Jim Cramer - Mad Money Airbnb ABNB-Q BUY Jan 10, 2025

Shares are falling today despite a revenue beat and a share buyback, because the growth rate is moderating and comps will get tougher. There was exuberance coming into this report. Today's selling is a pullback. He likes the buyback news.

EPS of 76c beat estimates of 68c. Revenue of $2.21B beat estimates by 2.5%. Airbnb demand softness -- especially for domestic travel in the US and EMEA -- is reflected in the platform's widening gap between room night and supply growth. Booking gains may taper to the low teens in 1Q, with the average daily rate likely to be a slight headwind amid tough comparisons. Though Airbnb's increased take rates for cross-border room nights aid revenue growth, this may be offset by lower occupancy rates and listings at competing online travel agencies. Adjusted Ebitda was again above consensus in 4Q, and the company's $6 billion announced buyback was likely aimed at offsetting stock compensation, which is high vs. tech peers. Overall, we are comfortable here.  It is becoming highly profitable and not that expensive now at 31X earnings. 
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He'd rather own businesses hurt during pandemic, but are better today. Cruising business is tough. He'd rather own a BKNG, ABNB, MAR or HLT.

They just reported, including a slowing in domestic bookings. Shares fell over 13% today. They missed EPS. This reflects a weakness in the US consumer who are feeling stretched.

Great company. Regulatory environment keeps changing on them because of the housing shortage in lots of places. Post-Covid travel explosion helped, but now slowing and that hurts. Competitors are taking their own game up a bit. When travel normalizes would be the time to take a look, as expectations will be more realistic.

Although the idea of the business is a great one, regulation is an overhang. It has also been accused of taking residential housing away from people who live locally.

Has looked at business. Company is founder led/owned, with light asset requirements. However, company doesn't have history of strong returns on capital. Will take time for business to prove itself. Also, worried about restrictions on business (banned in New York etc.). Good if already own, but would not invest more at this time. 

This will do better as interest tares come down. Also, the CEO is good. Buy on current weakness.

Share hit a high after last month's surprise quarter, prompting upgrades. But shares have since lost those gains. Is cheap now. Is a long-term secular winner. It's the prefferred way for young people to travel.