Nielsen (NLSN) 10-Q27 Oct 222022 Q3 Quarterly reportFinancial data

Company Profile

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information	Sep. 30, 2022 shares
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2022
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2022
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	No
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	675 Avenue of the Americas
Entity Address, City or Town	New York
Entity Address, State or Province	NY
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	10010
City Area Code	410
Local Phone Number	717-7134
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	359,941,875
Other Address
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Address, Address Line One	5th Floor Endeavour House
Entity Address, Address Line Two	189 Shaftesbury Avenue
Entity Address, City or Town	London
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	WC2H 8JR
City Area Code	410
Local Phone Number	717-7134
Entity Address, Country	GB

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues		$ 888	$ 882	$ 2,647	$ 2,606
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		324	307	965	876
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below		213	218	650	642
Depreciation and amortization		129	129	386	382
Restructuring charges	[1]	4	6	18	12
Operating income		218	222	628	694
Interest expense, net		70	68	203	217
Other expense/(income), net		7	2	(1)	32
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates		141	152	426	445
Provision for income taxes		32	33	98	129
Equity in net income of affiliates			(1)	(4)	(1)
Net income from continuing operations		109	120	332	317
Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes		1	(17)	6	440
Net income		110	103	338	757
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests		2	3	14	8
Net income attributable to Nielsen shareholders		$ 108	$ 100	$ 324	$ 749
Net income per share of common stock, basic
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Nielsen shareholders		$ 0.30	$ 0.33	$ 0.88	$ 0.86
Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Nielsen shareholders			(0.05)	0.02	1.23
Net income attributable to Nielsen shareholders		0.30	0.28	0.90	2.09
Net income per share of common stock, diluted
Net income from continuing operations attributable to Nielsen shareholders		0.30	0.32	0.88	0.86
Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Nielsen shareholders			(0.05)	0.02	1.22
Net income attributable to Nielsen shareholders		$ 0.30	$ 0.28	$ 0.90	$ 2.08
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding
Basic		359,885,616	358,879,518	359,732,970	358,489,287
Diluted		361,767,966	360,528,113	361,439,746	360,385,984

[1] For the three months ended September 30, 2022, restructuring charges primarily consist of real estate consolidation as well as severance expenses. For the three months ended September 30, 2021, restructuring charges primarily consist of real estate consolidation.

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 110	$ 103	$ 338	$ 757
Other comprehensive (loss)/income, net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(39)	(20)	(94)	180
Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges	3	5	23	14
Net unrealized pension and other post-retirement benefits, net of tax	1	3	7	149
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income	(35)	(12)	(64)	343
Total comprehensive income	75	91	274	1,100
Less: comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to noncontrolling interests	1	1	10	6
Total comprehensive income attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$ 74	$ 90	$ 264	$ 1,094

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 766	$ 380
Trade and other receivables, net	510	517
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	266	243
Total current assets	1,542	1,140
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net	236	273
Operating lease right-of-use asset	116	144
Goodwill	5,558	5,599
Other intangible assets, net	3,338	3,462
Deferred tax assets	40	55
Other non-current assets	138	147
Total assets	10,968	10,820
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	530	478
Deferred revenues	134	131
Income tax liabilities	2	13
Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease obligations and short-term borrowings	775	35
Total current liabilities	1,441	657
Non-current liabilities
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations	4,835	5,591
Deferred tax liabilities	510	561
Operating lease liabilities	114	126
Other non-current liabilities	348	389
Total liabilities	7,248	7,324
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
Shareholders’ equity
Common stock, €0.07 par value, 1,185,800,000 shares authorized; 359,941,875 and 359,267,580 shares issued and 359,941,875 and 359,267,535 shares outstanding at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively	32	32
Additional paid-in capital	4,230	4,273
Retained earnings/(accumulated deficit)	71	(253)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	(798)	(738)
Total shareholders’ equity	3,535	3,314
Noncontrolling interests	185	182
Total equity	3,720	3,496
Total liabilities and equity	$ 10,968	$ 10,820

Condensed Consolidated Balanc_2

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - € / shares	Sep. 30, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par value	€ 0.07	€ 0.07
Common stock, shares authorized	1,185,800,000	1,185,800,000
Common stock, shares issued	359,941,875	359,267,580
Common stock, shares outstanding	359,941,875	359,267,535

Condensed Consolidated Statem_3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021
Operating Activities
Net income from continuing operations	$ 109	$ 120		$ 332	$ 317
Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations				6	(94)
Gain on disposal of Global Connect, net of tax, within discontinued operations			$ 542		534	$ 489
Net income	110	103		338	757
Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Share-based compensation expense				28	27
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax			(542)		(534)	(489)
Currency exchange rate differences on financial transactions and other (gains)/losses				(1)	39
Equity in net income of affiliates, net of dividends received				(3)
Depreciation and amortization				386	418
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect of businesses acquired and divested:
Trade and other receivables, net				(10)	(131)
Prepaid expenses and other assets				36	(33)
Accounts payable and other current liabilities and deferred revenues				51	(112)
Other non-current liabilities				(28)	(35)
Interest payable				7	32
Income taxes				(66)	11
Net cash provided by operating activities				738	439
Investing Activities
Acquisitions of subsidiaries and affiliates, net of cash acquired				(6)	(13)
Proceeds from the sale of subsidiaries and affiliates, net				1	2,269
Additions to property, plant and equipment and other assets				(43)	(41)
Additions to intangible assets				(196)	(197)
Proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets					3
Other investing activities				12
Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities				(232)	2,021
Financing Activities
Proceeds from the issuance of debt, net of issuance costs					1,231
Repayment of debt					(3,632)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders				(65)	(65)
Payments related to tax withholding for share-based payment arrangements				(7)	(10)
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan				1	1
Finance leases				(24)	(34)
Other financing activities				(12)	(10)
Net cash used in financing activities				(107)	(2,519)
Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents				(13)	(9)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents				386	(68)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			$ 610	380	610	610
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 766	$ 542		766	542	$ 380
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash paid for income taxes				164	96
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized				$ 199	$ 193

Condensed Consolidated Statem_4

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, 2020	$ 2,243	$ 32	$ 4,340	$ (1,216)	$ (821)	$ (39)	$ (245)	$ 2,051	$ 192
Net income	757			749				749	8
Currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(53)				(51)			(51)	(2)
Cash flow hedges, net of tax	14					14		14
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax	8						8	8
Other Comprehensive Income gain/(loss) on disposition, net of tax	374				233		141	374
Dividends to shareholders	(74)		(65)					(65)	(9)
Common stock activity from share-based compensation plans	(5)		(5)					(5)
Share-based compensation expense	26		26					26
Other	(4)		(7)					(7)	3
Balance at Sep. 30, 2021	3,286	32	4,289	(467)	(639)	(25)	(96)	3,094	192
Balance at Jun. 30, 2021	3,210	32	4,301	(567)	(621)	(30)	(99)	3,016	194
Net income	103			100				100	3
Currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(20)				(18)			(18)	(2)
Cash flow hedges, net of tax	5					5		5
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax	3						3	3
Dividends to shareholders	(25)		(22)					(22)	(3)
Common stock activity from share-based compensation plans	(1)		(1)					(1)
Share-based compensation expense	10		10					10
Other	1		1					1
Balance at Sep. 30, 2021	3,286	32	4,289	(467)	(639)	(25)	(96)	3,094	192
Balance at Dec. 31, 2021	3,496	32	4,273	(253)	(647)	(18)	(73)	3,314	182
Net income	338			324				324	14
Currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(94)				(101)		11	(90)	(4)
Cash flow hedges, net of tax	23					23		23
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax	7						7	7
Capital contribution by non-controlling partner	1								1
Dividends to shareholders	(49)		(65)					(65)	(8)
Payments related to tax withholding for share-based payment arrangements	(6)		(7)					(7)
Share-based compensation expense	28		28					28
Employee stock purchase plan	1		1					1
Balance at Sep. 30, 2022	3,720	32	4,230	71	(748)	5	(55)	3,535	185
Balance at Jun. 30, 2022	3,660	32	4,243	(37)	(710)	2	(56)	3,474	186
Net income	110			108				108	2
Currency translation adjustments, net of tax	(39)				(38)			(38)	(1)
Cash flow hedges, net of tax	3					3		3
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax	1						1	1
Dividends to shareholders	(24)		(22)					(22)	(2)
Payments related to tax withholding for share-based payment arrangements	(1)		(1)					(1)
Share-based compensation expense	10		10					10
Balance at Sep. 30, 2022	$ 3,720	$ 32	$ 4,230	$ 71	$ (748)	$ 5	$ (55)	$ 3,535	$ 185

Condensed Consolidated Statem_5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Statement Of Stockholders Equity [Abstract]
Currency translation adjustments, tax	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ (1)
Cash flow hedges, tax	(1)	(1)	(8)	(6)
Net unrealized pension and other postretirement benefits, tax	$ (1)	$ 0	$ (3)	(2)
Other Comprehensive Income gain/(loss) on disposition, tax				$ (42)
Dividends to shareholders, per share of common stock	$ 0.06	$ 0.06	$ 0.06	$ 0.06

