NIQ Global Intelligence plc (NYSE:NIQ) posted third-quarter results on Thursday that showed stronger-than-expected revenue growth, helping lift the stock 1.05% in pre-market trading even as earnings landed a bit below projections.
The consumer data and analytics company reported 7.2% revenue growth to $1.05 billion, topping analyst expectations of $1.02 billion. Adjusted earnings per share came in at $0.03, missing the $0.05 consensus estimate by two cents.
Underlying performance remained solid. Organic constant-currency revenue rose 5.8% year over year, fueled by a 6.6% increase in NIQ’s Intelligence division. Profitability improved sharply as well: Adjusted EBITDA rose 24.9% to $223.7 million, while margins widened by 300 basis points to 21.3%.
“Q3 was another strong quarter for NIQ, further proof of our business transformation yielding a strengthening financial profile,” said Jim Peck, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “AI is a powerful accelerator within the NIQ Ecosystem, widening and deepening our data moat, enhancing client outcomes, and driving operational efficiency throughout our business.”
NIQ also posted a major turnaround in free cash flow, generating $224.4 million, up sharply from $56.5 million a year earlier. The stronger financial performance prompted the company to lift its 2025 full-year guidance, now calling for 5.5%–5.6% organic constant-currency revenue growth and an Adjusted EBITDA margin of around 22%.
“Our strong Q3 results beat expectations across the board – including 300 basis points of margin expansion and strong free cash flow inflection,” added Mike Burwell, Chief Financial Officer.
For the fourth quarter, NIQ expects revenue between $1.116 billion and $1.119 billion, topping analyst expectations of $1.109 billion. Full-year revenue guidance was also raised to $4.175–$4.178 billion, ahead of the $4.139 billion consensus.
NIQ, which went public in July, used the $985.1 million in IPO net proceeds to reduce debt, lowering its annual interest expense by about $100 million.