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AppLovin (APP)
NASDAQ:APP

AppLovin (APP) AI Stock Analysis

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APAppLovin
(NASDAQ:APP)
71Outperform
AppLovin's strong financial performance and positive earnings call guidance highlight its growth potential and operational efficiency. However, the bearish technical indicators and high P/E ratio suggest caution, balancing the overall score.
Positive Factors
Advertising Reach
Advertisers can now access 1.6B daily active users, indicating an increase in potential reach for advertising campaigns.
Share Repurchase
The company announced an increase in its share repurchase program, making $500M available to buy back shares, viewed as a wise use of capital.
Negative Factors
Short Reports
AppLovin has been blasted by a series of short reports.

AppLovin (APP) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

AppLovin Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionAppLovin Corporation is a leading technology company that focuses on mobile app development and monetization. It operates within the mobile advertising and gaming sectors, offering a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to help app developers grow their user base and maximize revenue. AppLovin's core products include its software platform for app management and growth, and its portfolio of mobile games developed in-house or through partnerships.
How the Company Makes MoneyAppLovin makes money primarily through its two main business segments: Software Platform and Apps. The Software Platform segment generates revenue by providing app developers with tools for user acquisition, monetization, and analytics, primarily through its proprietary software solutions that facilitate data-driven marketing and ad placement. The Apps segment derives revenue from mobile gaming, earning money through in-app purchases and advertising within its own games or those developed by partner studios. Key revenue streams include fees from developers using its platform and advertising revenue generated from its gaming portfolio. Partnerships with app developers and advertisers play a significant role in driving earnings by expanding the reach and effectiveness of its platform and games.

AppLovin Financial Statement Overview

Summary
AppLovin demonstrates solid financial performance characterized by strong revenue and profit growth, improving profitability margins, and robust cash flows. While leverage remains high, posing a risk, the significant improvement in equity and cash flow metrics is promising. The company is well-positioned in the software industry with a trajectory of growth and efficiency, though careful management of debt levels will be crucial.
Income Statement
85
Very Positive
AppLovin has shown strong growth with a consistent increase in total revenue over the years, reaching $4.71 billion in 2024 from $0.99 billion in 2019. The gross profit margin has remained robust, reflecting efficient cost management. Net profit margins improved significantly from losses in earlier years to a positive 33.55% in 2024, indicating enhanced profitability. EBIT and EBITDA margins are also solid, with EBIT margin at 39.78% and EBITDA margin at 39.78% for 2024, showcasing operational efficiency. The revenue growth rate from 2023 to 2024 was impressive at 43.43%.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The balance sheet shows moderate improvement, with stockholders' equity rebounding to $1.09 billion in 2024 from negative values pre-2021. The debt-to-equity ratio remains high at 3.26, indicating significant leverage, but the equity ratio improved to 18.57%, reflecting a better balance between equity and assets. Return on equity (ROE) surged to 144.99% in 2024, driven by high net income, but high leverage poses a risk.
Cash Flow
80
Positive
AppLovin's cash flow performance is strong, with a substantial increase in operating cash flow and free cash flow over the years. The free cash flow growth rate from 2023 to 2024 was an impressive 98.09%. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is favorable at 1.33, indicating efficient cash generation relative to earnings. Free cash flow to net income ratio is robust at 1.33, highlighting strong cash flow support for earnings.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
4.71B3.28B2.82B2.79B1.45B
Gross Profit
3.54B2.22B1.56B1.81B895.51M
EBIT
1.87B648.21M-8.65M150.02M24.84M
EBITDA
2.34B1.15B513.77M597.74M186.79M
Net Income Common Stockholders
1.58B356.71M-217.41M35.45M-125.93M
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
741.41M502.15M1.08B1.52B317.24M
Total Assets
5.87B5.36B5.85B6.16B2.15B
Total Debt
3.56B3.18B3.30B3.31B1.69B
Net Debt
2.81B2.68B2.22B1.79B1.38B
Total Liabilities
4.78B4.10B3.95B4.03B2.31B
Stockholders Equity
1.09B1.26B1.90B2.14B-158.54M
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
2.09B1.06B406.16M356.39M219.64M
Operating Cash Flow
2.10B1.06B412.77M361.85M222.88M
Investing Cash Flow
-106.75M-77.83M-1.37B-1.21B-679.89M
Financing Cash Flow
-1.75B-1.56B-526.85M3.11B377.86M

AppLovin Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price270.48
Price Trends
50DMA
361.10
Negative
100DMA
311.08
Negative
200DMA
201.59
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
-23.42
Positive
RSI
32.82
Neutral
STOCH
10.81
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For APP, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 270.48 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 381.52, below the 50-day MA of 361.10, and above the 200-day MA of 201.59, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -23.42 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 32.82 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 10.81 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for APP.