Background and Basis of Present

Background and Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
Background and Basis of Presentation	Sep. 30, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Background and Basis of Presentation	Note Background Nielsen Holdings plc (“Nielsen” or the “Company”), together with its subsidiaries, serves the world’s media and content ecosystem and is a global leader in audience measurement, data and analytics. Through Nielsen’s understanding of people and their behaviors across all channels and platforms, Nielsen empowers its clients with independent and actionable intelligence so they can connect and engage with their audiences—now and into the future. Nielsen provides a holistic and objective understanding of the media industry to its various client segments. Nielsen’s data is used by its publishing clients to understand their audiences, establish the value of their advertising inventory and maximize the value of their content. Nielsen’s data is used by its marketer and advertiser agency clients to plan and optimize their spend and is used by its content creator clients to inform decisions and identify trends. Nielsen has operations in more than 55 countries, with its registered office located in London, the United Kingdom and headquarters located in New York, United States. Transaction with Consortium of Private Investment Funds On March 28, 2022, Nielsen entered into a definitive agreement, as amended on August 19, 2022 (the “Transaction Agreement”) to be acquired by Neptune Intermediate Jersey Limited and Neptune BidCo US Inc. (collectively, the “Purchasing Entities”) by way of a scheme of arrangement (the “Scheme”) between the Company and the Scheme Shareholders (as defined in the Scheme) under Part 26 of the United Kingdom Companies Act 2006. The Purchasing Entities are controlled by a consortium of private investment funds led by Evergreen Coast Capital Corporation, an affiliate of Elliott Investment Management L.P., and Brookfield Business Partners L.P., together with institutional partners (collectively, the “Consortium”). The Transaction Agreement provided that at the effective time of the Transaction, all ordinary shares would be transferred from Nielsen’s shareholders to Neptune BidCo US Inc. in accordance with the provisions of the Scheme and the laws of England and Wales (the “Transaction”), and that Scheme Shareholders would receive the consideration of $28.00 in cash, without interest, per ordinary share. On October 11, 2022, the Transaction was completed. (See Note 13 – Basis of Presentation The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited but, in the opinion of management, contain all the adjustments (consisting of those of a normal recurring nature) considered necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) applicable to interim periods. For a more complete discussion of significant accounting policies, commitments and contingencies and certain other information, refer to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. All amounts are presented in U.S. Dollars (“$”), 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, 2022 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 (See Note 13 – 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. Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, basic 359,885,616 358,879,518 359,732,970 358,489,287 Dilutive shares of common stock 1,882,350 1,648,595 1,706,776 1,896,697 Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, diluted 361,767,966 360,528,113 361,439,746 360,385,984 The effect of 1,565,517 and 2,154,386 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, 2022 and 2021, respectively, as such shares would have been anti-dilutive. The effect of 1,596,700 and 2,550,964 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, 2022 and 2021, respectively, as such shares would have been anti-dilutive. Discontinued Operations We consider assets to be held for sale when management, having the authority through shareholder approval, commits to a formal plan to actively market the assets for sale at a price reasonable in relation to fair value, the asset is available for immediate sale in its present condition, an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the sale have been initiated, the sale of the asset is expected to be completed within one year and it is unlikely that significant changes will be made to the plan. Upon designation as held for sale, we record the carrying value of an asset at the lower of its carrying value or its estimated fair value, less costs to sell. In accordance with GAAP, assets held for sale are not depreciated or amortized . If the disposal of the component of an entity (or group of components) represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results, it meets the criteria for discontinued operations. The results of discontinued operations, as well as any gain or loss on the disposal transaction, are presented separately, net of tax, from the results of continuing operations for all periods presented. The expenses included in the results of discontinued operations are the direct operating expenses incurred by the discontinued segment that may be reasonably segregated from the costs of the ongoing operations of the Company. Certain corporate costs directly attributable to the discontinued operations and transaction costs directly related to the sale are also presented within net income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes. Beginning in the first quarter of 2021, represented a separate segment and approximately 50% of our consolidated revenues, we considered this to be a strategic shift.

Summary of Recent Accounting Pr

Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Sep. 30, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Note 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
Revenue Recognition	Sep. 30, 2022
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition	Note 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. Revenue is primarily generated from television, radio, digital and mobile audience measurement services and analytics, which are used by the Company’s clients to establish the value of airtime and more effectively schedule and promote their programming and the Company’s advertising clients to plan and optimize their spending. As the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by the Company’s performance, revenues for these services are recognized over the period during which the performance obligations are satisfied and control of the service is transferred to the customer. The Company enters into cooperation arrangements with certain customers, under which the customer provides Nielsen with its data in exchange for Nielsen’s services. Nielsen records these transactions at fair value, which is determined based on the fair value of goods or services received, if reasonably estimable. If not reasonably estimable, the Company considers the fair value of the goods or services surrendered. The table below sets forth the Company’s revenue disaggregated by major product offerings and timing of revenue recognition for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021. (IN MILLIONS) (UNAUDITED) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Measurement $ 652 $ 637 $ 1,941 $ 1,898 Impact/Content 236 245 706 708 Total $ 888 $ 882 $ 2,647 $ 2,606 Timing of revenue recognition Products and services transferred over time $ 784 $ 787 $ 2,337 $ 2,326 Products transferred at a point in time 104 95 310 280 Total $ 888 $ 882 $ 2,647 $ 2,606 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) Contract assets Balance December 31, 2021 $ 97 Revenue recognized that was not billed for the period 82 Contract assets included in December 31, 2021 balance that were invoiced and transferred to trade receivables for the period (83 ) The effect of foreign currency translation and other (3 ) Balance September 30, 2022 $ 93 Contract liabilities Balance December 31, 2021 $ 131 Advance consideration received or the right to consideration that is unconditional from customers for which revenue was not recognized for the period 129 Revenue recognized for the period that was included in the contract liability balance as of December 31, 2021 (121 ) The effect of foreign currency translation and other (5 ) Balance September 30, 2022 $ 134 Transaction Price Allocated to the Remaining Performance Obligations As of September 30, 2022, approximately $3.4 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 66% of these remaining performance obligations through December 31, 2023, 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, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the balances of such capitalized costs were $53 million and $31 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. We amortized $0.3 million and $1 million of these costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, there was no amortization recorded given that the Company had not yet begun to transfer the goods and services associated with these capitalized costs 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 roll forward incorporating expected credit losses as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. (IN MILLIONS) Balance Charges to Deductions Effect of Balance at Allowance for doubtful accounts Nine months ended September 30, 2022 $ 6 $ - $ - $ (1 ) $ 5 Year ended December 31, 2021 $ 11 $ (4 ) $ - $ (1 ) $ 6

Other Intangible Assets

Other Intangible Assets	9 Months Ended
Other Intangible Assets	Sep. 30, 2022
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Intangible Assets	Note Other Intangible Assets Gross Amounts Accumulated Amortization September 30, December 31, September 30, December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2022 2021 2022 2021 Indefinite-lived intangibles: Trade names and trademarks $ 1,833 $ 1,833 $ — $ — Amortized intangibles: Trade names and trademarks 110 110 (99 ) (96 ) Customer-related intangibles 2,554 2,558 (1,774 ) (1,689 ) Covenants-not-to-compete 26 26 (26 ) (26 ) Content databases 168 168 (78 ) (67 ) Computer software 1,757 1,572 (1,154 ) (947 ) Patents and other 154 148 (133 ) (128 ) Total $ 4,769 $ 4,582 $ (3,264 ) $ (2,953 ) Other indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill are each tested for impairment on an annual basis and whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such asset may not be recoverable. There were no indicators of impairment during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. During the first quarter of 2021, pursuant to Nielsen’s sale of its Global Connect business (such business, “Global Connect,” and the sale of Global Connect, the “Connect Transaction”) to affiliates of Advent International Corporation (“Advent”) on March 5, 2021, Nielsen granted Advent a license to brand its products and services with the Nielsen name and other trademarks for 20 years following the closing of the Connect Transaction. There was an indefinite-lived trade name historically recognized within the Global Connect segment. However, as this indefinite-lived trade name was retained by Nielsen as part of the Connect Transaction, the trade name was included within continuing operations. During the first quarter of 2021, Nielsen concluded that there was a triggering event for an interim impairment assessment as a result of the change in unit of account of the indefinite-lived intangibles as a result of the sale of Global Connect. The impairment test for other indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of a comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying amount. If the carrying amount of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The estimates of fair value of trade names and trademarks are determined using a “relief from royalty” discounted cash flow valuation methodology. Significant assumptions inherent in this methodology include estimates of royalty rates, estimated future revenue (inclusive of long-term revenue growth rates) and discount rate. Discount rate assumptions are based on an assessment of the risk inherent in the respective intangible assets. The discount rate Nielsen used in its evaluation was 10.1%. Assumptions about royalty rates are based on the rates at which comparable trade names and trademarks are being licensed in the marketplace. Based on the interim impairment assessment as of September 2021, Nielsen concluded that the estimated fair value exceeded carrying value, thus no impairment was recorded. Nielsen will continue to closely evaluate and report on any indicators of future impairments . There was no impairment or indicators of impairment noted in 2022 with respect to the Company’s amortizable intangible assets. Nielsen will continue to closely evaluate and report on any indicators of future impairments. Amortization expense associated with the above intangible assets was $104 million and $102 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. These amounts included amortization expense associated with computer software of $69 million and $67 million Amortization expense associated with the above intangible assets was $309 million and $306 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. These amounts included amortization expense associated with computer software of $206 million and $199 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. At September 30, 2022, the net book value of purchased software and internally developed software was $9 million and $594 million, respectively.

