ACNIELSEN CORP
10-Q, 1998-11-13
ENGINEERING, ACCOUNTING, RESEARCH, MANAGEMENT
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D. C. 20549


                                    FORM 10-Q

(Mark one)

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 1998

                                       OR

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

For the transition period from                          to
                               ----------------------         -----------------

                        Commission file number 001-12277


                            ACNIELSEN CORPORATION
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

             Delaware                                 06-1454128
- - ------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------
     (State of Incorporation)           (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

    177 Broad Street, Stamford, CT                       06901
- - ----------------------------------------      --------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)              (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code         (203) 961-3000
                                                           --------------

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

Indicate the number of shares  outstanding  of each of the  issuer's  classes of
common stock, as of the latest practicable date:
                                                   Shares Outstanding
          Title of Class                           at October 30, 1998
          Common Stock,
          par value $.01 per share                 57,114,620



<PAGE>



                            ACNIELSEN CORPORATION

                             INDEX TO FORM 10-Q



PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION                                         PAGE

Item 1. Financial Statements

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)                 3
      Three Months Ended September 30, 1998 and 1997

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)                 4
      Nine Months Ended September 30, 1998 and 1997

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)             5
      Nine Months Ended September 30, 1998 and 1997

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets                                   6
 September 30, 1998 (Unaudited) and December 31, 1997

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)        7

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial              12
            Condition and Results of Operations



PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K                               21

SIGNATURES                                                             22







                                      -2-

<PAGE>
<TABLE>

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item I. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ACNIELSEN CORPORATION
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands except per share amounts)
<CAPTION>


                                                                                   Three Months Ended
                                                                                      September 30,
                                                                       --------------------------------------------

                                                                                1998                    1997
                                                                       -----------------------     ----------------
<S>                                                                           <C>                       <C>

Operating Revenue                                                             $ 364,665                 $ 346,864

Operating Costs                                                                 175,079                   174,140
Selling and Administrative Expenses                                             134,441                   125,928
Depreciation and Amortization                                                    22,102                    23,653
Year 2000 Expenses                                                                4,219                         -
                                                                       ------------------          ----------------

Operating Income                                                                 28,824                    23,143

Interest Income                                                                   2,322                     2,413
Interest Expense                                                                   (572)                     (432)
Other - Net                                                                         (50)                     (233)
                                                                       ------------------          ----------------
Other Income - Net                                                                1,700                     1,748
                                                                       ------------------          ----------------

Income Before Income Taxes                                                       30,524                    24,891

Income Taxes                                                                     12,821                    11,160
                                                                       ------------------          ----------------

Net Income                                                                     $ 17,703                  $ 13,731
                                                                       ==================          ================


Net Income Per Share of Common Stock - Basic                                     $ 0.31                    $ 0.24
                                                                       ==================          ================

Net Income Per Share of Common Stock - Diluted                                   $ 0.30                    $ 0.23
                                                                       ==================          ================

Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding
                Basic                                                            57,111                    57,209
                Diluted                                                          59,013                    59,540



<FN>
See  accompanying  notes  to the  condensed  consolidated  financial  statements
(unaudited).
</FN>
</TABLE>
                                      -3-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item I. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ACNIELSEN CORPORATION
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands except per share amounts)
<CAPTION>

                                                                                    Nine Months Ended
                                                                                      September 30,
                                                                       --------------------------------------------

                                                                                1998                    1997
                                                                       -----------------------     ----------------
<S>                                                                         <C>                       <C>
Operating Revenue                                                           $ 1,036,961               $ 1,027,963

Operating Costs                                                                 510,661                   540,839
Selling and Administrative Expenses                                             396,624                   383,941
Depreciation and Amortization                                                    64,472                    70,561
Year 2000 Expenses                                                               10,256                         -
                                                                       ------------------          ----------------

Operating Income                                                                 54,948                    32,622


Interest Income                                                                   7,745                     5,465
Interest Expense                                                                 (1,173)                   (2,117)
Other - Net                                                                        (156)                      278
                                                                       ------------------          ----------------
Other Income - Net                                                                6,416                     3,626
                                                                       ------------------          ----------------

Income Before Income Taxes                                                       61,364                    36,248

Income Taxes                                                                     25,774                    16,384
                                                                       ------------------          ----------------

Net Income                                                                     $ 35,590                  $ 19,864
                                                                       ==================          ================


Net Income Per Share of Common Stock - Basic                                     $ 0.62                    $ 0.35
                                                                       ==================          ================

Net Income Per Share of Common Stock - Diluted                                   $ 0.60                    $ 0.34
                                                                       ==================          ================

Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding
                Basic                                                            57,249                    57,055
                Diluted                                                          59,436                    58,047



<FN>
See  accompanying  notes  to the  condensed  consolidated  financial  statements
(unaudited).
</FN>
</TABLE>

                                      -4-

<PAGE>
<TABLE>


ACNIELSEN CORPORATION
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
(Amounts in Thousands)
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 Nine Months Ended
                                                                                    September 30,
                                                                   --------------------------------------------
                                                                              1998                    1997
                                                                   --------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                         <C>                     <C>
Net Income                                                                  $ 35,590                $ 19,864
  Reconciliation of Net Income to Net Cash Provided By
  Operating Activities:
    Depreciation and Amortization                                             64,472                  70,561
    Deferred Income Taxes                                                       (378)                  3,399        
    Payments Related to Special Charges                                      (20,937)                (29,612)
    Postemployment Benefit Expense                                             1,971                     227
    Postemployment Benefit Payments                                          (10,410)                (10,529)
    Net (Increase) Decrease in Accounts Receivable                            (3,702)                  3,187
    Net Increase in Other Working Capital Items                              (10,102)                (12,573)
    Other                                                                     (2,744)                  4,048 
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities                                     53,760                  48,572
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital Expenditures                                                         (32,453)                (31,840)
Additions to Computer Software                                               (16,834)                 (9,328)
Payments for Acquisition of Businesses                                       (94,468)                 (5,082)
Decrease in Other Investments                                                  1,570                   2,332
Other                                                                        (14,654)                (13,244)
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities                                       (156,839)                (57,162)
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Increase (Decrease) in Short-Term Borrowings                                   8,541                 (10,491)
Treasury Stock Purchases                                                     (23,498)                      -
Proceeds from the Sale of Common Stock under Option Plans                      7,729                   3,847
Other                                                                          1,190                     509
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Cash Used in Financing Activities                                         (6,038)                 (6,135)
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents                  (9,148)                 (7,894)
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents                                       (118,265)                (22,619)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period                               205,726                 185,005
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period                                    $ 87,461               $ 162,386
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash Paid During the Period for Interest                                     $ 1,069                 $ 1,983
Cash Paid During the Period for Income Taxes                                $ 24,478                $ 22,624

