the leases for up to 5 years, and some of which include options to terminate the leases within 1 year.
Recent Accounting Pronouncement Not Yet Adopted
Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General	Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-14, Compensation—Retirement Benefits—Defined Benefit Plans—General (Subtopic 715-20), which amends the current disclosure requirements regarding defined benefit pensions and other post retirement plans, and allows for the removal of certain disclosures, while adding certain new disclosure requirements. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and allows for early adoption. Nielsen does not expect this new standard to have a significant impact on its disclosures.
Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income taxes	Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income taxes In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes which amends and aims to simplify accounting disclosure requirements regarding a number of topics including: intraperiod tax allocation, accounting for deferred taxes when there are changes in consolidation of certain investments, tax basis step up in an acquisition and the application of effective rate changes during interim periods, amongst other improvements. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020 and allows for early adoption. Nielsen is assessing the impact of this new standard on its consolidated balance sheets, statements of operations and its future disclosures.

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

Revenue Recognition (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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 Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 2020 2019 Connect Segment Measure $ 520 $ 530 $ 1,525 $ 1,615 Predict/Activate 207 216 604 640 Connect $ 727 $ 746 $ 2,129 $ 2,255 Media Segment Audience Measurement $ 613 $ 621 $ 1,831 $ 1,848 Plan/Optimize 223 249 658 704 Media $ 836 $ 870 $ 2,489 $ 2,552 Total $ 1,563 $ 1,616 $ 4,618 $ 4,807 Timing of revenue recognition Products transferred at a point in time $ 151 $ 138 $ 442 $ 409 Products and services transferred over time 1,412 1,478 4,176 4,398 Total $ 1,563 $ 1,616 $ 4,618 $ 4,807
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) September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Contract assets $ 262 $ 218 Contract liabilities $ 324 $ 346
Schedule of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Rollforward Incorporating Expected Credit Losses	The following schedule represents the allowance for doubtful accounts rollforward incorporating expected credit losses as of September 30, 2020. (IN MILLIONS) Balance Charges to Deductions Effect of Balance at Allowance for accounts receivable For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 $ 12 $ 13 $ (7 ) $ - $ 18

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Components of Lease Expense	The components of lease expense were as follows: (in millions) Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 Lease cost Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets $ 14 $ 15 Interest on lease liabilities 2 2 Total finance lease cost 16 17 Operating lease cost 31 33 Sublease income (1 ) - Total lease cost $ 46 $ 50 (in millions) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 2019 Lease cost Finance lease cost: Amortization of right-of-use assets $ 46 $ 52 Interest on lease liabilities 6 7 Total finance lease cost 52 59 Operating lease cost 94 91 Short-term lease cost 2 - Sublease income (3 ) (2 ) Total lease cost $ 145 $ 148
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) September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Operating leases Operating lease right-of-use assets $ 369 $ 393 Other current liabilities 108 110 Operating lease liabilities 363 370 Total operating lease liabilities $ 471 $ 480 Finance leases Property, plant and equipment, gross $ 412 $ 393 Accumulated depreciation (252 ) (213 ) Property, plant and equipment, net 160 180 Other intangible assets, gross 24 24 Accumulated amortization (17 ) (13 ) Other intangible assets, net 7 11 Accounts payable and other current liabilities 53 53 Long-term debt and capital lease obligations 73 92 Total finance lease liabilities $ 126 $ 145 Nine Months Ended September 30, Other information 2020 2019 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities Operating cash flows from finance leases (6 ) (7 ) Operating cash flows from operating leases (97 ) (106 ) Financing cash flows from finance leases (43 ) (44 ) Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities 23 17 Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities 38 41 Weighted-average remaining lease term--finance leases 4 years 4 years Weighted-average remaining lease term--operating leases 7 years 8 years Weighted-average discount rate--finance leases 5.49 % 6.30 % Weighted-average discount rate--operating leases 4.08 % 4.50 %
Schedule of Annual Maturities of Lease Liabilities	Annual maturities of Nielsen’s lease liabilities are as follows: (in millions) Operating Leases Finance Leases For October 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 $ 33 $ 17 2021 112 51 2022 95 36 2023 68 24 2024 48 4 2025 32 1 Thereafter 165 5 Total lease payments 553 138 Less imputed interest (82 ) (12 ) Total $ 471 $ 126

Goodwill and Other Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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 nine months ended September 30, 2020. (IN MILLIONS) Connect Media Total Balance, December 31, 2019 $ 331 $ 5,662 $ 5,993 Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments 20 (3 ) 17 Effect of foreign currency translation (1 ) 1 — Balance, September 30, 2020 $ 350 $ 5,660 $ 6,010
Other Intangible Assets	Other Intangible Assets Gross Amounts Accumulated Amortization September 30, December 31, September 30, December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Indefinite-lived intangibles: Trade names and trademarks $ 1,921 $ 1,921 $ — $ — Amortized intangibles: Trade names and trademarks 144 144 (114 ) (109 ) Customer-related intangibles 3,125 3,153 (1,881 ) (1,764 ) Covenants-not-to-compete 37 37 (36 ) (36 ) Content databases 168 168 (50 ) (40 ) Computer software 2,931 2,626 (1,646 ) (1,260 ) Patents and other 186 182 (151 ) (141 ) Total $ 6,591 $ 6,310 $ (3,878 ) $ (3,350 )

Changes in and Reclassificati_2

Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) by Component (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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 nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019. Foreign Currency Translation Post Employment Adjustments Cash Flow Hedges Benefits Total (IN MILLIONS) Balance December 31, 2019 $ (776 ) $ (19 ) $ (210 ) $ (1,005 ) Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications (90 ) (37 ) 1 (126 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (income)/loss — 12 9 21 Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) (90 ) (25 ) 10 (105 ) Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest (5 ) — — (5 ) Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders (85 ) (25 ) 10 (100 ) Balance September 30, 2020 $ (861 ) $ (44 ) $ (200 ) $ (1,105 ) Foreign 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 (30 ) (28 ) 2 (56 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (income)/loss — (7 ) 8 1 Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) (30 ) (35 ) 10 (55 ) Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest 1 — — 1 Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders (31 ) (35 ) 10 (56 ) Balance September 30, 2019 $ (810 ) $ (24 ) $ (332 ) $ (1,166 )
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 September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other (IN MILLIONS) Comprehensive (Income)/Loss Details about Accumulated Affected Line Item in the Other Comprehensive Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Condensed Consolidated Income components September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Statement of Operations Cash flow hedges Interest rate contracts $ 7 $ (2 ) Interest (income)/expense (2 ) — (Benefit)/provision for income taxes $ 5 $ (2 ) Total, net of tax Amortization of Post-Employment Benefits Actuarial loss $ 4 $ 3 (a) (1 ) (1 ) (Benefit)/provision for income taxes $ 3 $ 2 Total, net of tax Total reclassification for the period $ 8 $ — Net of tax (a) This accumulated other comprehensive loss component is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. The table below summarizes the reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for th e nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 , respectively. Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other (IN MILLIONS) Comprehensive (Income)/Loss Details about Accumulated Affected Line Item in the Other Comprehensive Nine Months Ended Nine Months Ended Condensed Consolidated Income components September 30, 2020 September 30, 2019 Statement of Operations Cash flow hedges Interest rate contracts $ 17 $ (9 ) Interest (income)/expense (5 ) 2 (Benefit)/provision for income taxes $ 12 $ (7 ) Total, net of tax Amortization of Post-Employment Benefits Actuarial loss $ 12 $ 10 (a) (3 ) (2 ) (Benefit)/provision for income taxes $ 9 $ 8 Total, net of tax Total reclassification for the period $ 21 $ 1 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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Summary of Changes in Liabilities for Restructuring Activities	A summary of the changes in the liabilities for restructuring activities is provided below: Total (IN MILLIONS) Initiatives Balance at December 31, 2019 $ 35 Charges (1) 128 Payments (71 ) Effect of foreign currency translation and other adjustments 2 Balance at September 30, 2020 $ 94 (1 ) Excludes charges related to operating lease right-of-use assets of $17 million.