Changes in and Reclassification

Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) by Component	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022
Equity [Abstract]
Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) by Component	Note The table below summarizes the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax, by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021. Currency Translation Post-Employment Adjustments Cash Flow Hedges Benefits Total (IN MILLIONS) Balance December 31, 2021 $ (647 ) $ (18 ) $ (73 ) $ (738 ) Other comprehensive (loss)/income before Reclassifications (105 ) 16 14 (75 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — 7 4 11 Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income (105 ) 23 18 (64 ) Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (4 ) — — (4 ) Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen shareholders (101 ) 23 18 (60 ) Balance September 30, 2022 $ (748 ) $ 5 $ (55 ) $ (798 ) Currency Translation Post-Employment Adjustments Cash Flow Hedges Benefits Total (IN MILLIONS) Balance December 31, 2020 $ (821 ) $ (39 ) $ (245 ) $ (1,105 ) Other comprehensive loss before Reclassifications (53 ) (1 ) - (54 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 233 15 149 397 Net current period other comprehensive income 180 14 149 343 Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (2 ) - - (2 ) Net current period other comprehensive income attributable to Nielsen shareholders 182 14 149 345 Balance September 30, 2021 $ (639 ) $ (25 ) $ (96 ) $ (760 ) The table below summarizes the reclassification of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other (IN MILLIONS) Comprehensive Loss/(Income) Details about Accumulated Affected Line Item in the Other Comprehensive Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Condensed Consolidated Income components September 30, 2022 September 30, 2021 Statement of Operations Cash flow hedges Interest rate contracts $ — $ 7 Interest (income)/expense — (1 ) (Benefit)/provision for income taxes $ — $ 6 Total, net of tax Post-Employment Benefits Amortization of actuarial loss (1) $ 3 $ 3 Other expense, net (1 ) (1 ) (Benefit)/provision for income taxes $ 2 $ 2 Total, net of tax Total reclassification for the period $ 2 $ 8 Net of tax (1) 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 the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other (IN MILLIONS) Comprehensive Loss/(Income) Details about Accumulated Affected Line Item in the Other Comprehensive Nine Months Ended Nine Months Ended Condensed Consolidated Income components September 30, 2022 September 30, 2021 Statement of Operations Currency Translation Adjustments Currency translation (gains)/losses on dispositions (2) $ — $ 233 Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations Cash flow hedges Interest rate contracts $ 9 $ 20 Interest (income)/expense (2 ) (5 ) (Benefit)/provision for income taxes $ 7 $ 15 Total, net of tax Post-Employment Benefits Amortization of actuarial loss (1) $ 8 $ 11 Other expense, net (4 ) (3 ) (Benefit)/provision for income taxes $ 4 $ 8 Total, net of tax Unrealized (gains)/losses on pension liability on dispositions (2) $ — $ 183 Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations — (42 ) (Benefit)/provision for income taxes $ — $ 141 Total, net of tax Total Post-Employment Benefits reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (income)/loss $ 4 $ 149 Total reclassification for the period $ 11 $ 397 Net of tax (1) This accumulated other comprehensive loss component is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. (2) The sale of Global Connect resulted in a total reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income of $374 million, including accumulated currency translation adjustment of $233 million, and unrealized gain on pension liability of $141 million, net of taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 .

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurements	Sep. 30, 2022
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Note 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, 2022 and December 31, 2021: September 30, (IN MILLIONS) 2022 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Plan assets for deferred compensation (1) $ 20 $ 20 $ — $ — Investment in mutual funds (2) 1 1 — — Interest rate swap arrangements (4) Other current assets 11 — 11 — Warrant (3) 1 — — 1 Total $ 33 $ 21 $ 11 $ 1 Liabilities: Interest rate swap arrangements (4) Other current liabilities $ 1 $ — $ 1 $ — Other non-current liabilities — — — — Deferred compensation liabilities ( 5 ) 20 20 — — Total $ 21 $ 20 $ 1 $ — December 31, 2021 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Plan assets for deferred compensation (1) 24 24 — — Investment in mutual funds (2) 1 1 — — Warrant ( 3) 6 — — 6 Total $ 31 $ 25 — 6 Liabilities: Interest rate swap arrangements (4) Other current liabilities $ 4 $ — $ 4 $ — Other non-current liabilities 18 — 18 — Deferred compensation liabilities (5) 24 24 — — Total $ 46 $ 24 $ 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) T he warrant to purchase equity interests in the company that, following the Connect Transaction, owns Global Connect, which was issued on March 5, 2021 in connection with the Connect Transaction (the “Connect Warrant”), was part of the proceeds related to the sale of Global Connect and included in the net gain on sale of Global Connect. The Connect Warrant is marked-to-market each reporting period with the subsequent change in fair value recorded to other income/(expense), net in the consolidated statement of operations. The Connect Warrant is reported within other non-current assets within the consolidated balance sheet. The fair value of the Connect Warrant asset is estimated using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model ( 4 ) 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. ( 5 ) 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 7 – 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 pursuant to which the Company could be declared in default on its derivative obligations if the Company either defaults in payment obligations under its credit facility or if such obligations are accelerated by the lenders. At September 30, 2022, Nielsen had no material exposure to potential economic losses due to counterparty credit default risk or cross-default risk on its derivative financial instruments. Foreign Currency Exchange Risk For the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, Nielsen recorded a net loss of $4 million and $1 million, respectively, associated with foreign currency derivative financial instruments within other expense/(income), net in its condensed consolidated statements of operations. As of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the notional amounts of the outstanding foreign currency derivative financial instruments were $23 million and $29 million, respectively. Interest Rate Risk Nielsen is exposed to cash flow interest rate risk on the floating-rate U.S. Dollar 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, 2022, the Company had the following U.S. Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate outstanding interest rate swaps designated as hedges utilized in the management of its interest rate risk Notional Amount Maturity Date Interest Rates $ 150,000,000 April 2023 2.26 % $ 250,000,000 May 2023 2.72 % $ 250,000,000 June 2023 2.07 % $ 150,000,000 July 2023 1.82 % The effect of cash flow hedge accounting on the condensed consolidated statement of operations Interest Expense Interest Expense Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (IN MILLIONS) 2022 2021 2022 2021 Interest expense, net (Location in the condensed consolidated statement of operations in which the effects of cash flow hedges are recorded) $ 70 $ 68 $ 203 $ 217 Amount of loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income, net of tax $ — $ 6 $ 7 $ 15 . As of September 30, 2022, Nielsen expects to recognize approximately $10 million of net pre-tax gains from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense in the next 12 months associated with its interest-related derivative financial instruments. In anticipation of the closing of the Transaction, which occurred on October 11, 2022, Nielsen terminated all of the outstanding interest rate swaps on October 6, 2022 for net proceeds of $10 million. 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, 2022 and 2021, respectively, was as follows: Amount of (Gain)/Loss Amount of (Gain)/Loss Reclassified from AOCI Recognized in OCI Location of (Gain)/ Loss into Income (Effective Portion) Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion) Derivatives in Cash Flow Three Months Ended into Income (Effective Three Months Ended Hedging Relationships September 30, Portion) September 30, (IN MILLIONS) 2022 2021 2022 2021 Interest rate swaps $ (4 ) $ 1 Interest expense $ - $ 7 The pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, was as follows: Amount of (Gain)/Loss Amount of (Gain)/Loss Reclassified from AOCI Recognized in OCI Location of (Gain)/ Loss into Income (Effective Portion) Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion) Derivatives in Cash Flow Nine Months Ended into Income (Effective Nine Months Ended Hedging Relationships September 30, Portion) September 30, (IN MILLIONS) 2022 2021 2022 2021 Interest rate swaps $ (21 ) $ - Interest expense $ 9 $ 20

Long-term Debt and Other Financ

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements	9 Months Ended
Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements	Sep. 30, 2022
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements	Note Unless otherwise stated, interest rates are as of September 30, 2022. Annual maturities of Nielsen’s long-term debt are as follows: September 30, 2022 December 31, 2021 Weighted Weighted (IN MILLIONS) Carrying Interest Carrying Interest Senior secured term loans Amount Rate Value Rate Maturing in 2023, L+ 1.75% $ 744 $ 742 Maturing in 2023, L+ 2.00% 1,352 1,351 Maturing in 2023 $850 revolving credit facility, L+ 1.75% — — Total (with weighted-average interest rate) 2,096 4.70 % 2,093 2.10 % Senior debenture loans $500 maturing in 2025, 5.000% 498 498 $1,000 maturing in 2028, 5.625% 988 987 $750 maturing in 2030, 5.875% 741 740 $625 maturing in 2029, 4.500% 617 616 $625 maturing in 2031, 4.750% 616 616 Total (with weighted-average interest rate) 3,460 5.51 % 3,457 5.52 % Total long-term debt 5,556 5.21 % 5,550 4.24 % Finance lease and other financing obligations 54 76 Total debt and other financing arrangements 5,610 5,626 Less: Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease and other financing obligations and other short-term borrowings 775 35 Non-current portion of long-term debt and finance lease and other financing obligations $ 4,835 $ 5,591 The total fair value of senior secured term loans and debenture loans was approximately $5,562 million and $5,646 million at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt instruments was based on the yield on public debt where available or current borrowing rates available for financings with similar terms and maturities and such fair value measurements are considered Level 1 or Level 2 in nature, respectively. Annual maturities of Nielsen’s long-term debt are as follows: (IN MILLIONS) For October 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 $ — 2023 2,096 2024 — 2025 499 2026 — 2027 — Thereafter 2,961 $ 5,556 In connection with, and contingent on the closing of the Transaction, Nielsen commenced a tender offer to purchase all of the $3,460 million outstanding senior debentures loans. The tender offer was completed on October 11, 2022 at the time of the closing of the Transaction. $44 million remained untendered and outstanding subsequent to the closing and settlement of the tender offer. In addition, on October 11, 2022, at the closing of the Transaction, the Purchasing Entities repaid the outstanding senior secured term loans. In connection with the repayment, Nielsen terminated the Sixth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated July 21, 2020 and all commitment thereunder, including the senior secured revolving credit facility. In October 2022, the Purchasing Entities entered into debt financing of approximately $10.5 billion to fund a portion of the Transaction, of which certain Nielsen subsidiaries are guarantors.