Noncash Investing and Financing Activities:
Acquisition of Investment and Note Receivable in exchange for               $ 19,400                       -
   Business Assets and Liabilities disposed

<FN>
See  accompanying  notes  to the  condensed  consolidated  financial  statements
(unaudited).
</FN>
</TABLE>

                                      -5-

<PAGE>
<TABLE>

ACNIELSEN CORPORATION
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Amounts in thousands)
<CAPTION>

- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                       September 30,          December 31,
                                                                                            1998                  1997
                                                                                        (Unaudited)
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                   <C>                    <C>
Assets

Current Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents                                                                $ 87,461              $ 205,726
Accounts Receivable-Net                                                                   264,295                260,821
Other Current Assets                                                                       50,903                 38,423
                                                                                   -----------------          -------------
        Total Current Assets                                                              402,659                504,970
Notes Receivable and Other Investments                                                     29,589                 10,281
Property, Plant and Equipment-Net                                                         145,408                165,660
Other Assets-Net
Prepaid Pension                                                                            60,121                 57,425
Computer Software                                                                          29,862                 25,288
Intangibles & Other Assets                                                                 60,064                 55,001
Goodwill                                                                                  308,187                220,483
                                                                                   -----------------          -------------
        Total Other Assets-Net                                                            458,234                358,197
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL ASSETS                                                                          $ 1,035,890            $ 1,039,108
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity

Current Liabilities
Accounts  Payable                                                                        $ 86,308               $ 86,908
Short-Term Debt                                                                            39,744                 25,957
Accrued and Other Current Liabilities                                                     291,741                313,864
Accrued Income Taxes                                                                       43,666                 42,385
                                                                                   -----------------          -------------
        Total Current Liabilities                                                         461,459                469,114
Postretirement and Postemployment Benefits                                                 44,437                 49,400
Deferred Income Taxes                                                                      27,066                 27,609
Other Liabilities                                                                          44,647                 32,881
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES                                                                         577,609                579,004
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commitments and Contingencies
Shareholders' Equity
Common Stock                                                                                  584                    577
Additional Paid-in Capital                                                                483,480                471,493
Retained Earnings                                                                          79,210                 43,620
Treasury Stock                                                                            (27,464)                (3,966)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income:
        Cumulative Translation Adjustment                                                 (77,529)               (51,620)
                                                                                   -----------------          -------------
Total Shareholders' Equity                                                                458,281                460,104
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                                            $ 1,035,890            $ 1,039,108
- - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<FN>
See  accompanying  notes  to the  condensed  consolidated  financial  statements
(unaudited).
</FN>
</TABLE>

                                      -6-

<PAGE>

ACNIELSEN CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONDENSED  CONSOLIDATED  FINANCIAL  STATEMENTS  (Amounts in  thousands,
except per share data) (Unaudited)

Note 1 - Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

These interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance
with the  instructions  to Form 10-Q and should be read in conjunction  with the
consolidated financial statements and related notes in the ACNielsen Corporation
(the  "Company")  1997 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In the opinion of management,
all adjustments  (which include only normal recurring  adjustments),  considered
necessary for a fair presentation of financial  position,  results of operations
and cash flows at the dates and for the periods  presented  have been  included.
Certain  prior year  amounts  have been  reclassified  to conform  with the 1998
presentation.

Note 2 - Financial Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet Risk

The Company uses foreign exchange forward  contracts to hedge  significant known
transactional  exposures.  At  September  30,  1998 the  Company  had $11,225 of
foreign  currency  forward  contracts  outstanding,   which  mature  in  monthly
installments through December 31, 1998. Any gain or loss on the forward contract
is deferred  and included in the  measurement  of the related  foreign  currency
transaction.

The Company does not utilize  derivative  financial  instruments  for trading or
other speculative purposes.

Note 3 - Earnings Per Share
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per
share (EPS) for the respective periods:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three months ended September 30                                                          1998            1997
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                   <C>             <C>

Weighted-average number of shares outstanding for basic EPS                             57,111          57,209
Dilutive effect of shares issuable under stock option plans                              1,902           2,331
                                                                                         -----           -----
Weighted-average number of shares and share equivalents for diluted EPS
                                                                                        59,013          59,540

Net Income                                                                            $ 17,703        $ 13,731
                                                                                      =========       ========

Basic Earnings Per Share                                                                $ 0.31          $ 0.24
                                                                                        ======          ======

Diluted Earnings Per Share                                                              $ 0.30          $ 0.23
                                                                                        ======          ======

</TABLE>

                                      -7-
<PAGE>




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine months ended September 30                                                           1998            1997
- - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                   <C>             <C>
Weighted-average number of shares outstanding for basic EPS                             57,249          57,055
Dilutive effect of shares issuable under stock option plans                              2,187             992
                                                                                         -----             ---
Weighted-average number of shares and share equivalents for diluted EPS
                                                                                        59,436          58,047

Net Income                                                                            $ 35,590        $ 19,864
                                                                                      ========        ========

Basic Earnings Per Share                                                                $ 0.62          $ 0.35
                                                                                        ======          ======

Diluted Earnings Per Share                                                              $ 0.60          $ 0.34
 
                                                                                        ======          ======

</TABLE>

Note 4 - Acquisitions

On September 23, 1998,  the Company  acquired full ownership in ANR Amer Nielsen
Research Limited ("ANR"), a joint-venture  business covering Eastern Europe, the
former Soviet Union, Sub-Sahara Africa and the India subcontinent.  The purchase
price of $43,030 was  comprised  of an initial cash payment of $20,000 and three
installment  payments due in January 1999, 2000 and 2001 for $4,912,  $9,294 and
$8,824,  respectively.  The  installment  payments  are  supported by a stand-by
letter of credit with an international  bank. The terms of the agreement provide
for  additional  cash payments if ANR achieves  certain  operating  goals.  Such
payments, if earned, would be paid in 2003 and 2006.

The  Company has also  agreed to acquire a 49%  interest in AMER World  Research
Limited,  serving the Middle East and Northern Africa. In addition,  the Company
will increase its ownership  interest in ANR Amer Nielsen  Research Hellas S.A.,
to 100% from 80%. The approximate cost of these acquisitions is $10,200.

