Airbnb Inc
The latest investment analysis on Airbnb Inc
Group Research - Equities12 Nov 2024
Article image
Photo credit: iStock
Read More
Company Overview
Airbnb, Inc. primarily operates a global platform for stays and experiences. The Company’s marketplace model connects hosts and guests online or through mobile devices to book spaces and experiences around the world. It partners with hosts throughout the process of setting up their listing and provide them with a range of tools to manage their listings, including scheduling, merchandising, integrated payments, community support, host protections, pricing guidance, and feedback from reviews.


Investment Overview
Leading vacation rental marketplace: strong network effects strengthens economic moat. As at end-2022, ABNB had over 8mn global active listings and more than 5 mn hosts as at June 2024 which is telling of its strong brand position. The strong network effects are also evident in how prior guests remains the top source of hosts and guests also becomes hosts when they travel to other regions. We are of the view that ABNB’s position as a leading vacation rental marketplace will not be easily displaced given the strong network effects which brings together a pool of hosts and guests.

Room night growth and OpEx discipline to drive EBITDA growth despite moderating ADRs. Consensus sees gross booking value increasing at 11%/12% in FY24/25, driven by 12%/12% growth in nights and experiences booked and moderating ADRs of -2%/-1% in FY24/FY25. We see downside risks to ADRs given changes in mix towards lower ADR regions, recently introduced pricing and discounting tools, as well as normalisation of record room rates. With its unique business model connecting hosts and guests, ABNB has an operationally lean model with low overheads. ABNB continues to stay well-disciplined with costs, as seen by a 5% decline in headcount despite a 75% growth in revenue (2022 compared to 2019). Accordingly, EBITDA should come in 12%/15% higher in FY24/FY25, implying operating EBITDA margin of 36%/37% for FY24/FY25.

Further moderations in 3Q24 expected on signs of tapering demand in the US. We see room for downward revision in consensus forecasts (USD3.84bn) to be in line with 3Q24 revenue guidance of USD3.67-3.73bn (+8-10% y/y). The group expects “sequential moderation” in growth of nights and experiences in 3Q24 as the booking window shortens and travel demand in the US slows. We believe that a contraction in the booking lead time is indicative of consumers’ lower propensity to spend on travel given the economic uncertainty. Despite expecting a modest y/y increase in ADRs in 3Q24, management is guiding for flattish adjusted EBITDA on a y/y basis in 3Q24 on higher marketing investment to support new growth markets (vs consensus growth of +9%). Overall, we believe that the risks are skewed towards the downside given slowing domestic travel in North America which accounts for the vast majority of nights booked within the region.

HOLD ABNB with target price USD150.
We like ABNB for its leading position in the alternative accommodations market and improving profitability. However, marketing costs may temper margins as Airbnb increases its focus on non-core markets. Our TP is pegged to 19.2x EV/EBITDA which is close to -0.5SD below the historical mean.


Risks
Macroeconomic slowdown. Recession and macro uncertainty may impact discretionary spending on travel and could negatively impact travel service providers through fewer bookings and rates.

Intensifying competition.
ABNB competes with both online and traditional travel service providers such as Booking Holdings and Expedia. Players such as Google are also expanding into the travel booking space by offering services such as Google Hotel Ads, Google Flights, and Google Travel, adding competitive pressure to the industry.

Topic

Disclaimers and Important Notices


GENERAL DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER 

This report is prepared by 
DBS Bank LtdThis report is solely intended for the clients of DBS Bank Ltd, DBS Vickers Securities (Singapore) Pte Ltd, its respective connected and associated corporations and affiliates only and no part of this document may be (i) copied, photocopied or duplicated in any form or by any means or (ii) redistributed without the prior written consent of DBS Bank Ltd.      

The research set out in this report is based on information obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but we (which collectively refers to DBS Bank Ltd, DBS Vickers Securities (Singapore) Pte Ltd, its respective connected and associated corporations, affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents (collectively, the “DBS Group”) have not conducted due diligence on any of the companies, verified any information or sources or taken into account any other factors which we may consider to be relevant or appropriate in preparing the research.  Accordingly, we do not make any representation or warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or correctness of the research set out in this report. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice. This research is prepared for general circulation. Any recommendation contained in this document does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and the particular needs of any specific addressee. This document is for the information of addressees only and is not to be taken in substitution for the exercise of judgement by addressees, who should obtain separate independent legal or financial advice. The DBS Group accepts no liability whatsoever for any direct, indirect and/or consequential loss (including any claims for loss of profit) arising from any use of and/or reliance upon this document and/or further communication given in relation to this document. This document is not to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities. The DBS Group, along with its affiliates and/or persons associated with any of them may from time to time have interests in the securities mentioned in this document. The DBS Group, may have positions in, and may effect transactions in securities mentioned herein and may also perform or seek to perform broking, investment banking and other banking services for these companies.