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
Shareholders' Equity	Sep. 30, 2022
Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	Note Common stock activity is as follows: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 Actual number of shares of common stock outstanding Beginning of period 359,267,535 Shares of common stock issued through compensation plans 674,340 End of period 359,941,875 Dividends and Share Repurchase Program 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. Under this plan, Nielsen has paid consecutive quarterly cash dividends since 2013. Nielsen paid cash dividends of $65 million in each of the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively . On February 26, 2022, the Board authorized the repurchase of up to $1 billion of the Company’s ordinary shares. There were no share repurchases for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 or 2021.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
Income Taxes	Sep. 30, 2022
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note 9. Income Taxes The effective tax rates for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 were 23% ($32 million tax expense) ($33 million tax expense) The effective tax rates for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 were 23% ($98 million tax expense) ($129 million tax expense) The estimated liability for unrecognized tax benefits as of September 30, 2022 is $174 million. If the balance of the Company’s tax positions is sustained by the taxing authorities in the Company’s favor, the Company’s effective tax rate would be reduced in future periods by $26 million. The Company files numerous consolidated and separate income tax returns in the U.S. Federal jurisdiction and in many state and foreign jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. Federal tax examination for periods prior to 2017. The tax positions and related attributes from 2017 onward are open to examination. In addition, the Company has subsidiaries in various states, provinces and countries that are currently under audit for years ranging from 2011 through 2021, and the tax positions and related attributes in those particular years are also open to examination. 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
Commitments and Contingencies	Sep. 30, 2022
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Note 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 segment (now “Global Connect,” which was sold in the first quarter of 2021), 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. On January 4, 2021, certain of the allegations against Nielsen and its officers were dismissed, while others were sustained. On February 3, 2022, the parties reached a settlement in principle to resolve this litigation for $73 million. On March 15, 2022, the terms of the settlement were formalized and submitted to the Court for approval. The terms of the settlement were approved by the Court on July 20, 2022. Nielsen expects the amount of the settlement payment to be paid by its insurance carriers. 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 alleged 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 alleged that certain officers and directors engaged in trading Nielsen stock based on material, nonpublic information. An amended complaint was filed on May 7, 2021, which Nielsen moved to dismiss on July 16, 2021. After a series of stays, the parties filed a stipulation and order of dismissal, which the Court granted on October 5, 2022. A series of five lawsuits were filed in federal court and one lawsuit was filed in state court by purported Nielsen shareholders against Nielsen and members of our Board of Directors (collectively, the “Actions”) relating to the Transaction. The plaintiffs in three of the Actions filed notices of voluntary dismissal and sent demand letters to Nielsen making substantially the same allegations as were included in the complaints. Five additional demand letters subsequently were sent to Nielsen on behalf of purported Nielsen shareholders, each alleging similar deficiencies in the proxy statement as the Actions. Before the vote on the Transaction, Nielsen filed a supplemental 8-K disclosure addressing the plaintiffs' claims, and the lawsuits were then dismissed. The lone state court action has been settled and fully resolved. Nielsen will now discuss with plaintiffs' attorneys for the remaining claims payment of legal fees to finalize resolution. Based on present information, such payments are 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 not expect that the ultimate disposition of these matters will 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
Segments	Sep. 30, 2022
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segments	Note As discussed in Note 12 – Discontinued Operations, the Global Connect segment has been classified as discontinued operations beginning with the first quarter of 2021. The Company evaluated segment reporting in accordance with ASC 280 “Segment Reporting” and beginning with the first quarter of 2021, the Company concluded that it operates as a single operating segment and a single reportable segment consisting principally of television, radio, online and mobile audience and advertising measurement and corresponding analytics. Nielsen aligns its operating segment in order to conform to management’s internal reporting structure. Nielsen operates as a complete unit - from the conception of a product, through the collection of the data, into the technology and operations, all the way to the data being sold and delivered to the client. The reporting structure of Nielsen is and has historically been centralized under one Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”), who evaluates Nielsen’s operating financial results to assess its performance. Business Segment Information Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (IN MILLIONS) 2022 2021 2022 2021 Revenues $ 888 $ 882 $ 2,647 $ 2,606 Operating income 218 222 628 694 Depreciation and amortization 129 129 386 382 Restructuring charges (1) 4 6 18 12 Share-based compensation expense 10 10 28 26 Other items (2) 16 15 60 26 Adjusted EBITDA (3) $ 377 382 $ 1,120 $ 1,140 Total assets as of September 30, 2022 $ 10,968 Total assets as of December 31, 2021 $ 10,820 (1) For the three months ended September 30, 2022, restructuring charges primarily consist of real estate consolidation as well as severance expenses. For the three months ended September 30, 2021, restructuring charges primarily consist of real estate consolidation. (2) For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, other items primarily consist of business optimization costs and transaction related costs, including costs related to the Transaction. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, other items primarily consist of business optimization costs and transaction related costs. (3) The CODM uses Adjusted EBITDA to measure performance and allocate resources from period to period.

Discontinued Operations

Discontinued Operations	9 Months Ended
Discontinued Operations	Sep. 30, 2022
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Discontinued Operations	Note On October 31, 2020, Nielsen entered into the Stock Purchase Agreement to sell its Global Connect business to affiliates of Advent, for $2.7 billion in cash, subject to adjustments based on closing levels of cash, indebtedness, debt-like items and working capital, and the Connect Warrant. On February 11, 2021, Nielsen held a special meeting of Nielsen’s shareholders. At the special meeting, the Connect Transaction was submitted to a vote of the shareholders through the solicitation of proxies. Approval of the Connect Transaction required the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of ordinary shares present (online or by proxy) at the special meeting. The Connect Transaction was approved by the requisite vote of Nielsen’s shareholders. Beginning in the first quarter of 2021, Global Connect met the criteria set forth in ASC 205 – 20 “Presentation of Financial Statements – Discontinued Operations,” and has been presented on a discontinued operations basis for all periods presented. Given the Global Connect segment represented a separate segment and approximately 50% of our consolidated revenues, we considered this to be a strategic shift. The Connect Transaction closed on March 5, 2021. The Company received net proceeds of $2.4 billion on March 5, 2021 and recorded a gain of $489 million net of tax, inclusive of closing adjustments, during the year ended December 31, 2021. Proceeds from the sale were primarily utilized for debt repayment. Prior to final closing adjustments, the Company recorded a gain of $542 million net of tax during the first quarter of 2021. On March 16, 2021, Nielsen completed the partial prepayment of $1.0 billion of the senior secured term loans due 2023 and $0.3 billion of the senior secured term loans due 2025. Nielsen redeemed $150 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of its 5.500% senior notes due 2021 effective March 21, 2021 and redeemed $825 million of outstanding aggregate principal amount of the 5.000% senior notes due 2022 effective April 10, 2021, in each case at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to, but excluding, the applicable redemption date . In connection with the Connect Transaction, Nielsen and Global Connect entered into a Transition Services Agreement for services that primarily relate to technology functions such as infrastructure and cybersecurity, which continues to run for up to two years following the closing, with an option to extend the term by six months per service. In addition, Nielsen and Global Connect entered into a Master Services Agreement pursuant to which each party granted the other reciprocal licenses to certain data used by Global Connect and Nielsen, respectively, as well as certain corresponding services related to such data at agreed rates for up to five years following the closing. The following table summarizes the major classes of line items constituting net income from discontinued operations, net of tax: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (IN MILLIONS) 2022 2021 2022 2021 Operations Revenues $ - $ - $ - $ 452 Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below - - - 264 Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below - - - 229 Depreciation and amortization - - - 36 Restructuring charges - - - 6 Operating income/(loss) - (83 ) Other income and expenses (1) 1 (9 ) 6 (32 ) Income/(loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes 1 (9 ) 6 (115 ) Benefit/(provision) for income taxes - - - 21 Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations $ 1 $ (9 ) $ 6 $ (94 ) Disposal (Loss)/gain on disposal before income taxes $ - $ (8 ) $ - $ 371 Benefit/(provision) for income taxes - - - 163 (Loss)/gain on disposal, net of taxes - (8 ) - 534 Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations 1 (17 ) 6 440 Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests - - - Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Nielsen shareholders $ 1 $ (17 ) $ 6 $ 440 (1) Net income of $1 million and $6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively, represents the true up of estimated receivables The Company’s Sixth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement which has since been terminated, The Company has incurred $162 million in separation costs related to the sale of Global Connect, of which $37 million is reflected in the Company’s condensed consolidated statement of operations as discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. These costs are comprised primarily of professional fees (e.g., legal, banking and accounting), as well as other items that are incremental and one-time in nature that are related to the sale of Global Connect. As of September 30, 2022, the consolidated balance sheet included $42 million of a receivable from Advent within prepaid expenses and other current assets as well as $18 million payable to Advent within accounts payable and other current liabilities and $12 million within other non-current liabilities for liabilities to affiliates of Advent. These represent estimated receivables from and payables to affiliates of Advent under tax indemnification arrangements for certain liabilities to various taxing authorities that will be settled in future periods. The following table provides operating and investing cash flows for Nielsen’s discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 (in millions): September 30, (IN MILLIONS) 2021 (Unaudited) Net cash flows used in operating activities $ (240 ) Net cash flows used in investing activities (26 ) There was no cash flows from discontinued operations during the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
Subsequent Events	Sep. 30, 2022
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Note 13. Subsequent Events Transaction with Consortium of Private Investment Funds On October 11, 2022, Nielsen completed the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Agreement by and among Nielsen and the Purchasing Entities. At the closing of the Transaction, the Purchasing Entities acquired all ordinary shares of Nielsen for consideration of $28.00 in cash, without interest, per ordinary share