On June 30, 1998, the Company acquired BBI Marketing Services,  Inc. ("ACNielsen
BASES"),  a provider of  simulated  test-marketing  services.  The Company  paid
$65,000 and may be required to make  additional cash payments if ACNielsen BASES
achieves certain operating goals. The maximum amount of contingent consideration
is approximately $36,000 (payable through 2001).

The purchase  price  allocations  have been prepared on a preliminary  basis and
changes are expected as evaluations of assets and  liabilities are completed and
as additional  information becomes available.  Pending the receipt of additional
information,  the excess of the  purchase  price over assets  acquired  has been
recorded as goodwill in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as
of September 30, 1998.

If the  ACNielsen  BASES and ANR  acquisitions  had occurred on January 1, 1997,
they would not have had a material impact on the Company's  consolidated results
of operations for any of the periods presented.

                                      -8-
<PAGE>

Note 5 - Bank Credit Line

In April 1998, the Company  replaced its existing  $125,000 bank credit facility
with a new $250,000  bank credit  facility.  The new credit  facility,  which is
provided by a global bank syndicate  comprising  twelve banks,  is unsecured and
has a  three-year  term.  The new credit  facility  includes  subfacilities  for
borrowings in foreign  currencies and for the issuance of letters of credit. The
base interest rates  applicable to borrowings  may be fixed or various  floating
rates, depending on the type and currency of the borrowing. Interest spreads and
fees are based upon the Company's  fixed charge coverage ratio for the preceding
four quarters.  The terms of the credit agreement  contain,  among other things,
limitations on debt of the Company and its subsidiaries and financial  covenants
requiring  the  Company  to  maintain  compliance  with a minimum  fixed  charge
coverage  ratio  requirement  and a maximum  leverage ratio  requirement.  As of
September 30, 1998,  the Company was in compliance  with such  requirements.  At
September  30, 1998,  approximately  $21,535 was  outstanding  under this credit
facility.  There are no compensating balance requirements or material commitment
fees associated with this credit facility.

Note 6 - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The Company has adopted  Statement of Financial  Accounting  Standards  No. 130,
"Reporting  Comprehensive Income", which establishes standards for the reporting
and  disclosure  of  comprehensive  income and its  components  in the financial
statements.  This  statement  is  effective  for interim and annual  periods for
fiscal years  beginning  after  December 15, 1997.  The Company's  comprehensive
income for the  respective  periods,  reported  net of tax, are set forth in the
following table:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three months ended September 30                                              1998            1997
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------
<S>                                                                       <C>             <C>

Net Income                                                                $ 17,703        $ 13,731

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
   Foreign currency translation adjustments                                (12,240)        (13,302)
   Unrealized loss on securities                                                 -          (4,628)
                                                                           --------        --------

        Comprehensive income (loss)                                        $ 5,463        $ (4,199)
                                                                           ========       =========

</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine months ended September 30                                               1998             1997
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------
<S>                                                                       <C>              <C>     
Net Income                                                                $ 35,590         $ 19,864

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
   Foreign currency translation adjustments                                (25,909)         (25,481)
   Unrealized gain on securities                                                 -           10,823
                                                                           --------         --------

        Comprehensive income                                                $9,681          $ 5,206
                                                                            =======         ========
</TABLE>

                                      -9-
<PAGE>

Note 7 - Treasury Stock

The terms of the Indemnity and Joint Defense  Agreement (see Note 9 below) limit
the  Company's  ability  to  make  certain  payments  ("Restricted   Payments"),
including  payments  for  dividends  and  stock  repurchases.  Pursuant  to such
limitation,  the aggregate amount of all Restricted Payments made by the Company
cannot  exceed  the sum of  $15,000  and  20% of the  Company's  cumulative  net
earnings,  as  defined,  from  November  1,  1996.  The Board of  Directors  has
authorized  the Company to  repurchase  ACNielsen  common stock up to the amount
permitted by the Indemnity and Joint Defense Agreement. During 1998, the Company
repurchased 962,449 shares of its common stock for a total of $23,498.

Note 8 - New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In April 1998, the American  Institute of Certified  Public  Accountants  issued
Statement  of  Position  (SOP)  98-5,   "Reporting  on  the  Costs  of  Start-Up
Activities."  The SOP,  which the  Company  plans to adopt on  January  1, 1999,
requires  that  costs  of the  Company's  start-up  activities  be  expensed  as
incurred.  The Company currently  capitalizes  certain one-time costs related to
introducing  new  services  and  conducting  business in new  geographic  areas.
Adoption of this SOP is expected  to result in a one-time,  non-cash,  after-tax
charge recorded as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting in the range of
$15,000  to  $20,000.  However,  adoption  of the new  accounting  policy is not
expected  to  have  a  material  impact  on  the  Company's  future  results  of
operations.

In June 1998,  the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board issued  Statement of
Financial Accounting  Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative  Instruments
and Hedging Activities"  ("Statement 133"). The Statement establishes accounting
and reporting  standards requiring that every derivative  instrument  (including
certain derivative  instruments  embedded in other contracts) be recorded in the
balance  sheet as either an asset or liability  measured at its fair value.  The
Statement  requires  that changes in the  derivative's  fair value be recognized
currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. Special
accounting  for  qualifying  hedges  allows a  derivative's  gains and losses to
offset related results on the hedged item in the income statement,  and requires
that a company must formally document,  designate,  and assess the effectiveness
of transactions that receive hedge accounting.

Statement  133 is effective  for fiscal years  beginning  after June 15, 1999. A
company may also  implement  the  Statement  as of the  beginning  of any fiscal
quarter after  issuance  (that is, fiscal  quarters  beginning June 16, 1998 and
thereafter).  Statement 133 cannot be applied retroactively.  Statement 133 must
be applied to (a) derivative  instruments and (b) certain derivative instruments
embedded  in hybrid  contracts  that were  issued,  acquired,  or  substantively
modified after December 31, 1997 (and, at the Company's election, before January
1, 1998).

The Company has not yet quantified  the impact of adopting  Statement 133 on its
financial  statements and has not determined the timing of or method of adoption
of Statement 133. However,  the Statement could increase  volatility in earnings
and other comprehensive income.

                                      -10-
<PAGE>
Note 9 - Litigation
On July 29, 1996, Information  Resources,  Inc. ("IRI") filed a complaint in the
United States  District Court for the Southern  District of New York,  naming as
defendants The Dun & Bradstreet  Corporation  ("Old D&B"),  A.C. Nielsen Company
(which is a subsidiary of the Company  "ACNielsenCo") and I.M.S.  International,
Inc. ("IMS"),  formerly a subsidiary of Cognizant Corporation  ("Cognizant") and
currently a subsidiary of IMS Health Incorporated (the "IRI Action").

