NIQ Global Intelligence (NIQ) Q1 2026 earnings summary

Executive summary

• Q1 2026 delivered 11.1% reported revenue growth to $1,072.7 million and 5.1% organic constant currency revenue growth, with strong performance in Americas and EMEA and softness in APAC.

• Adjusted EBITDA grew 19.1% to $224.8 million, with margin expanding 150bps to 21.0%.

• Net loss improved by $29.7 million year-over-year to $(90.1) million; adjusted net income reached $43.4 million.

• Levered free cash flow improved by $93.1 million year-over-year, reflecting operational efficiency and restructuring benefits.

• Accelerated AI investments and product launches are driving measurable client outcomes, deeper partnerships, and platform innovation.

Financial highlights

• Reported revenue: $1,072.7 million, up 11.1% year-over-year; organic constant currency revenue up 5.1%.

• Adjusted EBITDA: $224.8 million, up 19.1% year-over-year; margin expanded to 21.0%.

• Adjusted EPS was $0.15, ahead of guidance and consensus.

• Net loss attributable to shareholders improved to $(90.1) million from $(119.8) million year-over-year.

• Free cash flow improved by $93.1 million year-over-year to $(123.2) million.

Outlook and guidance

• Full-year 2026 guidance raised for reported revenue ($4,466M–$4,479M, 6.4%–6.7% growth) and adjusted EBITDA ($1,050M–$1,067M, 14%–16% growth), with margin expected at 23.5%–23.8%.

• Adjusted EPS guidance: $0.95–$0.99 for 2026.

• Levered free cash flow guidance: $235M–$250M for 2026.

• Net leverage ratio targeted below 3.0x by year-end 2026.

• CapEx expected at 6.5%–7% of revenue for 2026.