Summary of Recent Accounting _2

Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	9 Months Ended
Summary of Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Policies)	Sep. 30, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Transaction with Consortium of Private Investment Funds	Transaction with Consortium of Private Investment Funds On March 28, 2022, Nielsen entered into a definitive agreement, as amended on August 19, 2022 (the “Transaction Agreement”) to be acquired by Neptune Intermediate Jersey Limited and Neptune BidCo US Inc. (collectively, the “Purchasing Entities”) by way of a scheme of arrangement (the “Scheme”) between the Company and the Scheme Shareholders (as defined in the Scheme) under Part 26 of the United Kingdom Companies Act 2006. The Purchasing Entities are controlled by a consortium of private investment funds led by Evergreen Coast Capital Corporation, an affiliate of Elliott Investment Management L.P., and Brookfield Business Partners L.P., together with institutional partners (collectively, the “Consortium”). The Transaction Agreement provided that at the effective time of the Transaction, all ordinary shares would be transferred from Nielsen’s shareholders to Neptune BidCo US Inc. in accordance with the provisions of the Scheme and the laws of England and Wales (the “Transaction”), and that Scheme Shareholders would receive the consideration of $28.00 in cash, without interest, per ordinary share. On October 11, 2022, the Transaction was completed. (See Note 13 –
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited but, in the opinion of management, contain all the adjustments (consisting of those of a normal recurring nature) considered necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) applicable to interim periods. For a more complete discussion of significant accounting policies, commitments and contingencies and certain other information, refer to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. All amounts are presented in U.S. Dollars (“$”), 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, 2022 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 (See Note 13 –
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. Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, basic 359,885,616 358,879,518 359,732,970 358,489,287 Dilutive shares of common stock 1,882,350 1,648,595 1,706,776 1,896,697 Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, diluted 361,767,966 360,528,113 361,439,746 360,385,984 The effect of 1,565,517 and 2,154,386 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, 2022 and 2021, respectively, as such shares would have been anti-dilutive. The effect of 1,596,700 and 2,550,964 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, 2022 and 2021, respectively, as such shares would have been anti-dilutive.
Discontinued Operations	Discontinued Operations We consider assets to be held for sale when management, having the authority through shareholder approval, commits to a formal plan to actively market the assets for sale at a price reasonable in relation to fair value, the asset is available for immediate sale in its present condition, an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the sale have been initiated, the sale of the asset is expected to be completed within one year and it is unlikely that significant changes will be made to the plan. Upon designation as held for sale, we record the carrying value of an asset at the lower of its carrying value or its estimated fair value, less costs to sell. In accordance with GAAP, assets held for sale are not depreciated or amortized . If the disposal of the component of an entity (or group of components) represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results, it meets the criteria for discontinued operations. The results of discontinued operations, as well as any gain or loss on the disposal transaction, are presented separately, net of tax, from the results of continuing operations for all periods presented. The expenses included in the results of discontinued operations are the direct operating expenses incurred by the discontinued segment that may be reasonably segregated from the costs of the ongoing operations of the Company. Certain corporate costs directly attributable to the discontinued operations and transaction costs directly related to the sale are also presented within net income/(loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes. Beginning in the first quarter of 2021, represented a separate segment and approximately 50% of our consolidated revenues, we considered this to be a strategic shift.
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. Revenue is primarily generated from television, radio, digital and mobile audience measurement services and analytics, which are used by the Company’s clients to establish the value of airtime and more effectively schedule and promote their programming and the Company’s advertising clients to plan and optimize their spending. As the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits provided by the Company’s performance, revenues for these services are recognized over the period during which the performance obligations are satisfied and control of the service is transferred to the customer. The Company enters into cooperation arrangements with certain customers, under which the customer provides Nielsen with its data in exchange for Nielsen’s services. Nielsen records these transactions at fair value, which is determined based on the fair value of goods or services received, if reasonably estimable. If not reasonably estimable, the Company considers the fair value of the goods or services surrendered.

Background and Basis of Prese_2

Background and Basis of Presentation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Background and Basis of Presentation (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Weighted-Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding	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. Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, basic 359,885,616 358,879,518 359,732,970 358,489,287 Dilutive shares of common stock 1,882,350 1,648,595 1,706,776 1,896,697 Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, diluted 361,767,966 360,528,113 361,439,746 360,385,984

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

Revenue Recognition (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Revenue Recognition (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2022
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Summary of Revenue Disaggregated by Major Product Offerings and Timing of Revenue Recognition	The table below sets forth the Company’s revenue disaggregated by major product offerings and timing of revenue recognition for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021. (IN MILLIONS) (UNAUDITED) Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 2021 2022 2021 Measurement $ 652 $ 637 $ 1,941 $ 1,898 Impact/Content 236 245 706 708 Total $ 888 $ 882 $ 2,647 $ 2,606 Timing of revenue recognition Products and services transferred over time $ 784 $ 787 $ 2,337 $ 2,326 Products transferred at a point in time 104 95 310 280 Total $ 888 $ 882 $ 2,647 $ 2,606
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) Contract assets Balance December 31, 2021 $ 97 Revenue recognized that was not billed for the period 82 Contract assets included in December 31, 2021 balance that were invoiced and transferred to trade receivables for the period (83 ) The effect of foreign currency translation and other (3 ) Balance September 30, 2022 $ 93 Contract liabilities Balance December 31, 2021 $ 131 Advance consideration received or the right to consideration that is unconditional from customers for which revenue was not recognized for the period 129 Revenue recognized for the period that was included in the contract liability balance as of December 31, 2021 (121 ) The effect of foreign currency translation and other (5 ) Balance September 30, 2022 $ 134
Schedule of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Rollforward Incorporating Expected Credit Losses	The following schedule represents the allowance for doubtful accounts roll forward incorporating expected credit losses as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. (IN MILLIONS) Balance Charges to Deductions Effect of Balance at Allowance for doubtful accounts Nine months ended September 30, 2022 $ 6 $ - $ - $ (1 ) $ 5 Year ended December 31, 2021 $ 11 $ (4 ) $ - $ (1 ) $ 6

Other Intangible Assets (Tables

Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2022
Goodwill And Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Intangible Assets	Other Intangible Assets Gross Amounts Accumulated Amortization September 30, December 31, September 30, December 31, (IN MILLIONS) 2022 2021 2022 2021 Indefinite-lived intangibles: Trade names and trademarks $ 1,833 $ 1,833 $ — $ — Amortized intangibles: Trade names and trademarks 110 110 (99 ) (96 ) Customer-related intangibles 2,554 2,558 (1,774 ) (1,689 ) Covenants-not-to-compete 26 26 (26 ) (26 ) Content databases 168 168 (78 ) (67 ) Computer software 1,757 1,572 (1,154 ) (947 ) Patents and other 154 148 (133 ) (128 ) Total $ 4,769 $ 4,582 $ (3,264 ) $ (2,953 )

Changes in and Reclassificati_2

Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) by Component (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022
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, 2022 and 2021. Currency Translation Post-Employment Adjustments Cash Flow Hedges Benefits Total (IN MILLIONS) Balance December 31, 2021 $ (647 ) $ (18 ) $ (73 ) $ (738 ) Other comprehensive (loss)/income before Reclassifications (105 ) 16 14 (75 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss — 7 4 11 Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income (105 ) 23 18 (64 ) Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (4 ) — — (4 ) Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen shareholders (101 ) 23 18 (60 ) Balance September 30, 2022 $ (748 ) $ 5 $ (55 ) $ (798 ) Currency Translation Post-Employment Adjustments Cash Flow Hedges Benefits Total (IN MILLIONS) Balance December 31, 2020 $ (821 ) $ (39 ) $ (245 ) $ (1,105 ) Other comprehensive loss before Reclassifications (53 ) (1 ) - (54 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 233 15 149 397 Net current period other comprehensive income 180 14 149 343 Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest (2 ) - - (2 ) Net current period other comprehensive income attributable to Nielsen shareholders 182 14 149 345 Balance September 30, 2021 $ (639 ) $ (25 ) $ (96 ) $ (760 )
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, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other (IN MILLIONS) Comprehensive Loss/(Income) Details about Accumulated Affected Line Item in the Other Comprehensive Three Months Ended Three Months Ended Condensed Consolidated Income components September 30, 2022 September 30, 2021 Statement of Operations Cash flow hedges Interest rate contracts $ — $ 7 Interest (income)/expense — (1 ) (Benefit)/provision for income taxes $ — $ 6 Total, net of tax Post-Employment Benefits Amortization of actuarial loss (1) $ 3 $ 3 Other expense, net (1 ) (1 ) (Benefit)/provision for income taxes $ 2 $ 2 Total, net of tax Total reclassification for the period $ 2 $ 8 Net of tax (1) 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 the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other (IN MILLIONS) Comprehensive Loss/(Income) Details about Accumulated Affected Line Item in the Other Comprehensive Nine Months Ended Nine Months Ended Condensed Consolidated Income components September 30, 2022 September 30, 2021 Statement of Operations Currency Translation Adjustments Currency translation (gains)/losses on dispositions (2) $ — $ 233 Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations Cash flow hedges Interest rate contracts $ 9 $ 20 Interest (income)/expense (2 ) (5 ) (Benefit)/provision for income taxes $ 7 $ 15 Total, net of tax Post-Employment Benefits Amortization of actuarial loss (1) $ 8 $ 11 Other expense, net (4 ) (3 ) (Benefit)/provision for income taxes $ 4 $ 8 Total, net of tax Unrealized (gains)/losses on pension liability on dispositions (2) $ — $ 183 Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations — (42 ) (Benefit)/provision for income taxes $ — $ 141 Total, net of tax Total Post-Employment Benefits reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive (income)/loss $ 4 $ 149 Total reclassification for the period $ 11 $ 397 Net of tax (1) This accumulated other comprehensive loss component is included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. (2) The sale of Global Connect resulted in a total reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income of $374 million, including accumulated currency translation adjustment of $233 million, and unrealized gain on pension liability of $141 million, net of taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 .