The complaint  alleges various  violations of the United States  antitrust laws,
including  alleged  violations  of  Sections  1 and 2 of the  Sherman  Act.  The
complaint  also alleges a claim of tortious  interference  with a contract and a
claim of tortious interference with a prospective business  relationship.  These
latter claims relate to the  acquisition by defendants of Survey  Research Group
Limited  ("SRG").  IRI alleges that SRG violated an alleged  agreement  with IRI
when it agreed to be acquired by the defendants and that the defendants  induced
SRG to breach that agreement.

IRI's complaint alleges damages in excess of $350,000 which amount IRI has asked
to be trebled under the antitrust  laws. IRI also seeks  punitive  damages in an
unspecified amount.

By  notice of motion  dated  October  15,  1996,  defendants  moved for an order
dismissing  all  claims  in the  complaint.  On May 6,  1997 the  United  States
District  Court for the  Southern  District of New York issued a decision on the
motion to dismiss.  The Court dismissed IRI's claim of attempted  monopolization
in the United States with leave to replead  within sixty days.  The Court denied
defendants' motion with respect to the remaining claims in the complaint.

On June 3, 1997, defendants filed an answer and counterclaims. Defendants denied
all material  allegations of the complaint.  In addition,  ACNielsenCo  asserted
counterclaims  against  IRI  alleging  that IRI has made  false  and  misleading
statements about ACNielsenCo's  services and commercial activities and that such
conduct  constitutes  a violation of Section  43(a) of the Lanham Act and unfair
competition. ACNielsenCo seeks injunctive relief and damages.

On July 7, 1997, IRI filed an amended  complaint seeking to replead the claim of
attempted  monopolization in the United States,  which had been dismissed by the
Court in its May 6, 1997  decision.  By notice of motion  dated August 18, 1997,
defendants moved for an order dismissing the amended claim. On December 1, 1997,
the Court denied defendants' motion.

In connection with the IRI Action, Old D&B, Cognizant (the former parent company
of IMS) and the Company  entered into an Indemnity and Joint  Defense  Agreement
(the "Indemnity and Joint Defense Agreement")  pursuant to which they agreed (i)
to certain  arrangements  allocating  potential  liabilities ("IRI Liabilities")
that may arise out of or in connection with the IRI Action and (ii) to conduct a
joint  defense of such action.  In  particular,  the Indemnity and Joint Defense
Agreement  provides  that the Company will assume  exclusive  liability  for IRI
Liabilities  up  to  a  maximum  amount  to  be  calculated  at  the  time  such
liabilities,  if any,  become  payable  (the  "ACN  Maximum  Amount"),  and that
Cognizant and Old D&B will share liability  equally for any amounts in excess of
the ACN  Maximum  Amount.  The ACN  Maximum  Amount  will  be  determined  by an
investment  banking firm as the maximum  amount which the Company is able to pay
after giving effect to (i) any plan submitted by such  investment  bank which is

                                      -11-
<PAGE>
designed to maximize the claims paying ability of the Company without  impairing
the investment  banking firm's ability to deliver a viability opinion (but which
will not require any action requiring stockholder approval), and (ii) payment of
related fees and expenses.  For these  purposes,  financial  viability means the
ability of the Company, after giving effect to such plan, the payment of related
fees and expenses and the payment of the ACN Maximum Amount, to pay its debts as
they become due and to finance the current and anticipated operating and capital
requirements of its business,  as reconstituted by such plan, for two years from
the date any such plan is expected to be implemented.

The Indemnity and Joint Defense  Agreement also imposes certain  restrictions on
the payment of cash  dividends  and the  ability of the Company to purchase  its
stock.

In June 1998 (i) Old D&B  changed  its name to R.H.  Donnelley  Corporation  and
spun-off  (the "D&B Spin") a company now named The Dun & Bradstreet  Corporation
("New D&B"), and (ii) Cognizant changed its name to Nielsen Media Research, Inc.
("NMR")  and  spun-off  (the  "Cognizant  Spin")  a  company  named  IMS  Health
Incorporated ("IMS Health").  Pursuant to the terms of a Distribution  Agreement
dated as of October 28, 1996 among the Company,  Old D&B and Cognizant,  New D&B
was  required as a condition  to the D&B Spin,  and IMS Health was required as a
condition to the  Cognizant  Spin, to undertake to the Company to be jointly and
severally  liable with its former parent  company for,  among other things,  the
obligations  of such former parent company under the Indemnity and Joint Defense
Agreement.  Each of New D&B and IMS Health did provide such  undertaking  to the
Company.

Management  of ACNielsen is unable to predict at this time the final  outcome of
the IRI Action or whether its resolution could  materially  affect the Company's
results of operations, cash flows or financial position.

The Company and its  subsidiaries  are also involved in other legal  proceedings
and  litigation  arising in the ordinary  course of business.  In the opinion of
management,   the  outcome  of  such  current  legal  proceedings,   claims  and
litigation,  if decided adversely,  could have a material effect on quarterly or
annual  operating  results  or cash  flows  when  resolved  in a future  period.
However, in the opinion of management,  these matters will not materially affect
the Company's consolidated financial position.


Item 2. Management's  Discussion and Analysis of Financial  Condition and
Results of Operations  (Dollar amounts in thousands,  except per share data)

Quarter ended September 30, 1998 compared with Quarter ended September 30, 1997

Net income for the third  quarter  was  $17,703 or $0.30 per  diluted  share,  a
$3,972,  or $0.07 per share  improvement  over the third  quarter  of 1997.  Net
income included an after-tax negative currency  translation impact of $2,708, or
$0.05 per diluted share.

Revenue for the quarter  ended  September 30, 1998  increased  5.1% to $364,665,
despite $24,321 in negative foreign currency  translation  impacts. The increase
was  primarily  due to growth  in the  United  States  and the  addition  of new
businesses,  particularly  ACNielsen BASES, which was consolidated for the first
time this  quarter.  Revenue  advanced  12.1% in local  currency.

                                      -12-
<PAGE>

The Company's operating  income in the third quarter  increased 24.5% or, 
$5,681,  to $28,824, despite a negative currency  translation  impact of $4,668.
Strong U.S. revenuegrowth,  coupled  with  improved  operating  efficiency 
across all three of the Company's regions, drove the substantial increase. 
Excluding Year 2000 costs, operating income increased 42.8% or $9,900, to 
$33,043.

Other  income-net of $1,700 was  essentially  unchanged as compared to the third
quarter of 1997.

