Airbnb Stock Sinks on Bleak Bookings, Rates Forecast

Airbnb Inc (NASDAQ: ABNB) yesterday announced better-than-expected first-quarter earnings and revenue, but forecasted fewer bookings and lower average daily rates for the second quarter compared to a year ago. The travel sector is finally feeling the effects of high inflation, as consumers seek more affordable alternatives and demand cools post-pandemic.

Last seen down 13.7% at $109.73, Airbnb stock is seeing a slew of bear notes. No fewer than 14 analysts lowered their price targets, including Morgan Stanley to $95 from $100. More headwinds could come in the form of downgrades, as 14 of the 29 brokerages in coverage still rate ABNB a "buy" or better.

At the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Cboe Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX), Airbnb stock's 10-day call/put volume ratio of 1.28 sits higher than 81% of readings from the past 12 months, suggesting options traders have been optimistic. 

Those bullish days may be coming to an end, though, as 34,000 puts and 28,000 calls have been exchanged so far today -- 17 times the volume that is typically seen at this point. The most popular contract is the weekly 5/12 110-strike put, with new positions being opened there.

The shares are today testing a floor at the $108 level, which contained their early April pullback, as well as long-term support from the 100-day moving average. The equity is also eyeing its worst single-day percentage drop since November, as it looks to snap a three-day win streak, though year-to-date it remains up 30.2%.