NIQ Q2 2026 slides: AI drives growth, margins hit 23.3%

NIQ reported its Q2 2026 earnings on August 10, showcasing robust growth driven by its AI initiatives and meeting expectations across key metrics. The consumer intelligence firm surpassed revenue and earnings guidance, expanding profitability and cash generation while reducing leverage. Shares rallied 17.1% after hours, valuing NIQ at $13.68 per share.

Revenue increased 8.0% year-over-year to $1.12 billion, with organic constant currency growth of 5.8%. Adjusted EBITDA rose 21.9% to $261.9 million, margins expanding by 270 basis points to 23.3%. The surge in profitability stems from AI-powered automation and restructuring savings, with AI contributing to productivity gains across operations.

Levered free cash flow went positive at $74.1 million, up from a cash use of $63.2 million a year prior. NIQ's Q2 results marked a milestone, with adjusted EPS reaching $0.27, surpassing the Wall Street estimate of $0.21. Management highlighted the company's progress since its July 2025 IPO, emphasizing durable revenue growth, improved margins, and inflection in free cash flow.

NIQ's AI strategy, which accelerates revenue growth and drives operational efficiency, is gaining traction. The company operates globally, serving 90 countries and 8,900 retailers, and maintains over 260 million product items in its proprietary data repository. AI adoption is on the rise, with 51% of top clients using AI-native solutions, and AI-native revenue growing 34% year-over-year in Q2.

NIQ's AI growth strategy, encompassing smarter outcomes, IP for AI tools, and commerce intelligence, is positioned for monetization in 2026, with broader commercial scaling anticipated in 2027.