Priceline.com rose as much as 8.1 percent in extended trading yesterday after forecasting fourth-quarter profit higher than analysts’ estimates. Profit, excluding some items, will be $2.91 to $3.06 a share, the company said in a statement. Analysts had projected profit of $2.68.

Priceline said it benefited from growing demand for hotel stays, which resulted in a 54 percent increase in booked room nights. Shares rose $22.12, or 5.8 percent, to $411 in extended trading.