Airbnb financial performance and guidance

Airbnb reported third-quarter revenue of $4.87 billion, a 19% increase that exceeded analyst expectations. This growth marks the company’s fastest revenue increase in three years. Net profit for the quarter reached $1.9 billion, while earnings per share rose to $3.16 from $2.21 in the previous year.

Growth was driven by resilient global demand for leisure travel, including a 21% rise in gross booking value to $27.7 billion and a 16% increase in nights and services booked, totaling 155 million. Gen Z travelers were identified as the fastest-growing demographic, accounting for nearly half of the increase in new customers. Additionally, the company saw a 13% rise in first-time bookers.

Operational efficiency improved through the use of AI, which resolved approximately 40% of customer service issues without human intervention, contributing to a 17% decrease in customer service costs per booking.

Following these results, Airbnb issued its third upward revision of annual guidance, raising its annual revenue growth forecast to the upper end of the 15% to 20% range and upgrading its annual adjusted EBITDA margin forecast to approximately 36%. The company also announced a new share repurchase program of up to $12 billion. Management expects fourth-quarter revenue to fall between $3.22 billion and $3.28 billion, noting that they do not expect material impacts from current unrest in Europe or the Middle East.