The Company's  operating  results by geographic  region for the quarters  ended 
September 30, 1998 and 1997 are set forth in the table
below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     Operating Revenue             Operating Income
                                               -----------------------------  ---------------------------
                                                     1998           1997           1998          1997
<S>                                              <C>             <C>            <C>            <C>   
United States                                    $ 109,160       $ 78,248       $ 12,478       $ 8,240
Canada/ Latin America                               48,018         51,128          9,562         6,922
                                                    ------         ------          -----         -----
    Total Americas                                 157,178        129,376         22,040        15,162
Europe, Middle East & Africa                       143,919        139,514          7,425         5,393
Asia Pacific *                                      63,568         77,974          3,578         2,588
                                                    ------         ------          -----        ------
   Subtotal                                        364,665        346,864         33,043        23,143
Year 2000 Costs                                          -              -         (4,219)            -
                                                   -------        -------         ------        ------
Total                                            $ 364,665      $ 346,864       $ 28,824      $ 23,143
                                                 =========      =========       ========      ========
<FN>
         *Includes ACNielsen Japan
</FN>
</TABLE>

The following discusses results on a geographic basis:

Total Americas revenue increased 21.5% to $157,178 from $129,376.  Excluding the
impact of  currency  translation,  revenue  grew  25.1%.  Operating  income  was
$22,040, a $6,878  improvement over the prior year,  including a $1,385 negative
currency translation impact.

In the United States, revenue grew 39.5% to $109,160, reflecting the acquisition
of  ACNielsen  BASES  (acquired  in June 1998) and  ACNielsen  EDI  (acquired in
December  1997),  and  continued  strong demand for  account-level  information,
growth in consumer panel  information  and additional  revenue from new clients.
Excluding the acquisitions, U.S. revenue grew 12.2% to $87,770. Operating income
rose 51.4% to $12,478,  reflecting the substantial  increases in revenue and the
impact of  acquisitions.  Excluding  the  acquisitions,  U.S.  operating  income
increased 25.7% to 10,359 in the quarter.

In Canada and Latin America,  reported revenue of $48,018 was down 6.1% from the
prior year  quarter,  due to the transfer in January 1998 of  ACNielsen's  media
business to the IBOPE joint venture and a negative foreign translation impact of
$4,686.  Excluding the transfer,  local currency  revenue from the base business
rose 13.5%, resulting from higher retail measurement sales in Mexico,  Colombia,
Brazil  and Canada  and a major  customized  research  project  for the  Mexican
government.  Operating  income  increased  38.1% to $9,562  from $6,922 in 1997,
including a $1,385 negative impact of foreign currency translation. The increase
reflected  ongoing   operational  and  cost   efficiencies,   and  the  sale  of
higher-margin products.

                                      -13-
<PAGE>

Revenue in the Europe,  Middle East & Africa ("EMEA")  region  increased 3.2% to
$143,919,  from $139,514 in 1997,  after  absorbing a $3,117  negative impact of
foreign  currency  translation.  Revenue  for EMEA grew 5.4% in local  currency,
primarily the result of a 45.5 % increase in Eastern Europe along with growth in
the  United  Kingdom,  France,  Turkey  and South  Africa.  EMEA  increased  its
operating  income for the quarter by $2,032,  or 37.7%,  to $7,425,  including a
negative currency  translation impact of $367. The improvement was the result of
revenue growth and improved operating efficiency and productivity.

Asia Pacific's revenue decreased 18.5% to $63,568 from $77,974, due to a $16,518
negative impact from currency translation.  Revenue growth in local currency for
Asia  Pacific  slowed to 2.7%  reflecting  lower  demand for  ad-hoc  customized
research  among local clients due to Asia's  economic  turmoil.  Local  currency
revenues  continued to grow in the  Philippines,  China/Hong Kong and Australia,
with  particularly  solid  results  in  retail  measurement.   Operating  income
increased  38.2% or $990 to $3,578,  including a negative  currency  translation
impact of $2,937.  Operating  income in local  currency  rose 151.7%  reflecting
region-wide  efforts to streamline  operations,  improve  efficiencies and lower
costs, particularly in Japan.

Nine months ended  September 30, 1998 compared with Nine months ended  September
30, 1997.

Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 was $35,590 or $0.60 per
diluted share, a $15,726,  or $0.26 per share  improvement  over the prior year.
Net income included an after-tax negative currency translation impact of $6,409,
or $0.11 per diluted share.

Revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 1998 was $1,036,961, an increase
of $8,998 or 0.9% from the first  nine  months of 1997,  reflecting  a  negative
foreign currency  translation impact of $78,724.  Revenue advanced 8.5% in local
currency.

The  Company's  operating  income for the nine months ended  September  30, 1998
increased $22,326 to $54,948,  despite a negative currency translation impact of
$11,047.  Strong U.S. revenue growth, coupled with improved operating efficiency
across  all three of the  Company's  regions,  drove the  substantial  increase.
Excluding Year 2000 costs, operating income increased $32,582 to $65,204.

Other  income-net  was $6,416,  compared with $3,626 in the first nine months of
1997,  primarily  reflecting  lower interest expense on borrowings and increased
interest income on higher average cash and investment balances.



                                      -14-
<PAGE>




The Company's  operating  results by geographic region for the nine months ended
September 30, 1998 and 1997 are set forth in the table below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     Operating Revenue             Operating Income
                                                                                        (Loss)
                                               -----------------------------  ---------------------------
                                                     1998            1997         1998           1997
<S>                                              <C>             <C>            <C>            <C>   

United States                                     $ 281,656       $ 229,761     $ 27,883       $ 12,958
Canada/ Latin America                               142,913         151,686       22,310         16,818
                                                    -------         -------       ------         ------
   Total Americas                                   424,569         381,447       50,193         29,776
Europe, Middle East & Africa                        421,522         422,513       12,087          6,638
Asia Pacific *                                      190,870         224,003        2,924         (3,792)
                                                    -------         -------       ------         ------
   Subtotal                                      $1,036,961      $1,027,963       65,204         32,622
Year 2000 Costs                                           -               -      (10,256)             -
                                                 ----------      ----------      -------         ------        
   Total                                         $1,036,961      $1,027,963     $ 54,948       $ 32,622
                                                 ==========      ==========     ========       ========
<FN>
         *Includes ACNielsen Japan
</FN>
</TABLE>


The following discusses results on a geographic basis:

Total Americas revenue increased 11.3% to $424,569 from $381,447.  Excluding the
negative impact of currency  translation,  revenue grew 14.2%.  Operating income
increased 68.6% to $50,193, a $20,417 improvement over the prior year, including
a $3,016 negative foreign translation impact.

