Airbnb grows 17 percent and wins the most first time bookers in four years

Airbnb generated revenue of 3.61 billion dollars in the second quarter of 2026, up 17 percent on the year before. Analysts had expected 3.58 billion dollars. Earnings per share came in at 1.37 dollars against an expectation of 1.22 to 1.26 dollars.

Net profit rose by 174 million to 816 million dollars. Adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation gained 21 percent to 1.26 billion dollars, and the corresponding margin reached 35 percent.

The share rose between 8.5 and eleven percent after the close. On 7 August it gained 17.43 percent during the day.

The short version

• Revenue rose 17 percent in the second quarter of 2026 to 3.61 billion dollars, and earnings per share were 1.37 dollars.
• The number of first time bookers rose eleven percent, the highest rate in four years.
• Gross booking value reached 27.2 billion dollars, an increase of 16 percent.

Booking value at 27.2 billion dollars

Gross booking value arranged through the platform reached 27.2 billion dollars, an increase of 16 percent. The number of nights and experiences booked rose ten percent to 148 million, which is 14 million more than a year earlier.

The average daily rate gained five percent, and four percent adjusted for currency.

Revenue per booking stood at 24.38 dollars and therefore grew 5.5 percent, more slowly than the number of bookings. Over the past two years the average growth of that figure was only 2.5 percent.

That number deserves attention. It describes how much Airbnb earns on a single booking. If it grows more slowly than the number of bookings, growth comes mainly from volume and not from higher fees.

First time bookers at their highest in four years

The most important figure from the company point of view concerns new customers. The number of first time bookers rose eleven percent and therefore reached the highest rate in four years. The youngest age group grew particularly strongly.

Bookings through the company own application rose 23 percent.

What also stands out is where the growth is happening. It accelerated not only in new markets but in several core markets. Nights originating in the United States, France, Britain and Australia each grew faster in the second quarter than before.

In North America growth accelerated into the mid teens, supported by the football World Cup in the region.

Hotels grow three times as fast as homes

The expansion beyond the core business is producing results according to the company. The number of hotel nights grows about three times as fast as the business with homes. 35 percent of guests who booked a hotel for the first time went on to book accommodation as well.

On top of that come additional services such as groceries, rental cars, airport pick up and luggage storage.

On the use of artificial intelligence the group names two concrete figures. The time from idea to launch of a product fell by up to 60 percent, and the number of features shipped rose by around 80 percent. The cost of customer support per booking fell 16 percent.

Guidance raised

For the third quarter Airbnb expects revenue of 4.69 to 4.77 billion dollars, growth of 15 to 17 percent. That is above expectations.

Full year guidance was raised to revenue growth of at least the mid teens, after low to mid teens previously. The expected margin on adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation rises to at least 35.5 percent.

The conflict in the Middle East continues to weigh on the business but was smaller than expected in the second quarter according to finance chief Ellie Mertz.

Over twelve months Airbnb generated 12.2 billion dollars of revenue at a gross margin of 82.9 percent. Free cash flow in the quarter was 1.27 billion dollars, and cash and investments came to around 19 billion dollars.

After the figures several houses raised their price targets. Bank of America to 160 dollars, UBS to 163 dollars, Morgan Stanley to 125 dollars. The average stands at around 157 dollars.

Frequently asked questions

Why does revenue per booking matter

It describes how much Airbnb earns on a single booking. It stood at 24.38 dollars and grew 5.5 percent, more slowly than the number of bookings. If it grows more slowly than the booking count, growth comes mainly from volume and not from higher fees.

How is the hotel business developing

The number of hotel nights grows about three times as fast as the business with homes. 35 percent of guests who booked a hotel for the first time went on to book accommodation as well. On top of that come services such as groceries, rental cars, airport pick up and luggage storage.

What does the use of artificial intelligence bring

The group names two concrete figures. The time from idea to launch of a product fell by up to 60 percent, and the number of features shipped rose by around 80 percent. The cost of customer support per booking fell 16 percent.

This analysis is for information only and is not investment advice.