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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 September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019: September 30, (IN MILLIONS) 2020 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) — — — — Total $ 29 $ 29 $ — — Liabilities: Interest rate swap arrangements (3) $ 59 — $ 59 — Deferred compensation liabilities (4) 27 27 — — Total $ 86 $ 27 $ 59 — December 31, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Plan assets for deferred compensation (1) $ 26 $ 26 — — Investment in mutual funds (2) 2 2 — — Interest rate swap arrangements (3) — — — — Total $ 28 $ 28 — — Liabilities: Interest rate swap arrangements (3) $ 22 — $ 22 — Deferred compensation liabilities (4) 26 26 — — Total $ 48 $ 26 $ 22 — (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 September 30, 2020, the Company had the following outstanding interest rate swaps utilized in the management of its interest rate risk: Notional Amount Maturity Date Currency Interest rate swaps designated as hedging instruments US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps $ 250,000,000 October 2020 U.S. Dollar US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps $ 250,000,000 October 2021 U.S. Dollar US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps $ 250,000,000 July 2022 U.S. Dollar US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps $ 150,000,000 April 2023 U.S. Dollar US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps $ 250,000,000 May 2023 U.S. Dollar US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps $ 250,000,000 June 2023 U.S. Dollar US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps $ 150,000,000 July 2023 U.S. 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 respectively: Interest Expense Interest Expense Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (IN MILLIONS) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Interest expense (Location in the consolidated statement of operations in which the effects of cash flow hedges are recorded) $ 92 $ 100 $ 277 $ 299 Amount of gain/(loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income, net of tax $ (5 ) $ 2 $ (12 ) $ 7 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 September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were as follows: September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments Prepaid Expense Prepaid Expense Other and Other Current Other Current Other Non-Current Other Current Other Current Non-Current (IN MILLIONS) Assets Liabilities Liabilities Assets Liabilities Liabilities Interest rate swaps $ — $ 2 $ 57 $ — $ — $ 22
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	The pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 was as follows: Amount of (Gain)/Loss Amount of (Gain)/Loss Reclassified from AOCI Recognized in OCI Location of 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 September 30, Portion) September 30, (IN MILLIONS) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Interest rate swaps $ (1 ) $ 6 Interest expense $ 7 $ (2 ) The pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 was as follows: Amount of (Gain)/Loss Amount of (Gain)/Loss Reclassified from AOCI Recognized in OCI Location of Loss into Income (Effective Portion) Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion) Derivatives in Cash Flow Nine Months Ended into Income Nine Months Ended Hedging Relationships September 30, (Effective Portion) September 30, (IN MILLIONS) 2020 2019 2020 2019 Interest rate swaps $ 52 $ 39 Interest expense $ 17 $ (9 )

Long-term Debt and Other Fina_2

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Long-Term Debt	Unless otherwise stated, interest rates are as of September 30, 2020. September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 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 1.90%) due 2023 $ 1,063 1,059 $ 1,086 1,079 $2,303 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based variable rate of 2.15%) due 2023 2,245 2,198 2,263 2,273 € of 2.50%) due 2023 344 341 603 606 €660 of 3.75%) due 2025 757 771 — — $550 million Senior secured term loan (LIBOR based variable rate of 4.75%) due 2025 534 547 — — $850 million senior secured revolving credit facility (Euro LIBOR or LIBOR based variable rate) due 2023 — — — — Total senior secured credit facilities (with weighted-average interest rate) 2.94 % 4,943 4,916 3.52 % 3,952 3,958 $800 million 4.500% senior debenture loan due 2020 — — 799 802 $425 million 5.500% senior debenture loan due 2021 424 425 622 629 $2,300 million 5.000% senior debenture loan due 2022 2,295 2,302 2,293 2,312 $500 million 5.000% senior debenture loan due 2025 497 508 497 516 $1,000 million 5.625% senior debenture loan due 2028 985 1,026 — — $750 million 5.875% senior debenture loan due 2030 739 776 — — Total debenture loans (with weighted-average interest rate) 5.55 % 4,940 5,037 5.22 % 4,211 4,259 Other loans — — 1 1 Total long-term debt 4.25 % 9,883 9,953 4.40 % 8,164 8,218 Finance lease and other financing obligations 127 145 Total debt and other financing arrangements 10,010 8,309 Less: Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease and other financing obligations and other short-term borrowings 1,885 914 Non-current portion of long-term debt and finance lease and other financing obligations $ 8,125 $ 7,395
Annual Maturities of Long-Term Debt	Annual maturities of Nielsen’s long-term debt are as follows: (IN MILLIONS) For October 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 (1) $ 1,768 2021 221 2022 911 2023 3,469 2024 8 2025 (2) 1,759 Thereafter 1,747 $ 9,883 (1) Includes the portion of the Senior Notes due 2021 and Senior notes due 2022 to be partially redeemed during October 2020 which are presented within the current portion of long-term debt, finance lease obligations and short-term borrowings within the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2020. (2) If the existing € 545 have not been repaid or refinanced (subject to additional limitations in the Credit Agreement) on or prior to the date that is 91 days prior to October 4, 2023, the € 420

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Common Stock Activity	Common stock activity is as follows: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 Actual number of shares of common stock outstanding Beginning of period 356,149,883 Shares of common stock issued through compensation plans 883,846 Employee benefit trust activity (34,927 ) End of period 356,998,802
Summary of Dividends Declared on Nielsen's Common Stock	The following table represents the cash dividends declared by the Board and paid to shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2019 and the nine months ended September 30, 2020, respectively. Declaration Date Record Date Payment Date Dividend Per Share February 21, 2019 March 7, 2019 March 21, 2019 $ 0.35 April 18, 2019 June 5, 2019 June 19, 2019 $ 0.35 July 18, 2019 August 22, 2019 September 5, 2019 $ 0.35 November 3, 2019 November 21, 2019 December 5, 2019 $ 0.06 February 20, 2020 March 5, 2020 March 19, 2020 $ 0.06 April 16, 2020 June 4, 2020 June 18, 2020 $ 0.06 July 16, 2020 August 20, 2020 September 3, 2020 $ 0.06
Summary of Approved Authorized Shares for Repurchase	Board Approval Share Repurchase Authorization ($ in millions) July 25, 2013 $ 500 October 23, 2014 1,000 December 11, 2015 500 Total Share Repurchase Authorization $ 2,000

Segments (Tables)

