Airbnb’s fourth-quarter earnings beat expectations, with shares surging 14.5% to their best day ever. The online rental platform reported stronger-than-expected revenue of $2.48 billion, up 12% from the previous year. Net income improved to $461 million, or 73 cents per share, after a loss of $349 million in the same period last year.
CEO Brian Chesky expressed confidence in the company’s future, stating that Airbnb aims to become “one place to go” for all travel and living needs, similar to Amazon. The company plans to invest $200 million to $250 million in new business opportunities, which could potentially generate $1 billion of revenue per business.
Airbnb also reported a gross booking value of $17.6 billion, up from $15.3 billion last year. The number of nights and experiences booked increased by 12%, reaching 111 million for the quarter. Despite the strong results, Airbnb provided light guidance for the current quarter, citing benefits from Easter and an extra day in February.
The company’s nonprofit arm, Airbnb.org, has received significant donations, including $18 million from its founders, to help those affected by recent wildfires in the Los Angeles area. With shares up about 23% this year, Airbnb’s rally continues, with investors optimistic about the company’s future prospects.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/02/14/airbnb-shares-pop-most-on-record-after-q4-earnings-beat.html