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2022
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, 2022 and December 31, 2021: September 30, (IN MILLIONS) 2022 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Plan assets for deferred compensation (1) $ 20 $ 20 $ — $ — Investment in mutual funds (2) 1 1 — — Interest rate swap arrangements (4) Other current assets 11 — 11 — Warrant (3) 1 — — 1 Total $ 33 $ 21 $ 11 $ 1 Liabilities: Interest rate swap arrangements (4) Other current liabilities $ 1 $ — $ 1 $ — Other non-current liabilities — — — — Deferred compensation liabilities ( 5 ) 20 20 — — Total $ 21 $ 20 $ 1 $ — December 31, 2021 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: Plan assets for deferred compensation (1) 24 24 — — Investment in mutual funds (2) 1 1 — — Warrant ( 3) 6 — — 6 Total $ 31 $ 25 — 6 Liabilities: Interest rate swap arrangements (4) Other current liabilities $ 4 $ — $ 4 $ — Other non-current liabilities 18 — 18 — Deferred compensation liabilities (5) 24 24 — — Total $ 46 $ 24 $ 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) T he warrant to purchase equity interests in the company that, following the Connect Transaction, owns Global Connect, which was issued on March 5, 2021 in connection with the Connect Transaction (the “Connect Warrant”), was part of the proceeds related to the sale of Global Connect and included in the net gain on sale of Global Connect. The Connect Warrant is marked-to-market each reporting period with the subsequent change in fair value recorded to other income/(expense), net in the consolidated statement of operations. The Connect Warrant is reported within other non-current assets within the consolidated balance sheet. The fair value of the Connect Warrant asset is estimated using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model ( 4 ) 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. ( 5 ) 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.
Summary of U.S Dollar Term Loan to Fixed Rate Outstanding Interest Rate Swaps	As of September 30, 2022, the Company had the following U.S. Dollar term loan floating-to-fixed rate outstanding interest rate swaps designated as hedges utilized in the management of its interest rate risk Notional Amount Maturity Date Interest Rates $ 150,000,000 April 2023 2.26 % $ 250,000,000 May 2023 2.72 % $ 250,000,000 June 2023 2.07 % $ 150,000,000 July 2023 1.82 %
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 Interest Expense Interest Expense Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (IN MILLIONS) 2022 2021 2022 2021 Interest expense, net (Location in the condensed consolidated statement of operations in which the effects of cash flow hedges are recorded) $ 70 $ 68 $ 203 $ 217 Amount of loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income, net of tax $ — $ 6 $ 7 $ 15
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, 2022 and 2021, respectively, was as follows: Amount of (Gain)/Loss Amount of (Gain)/Loss Reclassified from AOCI Recognized in OCI Location of (Gain)/ Loss into Income (Effective Portion) Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion) Derivatives in Cash Flow Three Months Ended into Income (Effective Three Months Ended Hedging Relationships September 30, Portion) September 30, (IN MILLIONS) 2022 2021 2022 2021 Interest rate swaps $ (4 ) $ 1 Interest expense $ - $ 7 The pre-tax effect of derivative instruments in cash flow hedging relationships for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, was as follows: Amount of (Gain)/Loss Amount of (Gain)/Loss Reclassified from AOCI Recognized in OCI Location of (Gain)/ Loss into Income (Effective Portion) Reclassified from AOCI (Effective Portion) Derivatives in Cash Flow Nine Months Ended into Income (Effective Nine Months Ended Hedging Relationships September 30, Portion) September 30, (IN MILLIONS) 2022 2021 2022 2021 Interest rate swaps $ (21 ) $ - Interest expense $ 9 $ 20

Long-term Debt and Other Fina_2

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2022
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Long-Term Debt	Annual maturities of Nielsen’s long-term debt are as follows: September 30, 2022 December 31, 2021 Weighted Weighted (IN MILLIONS) Carrying Interest Carrying Interest Senior secured term loans Amount Rate Value Rate Maturing in 2023, L+ 1.75% $ 744 $ 742 Maturing in 2023, L+ 2.00% 1,352 1,351 Maturing in 2023 $850 revolving credit facility, L+ 1.75% — — Total (with weighted-average interest rate) 2,096 4.70 % 2,093 2.10 % Senior debenture loans $500 maturing in 2025, 5.000% 498 498 $1,000 maturing in 2028, 5.625% 988 987 $750 maturing in 2030, 5.875% 741 740 $625 maturing in 2029, 4.500% 617 616 $625 maturing in 2031, 4.750% 616 616 Total (with weighted-average interest rate) 3,460 5.51 % 3,457 5.52 % Total long-term debt 5,556 5.21 % 5,550 4.24 % Finance lease and other financing obligations 54 76 Total debt and other financing arrangements 5,610 5,626 Less: Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease and other financing obligations and other short-term borrowings 775 35 Non-current portion of long-term debt and finance lease and other financing obligations $ 4,835 $ 5,591
Annual Maturities of Long-Term Debt	Annual maturities of Nielsen’s long-term debt are as follows: (IN MILLIONS) For October 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 $ — 2023 2,096 2024 — 2025 499 2026 — 2027 — Thereafter 2,961 $ 5,556

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2022
Equity [Abstract]
Common Stock Activity	Common stock activity is as follows: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 Actual number of shares of common stock outstanding Beginning of period 359,267,535 Shares of common stock issued through compensation plans 674,340 End of period 359,941,875

Segments (Tables)

Segments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Segments (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2022
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segment Information	Business Segment Information Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (IN MILLIONS) 2022 2021 2022 2021 Revenues $ 888 $ 882 $ 2,647 $ 2,606 Operating income 218 222 628 694 Depreciation and amortization 129 129 386 382 Restructuring charges (1) 4 6 18 12 Share-based compensation expense 10 10 28 26 Other items (2) 16 15 60 26 Adjusted EBITDA (3) $ 377 382 $ 1,120 $ 1,140 Total assets as of September 30, 2022 $ 10,968 Total assets as of December 31, 2021 $ 10,820 (1) For the three months ended September 30, 2022, restructuring charges primarily consist of real estate consolidation as well as severance expenses. For the three months ended September 30, 2021, restructuring charges primarily consist of real estate consolidation. (2) For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, other items primarily consist of business optimization costs and transaction related costs, including costs related to the Transaction. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, other items primarily consist of business optimization costs and transaction related costs. (3) The CODM uses Adjusted EBITDA to measure performance and allocate resources from period to period.

Discontinued Operations (Tables

Discontinued Operations (Tables)	9 Months Ended
Discontinued Operations (Tables)	Sep. 30, 2022
Discontinued Operations And Disposal Groups [Abstract]
Schedule of Discontinued Operations	The following table summarizes the major classes of line items constituting net income from discontinued operations, net of tax: Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, (IN MILLIONS) 2022 2021 2022 2021 Operations Revenues $ - $ - $ - $ 452 Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below - - - 264 Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below - - - 229 Depreciation and amortization - - - 36 Restructuring charges - - - 6 Operating income/(loss) - (83 ) Other income and expenses (1) 1 (9 ) 6 (32 ) Income/(loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes 1 (9 ) 6 (115 ) Benefit/(provision) for income taxes - - - 21 Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations $ 1 $ (9 ) $ 6 $ (94 ) Disposal (Loss)/gain on disposal before income taxes $ - $ (8 ) $ - $ 371 Benefit/(provision) for income taxes - - - 163 (Loss)/gain on disposal, net of taxes - (8 ) - 534 Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations 1 (17 ) 6 440 Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations attributable to noncontrolling interests - - - Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Nielsen shareholders $ 1 $ (17 ) $ 6 $ 440 (1) Net income of $1 million and $6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively, represents the true up of estimated receivables The following table provides operating and investing cash flows for Nielsen’s discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2021 (in millions): September 30, (IN MILLIONS) 2021 (Unaudited) Net cash flows used in operating activities $ (240 ) Net cash flows used in investing activities (26 )

Background and Basis of Prese_3

Background and Basis of Presentation - Additional Information (Detail)		3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2022 Country $ / shares shares	Sep. 30, 2021 shares	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022 Country $ / shares shares	Sep. 30, 2021 shares
Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from calculation of earning per share under compensation plan \| shares		1,565,517	2,154,386		1,596,700	2,550,964
Connect
Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Segment revenue percentage on consolidated revenues	50%			50%
Consortium of Private Investment Funds
Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Consideration received per ordinary share \| $ / shares		$ 28			$ 28
Minimum
Business And Basis Of Presentation [Line Items]
Number of countries in which entity operates \| Country		55			55