In the United States, revenue grew $51,895 or 22.6% to $281,656,  reflecting the
acquisition  of  ACNielsen  BASES  and  ACNielsen  EDI,   continued   growth  in
account-level  information,  consumer  panel,  and  additional  revenue from new
clients.  Excluding the two  acquisitions,  U.S.  revenue grew 11.3%.  Operating
income was $27,883,  an increase of $14,925 over the prior year.  Excluding  the
acquisitions,  U.S.  operating income increased 93.4% over the first nine months
of 1997.  Revenue growth and  continuing  improvements  in operating  efficiency
drove the gain.

In Canada and Latin  America,  reported  revenue of  $142,913  was down 5.8% or,
$8,773 from the prior year,  due to the transfer in January 1998, of ACNielsen's
media  business to the IBOPE joint  venture and a negative  foreign  translation
impact of $11,144.  Excluding the transfer, local currency revenue from the base
business rose 10.2%,  resulting from higher retail  measurement sales in Mexico,
Brazil,  Colombia and Canada.  Operating  income increased 32.7% to $22,310 from
$16,818  in 1997,  including  a  $3,016  negative  impact  of  foreign  currency
translation.  The increase  represents ongoing operational and cost efficiencies
and the sale of higher-margin products.

Revenue  in the  Europe,  Middle  East &  Africa  ("EMEA")  remained  relatively
unchanged  at $421,522  from  $422,513 in 1997,  reflecting  a $23,565  negative
impact of  foreign  currency  translation.  Revenue  for EMEA grew 5.3% in local
currency,  primarily  the  result of strong  growth in  Eastern  Europe,  higher
revenue in France  and the  United  Kingdom  and the new  acquisitions  in South
Africa,  Turkey and  Israel.  EMEA  increased  its  operating  income  $5,449 to
$12,087,  despite a negative currency  translation impact of $1,750,  reflecting
improved operating efficiency and increased productivity.

                                      -15-
<PAGE>

Asia Pacific's  revenue  decreased  14.8%  to  $190,870  from  $224,003 due to a
$44,015 negative impact from currency translation. Revenue for Asia Pacific grew
4.9% in local currency due to increases in China/Hong Kong,  the Philippines and
Japan,  as well as new revenues  from expanded  operations in India.  The region
reported operating income of $2,924 compared with an operating loss of $3,792 in
the first nine months of 1997,  including a negative currency translation impact
of $6,330. Operating income in local currency improved substantially. The profit
improvement reflects ongoing efforts to increase productivity, improve operating
efficiency and lower costs, particularly in Japan.


Liquidity and Capital Resources
Nine Months Ended September 30, 1998 and 1997

Net cash provided by operating  activities  for the nine months ended  September
30, 1998 totaled  $53,760  compared  with $48,572 for the  comparable  period in
1997.  The change  primarily  is the result of improved  operating  results (net
income of  $35,590  in 1998 as  compared  to net  income of $19,864 in 1997) and
lower  payments  related  to special  charges  ($8,675),  partially  offset by a
greater  increase in  accounts  receivable  ($6,889)  and a decrease in deferred
income taxes ($3,777).

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $156,839 for the nine months ended
September 30, 1998 compared with $57,162 for the comparable  period in 1997. The
increase in cash used in investing  activities of $99,677  primarily  represents
cash paid to acquire  ACNielsen  BASES  ($65,401) and ANR AMER Nielsen  Research
($20,445), and increased additions to computer software ($7,506).

Net cash used in financing  activities  for the nine months ended  September 30,
1998,  totaled $6,038 compared with cash used in financing  activities of $6,135
for the comparable  period in 1997.  The current period  includes an increase in
short-term  borrowings  ($8,541) to partially fund the  acquisition of ACNielsen
BASES,  as  compared  with a  decrease  in  borrowings  of  $10,491  during  the
comparable period in 1997, and payments to repurchase common stock ($23,498).

During  the first  quarter  of 1998,  the  Company  became a partner  in a joint
venture that provides media  measurement  services in Latin  America.  The joint
venture, IBOPE Media Information,  offers television audience measurement (TAM),
radio  audience  measurement  (RAM),  and  advertising  expenditure  measurement
services  (AEM) in  various  Latin  American  markets.  Under  the  terms of the
agreement,  the Company received an 11% equity interest in the joint venture and
a $9,400 interest  bearing note in exchange for the Company's Latin America TAM,
RAM and AEM business assets and the assumption of certain transition liabilities
in a non-cash  transaction.  The Company is accounting for its investment in the
joint venture on the cost basis.

Year 2000

The Year 2000  problem  concerns  the  inability  of older  computer  systems to
properly  recognize and process  date-sensitive  information  beyond  January 1,
2000. If not corrected,  businesses and other entities  relying on such computer
systems are at risk for possible  miscalculations or systems failures that could
cause disruptions in their business operations.

                                      -16-
<PAGE>

ACNielsen's business relies substantially on information technology systems ("IT
Systems")  and, to a lesser  degree,  on other  systems  that  contain  embedded
technology ("Non-IT Systems"). As a global leader in delivering market research,
information  and  analysis to the consumer  products  and  services  industries,
ACNielsen  uses  IT  Systems  and  Non-IT  Systems  (collectively,   "Technology
Systems")  to gather  data from data  suppliers,  analyze  such data and deliver
information  products to its clients.  The Company also provides software to its
clients for use in connection  with the delivery and analysis of ACNielsen data.
Technology Systems are also used by the Company for its own internal operations.
Accordingly,  the Year 2000 issue could  arise at many  stages in the  Company's
supply, processing, distribution and financial chains.

The Company's State of Readiness

The Company is in the process of implementing a Year 2000 readiness program with
the goals of (i) having all of its Technology Systems functioning  properly with
respect to Year 2000 before January 1, 2000, and (ii) identifying and minimizing
the other business risks created by the Year 2000 issue.  The Company  currently
believes  that  it  will  be  able to  modify  or  replace  all of its  material
Technology Systems in a timely manner and with no significant disruptions to its
operations.  It also  believes  that  its Year  2000  readiness  program  should
significantly reduce the adverse effects of the Year 2000 issue for the Company.
However,  given the  general  uncertainties  inherent  in the Year 2000  problem
including,  among other things,  uncertainties  as to the Year 2000 readiness of
material third party suppliers and clients, it is possible that the business and
results of operations of the Company could be materially  adversely  affected by
an inability of the Company to conduct its business in the ordinary course for a
period of time after January 1, 2000.

