Airbnb shares jump 10% after fastest revenue growth in three years and a $12 billion buyback

Airbnb shares jumped about 10% in late trading on Thursday after the home-rental company reported its fastest revenue growth in three years, raised its forecast for the year and approved a new $12 billion share buyback.

Revenue for the three months to September rose 19% to $4.87 billion, against growth of 9.7% in the same quarter a year earlier. Earnings came to $3.16 a share, up from $2.21. Guests booked 155 million nights and seats across homes, hotels, experiences and services, 16% more than a year ago, and adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation reached $2.51 billion.

“Airbnb is back in growth mode,” said Brian Chesky, the company’s co-founder and chief executive, on a call with analysts. He said hotels are growing “markedly faster than our core business” and added: “it’s undoubtable that we will do multiple billions of dollars in revenue in hotels in the coming years.” The company also plans to start offering guests an AI booking agent in the first half of 2027.

Airbnb now expects revenue growth for 2026 in the high teens, up from at least the mid-teens. Chief financial officer Ellie Mertz said it expects revenue of $3.22 billion to $3.28 billion in the December quarter, growth of 16 to 18%.

The results stand out against its rivals. Expedia’s revenue grew 12% in the same quarter, while Booking Holdings’ fell 1% after a $1 billion accounting charge linked to a possible settlement with the US Federal Trade Commission. They also came on a day when the Nasdaq fell 5.52% in a sell-off in chip and AI stocks.