NIQ Global Intelligence plc (NYSE: NIQ) reported strong third quarter 2025 results, exceeding expectations across all key financial metrics. The company highlighted significant progress in its business transformation, driven by the strategic integration of AI into its operations, which is enhancing data quality, improving client outcomes, and increasing operational efficiency. Jim Peck, Executive Chairman and CEO, said, “Q3 was another strong quarter for NIQ, further proof of our business transformation yielding a strengthening financial profile. 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. This is a strategic advantage that positions NIQ for long-term growth.” Mike Burwell, Chief Financial Officer, added, “Our strong Q3 results beat expectations across the board — including 300 basis points of margin expansion and strong free cash flow inflection. We now expect to deliver $280 million of levered free cash flow in the second half of 2025, with Q4 projected to be another strong quarter of durable revenue growth and significant margin expansion.” Key financial highlights for the third quarter ended September 30, 2025: Total revenue increased 7.2% year-over-year to $1.05 billion, with organic constant currency revenue up 5.8%. EMEA region led growth with 8.8% revenue increase, followed by Americas (5.3%) and APAC (2.2%). Adjusted EBITDA rose 24.9% to $223.7 million, with a margin expansion of 300 basis points to 21.3%. Net cash provided by operating activities reached $110.0 million, up $104.4 million year-over-year, driven by improved profitability and net working capital improvements. Free cash flow grew to $161.3 million, up $45.2 million year-over-year, supported by higher profitability, reduced interest expense, and improved capital efficiency. The company also announced a significant capital restructuring in July 2025, including a $985.1 million IPO, an expanded $750 million revolving credit facility, and refinancing of its USD and EUR term loans with maturities extended to October 2030. These actions reduced total debt and lowered annualized interest expense by approximately $100 million, with an additional $9 million in annual interest savings from a step-down in interest spreads. NIQ raised its full-year 2025 guidance, now projecting: - Revenue of $4.175 billion to $4.178 billion, up 5.1% to 5.2% year-over-year. - Adjusted EBITDA of $905 million to $909 million, up 22% to 23%. - Adjusted EBITDA margin of 21.7% to 21.8%. - Free cash flow of $55 million to $60 million in the fourth quarter, with breakeven for the year. The company emphasized that it remains an independent, global leader in consumer intelligence, serving over 90 countries and covering approximately 85% of the world’s population and more than $7.2 trillion in global consumer spend. Its AI-enabled platforms continue to expand into adjacent markets and verticals, supported by strong client retention — with 105% Intelligence Subscription Net Dollar Retention and 98% Gross Dollar Retention. NIQ also highlighted ongoing investments in technology and talent, including the integration of AI and machine learning to enhance data accuracy and scalability. The company remains focused on delivering the Full View™ — a holistic understanding of consumer behavior — through advanced analytics and real-time insights. Management reaffirmed confidence in the company’s long-term trajectory, citing improved financial resilience, stronger cash flow generation, and a clear path to sustained profitability and growth.