NICE (NICE) Q1 2026 earnings summary

Executive summary

• Q1 2026 revenue reached $769 million, up 9.8% year-over-year, exceeding guidance, with non-GAAP EPS of $2.64 and strong cloud and AI-driven growth.

• Cloud revenue grew 14.6% year-over-year to $603 million, with AI ARR up 66% and now 14% of cloud revenue; international revenue grew 30%.

• Record new cloud ACV bookings and accelerated cloud backlog growth (27% including Cognigy); Cognigy integration ahead of schedule, now fully embedded in CXone.

• 100% of CXone enterprise deals included AI solutions, with AI backlog up 78% year-over-year.

• Non-GAAP EPS was $2.64, surpassing guidance, though down 8% year-over-year.

Financial highlights

• Total Q1 revenue: $769 million, up 10% year-over-year; cloud revenue: $603 million (79% of total), up 14.6%.

• CXAi and self-service ARR: $345 million, up 66% year-over-year, now 14% of cloud revenue.

• Cloud net revenue retention at 107%; recurring revenue around 90% of total.

• Non-GAAP operating income: $200 million (26% margin); non-GAAP net income: $160 million; non-GAAP EBITDA: $224 million.

• Free cash flow: $149 million; free cash flow margin: high end of 18–19%.

Outlook and guidance

• Full-year 2026 revenue guidance reiterated at $3,170–$3,190 million (8% growth at midpoint); cloud revenue growth expected at 13–15%.

• Full-year non-GAAP EPS guidance raised to $10.98–$11.18; operating margins expected at high end of 25–26%.

• Q2 2026 revenue guidance: $761–$771 million (5.5% growth at midpoint); non-GAAP EPS: $2.60–$2.70.

• Q2 cloud revenue growth to be slightly below full-year range due to renewal-specific commercial actions, with acceleration expected in Q3.

• Free cash flow margin expected at high end of 18–19% range.