Segments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segment Information	Business Segment Information (IN MILLIONS) Connect Media Corporate Total Three Months Ended September 30, 2020 Revenues $ 727 $ 836 $ — $ 1,563 Operating income/(loss) 10 226 (62 ) 174 Depreciation and amortization 67 148 2 217 Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets — 8 — 8 Restructuring charges 40 4 6 50 Share-based compensation expense 6 4 7 17 Separation-related costs (1) 1 2 27 30 Other items (2) — — 5 5 Business segment income/(loss) (3) $ 124 $ 392 $ (15 ) $ 501 Total assets as of September 30, 2020 $ 4,368 $ 9,129 $ 2,278 $ 15,775 (IN MILLIONS) Three Months Ended September 30, 2019 Revenues $ 746 $ 870 $ — $ 1,616 Operating income/(loss) (964 ) $ 250 $ (26 ) $ (740 ) Depreciation and amortization 57 $ 127 $ 2 $ 186 Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets 1,004 $ — $ — $ 1,004 Restructuring charges 8 $ 1 $ (4 ) $ 5 Share-based compensation expense 4 $ 3 $ 6 $ 13 Other items (2 ) — $ — $ 8 $ 8 Business segment income/(loss) (3) $ 109 $ 381 $ (14 ) $ 476 Total assets as of December 31, 2019 $ 4,376 $ 9,675 $ 268 $ 14,319 (IN MILLIONS) Connect Media Corporate Total Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 Revenues $ 2,129 $ 2,489 $ — $ 4,618 Operating income/(loss) (41 ) 537 (196 ) 300 Depreciation and amortization 198 451 6 655 Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets 4 49 — 53 Restructuring charges 103 30 12 145 Share-based compensation expense 12 12 20 44 Separation-related costs (1) 1 2 88 91 Other items (2) 1 — 33 34 Business segment income/(loss) (3) $ 278 $ 1,081 $ (37 ) $ 1,322 (IN MILLIONS) Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019 Revenues $ 2,255 $ 2,552 $ — $ 4,807 Operating income/(loss) (920 ) $ 701 $ (98 ) $ (317 ) Depreciation and amortization 167 $ 378 $ 5 $ 550 Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets 1,004 $ — $ — $ 1,004 Restructuring charges 34 $ 11 $ 7 $ 52 Share-based compensation expense 12 $ 9 $ 18 $ 39 Other items (2 ) — $ — $ 33 $ 33 Business segment income/(loss) (3) $ 297 $ 1,099 $ (35 ) $ 1,361 (1) Separation-related costs consists of costs that would not have been incurred if Nielsen was not undertaking the separation of the Nielsen Global Connect business from the Nielsen Global Media business and positioning Global Connect and Global Media to operate as two independent companies. (2) Other items primarily consist of business optimization costs and transaction related costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020. Other items primarily consist of business optimization costs, including strategic review costs, and transaction related costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019. (3) 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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Guarantees [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income	Nielsen Holdings plc Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) For the three months ended September 30, 2020 Non- (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Guarantor Elimination Consolidated Revenues $ — $ — $ 1,045 $ 518 $ — $ 1,563 Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below — — 389 274 — 663 Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below 2 — 246 203 — 451 Depreciation and amortization — — 182 35 — 217 Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets — — 8 — — 8 Restructuring charges — — 17 33 — 50 Operating income/(loss) (2 ) — 203 (27 ) — 174 Interest income — 154 1 — (155 ) — Interest expense — (82 ) (164 ) (1 ) 155 (92 ) Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net — — (2 ) (1 ) — (3 ) Other income/(expense), net — (1 ) (51 ) 52 — — Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries and affiliates (2 ) 71 (13 ) 23 — 79 Benefit/(provision) for income taxes — (125 ) 33 23 — (69 ) Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries 9 51 (12 ) — (48 ) — Equity on net income/(loss) of affiliates — — 1 (1 ) — — Net income/(loss) 7 (3 ) 9 45 (48 ) 10 Less net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 3 — 3 Net income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest 7 (3 ) 9 42 (48 ) 7 Total other comprehensive income/(loss) 7 (7 ) 7 (15 ) 17 9 Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 2 — 2 Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interests 7 (7 ) 7 (17 ) 17 7 Total comprehensive income/(loss) 14 (10 ) 16 30 (31 ) 19 Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest — — — 5 — 5 Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest $ 14 $ (10 ) $ 16 $ 25 $ (31 ) $ 14 Nielsen Holdings plc Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) For the three months ended September 30, 2019 Non- (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Guarantor Elimination Consolidated Revenues $ — $ — $ 1,067 $ 549 $ — $ 1,616 Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below — — 400 294 — 694 Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below 1 — 240 226 — 467 Depreciation and amortization — — 158 28 — 186 Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets 419 585 1,004 Restructuring charges — — — 5 — 5 Operating income/(loss) (1 ) — (150 ) (589 ) — (740 ) Interest income — 180 49 2 (230 ) 1 Interest expense — (93 ) (188 ) (49 ) 230 (100 ) Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net — — 42 (48 ) — (6 ) Other income/(expense), net — — (109 ) 106 — (3 ) Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries (1 ) 87 (356 ) (578 ) — (848 ) Benefit/(provision) for income taxes — (23 ) 383 20 — 380 Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries (471 ) 57 (498 ) — 912 — Net income/(loss) (472 ) 121 (471 ) (558 ) 912 (468 ) Less net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 4 — 4 Net income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest (472 ) 121 (471 ) (562 ) 912 (472 ) Total other comprehensive income/(loss) (51 ) 12 (51 ) 38 — (52 ) Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — (1 ) — (1 ) Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interests (51 ) 12 (51 ) 39 — (51 ) Total comprehensive income/(loss) (523 ) 133 (522 ) (520 ) 912 (520 ) Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 3 — 3 Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest $ (523 ) $ 133 $ (522 ) $ (523 ) $ 912 $ (523 ) Nielsen Holdings plc Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 Non- (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Guarantor Elimination Consolidated Revenues $ — $ — $ 3,096 $ 1,522 $ — $ 4,618 Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below — — 1,206 842 — 2,048 Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below 13 — 758 646 — 1,417 Depreciation and amortization — — 548 107 — 655 Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets — — 53 — — 53 Restructuring charges — — 50 95 — 145 Operating income/(loss) (13 ) — 481 (168 ) — 300 Interest income 1 526 17 11 (554 ) 1 Interest expense — (258 ) (555 ) (18 ) 554 (277 ) Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net — — 16 (22 ) — (6 ) Other income/(expense), net — (2 ) (106 ) 103 — (5 ) Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries and affiliates (12 ) 266 (147 ) (94 ) — 13 Benefit/(provision) for income taxes — (72 ) 9 21 — (42 ) Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries (29 ) 133 109 — (213 ) — Net income/(loss) (41 ) 327 (29 ) (73 ) (213 ) (29 ) Less net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 12 — 12 Net income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest (41 ) 327 (29 ) (85 ) (213 ) (41 ) Total other comprehensive income/(loss) (100 ) (39 ) (100 ) (112 ) 246 (105 ) Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — (5 ) — (5 ) Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interests (100 ) (39 ) (100 ) (107 ) 246 (100 ) Total comprehensive income/(loss) (141 ) 288 (129 ) (185 ) 33 (134 ) Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 7 — 7 Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest $ (141 ) $ 288 $ (129 ) $ (192 ) $ 33 $ (141 ) Nielsen Holdings plc Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 Non- (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Guarantor Elimination Consolidated Revenues $ — $ — $ 3,137 $ 1,670 $ — $ 4,807 Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below — — 1,176 912 — 2,088 Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below 3 — 734 693 — 1,430 Depreciation and amortization — — 460 90 — 550 Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets — — 419 585 — 1,004 Restructuring charges — — 25 27 — 52 Operating income/(loss) (3 ) — 323 (637 ) — (317 ) Interest income 1 565 51 5 (618 ) 4 Interest expense — (279 ) (586 ) (52 ) 618 (299 ) Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net — — 48 (58 ) — (10 ) Other income/(expense), net — — (206 ) 208 — 2 Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries (2 ) 286 (370 ) (534 ) — (620 ) Benefit/(provision) for income taxes — (77 ) 442 (40 ) — 325 Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries (304 ) 146 (376 ) — 534 — Net income/(loss) (306 ) 355 (304 ) (574 ) 534 (295 ) Less net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 11 — 11 Net income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest (306 ) 355 (304 ) (585 ) 534 (306 ) Total other comprehensive income/(loss) (56 ) (13 ) (56 ) 75 (5 ) (55 ) Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 1 — 1 Total other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interests (56 ) (13 ) (56 ) 74 (5 ) (56 ) Total comprehensive income/(loss) (362 ) 342 (360 ) (499 ) 529 (350 ) Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 12 — 12 Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to controlling interest $ (362 ) $ 342 $ (360 ) $ (511 ) $ 529 $ (362 )
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet	Nielsen Holdings plc Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Unaudited) September 30, 2020 Non- (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Guarantor Elimination Consolidated Assets: Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 3 $ 77 $ 1,688 $ 482 $ — $ 2,250 Trade and other receivables, net — — 623 471 — 1,094 Prepaid expenses and other current assets — — 299 135 — 434 Intercompany receivables — 3,378 131 145 (3,654 ) — Total current assets 3 3,455 2,741 1,233 (3,654 ) 3,778 Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment, net — — 253 137 — 390 Operating lease right-of-use asset — — 172 197 369 Goodwill — — 5,145 865 — 6,010 Other intangible assets, net — — 4,084 550 — 4,634 Deferred tax assets 1 — — 287 — 288 Other non-current assets — — 230 76 — 306 Equity investment in subsidiaries 2,004 1,332 4,385 — (7,721 ) — Intercompany loans 25 8,521 212 46 (8,804 ) — Total assets $ 2,033 $ 13,308 $ 17,222 $ 3,391 $ (20,179 ) $ 15,775 Liabilities and equity: Current liabilities Accounts payable and other current liabilities $ 1 $ 83 $ 549 $ 528 $ — $ 1,161 Deferred revenues — — 231 93 — 324 Income tax liabilities — — 27 24 — 51 Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease obligations and short-term borrowings — 1,825 54 6 — 1,885 Intercompany payables — 2 3,523 129 (3,654 ) — Total current liabilities 1 1,910 4,384 780 (3,654 ) 3,421 Non-current liabilities Long-term debt and finance lease obligations — 7,301 814 10 — 8,125 Operating lease liabilities — — 204 159 — 363 Deferred tax liabilities — 71 851 82 — 1,004 Intercompany loans — — 8,592 212 (8,804 ) — Other non-current liabilities — 57 373 212 — 642 Total liabilities 1 9,339 15,218 1,455 (12,458 ) 13,555 Total shareholders’ equity 2,032 3,969 2,004 1,748 (7,721 ) 2,032 Noncontrolling interests — — — 188 — 188 Total equity 2,032 3,969 2,004 1,936 (7,721 ) 2,220 Total liabilities and equity $ 2,033 $ 13,308 $ 17,222 $ 3,391 $ (20,179 ) $ 15,775 Nielsen Holdings plc Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet December 31, 2019 Non- (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Guarantor Elimination Consolidated Assets: Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 2 $ — $ 78 $ 374 $ — $ 454 Trade and other receivables, net — — 540 563 — 1,103 Prepaid expenses and other current assets — — 295 125 — 420 Intercompany receivables 7 1,615 309 328 (2,259 ) — Total current assets 9 1,615 1,222 1,390 (2,259 ) 1,977 Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment, net — — 303 163 — 466 Operating lease right-of-use asset — — 194 199 — 393 Goodwill — — 5,131 862 — 5,993 Other intangible assets, net — — 4,332 549 — 4,881 Deferred tax assets 1 — — 275 — 276 Other non-current assets — — 260 73 — 333 Equity investment in subsidiaries 2,170 1,298 5,399 — (8,867 ) — Intercompany loans 25 8,887 223 1,605 (10,740 ) — Total assets $ 2,205 $ 11,800 $ 17,064 $ 5,116 $ (21,866 ) $ 14,319 Liabilities and equity: Current liabilities Accounts payable and other current liabilities $ 10 $ 62 $ 565 $ 545 $ — $ 1,182 Deferred revenues — — 257 88 — 345 Income tax liabilities — — 4 56 — 60 Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease obligations and short-term borrowings — 861 46 7 — 914 Intercompany payables — 3 1,948 308 (2,259 ) — Total current liabilities 10 926 2,820 1,004 (2,259 ) 2,501 Non-current liabilities Long-term debt and finance lease obligations — 7,302 80 13 — 7,395 Operating lease liabilities — — 217 153 — 370 Deferred tax liabilities — 71 887 94 — 1,052 Intercompany loans — — 10,516 224 (10,740 ) — Other non-current liabilities — 22 374 217 — 613 Total liabilities 10 8,321 14,894 1,705 (12,999 ) 11,931 Total shareholders’ equity 2,195 3,479 2,170 3,218 (8,867 ) 2,195 Noncontrolling interests — — — 193 — 193 Total equity 2,195 3,479 2,170 3,411 (8,867 ) 2,388 Total liabilities and equity $ 2,205 $ 11,800 $ 17,064 $ 5,116 $ (21,866 ) $ 14,319
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows	Nielsen Holdings plc Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) For the nine months ended September 30, 2020 Non- (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Guarantor Consolidated Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities $ (13 ) $ 62 $ 727 $ (114 ) $ 662 Investing activities: Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired — — (15 ) (14 ) (29 ) Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net — — 5 8 13 Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets — — (11 ) (15 ) (26 ) Additions to intangible assets — — (255 ) (64 ) (319 ) Other investing activities — — (1 ) (3 ) (4 ) Net cash used in investing activities — — (277 ) (88 ) (365 ) Financing activities: Net borrowings under revolving credit facility — — — — — Proceeds from issuance of debt, net of issuance costs — 2,261 713 2,974 Repayments of debt — (1,318 ) (1 ) — (1,319 ) Cash dividends paid to shareholders (64 ) — — — (64 ) Activity from share-based compensation plans (1 ) — (5 ) — (6 ) Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan 3 — — — 3 Finance leases — — (37 ) (6 ) (43 ) Settlement of intercompany and other financing activities 76 (928 ) 492 331 (29 ) Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities 14 15 1,162 325 1,516 Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — — (2 ) (15 ) (17 ) Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 1 77 1,610 108 1,796 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 2 — 78 374 454 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 3 $ 77 $ 1,688 $ 482 $ 2,250 Nielsen Holdings plc Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) For the nine months ended September 30, 2019 Non- (IN MILLIONS) Parent Issuers Guarantor Guarantor Consolidated Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities $ (8 ) $ 63 $ 672 $ (131 ) $ 596 Investing activities: Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired — — (38 ) (24 ) (62 ) Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets — — (27 ) (31 ) (58 ) Additions to intangible assets — — (240 ) (44 ) (284 ) Other investing activities — — (18 ) — (18 ) Net cash used in investing activities — — (323 ) (99 ) (422 ) Financing activities: Net borrowings under revolving credit facility — — 190 — 190 Repayments of debt — (43 ) — — (43 ) Decrease in other short-term borrowings (1 ) (1 ) Cash dividends paid to shareholders (373 ) — — — (373 ) Activity from share-based compensation plans — — (5 ) — (5 ) Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan 3 — — — 3 Finance leases — — (41 ) (3 ) (44 ) Settlement of intercompany and other financing activities 377 (20 ) (511 ) 137 (17 ) Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities 7 (63 ) (367 ) 133 (290 ) Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents — — (7 ) (12 ) (19 ) Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (1 ) — (25 ) (109 ) (135 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 3 — 79 442 524 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 2 $ — $ 54 $ 333 $ 389

Background and Basis of Prese_2

Background and Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)Countryshares	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)SegmentCountryshares	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)shares	Oct. 31, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | Segment			2
Restructuring charges pre-tax	$ 50	$ 5	$ 145	$ 52
Number of countries in which entity operates | Country	100		100
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from calculation of earning per share under compensation plan | shares	2,900,800	7,102,196	8,287,995	7,102,196
Accounts receivable sold to third parties			$ 187
Proceed from sales of accounts receivable			187
Accounts receivable outstanding	$ 30		30			$ 85
Broad-Based Optimization Plan
Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Restructuring cost and other permanent cost savings in pre-tax annual run rate savings			250
Restructuring charges pre-tax	$ 50		145
Broad-Based Optimization Plan | Minimum
Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Restructuring charges pre-tax			160
Broad-Based Optimization Plan | Maximum
Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Restructuring charges pre-tax			$ 170
Subsequent Event | Connect | Advent
Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Cash proceeds on sale of business					$ 2,700

Summary of Recent Accounting _3

Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements - Additional Information (Detail) - ASU 2016-13	Sep. 30, 2020
Recent Accounting Pronouncement [Line Items]
Change in accounting principle, accounting standards update, adopted	true
Change in accounting principle, accounting standards update, adoption date	Jan. 1, 2020
Change in accounting principle, accounting standards update, immaterial effect	true

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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Segment Reporting Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,563	$ 1,616	$ 4,618	$ 4,807
Operating Segments | Products Transferred at a Point in Time
Segment Reporting Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	151	138	442	409
Operating Segments | Products and Services Transferred Over Time
Segment Reporting Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	1,412	1,478	4,176	4,398
Connect | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	727	746	2,129	2,255
Connect | Operating Segments | Measure
Segment Reporting Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	520	530	1,525	1,615
Connect | Operating Segments | Predict/Activate
Segment Reporting Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	207	216	604	640
Media | Operating Segments
Segment Reporting Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	836	870	2,489	2,552
Media | Operating Segments | Audience Measurement
Segment Reporting Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	613	621	1,831	1,848
Media | Operating Segments | Plan/Optimize
Segment Reporting Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 223	$ 249	$ 658	$ 704

Revenue Recognition - Summary_2

Revenue Recognition - Summary of Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenues [Abstract]
Contract assets	$ 262	$ 218
Contract liabilities	$ 324	$ 346

Revenue Recognition - Additiona

Revenue Recognition - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Revenues [Abstract]
Increase in contract with customer asset			$ 229,000,000
Contract with customer asset offset			182,000,000
Decrease in contract with customer liability			286,000,000
Contract with customer liability offset			308,000,000
Revenue, remaining performance obligation			$ 5,800,000,000
Revenue, remaining performance obligations, percentage	62.00%		62.00%
Deferred costs capitalized	$ 12,000,000		$ 12,000,000		$ 11,000,000
Amortization of deferred costs	2,000,000	$ 2,000,000	4,000,000	$ 6,000,000
Impairment loss	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Revenue Recognition - Schedule

Revenue Recognition - Schedule of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Rollforward Incorporating Expected Credit Losses (Detail) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Allowance for accounts receivable
Balance Beginning of Period	$ 12
Charges to Expense	13
Deductions	(7)
Balance at End of Period	$ 18

Business Acquisitions - Additio

Business Acquisitions - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Other acquisitions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to acquire businesses, net of cash acquired	$ 29	$ 62

Leases - Additional Information

Leases - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets	$ 14	$ 15	$ 46	$ 52
Interest on lease liabilities	2	2	6	7
Total finance lease cost	16	17	52	59
Operating lease cost	31	33	94	91
Short-term lease cost			2
Sublease income	(1)		(3)	(2)
Total lease cost	$ 46	$ 50	$ 145	$ 148

