Mizuho ‘more optimistic’ on Airbnb bull case after client meetings

Mizuho analyst Lloyd Walmsley reiterates an Outperform rating on Airbnb (ABNB) and says the stock is among the firm’s top picks in 2026. Mizuho is “more optimistic” on the company’s artificial intelligence opportunity and encouraged by the “modestly better reception” to its bull case over the last few days of client meetings. The firm senses a “slight uptick in investors willing to entertain our bull thesis.” The analyst believes Airbnb’s 2026 story is “firming up.”