AppLovin Risk Analysis

AppLovin disclosed 59 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. AppLovin reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

AppLovin Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (59)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
79
Outperform
$66.07B15.9722.60%2.39%0.23%-0.09%
73
Outperform
$11.62B-5.37%18.03%82.15%
APAPP
71
Outperform
$108.11B57.18134.52%43.44%351.19%
EAEA
66
Neutral
$35.65B34.8114.04%0.56%-2.99%-0.46%
62
Neutral
$36.69B-51.45%1.00%-148.89%
59
Neutral
$22.39B11.53-18.05%2.31%5.00%-25.89%
UU
58
Neutral
$9.49B-20.84%-17.10%21.82%
* Technology Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
APP
AppLovin
270.48
207.06
326.49%
EA
Electronic Arts
140.04
5.61
4.17%
NTES
NetEase
102.78
0.76
0.74%
TTWO
Take-Two
204.33
60.60
42.16%
ROKU
Roku
76.67
12.17
18.87%
U
Unity Software
24.19
-2.87
-10.61%

AppLovin Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date: Feb 12, 2025 | % Change Since: -28.88% | Next Earnings Date: May 7, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call highlighted significant revenue growth and successful expansion into new advertising categories beyond gaming, including ecommerce. The company also announced a strategic sale of its Apps business to focus on its advertising platform. Despite increased data center costs and a slight decline in Apps revenue, the company maintained strong profitability and provided a positive financial outlook for the next quarter.
Highlights
Record Revenue Growth
Total revenue increased by 44% year-over-year to $1.37 billion for the quarter, with adjusted EBITDA rising 78% to $848 million.
Strong Free Cash Flow
Generated $695 million in free cash flow, up 105% year-over-year, with a 28% quarter-over-quarter increase.
Successful Expansion Beyond Gaming
Captured meaningful holiday shopping advertising dollars and expanded advertising categories beyond gaming, including positive early outcomes for ecommerce advertisers.
Sale of Apps Business
Signed a term sheet to sell the Apps business for a total consideration of $900 million, including $500 million in cash.
High Adjusted EBITDA Margin
Achieved an adjusted EBITDA margin of 62% for the quarter.
Strong Financial Guidance
Guidance for Q1 2025 predicts $1.030 billion to $1.050 billion in advertising revenue with adjusted EBITDA between $805 million and $825 million, maintaining a 78% to 79% margin.
Lowlights
Increased Data Center Costs
Experienced a step function increase in data center costs, impacting the flow-through from revenue to adjusted EBITDA.
Apps Revenue Decline
Apps revenue decreased by 1% year-over-year to $373 million, with an adjusted EBITDA of $71 million representing a 19% margin.
Company Guidance
In the earnings call for AppLovin's fourth quarter and full-year results ending December 31, 2024, the company provided optimistic guidance for the future, highlighting a significant transition in their business model. The company achieved a 44% increase in total revenue year-over-year, reaching $1.37 billion, and a 78% increase in adjusted EBITDA to $848 million, with a 62% adjusted EBITDA margin. For the first quarter of 2025, AppLovin expects the Advertising business to generate between $1.030 billion and $1.050 billion in revenue, with adjusted EBITDA ranging from $805 million to $825 million, targeting a margin of 78% to 79%. The company anticipates Apps revenue to be between $325 million and $335 million, with adjusted EBITDA between $50 million and $60 million. A key focus will be on expanding their ecommerce category and rolling out automated tools to enhance accessibility and scale. AppLovin is poised to divest its Apps business, aiming to close the transaction by Q2 2025, signaling a strategic shift towards concentrating fully on their advertising platform. They highlighted their favorite metric, adjusted EBITDA per employee, which stood at approximately $3 million in Q4 for the Advertising business, emphasizing their commitment to operational efficiency and lean growth.

AppLovin Corporate Events

Executive/Board ChangesM&A Transactions
AppLovin Plans to Sell Mobile Gaming Business
Neutral
Feb 12, 2025

On February 10, 2025, