StubHub Shares Surge 23% on Strong Q1 2026 Performance and Debt Reduction |
NEW YORK — StubHub Holdings Inc. shares skyrocketed more than 23% in morning trading Thursday, climbing to $12.57 as investors cheered the ticket resale giant's robust first-quarter 2026 performance, significant margin improvement and continued progress on debt reduction.
The Nasdaq-listed company, a leading global marketplace for live event tickets, reported strong results after the market close on May 13. Gross merchandise sales (GMS) reached $2.2 billion, up 7% year-over-year. Revenue climbed 12% to $446 million, while adjusted EBITDA rose to $72.1 million with margins expanding over 400 basis points to 16%. The company also announced an additional $100 million debt repayment in May, further strengthening its balance sheet.
CEO Eric Baker highlighted the positive momentum. "We are off to a strong start in 2026 with solid top-line growth and increased profitability," Baker said in the earnings release. "GMS increased 7% to $2.2 billion, and adjusted EBITDA margin expanded to 16%. Our first quarter results reflect our disciplined execution in a healthy operating environment for both live events and our resale marketplace."
StubHub reiterated its full-year 2026 guidance, projecting GMS between $9.9 billion and $10.1 billion with adjusted EBITDA of $400 million to $420 million. The reaffirmation, combined with the beat on key metrics, fueled investor enthusiasm and drove today's sharp........