Airbnb (NASDAQ:ABNB) Shares Gap Up on Strong Earnings
by Michael Walen · The Markets DailyShares of Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB – Get Free Report) gapped up prior to trading on Friday following a stronger than expected earnings report. The stock had previously closed at $170.13, but opened at $191.15. Airbnb shares last traded at $185.2280, with a volume of 2,167,083 shares.
The company reported $3.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $2.85 by $0.31. The business had revenue of $4.87 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.75 billion. Airbnb had a return on equity of 33.38% and a net margin of 20.45%. Airbnb’s quarterly revenue was up 18.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $2.21 earnings per share.
Key Headlines Impacting Airbnb
Here are the key news stories impacting Airbnb this week:
- Positive Sentiment: Airbnb reported Q3 revenue of $4.87 billion, up 18.9% year over year and ahead of expectations, while earnings of $3.16 per share also topped forecasts. Nights booked increased 16% and gross booking value rose 21%, signaling stronger booking momentum across regions. Reuters: Airbnb rises on upbeat outlook
- Positive Sentiment: Management raised its 2026 revenue-growth outlook to the high teens from the mid-teens, citing resilient global travel demand. It also forecast Q4 revenue of about $3.2 billion to $3.3 billion, broadly around analyst expectations. Reuters: Airbnb lifts annual revenue growth forecast
- Positive Sentiment: A new $12 billion share-repurchase authorization adds a substantial capital-return program. Analyst sentiment also strengthened: Wedbush raised its target to $237 and Rosenblatt to $230, both with bullish ratings; Susquehanna lifted its target to $220 and maintained a positive rating. Airbnb Q3 2026 earnings-call highlights
- Neutral Sentiment: Cantor Fitzgerald raised its target to $180 but kept a neutral rating, while broader analyst coverage remains moderately bullish. This suggests optimism, but not unanimity about further upside. Barchart: Wall Street analysts’ views on Airbnb
- Negative Sentiment: Management expects the benefit from its Reserve Now, Pay Later option to ease sequentially in Q4, potentially reducing one source of booking growth. Airbnb’s valuation is also elevated, and broader market weakness could limit gains even if operating results remain strong. MarketBeat: Airbnb earnings and growth risks
Wall Street Analyst Weigh In
A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on ABNB. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a “buy” rating and set a $190.00 price objective (up from $175.00) on shares of Airbnb in a research note on Monday, August 31st. KeyCorp began coverage on shares of Airbnb in a research note on Friday, October 2nd. They issued a “sector weight” rating for the company. Piper Sandler restated a “neutral” rating and set a $180.00 target price (up from $170.00) on shares of Airbnb in a report on Friday. BMO Capital Markets boosted their target price on shares of Airbnb from $146.00 to $165.00 and gave the stock a “market perform” rating in a report on Monday, August 10th. Finally, Benchmark upped their price target on shares of Airbnb from $160.00 to $180.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a research report on Friday, August 7th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-seven have assigned a Buy rating, fourteen have issued a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Airbnb has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and a consensus price target of $188.07.
Read Our Latest Research Report on ABNB
Insider Buying and Selling
In other Airbnb news, insider Nathan Blecharczyk sold 202,652 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $190.28, for a total value of $38,560,622.56. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 179,567 shares of the company’s stock, valued at $34,168,008.76. This represents a 53.02% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 524,377 shares of company stock valued at $98,303,710. 27.21% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.
Hedge Funds Weigh In On Airbnb
Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Wedmont Private Capital boosted its stake in Airbnb by 1.7% in the 2nd quarter. Wedmont Private Capital now owns 4,517 shares of the company’s stock valued at $671,000 after purchasing an additional 75 shares during the period. Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft FI grew its holdings in Airbnb by 1.3% in the 1st quarter. Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft FI now owns 5,754 shares of the company’s stock valued at $727,000 after buying an additional 76 shares in the last quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust increased its position in Airbnb by 11.4% during the 2nd quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 800 shares of the company’s stock worth $114,000 after buying an additional 82 shares during the period. Fermata Advisors LLC increased its position in Airbnb by 5.7% during the 3rd quarter. Fermata Advisors LLC now owns 1,645 shares of the company’s stock worth $264,000 after buying an additional 88 shares during the period. Finally, Norman Fields Gottscho Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Airbnb by 3.0% during the second quarter. Norman Fields Gottscho Capital Management LLC now owns 3,085 shares of the company’s stock worth $441,000 after buying an additional 90 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.76% of the company’s stock.
Airbnb Stock Up 9.8%
The company has a quick ratio of 1.41, a current ratio of 1.41 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $168.96 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $147.42. The company has a market cap of $111.83 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 42.37, a P/E/G ratio of 2.02 and a beta of 1.26.
Airbnb Company Profile
Airbnb, Inc operates a global online marketplace that connects guests seeking accommodations and travel activities with hosts and service providers. Its platform enables users to search for, book and review a broad range of stays, including private rooms, entire homes, apartments and other distinctive properties.
In addition to lodging, Airbnb offers experiences and activities hosted by local individuals and businesses. The company also provides tools and services that help hosts create listings, manage bookings, communicate with guests and receive payments.