Leases - Supplemental Balance S

Leases - Supplemental Balance Sheet Information Related to Leases (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Operating leases
Operating lease right-of-use assets	$ 369		$ 393
Other current liabilities	$ 108		$ 110
Operating Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	us-gaap:OtherLiabilitiesCurrent		us-gaap:OtherLiabilitiesCurrent
Operating lease liabilities	$ 363		$ 370
Total operating lease liabilities	471		480
Finance leases
Property, plant and equipment, gross	412		393
Accumulated depreciation	(252)		(213)
Property, plant and equipment, net	160		180
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	$ 53		$ 53
Finance Lease, Liability, Current, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	us-gaap:AccountsPayableAndOtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent		us-gaap:AccountsPayableAndOtherAccruedLiabilitiesCurrent
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations	$ 73		$ 92
Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible List]	us-gaap:LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations		us-gaap:LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations
Total finance lease liabilities	$ 126		$ 145
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
Operating cash flows from finance leases	(6)	$ (7)
Operating cash flows from operating leases	(97)	(106)
Financing cash flows from finance leases	(43)	(44)
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities	23	17
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities	$ 38	$ 41
Weighted-average remaining lease term--finance leases	4 years	4 years
Weighted-average remaining lease term--operating leases	7 years	8 years
Weighted-average discount rate--finance leases	5.49%	6.30%
Weighted-average discount rate--operating leases	4.08%	4.50%
Other Intangible Assets
Finance leases
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 24		24
Accumulated depreciation	(17)		(13)
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 7		$ 11

Leases - Schedule of Annual Mat

Leases - Schedule of Annual Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
Operating Leases, July 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020	$ 33
Operating Leases, 2021	112
Operating Leases, 2022	95
Operating Leases, 2023	68
Operating Leases, 2024	48
Operating Leases, 2025	32
Operating Leases, Thereafter	165
Operating Leases, Total lease payments	553
Operating Leases, Less imputed interest	(82)
Operating Leases, Total	471	$ 480
Finance Leases, July 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020	17
Finance Leases, 2021	51
Finance Leases, 2022	36
Finance Leases, 2023	24
Finance Leases, 2024	4
Finance Leases, 2025	1
Finance Leases, Thereafter	5
Finance Leases, Total lease payments	138
Finance Leases, Less imputed interest	(12)
Finance Leases, Total	$ 126	$ 145

Goodwill and Other Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Mar. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, impairment loss		$ 0	$ 1,004,000,000
Goodwill deductible for income tax purposes	$ 38,000,000			$ 38,000,000
Amortization expense, intangible assets	177,000,000		141,000,000	527,000,000	$ 415,000,000
Amortization expense, computer software	131,000,000		$ 94,000,000	386,000,000	$ 267,000,000
Purchased Software
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Net book value	22,000,000			22,000,000
Internally Developed Software
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Net book value	1,263,000,000			1,263,000,000
Media
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of other intangibles net	$ 8,000,000			$ 45,000,000

Goodwill and Other Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Summary of Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill (Detail) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance beginning	$ 5,993
Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments	17
Balance ending	6,010
Connect
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance beginning	331
Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments	20
Effect of foreign currency translation	(1)
Balance ending	350
Media
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance beginning	5,662
Acquisitions, divestitures and other adjustments	(3)
Effect of foreign currency translation	1
Balance ending	$ 5,660

Goodwill and Other Intangible_5

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Other Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	$ 6,591	$ 6,310
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	(3,878)	(3,350)
Trade names and trademarks
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	144	144
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	(114)	(109)
Customer - related intangibles
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	3,125	3,153
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	(1,881)	(1,764)
Covenants-not-to-compete
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	37	37
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	(36)	(36)
Content database
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	168	168
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	(50)	(40)
Computer software
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	2,931	2,626
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	(1,646)	(1,260)
Patents and other
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	186	182
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	(151)	(141)
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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance	$ 2,207	$ 2,988	$ 2,388	$ 3,043
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (income)/loss	(8)		(21)	(1)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	9	(52)	(105)	(55)
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	2	(1)	(5)	1
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	7	(51)	(100)	(56)
Balance	2,220	2,353	2,220	2,353
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance	(859)	(761)	(776)	(779)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications			(90)	(30)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)			(90)	(30)
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest			(5)	1
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders			(85)	(31)
Balance	(861)	(810)	(861)	(810)
Cash Flow Hedges
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance			(19)	11
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications			(37)	(28)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (income)/loss			12	(7)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)			(25)	(35)
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders			(25)	(35)
Balance	(44)	(24)	(44)	(24)
Post Employment Benefits
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance	(203)	(336)	(210)	(342)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications			1	2
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (income)/loss			9	8
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)			10	10
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders			10	10
Balance	(200)	(332)	(200)	(332)
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance			(1,005)	(1,110)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications			(126)	(56)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (income)/loss			21	1
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)			(105)	(55)
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest			(5)	1
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders			(100)	(56)
Balance	$ (1,105)	$ (1,166)	$ (1,105)	$ (1,166)

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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
(Benefit)/provision for income taxes	$ 69	$ (380)	$ 42	$ (325)
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	(7)	472	41	306
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	8		21	1
Cash Flow Hedges
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders			(12)	7
Cash Flow Hedges | Interest rate contracts | Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income)/Loss
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest (income)/expense	7	(2)	17	(9)
(Benefit)/provision for income taxes	(2)		(5)	2
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	5	(2)	12	(7)
Amortization of Actuarial Loss
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Actuarial loss, before Tax	4	3	12	10
(Benefit)/provision for income taxes	(1)	(1)	(3)	(2)
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	$ 3	$ 2	$ 9	$ 8

Restructuring Activities - Addi

Restructuring Activities - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 50	$ 5	$ 145	$ 52
Restructuring reserve	94		94		$ 35
Restructuring actions for remaining liabilities, Current	87		87
Broad-Based Optimization Plan
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 50		$ 145
Nielsen's Plan and Automation Initiatives
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges		$ 5		$ 52

Restructuring Activities - Summ

Restructuring Activities - Summary of Changes in Liabilities for Restructuring Activities (Detail) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Restructuring And Related Activities [Abstract]
Beginning Balance	$ 35
Charges	128	[1]
Payments	(71)
Effect of foreign currency translation and other adjustments	2
Ending Balance	$ 94
[1]	Excludes charges related to operating lease right-of-use assets of $17 million.

Restructuring Activities - Su_2

Restructuring Activities - Summary of Changes in Liabilities for Restructuring Activities (Parenthetical) (Detail) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Operating Lease Right-of-use Assets
Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring charges	$ 17

Fair Value Measurements - Finan

Fair Value Measurements - Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis (Detail) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring - USD ($) $ in Millions		Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Assets:
Asset		$ 29	$ 28
Liabilities:
Liabilities		86	48
Interest Rate Swap Arrangements
Liabilities:
Liabilities	[1]	59	22
Deferred Compensation Liabilities
Liabilities:
Liabilities	[2]	27	26
Plan Assets for Deferred Compensation
Assets:
Asset	[3]	27	26
Investment In Mutual Funds
Assets:
Asset	[4]	2	2
Level 1
Assets:
Asset		29	28
Liabilities:
Liabilities		27	26
Level 1 | Deferred Compensation Liabilities
Liabilities:
Liabilities	[2]	27	26
Level 1 | Plan Assets for Deferred Compensation
Assets:
Asset	[3]	27	26
Level 1 | Investment In Mutual Funds
Assets:
Asset	[4]	2	2
Level 2
Liabilities:
Liabilities		59	22
Level 2 | Interest Rate Swap Arrangements
Liabilities:
Liabilities	[1]	$ 59	$ 22
[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 ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Pre-tax gains (losses) from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense expected to be recognized in next twelve months			$ (26,000,000)
Pre-tax non-cash impairment charge	$ 8,000,000	$ 1,004,000,000	53,000,000	$ 1,004,000,000
Definite lived intangible assets impairment charges			45,000,000
Impairment of property plant and equipment			8,000,000
Foreign Currency Exchange Contract
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments			(3,000,000)	$ 0
Notional amount of outstanding derivative financial instruments	$ 77,000,000		$ 77,000,000		$ 125,000,000

Fair Value Measurements - Outst

Fair Value Measurements - Outstanding Interest Rate Swaps (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
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	2020-10
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on October 2021
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 250,000,000
Maturity Date	2021-10
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on July 2022
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 250,000,000
Maturity Date	2022-07
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on April 2023
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 150,000,000
Maturity Date	2023-04
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on May 2023
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 250,000,000
Maturity Date	2023-05
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on June 2023
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 250,000,000
Maturity Date	2023-06
US Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate swaps maturing on July 2023
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Notional Amount	$ 150,000,000
Maturity Date	2023-07

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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
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)	$ 92	$ 100	$ 277	$ 299
Amount of gain/(loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income, net of tax	$ (5)	$ 2	$ (12)	$ 7

Fair Value Measurements - Fair

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Values of Derivative Instruments in Consolidated Balance Sheets (Detail) - Interest Rate Swap Arrangements - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Other Current Liabilities
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Liabilities	$ 2
Other Non-Current Liabilities
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Liabilities	$ 57	$ 22

