Airbnb Surpasses Revenue Expectations, Eyes AI-Powered Innovations

Airbnb, Inc. (ABNB) exceeded revenue expectations for the fourth quarter, but its net loss widened.

ABNB’s revenue for the last quarter of last year was $2.22 billion, up 16.6% from the previous year, and adjusted EBITDA increased by 46% to $738 million, surpassing the consensus. The adjusted net income recorded $489 million. However, the net loss per share for the same period was $0.55, which turned into a deficit compared to the market consensus of earnings per share (EPS) of $0.65.

The host community has created over $57 billion in revenue with 5 million members worldwide.

In addition, ABNB announced a plan to buy back its shares worth up to $6 billion on this board of directors.

Researcher Lim Ji Yong of NH Investment & Securities said, “The improvement trend in core services is positive,” and explained, “The number of reservations canceled in the fourth quarter decreased by 36% compared to the same period last year.” It is judged that the improved economics of the strong host and guest community and the network effect are differentiated competitive advantages.

ABNB has provided revenue guidance of $2.03 billion to $2.07 billion for the first quarter. It offered improved adjusted EBITDA for the first quarter and annually, and while there may be additional marketing leverage, it is not expected to increase its share of revenue significantly.

Lim said, “AI and new services are important for the upward trend in stock prices,” and analyzed, “The company is accelerating AI integration by acquiring GamePlanner.AI, an AI company led by the co-founder of Siri.”

Since the company has strengths in the application side, not AI infrastructure, it plans to build the most innovative AI interface.

Lim said, “There will be more detailed information released at the end of the year,” and interpreted, “As can be seen from the mention of moving from a single vertical company to a cross-vertical platform company, it implies expansion into areas other than simple travel or experience marketplaces.”