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Why Airbnb (ABNB) is the Ultimate Bait and Switch

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Helix Research
Nov 19, 2025
∙ Paid

If you’re holding Airbnb (ABNB) in your “Green Growth” portfolio, you are not saving the planet. Look under the hood of your ESG fund, to see the daylight robbery.

You’re funding a hedge fund hotel operation that has successfully offloaded its capital shifts onto mom-and-pop landlords. I’ve looked under the hood, and while the cash flow is undeniable, the ESG narrative is a masterclass in misdirection.

We are looking at a company that has effectively financialized gentrification and carbon emissions, all while sporting a “Low Risk” badge from the rating agencies.

If you are tired of underperforming ESG funds that hug the index, this is why.

Modern glamping pods nestled in a grassy landscape.
Photo by Adrien Olichon on Unsplash

What’s Beyond the Paywall

  • The Moat: Why ABNB’s Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) is artificially high (hint: they don’t own the assets).

  • The ESG Trap: A breakdown of how “Scope 3” emissions and community displacement are conveniently ignored by MSCI and Sustainalytics.

  • The Trade: Technical analysis for the next 6 weeks to 6 months, and why the macro environment might finally squeeze the valuation premium.

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