Any valuations, opinions, estimates, forecasts, ratings or risk assessments herein constitutes a judgment as of the date of this report, and there can be no assurance that future results or events will be consistent with any such valuations, opinions, estimates, forecasts, ratings or risk assessments. The information in this document is subject to change without notice, its accuracy is not guaranteed, it may be incomplete or condensed, it may not contain all material information concerning the company (or companies) referred to in this report and the DBS Group is under no obligation to update the information in this report. 

This publication has not been reviewed or authorized by any regulatory authority in Singapore, Hong Kong or elsewhere.
There is no planned schedule or frequency for updating research publication relating to any issuer. 

The valuations, opinions, estimates, forecasts, ratings or risk assessments described in this report were based upon a number of estimates and assumptions and are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies. It can be expected that one or more of the estimates on which the valuations, opinions, estimates, forecasts, ratings or risk assessments were based will not materialize or will vary significantly from actual results. Therefore, the inclusion of the valuations, opinions, estimates, forecasts, ratings or risk assessments described herein IS NOT TO BE RELIED UPON as a representation and/or warranty by the DBS Group (and/or any persons associated with the aforesaid entities), that: 

(a)   such valuations, opinions, estimates, forecasts, ratings or risk assessments or their underlying assumptions will be achieved, and

(b)  there is any assurance that future results or events will be consistent with any such valuations, opinions, estimates, forecasts, ratings or risk assessments stated therein.

Please contact the primary analyst for valuation methodologies and assumptions associated with the covered companies or price targets.

Any assumptions made in this report that refers to commodities, are for the purposes of making forecasts for the company (or companies) mentioned herein. They are not to be construed as recommendations to trade in the physical commodity or in the futures contract relating to the commodity referred to in this report. 

DBSVUSA, a US-registered broker-dealer, does not have its own investment banking or research department, has not participated in any public offering of securities as a manager or co-manager or in any other investment banking transaction in the past twelve months and does not engage in market-making.



General

This report is not directed to, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity who is a citizen or resident of or located in any locality, state, country or other jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to law or regulation. 

Australia

This report is being distributed in Australia by DBS Bank Ltd, DBS Vickers Securities (Singapore) Pte Ltd (“DBSVS”) or DBSV HK. DBS Bank Ltd holds Australian Financial Services Licence no. 475946. 

DBS Bank Ltd, DBSVS and DBSV HK are exempted from the requirement to hold an Australian Financial Services Licence under the Corporation Act 2001 (“CA”) in respect of financial services provided to the recipients. Both DBS and DBSVS are regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore under the laws of Singapore, and DBSV HK is regulated by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission under the laws of Hong Kong, which differ from Australian laws.

Distribution of this report is intended only for “wholesale investors” within the meaning of the CA. 

Hong Kong

This report has been prepared by a personnel of DBS Bank, who is not licensed by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission to carry on the regulated activity of advising on securities in Hong Kong pursuant to the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Chapter 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong). This report is being distributed in Hong Kong and is attributable to DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (''DBS HK''), a registered institution registered with the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission to carry on the regulated activity of advising on securities pursuant to the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Chapter 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong). DBS Bank Ltd., Hong Kong Branch is a limited liability company incorporated in Singapore. 

For any query regarding the materials herein, please contact Dennis Lam (Reg No. AH8290) at [email protected] 

Indonesia

This report is being distributed in Indonesia by PT DBS Vickers Sekuritas Indonesia. 

Malaysia

This report is distributed in Malaysia by AllianceDBS Research Sdn Bhd ("ADBSR"). Recipients of this report, received from ADBSR are to contact the undersigned at 603-2604 3333 in respect of any matters arising from or in connection with this report. In addition to the General Disclosure/Disclaimer found at the preceding page, recipients of this report are advised that ADBSR (the preparer of this report), its holding company Alliance Investment Bank Berhad, their respective connected and associated corporations, affiliates, their directors, officers, employees, agents and parties related or associated with any of them may have positions in, and may effect transactions in the securities mentioned herein and may also perform or seek to perform broking, investment  banking/corporate advisory and other services for the subject companies. They may also have received compensation and/or seek to obtain compensation for broking, investment banking/corporate advisory and other services from the subject companies.                                                                                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                               Wong Ming Tek, Executive Director, ADBSR 

Singapore

This report is distributed in Singapore by DBS Bank Ltd (Company Regn. No. 196800306E) or DBSVS (Company Regn No. 198600294G), both of which are Exempt Financial Advisers as defined in the Financial Advisers Act and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. DBS Bank Ltd and/or DBSVS, may distribute reports produced by its respective foreign entities, affiliates or other foreign research houses pursuant to an arrangement under Regulation 32C of the Financial Advisers Regulations. Where the report is distributed in Singapore to a person who is not an Accredited Investor, Expert Investor or an Institutional Investor, DBS Bank Ltd accepts legal responsibility for the contents of the report to such persons only to the extent required by law. Singapore recipients should contact DBS Bank Ltd at 6878 8888 for matters arising from, or in connection with the report.

Thailand

This report is being distributed in Thailand by DBS Vickers Securities (Thailand) Co Ltd. 

