Airbnb shares rose about 12% on Friday after the company reported its fastest revenue growth in more than three years, as demand for stays accelerated across its platform. Third-quarter revenue rose 19% on a year earlier to $4.9 billion, XTB reported, while gross booking value climbed 21% to $27.7 billion.

Chief executive Brian Chesky told investors the company was back in growth mode, after first-time customers returned to faster growth and bookings strengthened in established markets. Net income reached $1.9 billion in the quarter, and adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation rose 22% to $2.5 billion.

Results beat Wall Street forecasts

Earnings of $3.16 per share on revenue of $4.87 billion beat analysts' expectations, Schaeffer's Investment Research reported, and the company's fourth-quarter revenue outlook also came in higher than expected. Airbnb guided to fourth-quarter revenue of $3.22 billion to $3.28 billion, growth of 16% to 18%.

The board also authorised a new share repurchase programme of up to $12 billion. At least 13 brokerage firms raised their price targets on the stock in response, Schaeffer's reported, with the highest at Oppenheimer at $230, up from $210.

Stock nears its 2026 highs

Airbnb shares opened sharply higher and moved towards their August highs, having risen about 37% so far in 2026. The company also raised its full-year revenue growth outlook to the high teens from the mid-teens, pointing to resilient global travel demand.