Neilson is regularly likened to Warren Buffett for his ability to consistently select high-performing stocks. However, poor results during the 2012 financial year resulted in a 16 per cent fall in net profit, mainly due to a 14 per cent reduction in investment income. As a result, Neilsen agreed to forego a performance bonus, an increase in his base salary, and neither granted himself nor exercised options. As the principal shareholder of Platinum, Neilsen yielded A$42 million in dividends during the 2012 financial year.