Airbnb (ABNB) Stock: Strong Q125 Growth but Faces Regional Headwinds

TLDR

Q1 2025 revenue rose 6% to $2.3 billion 143 million bookings marked 8% growth $1.8 billion free cash flow generated in Q1 North America saw slower growth amid US softness Q2 EBITDA margin expected to stay flat or dip slightly

Airbnb (NASDAQ: ABNB) shares rose 1.57% to $125.96 in midday trading on Friday after the vacation rental giant reported its first-quarter 2025 results on Thursday after market close.

Airbnb (ABNB) 

The company posted $2.3 billion in revenue, up 6% from last year, and recorded 143 million nights and experiences booked, an 8% increase. While Airbnb delivered solid growth, it also flagged challenges in the US market and rising marketing expenses that could pressure margins in the coming quarter. Airbnb will report its next earnings around August 1, 2025.

The company’s Q1 adjusted EBITDA came in at $417 million, representing an 18% margin. Free cash flow was particularly strong, hitting $1.8 billion for the quarter and totaling $4.4 billion over the past year. Airbnb ended March with $11.5 billion in cash and investments, reinforcing its financial strength. CEO Brian Chesky noted that guests spent nearly $25 billion on the platform during Q1, reflecting solid global demand despite economic uncertainty.

In terms of shareholder returns, Airbnb repurchased $807 million worth of common stock during the quarter. For Q2, the company expects revenue between $2.99 billion and $3.05 billion, indicating 9% to 11% year-over-year growth. However, management guided for an adjusted EBITDA margin that could be flat or slightly down from Q2 2024. Full-year EBITDA margin is forecast to reach at least 34.5%, factoring in a $200 million to $250 million investment in new business initiatives.

Still, regional performance varied. Growth in North America, Airbnb’s largest market, was the slowest among regions with low single-digit gains. US market trends were softer, partly due to economic pressures and a decline in inbound foreign travel. This weakness impacted certain travel corridors and tempered overall booking momentum in the region.

Marketing expenses are also expected to rise faster than revenue in Q2 as Airbnb ramps up spending to support growth efforts. The company plans to lean into these initiatives to capture market share but acknowledged the near-term margin impact.

Looking ahead, Airbnb maintains a strong liquidity position and a robust bookings pipeline, but investors will watch how the company navigates US market softness and manages cost pressures in the second half of 2025.

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