NIQ Global Raises FY2026 Guidance as Third-Quarter Revenue Grows 6.3% to $1.12 Billion

NIQ Global Intelligence plc (NYSE:NIQ) reported third-quarter earnings and revenue above analyst expectations on Thursday and raised its full-year 2026 financial guidance, supported by revenue growth across its consumer intelligence operations.

The company’s shares advanced 1.14% in pre-market trading following the announcement.

Adjusted earnings per share reached $0.30, exceeding the analyst consensus estimate of $0.23. Revenue increased 6.3% year over year to $1.12 billion from $1.05 billion, compared with market expectations of $1.11 billion.

Organic revenue growth at constant currency was 5.8%, including an 11.5% increase in the Americas.

NIQ Reports $35.8 Million Net Income and 17.8% EBITDA Growth

Adjusted EBITDA increased 17.8% year over year to $263.6 million, while adjusted EBITDA margin expanded by 230 basis points to 23.6%.

The company reported net income of $35.8 million, equivalent to $0.12 per share, marking its first quarter of positive earnings under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) since its initial public offering.

NIQ also reduced its net leverage ratio to 2.9 times, reaching its previously established target one quarter ahead of schedule.

“Q3 was a milestone quarter – we exceeded the top end of our guidance across all key metrics for the sixth consecutive quarter, delivered positive GAAP earnings per share for the first time since our IPO, and reached our net leverage milestone a quarter ahead of plan,” said Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Jim Peck.

NIQ Increases Full-Year Earnings and Revenue Forecasts

For fiscal 2026, NIQ raised its adjusted earnings per share guidance to between $1.16 and $1.20, above the analyst consensus estimate of $1.09.

The midpoint of the updated range is $1.18, exceeding market expectations by $0.09 per share.

Full-year revenue is now forecast at $4.51 billion to $4.52 billion, compared with the analyst consensus of $4.51 billion.

For the fourth quarter, NIQ expects adjusted earnings per share of $0.43 to $0.47, with the midpoint of $0.45 matching analyst expectations.

Quarterly revenue is projected at $1.19 billion to $1.20 billion, compared with the market estimate of $1.20 billion.

NIQ Announces $150 Million Share Repurchase Authorization

Alongside its quarterly results, NIQ announced authorization for a $150 million share repurchase program.

The announcement follows the company’s reduction in net leverage to 2.9 times and its first positive quarterly GAAP earnings result since becoming publicly traded.

NIQ Global Intelligence stock price