Fair Value Measurements - Deriv

Fair Value Measurements - Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Interest Rate Swap Arrangements
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Amount of (Gain)/Loss Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)	$ (1)	$ 6	$ 52	$ 39
Interest Expense
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Amount of (Gain)/Loss Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)	$ 7	$ (2)	$ 17	$ (9)

Long-term Debt and Other Fina_3

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Summary of Long-Term Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Weighted average interest rate	4.25%	4.40%
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	$ 9,883	$ 8,164
Finance lease and other financing obligations	127	145
Total debt and other financing arrangements	10,010	8,309
Less: Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease and other financing obligations and other short-term borrowings	1,885	914
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations	8,125	7,395
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	$ 9,953	$ 8,218
Senior secured credit facilities
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Weighted average interest rate	2.94%	3.52%
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	$ 4,943	$ 3,952
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	$ 4,916	$ 3,958
Debenture loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Weighted average interest rate	5.55%	5.22%
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	$ 4,940	$ 4,211
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	5,037	4,259
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2023 | Libor Based Variable Rate of 1.93%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	1,063	1,086
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	1,059	1,079
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2023 | Libor Based Variable Rate of 2.18%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	2,245	2,263
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	2,198	2,273
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	344	603
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	341	606
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2025 | Euro Libor Based Variable Rate of 3.75%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	757
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	771
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2025 | Libor Based Variable Rate of 4.75%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	534
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	547
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount		799
Total long-term debt, Fair Value		802
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	424	622
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	425	629
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	2,295	2,293
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	2,302	2,312
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	497	497
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	508	516
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	985
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	1,026
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2030
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	739
Total long-term debt, Fair Value	$ 776
Other Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount		1
Total long-term debt, Fair Value		$ 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	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020EUR (€)	Jul. 31, 2020EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2019EUR (€)
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2025 | Euro Libor Based Variable Rate of 3.75%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value | €				€ 660		€ 660
Debt instrument, variable rate		3.75%	3.75%
Debt instrument, maturity year		2025	2025
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2025 | Libor Based Variable Rate of 4.75%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$ 550	$ 550	$ 550
Debt instrument, variable rate		4.75%	4.75%
Debt instrument, maturity year		2025	2025
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2023 | Libor Based Variable Rate of 1.93%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	1,125	$ 1,125	$ 1,125
Debt instrument, variable rate		1.90%	1.90%
Debt instrument, maturity year		2023	2023
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2023 | Libor Based Variable Rate of 2.18%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	2,303	$ 2,303	$ 2,303
Debt instrument, variable rate		2.15%	2.15%
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	€ 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	$ 850
Debt instrument, maturity year		2023	2023
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$ 800	$ 800	$ 800
Debt instrument, maturity year		2020	2020
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%	4.50%		4.50%
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$ 425	$ 425	$ 425
Debt instrument, maturity year		2021	2021
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage	5.50%	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	$ 2,300
Debt instrument, maturity year		2022	2022
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%		5.00%
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$ 500	$ 500	$ 500
Debt instrument, maturity year		2025	2025
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%		5.00%
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$ 1,000	$ 1,000	$ 1,000
Debt instrument, maturity year	2028	2028	2028
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage	5.625%	5.625%	5.625%	5.625%		5.625%
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2030
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$ 750	$ 750	$ 750
Debt instrument, maturity year	2030	2030	2030
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage	5.875%	5.875%	5.875%	5.875%		5.875%

Long-term Debt and Other Fina_5

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Additional Information (Detail)	Oct. 10, 2020USD ($)	Oct. 09, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020EUR (€)	Jul. 31, 2020EUR (€)	Jun. 30, 2020USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2020EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2019EUR (€)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Wrote-off certain previously deferred financing fees					$ 1,000,000
Debt refinancing fees					$ 9,000,000
New debt financing fees				$ 3,000,000
Capitalized debt financing fees				$ 5,000,000
Scenario Forecast
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, fee							$ 4,000,000
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2023 | Euro Libor Based Variable Rate of 2.50%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value | €								€ 545,000,000	€ 545,000,000			€ 545,000,000
Debt instrument redeemed principal amount | €									240,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity year					2023	2023
Debt instrument, maturity date					Oct. 4, 2023
Debt instrument, variable rate					2.50%	2.50%
Senior Debenture Loan
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt refinancing fees			$ 27,000,000
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value			$ 425,000,000		$ 425,000,000	$ 425,000,000
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage			5.50%		5.50%	5.50%		5.50%				5.50%
Debt instrument, maturity year					2021	2021
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2021 | Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$ 150,000,000	$ 150,000,000
Debt instrument redeemed principal amount		$ 275,000,000
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage		5.50%
Debt instrument, maturity year		2021
Redemption rate of senior notes equal to principal amount plus premium and accrued and unpaid interest		100.00%
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2022
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value			$ 2,300,000,000		$ 2,300,000,000	$ 2,300,000,000
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage			5.00%		5.00%	5.00%		5.00%				5.00%
Debt instrument, maturity year					2022	2022
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2022 | Subsequent Event
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	825,000,000
Debt instrument redeemed principal amount	$ 750,000,000	$ 725,000,000
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage	5.00%	5.00%
Debt instrument, maturity year	2022
Repayments of debt	$ 1,475,000,000
Redemption rate of senior notes equal to principal amount plus premium and accrued and unpaid interest	100.00%	100.00%
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value			$ 1,000,000,000		$ 1,000,000,000	$ 1,000,000,000
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage			5.625%		5.625%	5.625%		5.625%				5.625%
Debt instrument, maturity year			2028		2028	2028
Debt instrument, maturity date			Oct. 1, 2028
Debt instrument, frequency of interest payment					semiannually
Senior Debenture Loan Due 2030
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value			$ 750,000,000		$ 750,000,000	$ 750,000,000
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage			5.875%		5.875%	5.875%		5.875%				5.875%
Debt instrument, maturity year			2030		2030	2030
Debt instrument, maturity date			Oct. 1, 2030
Debt instrument, frequency of interest payment					semiannually
Dollar Term B-5 Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value										$ 550,000,000
Dollar Term B-5 Loans | Base Rate
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, variable rate					2.75%
Dollar Term B-5 Loans | Eurodollar
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, variable rate					3.75%
Euro Term B-3 Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value | €									660,000,000		€ 420,000,000
Euro Term B-3 Loans | Eurodollar
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, variable rate					3.75%
Dollar Term B-5 Loans and Euro Term B-3 Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage			5.50%		5.50%			5.50%
Debt instrument, maturity date					Jun. 4, 2025
Dollar Term B-5 Loans and Euro Term B-3 Loans | 4.500% Notes Due 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument redeemed principal amount			$ 800,000,000		$ 800,000,000
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage			4.50%		4.50%			4.50%
Debt instrument, maturity year					2020
Dollar Term B-5 Loans and Euro Term B-3 Loans | 5.500% Senior Notes due 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value			$ 625,000,000		$ 625,000,000
Debt instrument redeemed principal amount			$ 200,000,000		$ 200,000,000
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage			5.50%		5.50%			5.50%
Debt instrument, maturity year					2021
Debt instrument remaining principal amount			$ 425,000,000		$ 425,000,000
Incremental Euro Term B-3 Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value | €									€ 240,000,000

Long-term Debt and Other Fina_6

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Annual Maturities of Long-Term Debt (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
For October 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020	[1]	$ 1,768
2021		221
2022		911
2023		3,469
2024		8
2025	[2]	1,759
Thereafter		1,747
Total		$ 9,883	$ 8,164
[1]	Includes the portion of the Senior Notes due 2021 and Senior notes due 2022 to be partially redeemed during October 2020 which are presented within the current portion of long-term debt, finance lease obligations and short-term borrowings within the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2020.
[2]	If the existing € 545 have not been repaid or refinanced (subject to additional limitations in the Credit Agreement) on or prior to the date that is 91 days prior to October 4, 2023, the € 420

Long-term Debt and Other Fina_7

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Annual Maturities of Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020EUR (€)	Jul. 31, 2020EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019EUR (€)
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument maturity, description	If the existing €545 million senior secured term loan and $2,303 million senior secured term loan have not been repaid or refinanced (subject to additional limitations in the Credit Agreement) on or prior to the date that is 91 days prior to October 4, 2023, the €420 million senior secured loan and $550 million senior secured loan are due on October 4, 2023.
Senior Secured Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$ 550,000,000	€ 420,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity date	Oct. 4, 2023
Euro Libor Based Variable Rate of 2.50% | Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value | €		€ 545,000,000	€ 545,000,000		€ 545,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity date	Oct. 4, 2023
Libor Based Variable Rate of 2.18% | Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value | $	$ 2,303,000,000			$ 2,303,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity date	Oct. 4, 2023