Background and Basis of Prese_4

Background and Basis of Presentation - Schedule of Weighted-Average Shares of Common Stock Outstanding (Detail) - shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic	359,885,616	358,879,518	359,732,970	358,489,287
Dilutive shares of common stock	1,882,350	1,648,595	1,706,776	1,896,697
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, diluted	361,767,966	360,528,113	361,439,746	360,385,984

Revenue Recognition - Summary o

Revenue Recognition - Summary of Revenue Disaggregated by Major Product Offerings and Timing of Revenue Recognition (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 888	$ 882	$ 2,647	$ 2,606
Operating Segments \| Products Transferred at a Point in Time
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	104	95	310	280
Operating Segments \| Products and Services Transferred Over Time
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	784	787	2,337	2,326
Media \| Operating Segments
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	888	882	2,647	2,606
Media \| Operating Segments \| Measurement
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	652	637	1,941	1,898
Media \| Operating Segments \| Impact/Content
Disaggregation Of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 236	$ 245	$ 706	$ 708

Revenue Recognition - Summary_2

Revenue Recognition - Summary of Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers (Detail) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022 USD ($)
Contract assets
Balance December 31, 2021	$ 97
Revenue recognized that was not billed for the period	82
Contract assets included in December 31, 2021 balance that were invoiced and transferred to trade receivables for the period	(83)
The effect of foreign currency translation and other	(3)
Balance September 30, 2022	93
Contract liabilities
Balance December 31, 2021	131
Advance consideration received or the right to consideration that is unconditional from customers for which revenue was not recognized for the period	129
Revenue recognized for the period that was included in the contract liability balance as of December 31, 2021	(121)
The effect of foreign currency translation and other	(5)
Balance September 30, 2022	$ 134

Revenue Recognition - Additiona

Revenue Recognition - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021
Revenues [Abstract]
Revenue, remaining performance obligation			$ 3,400,000,000
Revenue, remaining performance obligations, percentage	66%		66%
Deferred costs capitalized	$ 53,000,000		$ 53,000,000		$ 31,000,000
Amortization of deferred costs	300,000	$ 0	1,000,000	$ 0
Impairment loss	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Revenue Recognition - Schedule

Revenue Recognition - Schedule of Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Rollforward Incorporating Expected Credit Losses (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Balance Beginning of Period	$ 6	$ 11
Charges to Expense		(4)
Deductions
Effect of Foreign Currency Translation	(1)	(1)
Balance at End of Period	$ 5	$ 6

Other Intangible Assets - Other

Other Intangible Assets - Other Intangible Assets (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	$ 4,769	$ 4,582
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	(3,264)	(2,953)
Trade names and trademarks
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	110	110
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	(99)	(96)
Customer - related intangibles
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	2,554	2,558
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	(1,774)	(1,689)
Covenants-not-to-compete
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	26	26
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	(26)	(26)
Content database
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	168	168
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	(78)	(67)
Computer software
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	1,757	1,572
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	(1,154)	(947)
Patents and other
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortized intangibles, Gross Amounts	154	148
Amortized intangibles, Accumulated Amortization	(133)	(128)
Trade names and trademarks
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangibles, Gross Amounts	$ 1,833	$ 1,833

Other Intangible Assets - Addit

Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 31, 2020	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of intangible assets				$ 0
Goodwill, impairment loss				0
Amortization expense, intangible assets		$ 104,000,000	$ 102,000,000	309,000,000	$ 306,000,000
Amortization expense, computer software		69,000,000	$ 67,000,000	206,000,000	$ 199,000,000
Purchased Software
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Net book value		9,000,000		9,000,000
Internally Developed Software
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Net book value		$ 594,000,000		$ 594,000,000
Connect \| Advent \| Trade names and trademarks
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible assets license period	20 years
Measurement Input, Discount Rate
Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Discount rate				10.10%

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, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance	$ 3,660	$ 3,210	$ 3,496	$ 2,243
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss	2	8	11	397
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income	(35)	(12)	(64)	343
Balance	3,720	3,286	3,720	3,286
Currency Translation Adjustments
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance	(710)	(621)	(647)	(821)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before Reclassifications			(105)	(53)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss				233
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income			(105)	180
Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest			(4)	(2)
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen shareholders			(101)	182
Balance	(748)	(639)	(748)	(639)
Cash Flow Hedges
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance			(18)	(39)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before Reclassifications			16	(1)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			7	15
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income			23	14
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen shareholders			23	14
Balance	5	(25)	5	(25)
Post-Employment Benefits
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance	(56)	(99)	(73)	(245)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before Reclassifications			14
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			4	149
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income			18	149
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen shareholders			18	149
Balance	(55)	(96)	(55)	(96)
AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Balance			(738)	(1,105)
Other comprehensive (loss)/income before Reclassifications			(75)	(54)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss			11	397
Total other comprehensive (loss)/income			(64)	343
Net current period other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest			(4)	(2)
Net current period other comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Nielsen shareholders			(60)	345
Balance	$ (798)	$ (760)	$ (798)	$ (760)

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, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations, Net of Tax	$ 1	$ (17)	$ 6	$ 440
Provision for income taxes	32	33	98	129
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	(108)	(100)	(324)	(749)
Other expense/(income), net	7	2	(1)	32
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss/(Income)	2	8	11	397
Currency Translation (Gains)/Losses on Dispositions
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations, Net of Tax				233
Cash Flow Hedges
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss/(Income)			7	15
Cash Flow Hedges \| Interest rate contracts \| Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss/(Income)
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Interest (income)/expense		7	9	20
Provision for income taxes		(1)	(2)	(5)
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders		6	7	15
Amortization of Actuarial Loss \| Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss/(Income)
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Provision for income taxes	(1)	(1)	(4)	(3)
Net income attributable to Nielsen stockholders	2	2	(4)	(8)
Other expense/(income), net	$ 3	$ 3	8	11
Unrealized (Gains)/Losses on Pension Liability on Dispositions
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations, before Tax				183
Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations, Tax				(42)
Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations, Net of Tax				141
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss), Net Post Employment Benefits
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss/(Income)			$ 4	$ 149

Changes in and Reclassificati_5

Changes in and Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) by Component - Summary of Reclassification of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income	$ (2)	$ (8)	$ (11)	$ (397)
Connect
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income				374
Currency Translation Adjustments \| Connect
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income				233
Unrealized (Gains)/Losses on Pension Liability on Dispositions \| Connect
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income				$ 141

Fair Value Measurements - Addit

Fair Value Measurements - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 06, 2022	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Pre-tax gain (loss) from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest expense expected to be recognized in next twelve months		$ 10,000,000
Foreign Currency Exchange Contract
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivative financial instruments		(4,000,000)	$ (1,000,000)
Notional amounts of outstanding derivative financial instruments		$ 23,000,000		$ 29,000,000
Subsequent Event
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Proceeds from interest rate swap	$ 10,000,000

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, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Assets:
Asset		$ 33	$ 31
Liabilities:
Liabilities		21	46
Plan Assets for Deferred Compensation
Assets:
Asset	[1]	20	24
Investment in Mutual Funds
Assets:
Asset	[2]	1	1
Warrant
Assets:
Asset	[3]	1	6
Interest Rate Swap Arrangements Pertaining to Other Current Assets
Assets:
Asset	[4]	11
Deferred Compensation Liabilities
Liabilities:
Liabilities	[5]	20	24
Interest Rate Swap Arrangements Pertaining to Other Current Liabilities
Liabilities:
Liabilities	[4]	1	4
Interest Rate Swap Arrangements Pertaining to Other Non-current Liabilities
Liabilities:
Liabilities	[4]		18
Level 1
Assets:
Asset		21	25
Liabilities:
Liabilities		20	24
Level 1 \| Plan Assets for Deferred Compensation
Assets:
Asset	[1]	20	24
Level 1 \| Investment in Mutual Funds
Assets:
Asset	[2]	1	1
Level 1 \| Deferred Compensation Liabilities
Liabilities:
Liabilities	[5]	20	24
Level 2
Assets:
Asset		11
Liabilities:
Liabilities		1	22
Level 2 \| Interest Rate Swap Arrangements Pertaining to Other Current Assets
Assets:
Asset	[4]	11
Level 2 \| Interest Rate Swap Arrangements Pertaining to Other Current Liabilities
Liabilities:
Liabilities	[4]	1	4
Level 2 \| Interest Rate Swap Arrangements Pertaining to Other Non-current Liabilities
Liabilities:
Liabilities	[4]		18
Level 3
Assets:
Asset		1	6
Level 3 \| Warrant
Assets:
Asset	[3]	$ 1	$ 6

[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]T he warrant to purchase equity interests in the company that, following the Connect Transaction, owns Global Connect, which was issued on March 5, 2021 in connection with the Connect Transaction (the “Connect Warrant”), was part of the proceeds related to the sale of Global Connect and included in the net gain on sale of Global Connect. The Connect Warrant is marked-to-market each reporting period with the subsequent change in fair value recorded to other income/(expense), net in the consolidated statement of operations. The Connect Warrant is reported within other non-current assets within the consolidated balance sheet. The fair value of the Connect Warrant asset is estimated using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model 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.