For any query regarding the materials herein, please contact Chanpen Sirithanarattanakul at [email protected]

United Kingdom

This report is produced by DBS Bank Ltd which is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

This report is disseminated in the United Kingdom by DBS Bank Ltd, London Branch (“DBS UK”). DBS Bank Ltd is regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. DBS UK is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and is subject to regulation by the Financial Conduct Authority and limited regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority. Details about the extent of our regulation by the Prudential Regulation Authority are available from us on request.

In respect of the United Kingdom, this report is solely intended for the clients of DBS UK, its respective connected and associated corporations and affiliates only and no part of this document may be (i) copied, photocopied or duplicated in any form or by any means or (ii) redistributed without the prior written consent of DBS UK. This communication is directed at persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments. Any investment activity following from this communication will only be engaged in with such persons. Persons who do not have professional experience in matters relating to investments should not rely on this communication.

Dubai International Financial Centre

This communication is provided to you as a Professional Client or Market Counterparty as defined in the DFSA Rulebook Conduct of Business Module (the "COB Module"), and should not be relied upon or acted on by any person which does not meet the criteria to be classified as a Professional Client or Market Counterparty under the DFSA rules.

This communication is from the branch of DBS Bank Ltd operating in the Dubai International Financial Centre (the "DIFC") under the trading name "DBS Bank Ltd. (DIFC Branch)" ("DBS DIFC"), registered with the DIFC Registrar of Companies under number 156 and having its registered office at units 608 - 610, 6th Floor, Gate Precinct Building 5, PO Box 506538, DIFC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

DBS DIFC is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (the "DFSA") with a DFSA reference number F000164. For more information on DBS DIFC and its affiliates, please see http://www.dbs.com/ae/our--network/default.page.

Where this communication contains a research report, this research report is prepared by the entity referred to therein, which may be DBS Bank Ltd or a third party, and is provided to you by DBS DIFC. The research report has not been reviewed or authorised by the DFSA. Such research report is distributed on the express understanding that, whilst the information contained within is believed to be reliable, the information has not been independently verified by DBS DIFC.

Unless otherwise indicated, this communication does not constitute an "Offer of Securities to the Public" as defined under Article 12 of the Markets Law (DIFC Law No.1 of 2012) or an "Offer of a Unit of a Fund" as defined under Article 19(2) of the Collective Investment Law (DIFC Law No.2 of 2010).

The DFSA has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying this communication or any associated documents in connection with this investment and it is not subject to any form of regulation or approval by the DFSA. Accordingly, the DFSA has not approved this communication or any other associated documents in connection with this investment nor taken any steps to verify the information set out in this communication or any associated documents, and has no responsibility for them. The DFSA has not assessed the suitability of any investments to which the communication relates and, in respect of any Islamic investments (or other investments identified to be Shari'a compliant), neither we nor the DFSA has determined whether they are Shari'a compliant in any way.

Any investments which this communication relates to may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers should conduct their own due diligence on any investments. If you do not understand the contents of this document you should consult an authorised financial adviser.

United States

This report was prepared by DBS Bank Ltd.  DBSVUSA did not participate in its preparation.  The research analyst(s) named on this report are not registered as research analysts with FINRA and are not associated persons of DBSVUSA. The research analyst(s) are not subject to FINRA Rule 2241 restrictions on analyst compensation, communications with a subject company, public appearances and trading securities held by a research analyst. This report is being distributed in the United States by DBSVUSA, which accepts responsibility for its contents. This report may only be distributed to Major U.S. Institutional Investors (as defined in SEC Rule 15a-6) and to such other institutional investors and qualified persons as DBSVUSA may authorize.  Any U.S. person receiving this report who wishes to effect transactions in any securities referred to herein should contact DBSVUSA directly and not its affiliate. 

Other jurisdictions

In any other jurisdictions, except if otherwise restricted by laws or regulations, this report is intended only for qualified, professional, institutional or sophisticated investors as defined in the laws and regulations of such jurisdictions. 




HONG KONG
DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Ltd
Contact: Dennis Lam
13th Floor One Island East,
18 Westlands Road,
Quarry Bay, Hong Kong
Tel: 852 3668 4181
Fax: 852 2521 1812
e-mail: [email protected]

SINGAPORE
DBS Bank Ltd
Contact: Andy Sim
Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3
Singapore 018982
Tel: 65 6878 8888
e-mail: [email protected]
Company Regn. No. 196800306E



INDONESIA
PT DBS Vickers Sekuritas (Indonesia)
Contact: Maynard Priajaya Arif
DBS Bank Tower
Ciputra World 1, 32/F
Jl. Prof. Dr. Satrio Kav. 3-5
Jakarta 12940, Indonesia
Tel: 62 21 3003 4900
Fax: 6221 3003 4943
e-mail: [email protected]



THAILAND
DBS Vickers Securities (Thailand) Co Ltd
Contact: Chanpen Sirithanarattanakul
989 Siam Piwat Tower Building,
9th, 14th-15th Floor
Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan,
Bangkok Thailand 10330
Tel. 66 2 657 7831
Fax: 66 2 658 1269
e-mail: [email protected]
Company Regn. No 0105539127012
Securities and Exchange Commission, Thailand