Shareholders' Equity - Common S

Shareholders' Equity - Common Stock Activity (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020shares
Actual number of shares of common stock outstanding
Beginning of period	356,149,883
Shares of common stock issued through compensation plans	883,846
Employee benefit trust activity	(34,927)
End of period	356,998,802

Shareholders' Equity - Schedule

Shareholders' Equity - Schedule of Dividends Paid (Detail) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Dividend Per Share	$ 0.06	$ 0.35	$ 0.18	$ 1.05
Installment One
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Declaration Date			Feb. 20, 2020		Feb. 21, 2019
Record Date			Mar. 5, 2020		Mar. 7, 2019
Payment Date			Mar. 19, 2020		Mar. 21, 2019
Dividend Per Share			$ 0.06		$ 0.35
Installment Two
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Declaration Date			Apr. 16, 2020		Apr. 18, 2019
Record Date			Jun. 4, 2020		Jun. 5, 2019
Payment Date			Jun. 18, 2020		Jun. 19, 2019
Dividend Per Share			$ 0.06		$ 0.35
Installment Three
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Declaration Date			Jul. 16, 2020		Jul. 18, 2019
Record Date			Aug. 20, 2020		Aug. 22, 2019
Payment Date			Sep. 3, 2020		Sep. 5, 2019
Dividend Per Share			$ 0.06		$ 0.35
Installment Four
Dividends Payable [Line Items]
Declaration Date					Nov. 3, 2019
Record Date					Nov. 21, 2019
Payment Date					Dec. 5, 2019
Dividend Per Share					$ 0.06

Shareholders' Equity - Addition

Shareholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	Oct. 27, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 11, 2015	Oct. 23, 2014	Jul. 25, 2013
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Dividends declared per common share		$ 0.06	$ 0.35	$ 0.18	$ 1.05
Cost of treasury stock		$ 2,000,000,000		$ 2,000,000,000		$ 500,000,000	$ 1,000,000,000	$ 500,000,000
Stock repurchase program approval date				May 12, 2020
Stock repurchase program authority expiration date				May 12, 2025
Program executed within limitations of authority granted date				Aug. 6, 2015
Cumulative shares repurchased		39,426,521		39,426,521
Average price of common stock purchased				$ 44.95
Payments for repurchase of common stock		$ 1,772,000,000		$ 1,772,000,000
Repurchases of common stock				0
Maximum
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Cost of treasury stock		$ 2,000,000,000		$ 2,000,000,000
Subsequent Event
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Declaration Date	Oct. 27, 2020
Dividends declared per common share	$ 0.06
Cash dividend, date to be Paid	Dec. 3, 2020
Cash dividend, recorded date	Nov. 19, 2020

Shareholders' Equity - Summary

Shareholders' Equity - Summary of Approved Authorized Shares for Repurchase Program (Detail) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020	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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rates before discrete tax items	60.00%	30.00%	50.00%	31.00%
Income tax expense before discrete tax items	$ 48	$ 47	$ 7	$ 118
(Benefit)/provision for income taxes	$ 69	$ (380)	$ 42	$ (325)
Liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits					$ 164

Segments - Additional Informati

Segments - Additional Information (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	2

Segments - Business Segment Inf

Segments - Business Segment Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		$ 1,563	$ 1,616	$ 4,618	$ 4,807
Operating income/(loss)		174	(740)	300	(317)
Depreciation and amortization		217	186	655	550
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets		8	1,004	53	1,004
Restructuring charges		50	5	145	52
Share-based compensation expense		17	13	44	39
Separation-related costs	[1]	30		91
Other items	[2]	5	8	34	33
Business segment income/(loss)	[3]	501	476	1,322	1,361
Total assets		15,775		15,775		$ 14,319
Operating Segments | Connect
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		727	746	2,129	2,255
Operating income/(loss)		10	(964)	(41)	(920)
Depreciation and amortization		67	57	198	167
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets			1,004	4	1,004
Restructuring charges		40	8	103	34
Share-based compensation expense		6	4	12	12
Separation-related costs	[1]	1		1
Other items	[2]			1
Business segment income/(loss)	[3]	124	109	278	297
Total assets		4,368		4,368		4,376
Operating Segments | Media
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues		836	870	2,489	2,552
Operating income/(loss)		226	250	537	701
Depreciation and amortization		148	127	451	378
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets		8		49
Restructuring charges		4	1	30	11
Share-based compensation expense		4	3	12	9
Separation-related costs	[1]	2		2
Business segment income/(loss)	[3]	392	381	1,081	1,099
Total assets		9,129		9,129		9,675
Corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income/(loss)		(62)	(26)	(196)	(98)
Depreciation and amortization		2	2	6	5
Restructuring charges		6	(4)	12	7
Share-based compensation expense		7	6	20	18
Separation-related costs	[1]	27		88
Other items	[2]	5	8	33	33
Business segment income/(loss)	[3]	(15)	$ (14)	(37)	$ (35)
Total assets		$ 2,278		$ 2,278		$ 268
[1]	Separation-related costs consists of costs that would not have been incurred if Nielsen was not undertaking the separation of the Nielsen Global Connect business from the Nielsen Global Media business and positioning Global Connect and Global Media to operate as two independent companies.
[2]	Other items primarily consist of business optimization costs and transaction related costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020.  Other items primarily consist of business optimization costs, including strategic review costs, and transaction related costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019.
[3]	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)	Sep. 30, 2020
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		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 1,563	$ 1,616	$ 4,618	$ 4,807
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	663	694	2,048	2,088
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	451	467	1,417	1,430
Depreciation and amortization	217	186	655	550
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets	8	1,004	53	1,004
Restructuring charges	50	5	145	52
Operating income/(loss)	174	(740)	300	(317)
Interest income		1	1	4
Interest expense	(92)	(100)	(277)	(299)
Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net	(3)	(6)	(6)	(10)
Other income/(expense), net		(3)	(5)	2
Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates	79	(848)	13	(620)
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes	(69)	380	(42)	325
Net income/(loss)	10	(468)	(29)	(295)
Less net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	3	4	12	11
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	7	(472)	(41)	(306)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	9	(52)	(105)	(55)
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	2	(1)	(5)	1
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	7	(51)	(100)	(56)
Total comprehensive income/(loss)	19	(520)	(134)	(350)
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	5	3	7	12
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	14	(523)	(141)	(362)
Parent
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	2	1	13	3
Operating income/(loss)	(2)	(1)	(13)	(3)
Interest income			1	1
Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates	(2)	(1)	(12)	(2)
Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries	9	(471)	(29)	(304)
Net income/(loss)	7	(472)	(41)	(306)
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	7	(472)	(41)	(306)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	7	(51)	(100)	(56)
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	7	(51)	(100)	(56)
Total comprehensive income/(loss)	14	(523)	(141)	(362)
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	14	(523)	(141)	(362)
Issuers
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Interest income	154	180	526	565
Interest expense	(82)	(93)	(258)	(279)
Other income/(expense), net	(1)		(2)
Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates	71	87	266	286
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes	(125)	(23)	(72)	(77)
Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries	51	57	133	146
Net income/(loss)	(3)	121	327	355
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	(3)	121	327	355
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	(7)	12	(39)	(13)
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	(7)	12	(39)	(13)
Total comprehensive income/(loss)	(10)	133	288	342
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	(10)	133	288	342
Guarantor
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	1,045	1,067	3,096	3,137
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	389	400	1,206	1,176
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	246	240	758	734
Depreciation and amortization	182	158	548	460
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets	8	419	53	419
Restructuring charges	17		50	25
Operating income/(loss)	203	(150)	481	323
Interest income	1	49	17	51
Interest expense	(164)	(188)	(555)	(586)
Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net	(2)	42	16	48
Other income/(expense), net	(51)	(109)	(106)	(206)
Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates	(13)	(356)	(147)	(370)
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes	33	383	9	442
Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries	(12)	(498)	109	(376)
Equity on net income/(loss) of affiliates	1
Net income/(loss)	9	(471)	(29)	(304)
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	9	(471)	(29)	(304)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	7	(51)	(100)	(56)
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	7	(51)	(100)	(56)
Total comprehensive income/(loss)	16	(522)	(129)	(360)
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	16	(522)	(129)	(360)
Non-Guarantor
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	518	549	1,522	1,670
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	274	294	842	912
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below	203	226	646	693
Depreciation and amortization	35	28	107	90
Impairment of goodwill and other long-lived assets		585		585
Restructuring charges	33	5	95	27
Operating income/(loss)	(27)	(589)	(168)	(637)
Interest income		2	11	5
Interest expense	(1)	(49)	(18)	(52)
Foreign currency exchange transaction gains/(losses), net	(1)	(48)	(22)	(58)
Other income/(expense), net	52	106	103	208
Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income/(loss) of affiliates	23	(578)	(94)	(534)
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes	23	20	21	(40)
Equity on net income/(loss) of affiliates	(1)
Net income/(loss)	45	(558)	(73)	(574)
Less net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	3	4	12	11
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	42	(562)	(85)	(585)
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	(15)	38	(112)	75
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest	2	(1)	(5)	1
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	(17)	39	(107)	74
Total comprehensive income/(loss)	30	(520)	(185)	(499)
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	5	3	7	12
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	25	(523)	(192)	(511)
Consolidation Eliminations
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Interest income	(155)	(230)	(554)	(618)
Interest expense	155	230	554	618
Equity in net income/(loss) of subsidiaries	(48)	912	(213)	534
Net income/(loss)	(48)	912	(213)	534
Net income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	(48)	912	(213)	534
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	17		246	(5)
Net current period other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	17		246	(5)
Total comprehensive income/(loss)	(31)	912	33	529
Total comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$ (31)	$ 912	$ 33	$ 529

