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Airbnb vs. Chewy: Comparing Revenue Stability and Seasonal Fluctuations
Key Points
When analyzing these recent historical trends, Chewy recorded higher total revenue than Airbnb during five of the eight comparable periods, giving it the overall lead in most quarters even though Airbnb reached higher individual peak values at certain points during the analyzed timeframe.
Airbnb consistently displays distinct quarter-over-quarter revenue fluctuations that create a recurring cyclical pattern, while Chewy maintains a steady and gradual upward revenue trajectory across the exact same financial timeframe without experiencing major quarterly declines.
Investors examining these specific trends should closely watch whether the overall revenue gap between the two companies continues to widen during seasonal shifts or if it begins to narrow steadily in upcoming financial quarters.
Airbnb: Seasonal Fluctuations in Its Quarterly Revenue
Airbnb Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB) primarily generates its revenue by operating a global digital marketplace that directly connects independent hosts offering a wide variety of accommodations and unique local experiences with guests seeking temporary lodging options across the globe.
It recently introduced new artificial intelligence tools designed for dynamic property pricing while updating its global house rules policy and launching an exclusive travel booking partnership directly with American Express.
Chewy: Gradual Upward Trends in Quarterly Revenue
Chewy Inc. (NYSE:CHWY) primarily earns its revenue by functioning as an online retail enterprise that provides essential pet food, prescribed medications, and general health and wellness supplies to domestic companion owners across the United States.
It recently updated the annual fee and rewards structure of its paid membership program and expanded its physical operational footprint by hosting an open house for a new veterinary clinic located in Colorado.
Why Revenue Matters for Investors
Revenue here refers to the data provider's standardized income-statement revenue line item, and this basic financial metric matters because it shows investors the total amount of money coming into an organization from its business operations before any operating expenses are deducted.
Airbnb vs. Chewy Revenue over the last 8 quarters.
Quarterly Revenue for Airbnb and Chewy
| Calendar quarter | Airbnb Revenue | Chewy Revenue |
|---|---|---|
| Q3 2024 | $3.7 billion (quarter ended Sept. 30, 2024) | $2.9 billion (quarter ended Oct. 27, 2024) |
| Q4 2024 | $2.5 billion (quarter ended Dec. 31, 2024) | $3.2 billion (quarter ended Feb. 2, 2025) |
| Q1 2025 | $2.3 billion (quarter ended March 31, 2025) | $3.1 billion (quarter ended May 4, 2025) |
| Q2 2025 | $3.1 billion (quarter ended June 30, 2025) | $3.1 billion (quarter ended Aug. 3, 2025) |
| Q3 2025 | $4.1 billion (quarter ended Sept. 30, 2025) | $3.1 billion (quarter ended Nov. 2, 2025) |
| Q4 2025 | $2.8 billion (quarter ended Dec. 31, 2025) | $3.3 billion (quarter ended Feb. 1, 2026) |
| Q1 2026 | $2.7 billion (quarter ended March 31, 2026) | $3.4 billion (quarter ended May 3, 2026) |
| Q2 2026 | $3.6 billion (quarter ended June 30, 2026) | $3.3 billion (quarter ended Aug. 2, 2026) |
Foolish Take
Normally, the first thing to note when examining a company's revenue trend is seasonality: some times of the year have stronger buying patterns than others. For most stocks, compare revenue year over year, by quarter. In normal times, seasonality holds true for consumer stocks like these as well. Airbnb gets exceptional volume for summer months in the Northern Hemisphere, which translates into third-quarter revenue being booked. Chewy has less seasonality, generally around the Christmas season like most retailers. The strength of its autoship program mitigates seasonality; however, one would expect its increasing focus on veterinary services to smooth out seasonality as well.
This chart reflects that difference in seasonal fluctuation and stability between the companies. Investors seeking a long-term stable business to invest in should probably opt for Chewy. While both Chewy and Airbnb are similar annual revenue businesses, as seen in the chart, Airbnb's seasonality could be affected in the future by an unusually wet or cold Northern Hemisphere summer, for example.
Revenue is perhaps the simplest metric investors have to judge a business by. As the chart shows, look for rising revenue, especially over similar periods of each year, and take comparable-quarter stagnation, or worse, declines, as a red flag.
Data source: Financial Modeling Prep. Data as of Nov. 1, 2026.
Brendan Coffey has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Airbnb and Chewy. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.