The Company's Year 2000 readiness  program  comprises  eight  principal  phases,
these being (i) inventory,  (ii) assessment,  (iii) analysis and planning,  (iv)
remediation, (v) testing, (vi) implementation,  (vii) communication,  and (viii)
contingency planning.

The  inventory  phase  comprises  the  development  of a  complete  list  of all
components of the Company's  Technology Systems that are used in the collection,
processing  and delivery of ACNielsen  products and services or that are used in
the  administration of its general business  activities.  The inventory phase is
substantially complete.

The assessment  phase  comprises the evaluation of each item on the inventory to
determine if it is affected by the Year 2000 problem and, if it is, to determine
the most appropriate remediation approach.  There are generally four alternative
approaches:  (i) renovation;  (ii)  retirement;  (iii)  re-engineering;  or (iv)
replacement.  The assessment phase is also substantially  complete and, based on
the results of the assessment,  the Company determined that it would be required
to  renovate,  retire,  re-engineer  or  replace  significant  portions  of  its
Technology Systems to make them Year 2000 compliant.

The analysis and planning phase  comprises the development of detailed plans and
timetables to accomplish the required  remediation actions identified during the
assessment  phase and the  assignment  of the  internal  or  external  resources
required  to  achieve  compliance  within  the  planned  timeframes.  This phase
includes the prioritization of systems for remediation activities. This phase is
substantially  complete in the United States and Canada,  and in major  business
units  throughout  Latin  America,  Europe and Asia  Pacific.  Planning  for the
remaining  business units is underway and scheduled for completion  prior to the
end of 1998.

                                      -17-
<PAGE>

The  remediation   phase  comprises  the  actual   renovation,   re-engineering,
retirement or  replacement  of affected  systems.  This phase is in progress and
proceeding  based  upon the  original  prioritization.  Because of the number of
systems,  countries and business segments involved and the varying importance of
different  systems to the Company's  business and results of  operations,  it is
difficult to quantify  precisely  the status of  completion  of this phase on an
overall  Company  basis.  However,  the  Company  believes  that  this  phase is
approximately  50%  complete.   Plans  are  for  the  remediation  phase  to  be
substantially completed in the first quarter of 1999.

The  testing  phase,  which  follows remediation,  comprises  the establishment
of  Year 2000  test  environments  to  do  systems  and  user  testing  of
individual  components,  as well as complete  end-to-end system testing,  of the
Company's  Technology Systems.  In addition,  it includes testing of interfacing
systems used by certain external suppliers and customers. This testing phase has
begun for a number of major  systems  throughout  the world.  Detailed Year 2000
plans  call for  testing of the  Company's  Technology  Systems to be  completed
during the first two  quarters  of 1999.  Testing of  systems  used by  external
suppliers and customers is expected to continue to the Year 2000.

The  implementation   phase,   which  follows  testing,   comprises  the  actual
implementation  into the  production  environment  of the  compliant  Technology
Systems.  For  products and  services  provided by the Company to clients,  this
phase  includes  the  implementation  of the  compliant  versions  of  hardware,
software,   and   communications   services   into   production  in  the  client
environments. This phase is at various stages around the world but overall is in
the early stages of execution.  Plans for each country and business segment have
been developed to allow for adequate time to achieve implementation prior to the
end of 1999.

The  communication   phase  comprises  the   implementation,   coordination  and
management of a  communications  process to  communicate  with clients and other
third parties whose Year 2000 state of readiness could significantly  affect the
Company.  Several  levels and types of  communications  are involved,  including
communications with clients, vendors and other service providers. Communications
with clients include  communications  regarding (i) the  implementation  of Year
2000 compliant versions of ACNielsen software used by the client, (ii) the state
of readiness of systems used by the client to receive or analyze ACNielsen data,
and (iii) the state of readiness of ACNielsen  Technology  Systems that are used
to  compile  and  deliver  data to the  client.  Vendor  communications  include
communications  with (i) data  suppliers  to assess the Year 2000  status of the
systems  they  use to  compile  and  deliver  data  to the  Company,  (ii)  data
processors  to assess  the Year 2000  status of their  processing  and  delivery
systems,  and (iii)  providers  of third party  Technology  Systems to establish
plans and timetables  for the delivery of Year 2000 compliant  versions of those
Technology   Systems.   Communications  with  other  service  providers  include
communications  with  utilities,   providers  of  facilities  and  environmental
systems,  banks and other material  service  providers to assess their Year 2000
readiness insofar as it may affect the services they provide to the Company. The
communication  phase with respect to supplier  readiness is well underway in all
major countries.  Communications efforts will continue to determine the state of
readiness of material third parties.  During the next three months,  the Company
plans to  engage in  increased  communications  with  clients  to  assess  their
readiness as well as to plan  implementation  of ACNielsen  Year 2000  compliant
versions of software and information products.

                                      -18-
<PAGE>

The final phase is the  development  of  contingency  and business  continuation
plans for each  organization  and  company  location.  In  general,  contingency
planning is scheduled to begin before the end of 1998 and to be completed by the
end of the first quarter of 1999. Although the Company anticipates being able to
develop  contingency  plans  to  deal  with  certain  situations,  it is not yet
possible to determine if contingency plans can be developed and/or  successfully
implemented to deal with all material risks.

Year 2000 Risks 

As mentioned above, Year 2000 issues could arise at many stages in the Company's
supply, processing, distribution, and financial chains.

With respect to data  supplies,  certain data used by the Company are  collected
manually.  However,  significant amounts of data,  including all retail scanning
data and the majority of  television  audience  measurement  and consumer  panel
services data, are collected and transmitted  electronically  to ACNielsen or to
its third  party  data  processors.  A Year 2000 risk,  therefore,  is that data
supplies  could be  disrupted  due to Year  2000  problems  with the  Technology
Systems of data suppliers or of the Company.

Once data has been  collected,  it is generally  transmitted  electronically  to
ACNielsen  or third party data  processors,  then  analyzed  and  processed  and
finally transmitted electronically to the client.  Accordingly,  other Year 2000
risks  include   possible   disruptions  in  data  processing  and  transmission
capabilities.  Also, certain clients use their own Technology Systems to analyze
ACNielsen data. Revenue,  therefore, could be affected in the event that clients
are unable for some period of time to make normal use of the Company's  products
and services.

Additional  Year 2000 risks  include  disruptions  in the Company's own internal
operations,  including  financial and  administrative  systems,  and in critical
services  and  utilities  on which  the  Company  relies,  such as  electricity,
telephone systems, and banking services.