Guarantor Financial Informati_5

Guarantor Financial Information - Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Unaudited) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Sep. 30, 2019	Jun. 30, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 2,250		$ 454
Trade and other receivables, net	1,094		1,103
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	434		420
Total current assets	3,778		1,977
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	390		466
Operating lease right-of-use asset	369		393
Goodwill	6,010		5,993
Other intangible assets, net	4,634		4,881
Deferred tax assets	288		276
Other non-current assets	306		333
Total assets	15,775		14,319
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	1,161		1,182
Deferred revenues	324		345
Income tax liabilities	51		60
Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease obligations and short-term borrowings	1,885		914
Total current liabilities	3,421		2,501
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations	8,125		7,395
Operating lease liabilities	363		370
Deferred tax liabilities	1,004		1,052
Other non-current liabilities	642		613
Total liabilities	13,555		11,931
Total shareholders’ equity	2,032		2,195
Noncontrolling interests	188		193
Total equity	2,220	$ 2,207	2,388	$ 2,353	$ 2,988	$ 3,043
Total liabilities and equity	15,775		14,319
Parent
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	3		2
Intercompany receivables			7
Total current assets	3		9
Non-current assets
Deferred tax assets	1		1
Equity investment in subsidiaries	2,004		2,170
Intercompany loans	25		25
Total assets	2,033		2,205
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	1		10
Total current liabilities	1		10
Non-current liabilities
Total liabilities	1		10
Total shareholders’ equity	2,032		2,195
Total equity	2,032		2,195
Total liabilities and equity	2,033		2,205
Issuers
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	77
Intercompany receivables	3,378		1,615
Total current assets	3,455		1,615
Non-current assets
Equity investment in subsidiaries	1,332		1,298
Intercompany loans	8,521		8,887
Total assets	13,308		11,800
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	83		62
Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease obligations and short-term borrowings	1,825		861
Intercompany payables	2		3
Total current liabilities	1,910		926
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations	7,301		7,302
Deferred tax liabilities	71		71
Other non-current liabilities	57		22
Total liabilities	9,339		8,321
Total shareholders’ equity	3,969		3,479
Total equity	3,969		3,479
Total liabilities and equity	13,308		11,800
Guarantor
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	1,688		78
Trade and other receivables, net	623		540
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	299		295
Intercompany receivables	131		309
Total current assets	2,741		1,222
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	253		303
Operating lease right-of-use asset	172		194
Goodwill	5,145		5,131
Other intangible assets, net	4,084		4,332
Other non-current assets	230		260
Equity investment in subsidiaries	4,385		5,399
Intercompany loans	212		223
Total assets	17,222		17,064
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	549		565
Deferred revenues	231		257
Income tax liabilities	27		4
Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease obligations and short-term borrowings	54		46
Intercompany payables	3,523		1,948
Total current liabilities	4,384		2,820
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations	814		80
Operating lease liabilities	204		217
Deferred tax liabilities	851		887
Intercompany loans	8,592		10,516
Other non-current liabilities	373		374
Total liabilities	15,218		14,894
Total shareholders’ equity	2,004		2,170
Total equity	2,004		2,170
Total liabilities and equity	17,222		17,064
Non-Guarantor
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	482		374
Trade and other receivables, net	471		563
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	135		125
Intercompany receivables	145		328
Total current assets	1,233		1,390
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	137		163
Operating lease right-of-use asset	197		199
Goodwill	865		862
Other intangible assets, net	550		549
Deferred tax assets	287		275
Other non-current assets	76		73
Intercompany loans	46		1,605
Total assets	3,391		5,116
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	528		545
Deferred revenues	93		88
Income tax liabilities	24		56
Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease obligations and short-term borrowings	6		7
Intercompany payables	129		308
Total current liabilities	780		1,004
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations	10		13
Operating lease liabilities	159		153
Deferred tax liabilities	82		94
Intercompany loans	212		224
Other non-current liabilities	212		217
Total liabilities	1,455		1,705
Total shareholders’ equity	1,748		3,218
Noncontrolling interests	188		193
Total equity	1,936		3,411
Total liabilities and equity	3,391		5,116
Consolidation Eliminations
Current assets
Intercompany receivables	(3,654)		(2,259)
Total current assets	(3,654)		(2,259)
Non-current assets
Equity investment in subsidiaries	(7,721)		(8,867)
Intercompany loans	(8,804)		(10,740)
Total assets	(20,179)		(21,866)
Current liabilities
Intercompany payables	(3,654)		(2,259)
Total current liabilities	(3,654)		(2,259)
Non-current liabilities
Intercompany loans	(8,804)		(10,740)
Total liabilities	(12,458)		(12,999)
Total shareholders’ equity	(7,721)		(8,867)
Total equity	(7,721)		(8,867)
Total liabilities and equity	$ (20,179)		$ (21,866)

Guarantor Financial Informati_6

Guarantor Financial Information - Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	$ 662	$ 596
Investing activities:
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired	(29)	(62)
Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net	13
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets	(26)	(58)
Additions to intangible assets	(319)	(284)
Other investing activities	(4)	(18)
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities	(365)	(422)
Financing activities:
Net borrowings under revolving credit facility		190
Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs	2,974
Repayments of debt	(1,319)	(43)
Decrease in other short-term borrowings		(1)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders	(64)	(373)
Activity from share-based compensation plans	(6)	(5)
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan	3	3
Finance leases	(43)	(44)
Settlement of intercompany and other financing activities	(29)	(17)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities	1,516	(290)
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(17)	(19)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,796	(135)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	454	524
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	2,250	389
Parent
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	(13)	(8)
Financing activities:
Cash dividends paid to shareholders	(64)	(373)
Activity from share-based compensation plans	(1)
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan	3	3
Settlement of intercompany and other financing activities	76	377
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities	14	7
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1	(1)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	2	3
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	3	2
Issuers
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	62	63
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs	2,261
Repayments of debt	(1,318)	(43)
Settlement of intercompany and other financing activities	(928)	(20)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities	15	(63)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	77
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	77
Guarantor
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	727	672
Investing activities:
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired	(15)	(38)
Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net	5
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets	(11)	(27)
Additions to intangible assets	(255)	(240)
Other investing activities	(1)	(18)
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities	(277)	(323)
Financing activities:
Net borrowings under revolving credit facility		190
Proceeds from issuances of debt, net of issuance costs	713
Repayments of debt	(1)
Activity from share-based compensation plans	(5)	(5)
Finance leases	(37)	(41)
Settlement of intercompany and other financing activities	492	(511)
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities	1,162	(367)
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(2)	(7)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,610	(25)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	78	79
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	1,688	54
Non-Guarantor
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	(114)	(131)
Investing activities:
Acquisition of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired	(14)	(24)
Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net	8
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets	(15)	(31)
Additions to intangible assets	(64)	(44)
Other investing activities	(3)
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities	(88)	(99)
Financing activities:
Decrease in other short-term borrowings		(1)
Finance leases	(6)	(3)
Settlement of intercompany and other financing activities	331	137
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities	325	133
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(15)	(12)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	108	(109)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	374	442
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 482	$ 333

Subsequent Event - Additional I

Subsequent Event - Additional Information (Detail) - Subsequent Event - Connect - Advent $ in Billions	Oct. 31, 2020USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Cash proceeds on sale of business	$ 2.7
Trade names and trademarks
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Intangible assets license period	20 years