Fair Value Measurements - Summa

Fair Value Measurements - Summary of U.S Dollar Term Loan to Fixed Rate Outstanding Interest Rate Swaps (Detail)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022 USD ($)
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
Interest Rates	2.26%
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
Interest Rates	2.72%
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
Interest Rates	2.07%
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
Interest Rates	1.82%

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, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Interest expense, net (Location in the condensed consolidated statement of operations in which the effects of cash flow hedges are recorded)	$ 70	$ 68	$ 203	$ 217
Amount of loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income, net of tax		$ 6	$ 7	$ 15

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, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Amount of (Gain)/Loss Reclassified from AOCI into Income (Effective Portion)		$ 7	$ 9	$ 20
Derivative Instrument, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income, Effective Portion, Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration]	Interest Income Expense Nonoperating Net	Interest Income Expense Nonoperating Net	Interest Income Expense Nonoperating Net	Interest Income Expense Nonoperating Net
Interest Rate Swap Arrangements
Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items]
Amount of (Gain)/Loss Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion)	$ (4)	$ 1	$ (21)

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, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Weighted average interest rate	5.21%	4.24%
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	$ 5,556	$ 5,550
Finance lease and other financing obligations	54	76
Total debt and other financing arrangements	5,610	5,626
Less: Current portion of long-term debt, finance lease and other financing obligations and other short-term borrowings	775	35
Long-term debt and finance lease obligations	$ 4,835	$ 5,591
Senior Secured Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Weighted average interest rate	4.70%	2.10%
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	$ 2,096	$ 2,093
Senior Debenture Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Weighted average interest rate	5.51%	5.52%
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	$ 3,460	$ 3,457
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Maturing in 2023 \| L+ 1.75%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	744	742
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Maturing in 2023 \| L+ 2.00%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	1,352	1,351
Senior Debenture Loan Maturing in 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	498	498
Senior Debenture Loan Maturing in 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	988	987
Senior Debenture Loan Maturing in 2030
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	741	740
Senior Debenture Loan Maturing in 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	617	616
Senior Debenture Loan Maturing in 2031
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount	$ 616	$ 616

Long-term Debt and Other Fina_4

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Summary of Long-Term Debt (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Maturing in 2023 \| L+ 1.75%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, variable rate	1.75%	1.75%
Debt instrument, maturity year	2023	2023
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Maturing in 2023 \| L+ 2.00%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, variable rate	2%	2%
Debt instrument, maturity year	2023	2023
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility Maturing in 2023 \| L+ 1.75%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$ 850	$ 850
Debt instrument, variable rate	1.75%	1.75%
Debt instrument, maturity year	2023	2023
Senior Debenture Loan Maturing in 2029
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$ 625	$ 625
Debt instrument, maturity year	2029	2029
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage	4.50%	4.50%
Senior Debenture Loan Maturing in 2031
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$ 625	$ 625
Debt instrument, maturity year	2031	2031
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage	4.75%	4.75%
Senior Debenture Loan Maturing in 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$ 500	$ 500
Debt instrument, maturity year	2025	2025
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage	5%	5%
Senior Debenture Loan Maturing in 2028
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$ 1,000	$ 1,000
Debt instrument, maturity year	2028	2028
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage	5.625%	5.625%
Senior Debenture Loan Maturing in 2030
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$ 750	$ 750
Debt instrument, maturity year	2030	2030
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage	5.875%	5.875%

Long-term Debt and Other Fina_5

Long-term Debt and Other Financing Arrangements - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Oct. 27, 2022	Oct. 11, 2022	Sep. 30, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Subsequent Event \| Consortium of Private Investment Funds
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument face value	$ 10.5
Senior Secured Term Loans and Debenture Loans
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Fair value of senior secured term loans and debenture loans			$ 5,562	$ 5,646
Senior Debenture Loans \| Subsequent Event \| Tender Offer
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Tender offer to purchase outstanding senior debentures loans		$ 3,460
Untendered and outstanding subsequent to the closing and settlement		$ 44

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, 2022	Dec. 31, 2021
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2023	$ 2,096
2025	499
Thereafter	2,961
Total	$ 5,556	$ 5,550

Shareholders' Equity - Common S

Shareholders' Equity - Common Stock Activity (Detail)	9 Months Ended
Shareholders' Equity - Common Stock Activity (Detail)	Sep. 30, 2022 shares
Actual number of shares of common stock outstanding
Beginning of period	359,267,535
Shares of common stock issued through compensation plans	674,340
End of period	359,941,875

Shareholders' Equity - Addition

Shareholders' Equity - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Feb. 26, 2022
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Cash dividends paid	$ 65,000,000	$ 65,000,000
Repurchases of common stock	0	0
Maximum
Stockholders Equity [Line Items]
Cost of treasury stock			$ 1,000,000,000

Income Taxes - Additional Infor

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rates	23%	22%	23%	29%
Provision for income taxes	$ 32	$ 33	$ 98	$ 129
Liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits	174		174
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	$ 26		$ 26

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Detail) $ in Millions	Feb. 03, 2022 USD ($)
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Settlement to resolve parties litigation	$ 73

Segments - Business Segment Inf

Segments - Business Segment Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Revenues		$ 888	$ 882	$ 2,647	$ 2,606
Operating income		218	222	628	694
Depreciation and amortization		129	129	386	382
Restructuring charges	[1]	4	6	18	12
Share-based compensation expense		10	10	28	26
Other items	[2]	16	15	60	26
Adjusted EBITDA	[3]	377	$ 382	1,120	$ 1,140
Total assets		$ 10,968		$ 10,968		$ 10,820

[1] For the three months ended September 30, 2022, restructuring charges primarily consist of real estate consolidation as well as severance expenses. For the three months ended September 30, 2021, restructuring charges primarily consist of real estate consolidation. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, other items primarily consist of business optimization costs and transaction related costs, including costs related to the Transaction. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, other items primarily consist of business optimization costs and transaction related costs.

Discontinued Operations - Addit

Discontinued Operations - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($)				2 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 16, 2021	Mar. 05, 2021	Oct. 31, 2020	Mar. 04, 2021	Sep. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021	Apr. 10, 2021	Mar. 21, 2021
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain on disposal of Global Connect, net of tax inclusive of closing adjustments						$ 542,000,000		$ 534,000,000	$ 489,000,000
Prepayment of debt								3,632,000,000
Total long-term debt, Carrying Amount							$ 5,556,000,000		$ 5,550,000,000
Redemption rate of senior notes equal to principal amount plus premium and accrued and unpaid interest	100%
Transition Services Agreement term			2 years
Transition Services Agreement extension option period			6 months
Facility Closing
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Separation cost, incurred								162,000,000
Facility Closing \| Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Separation cost, incurred								37,000,000
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2023
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Prepayment of debt	$ 1,000,000,000
Senior Secured Term Loan Facility Due 2025
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Prepayment of debt	$ 300,000,000
5.500% Senior Notes due 2021
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Debt instrument redeemed principal amount											$ 150,000,000
5.000% Senior Notes due 2022
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Debt instrument redeemed principal amount										$ 825,000,000
Connect
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Segment revenue percentage on consolidated revenues			50%			50%
Gain on disposal of Global Connect, net of tax inclusive of closing adjustments					$ (8,000,000)			534,000,000
Debt repayment pursuant to the debt covenants triggered as a result of disposal				$ 1,300,000,000
Interest expense allocated to discontinued operations							0	$ 8,000,000
Cash flow from discontinued operations							0
Connect \| Advent
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Cash proceeds on sale of business			$ 2,700,000,000
Net proceeds from sale		$ 2,400,000,000
Connect \| Advent \| Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Accounts receivable from purchaser							42,000,000
Connect \| Advent \| Account Payable And Other Current Liabilities
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Liabilities payable to affiliates of purchaser							18,000,000
Connect \| Advent \| Other Non-Current Liabilities
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Liabilities payable to affiliates of purchaser							$ 12,000,000

Discontinued Operations - Summa

Discontinued Operations - Summary of Major Classes of Line Items Constituting Net Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Mar. 31, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations				$ 6	$ (94)
(Loss)/gain on disposal, net of taxes			$ 542		534	$ 489
Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations, Net of Tax	$ 1	$ (17)		6	440
Connect
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Revenues					452
Cost of revenues, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below					264
Selling, general and administrative expenses, exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown separately below					229
Depreciation and amortization					36
Restructuring charges					6
Operating income/(loss)					(83)
Other income and expenses	1	(9)		6	(32)
Income/(loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes	1	(9)		6	(115)
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes					21
Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations	1	(9)		6	(94)
(Loss)/gain on disposal before income taxes		(8)			371
Benefit/(provision) for income taxes					163
(Loss)/gain on disposal, net of taxes		(8)			534
Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations, Net of Tax	1	(17)		6	440
Net income/(loss) from discontinued operations attributable to Nielsen shareholders	$ 1	$ (17)		$ 6	$ 440

Discontinued Operations - Sum_2

Discontinued Operations - Summary of Major Classes of Line Items Constituting Net Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net income from discontinued operations	$ 1	$ (17)	$ 6	$ 440
Connect
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net income from discontinued operations	$ 1	$ (17)	$ 6	$ 440

Discontinued Operations - Opera

Discontinued Operations - Operating and Investing Cash Flows from Discontinued Operations (Detail) - Connect $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021 USD ($)
Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures By Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net cash flows used in operating activities	$ (240)
Net cash flows used in investing activities	$ (26)

Subsequent Events - Additional

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) - Consortium of Private Investment Funds - $ / shares	Oct. 11, 2022	Sep. 30, 2022
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Consideration received per ordinary share		$ 28
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Consideration received per ordinary share	$ 28