The most reasonably  likely worst case scenarios that the Company has identified
include lost revenues and profits due to (i) non-receipt of, or temporary delays
in receiving,  scanning data from data  suppliers,  (ii) delays in deliveries to
clients due to data supply,  processing and/or transmission  problems, and (iii)
non-compliance of clients'  Technology Systems such that they are unable to make
normal  use of the  Company's  products  and  services.  The  Company  does  not
currently anticipate that any such effects would be of a long-term nature.

Costs

Incremental  Year 2000  compliance  costs,  primarily for maintenance and system
modifications,  are  presently  estimated  to  approximate  between  $20,000 and
$25,000, of which approximately $16,000 is expected to be incurred in 1998. Such
costs totaled  $10,256 for the nine months ended  September  30, 1998.  Costs to
acquire new software and computer systems in advance of their normal replacement
schedules are estimated to total between $10,000 and $15,000 over 1998 and 1999.
At September 30, 1998, $2,900 had been incurred. The Company does not separately
track internal costs that are not related to incremental Year 2000 activities.
Such costs are principally for payroll.

                                      -19-
<PAGE>

EURO

The  introduction of a common currency  across eleven  European  countries,  the
"Euro",  will have a significant  impact on the European  marketplace and on the
operations  of a number of the  Company's  key clients and data  suppliers.  The
introduction  is on a phased basis  between  January 1999 and January  2002,  at
which date full notes and  coinage  in Euros will be issued  and,  no later than
July 1, 2002, will replace existing local currencies.

As the Company has operations in all of the affected countries,  it also will be
impacted  by  the  Euro's   introduction.   The  Company   has   established   a
multi-functional,  cross  border  taskforce  for the  purpose of  preparing  the
Company for the introduction of the Euro. As part of its Euro readiness efforts,
the Company has assessed the  compliance  of its existing  internal  process and
software  systems in  readiness  for the  introduction  of the Euro.  Changes to
internal  processes  relating to  accounting,  billing,  production and delivery
systems,  and  supporting  software  changes,   required  to  meet  the  initial
introduction have been comprehensively  specified and are substantially complete
and on track to be implemented by January 1, 1999. Additional modifications will
be made as the phase-in period progresses.

The  Company  is  communicating  with its  principal  data and other  suppliers,
including its banks,  and with its principal  clients to assess both their own
level of  readiness  and their  requirements  over the  transitional  period and
beyond. These communications will be ongoing as the phase-in period progresses.

Preliminary  estimates of the total incremental Euro compliance costs in respect
of  internal  and  production  systems  are  that  they  will  not be  material.
Implementation  efforts  will  continue in line with the phased  adoption of the
Euro over the  transition  period  and the  related  costs will be  expensed  as
incurred. The Company has not yet developed a contingency plan.

If the Company  failed to  successfully  address the issues raised by the Euro's
introduction,  it could have a material adverse effect on the Company.  However,
based on progress to date and the Company's Euro readiness program,  the Company
currently does not anticipate  any material  adverse  effects as a result of the
Euro's introduction.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained herein are forward looking. These may be identified
by the use of forward-looking words or phrases, such as "anticipate," "believe,"
"expect",  "could," "should," "planned," "estimated,"  "potential," "target" and
"goal," among others.  In addition,  the Company may from time to time make oral
forward-looking  statements.  In connection with the "safe harbor" provisions of
the  Private  Securities  Litigation  Reform Act of 1995,  the Company is hereby
identifying  important  factors  that  could  cause  actual  results  to  differ
materially  from those  contained in  forward-looking  statements  made by or on
behalf of the Company.
Any such  statement  is  qualified  by  reference  to the  following  cautionary
statement.

                                      -20-
<PAGE>

Risks and uncertainties that may affect the operations, performance, development
and results of the Company's  business  include:  (i) the availability of retail
sources that are willing to sell data to the Company at prices acceptable to the
Company; (ii) changes in general economic or competitive conditions which impact
the Company's  clients'  demand for the Company's  services;  (iii)  significant
price and service  competition;  (iv) rapid  technological  developments  in the
collection,  manipulation and delivery of information; (v) the Company's ability
to  complete  the  implementation  of its Year  2000 and Euro  plans on a timely
basis;  (vi) the impact of foreign exchange rate  fluctuations  since so much of
the Company's  earnings are generated abroad;  (vii) the degree of acceptance of
new product introductions; (viii) the uncertainties of litigation, including the
IRI Action; as well as other risks and uncertainties  detailed from time to time
in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

The risks and  uncertainties  that may affect the  Company's  assessment of Year
2000  issues  and new  European  currency  issues  include:  (i) the  complexity
involved  in  ascertaining  all  situations  in which Year 2000 or new  European
currency issues may arise; (ii) the ability of the Company to identify,  assess,
remediate,  test and  successfully  implement  all relevant  computer  codes and
embedded technology within the scheduled dates for completion thereof; (iii) the
ability of the Company to obtain the services of sufficient personnel to execute
the  programs;  (iv)  possible  increases in the cost of  personnel  required to
execute the  programs;  (v) delays in scheduled  deliveries  of new hardware and
software  from third  party  suppliers;  (vi) the  receipt  and  reliability  of
responses from suppliers,  clients and others to whom  compliance  inquiries are
being made;  (vii) the ability of material third parties to bring their affected
systems into compliance;  and (viii)  unforeseen events which could delay timely
implementation of the programs.

Developments  in any of the areas  referred to above  could cause the  Company's
results  to differ  from  results  that have been or may be  projected  by or on
behalf of the Company. The Company cautions that the foregoing list of important
factors  is not  exclusive.  The  Company  does  not  undertake  to  update  any
forward-looking  statement that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of
the Company.


PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a)      Exhibits.
         (27)     Financial Data Schedule (filed electronically)

(b)      Reports on Form 8-K.

         There were no reports on Form 8-K filed during the quarter ended
         September 30, 1998.

                                      -21-
<PAGE>





                                   SIGNATURES



Pursuant  to the  requirements  of the  Securities  Exchange  Act of  1934,  the
registrant  has duly  caused  this  report  to be  signed  on its  behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.




                              ACNIELSEN CORPORATION
                                  (Registrant)


Date:  November 13, 1998                    /s/ Robert J. Chrenc
                                           ------------------------------------
                                           Robert J. Chrenc
                                           Executive Vice President
                                            And Chief Financial Officer



Date:  November 13, 1998                    /s/ Michael S. Geltzeiler
                                           ------------------------------------
                                           Michael S. Geltzeiler
                                           Senior Vice President and Controller






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