Global Business Travel Group Inc. (NYSE: GBTG) saw its shares rise 7% on Tuesday following the company's decision to expand its share repurchase program to $600 million, effectively doubling the previous buyback authorization.
The enlarged repurchase plan is framed by management as a sign of confidence in the company’s prospects - across growth, AI-enabled product development, and margin improvement - while preserving what the company described as a strong balance sheet. In a corporate statement, CEO Paul Abbott said the "upsized share repurchase authorization drives shareholder value with strong expected return on invested capital given the current share price," adding that it "signals management’s confidence in our fundamental AI advantages and opportunities."
Alongside the buyback disclosure, Global Business Travel Group released preliminary fourth-quarter results. Revenue rose 34% year-over-year to $792 million, and the quarter returned to profitability with net income of $83 million, compared with a net loss of $14 million in the year-ago period.
For the full 2025 fiscal year, preliminary figures showed revenue increasing 12% to $2.718 billion. Total transaction value expanded 17% to $36 billion. Adjusted EBITDA grew 11% to $532 million, and free cash flow reached $104 million.
The company reaffirmed its previously issued guidance for full-year 2026. Management expects revenue to rise 19% to 21% to a range of $3.235 billion to $3.295 billion, and foresees adjusted EBITDA growth of 16% to 21% to between $615 million and $645 million.
Management characterized 2026 as a "transformational" year, citing execution on growth levers and productivity enhancements. Specific drivers named include synergies from the CWT acquisition, which closed in September 2025, together with AI-driven cost optimization initiatives.
Investors will have the final set of audited results when the company publishes its complete fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 financial statements on March 9, 2026. Until then, the market is reacting to the preliminary metrics and the larger buyback authorization as signals of future confidence.
Context for markets and sectors
- The company operates in the corporate travel management sector, where transaction volumes and technology-enabled productivity are central to revenue and margin outcomes.
- Financial metrics released - revenue, adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow - will influence investor assessments of capital allocation choices, including the expanded buyback.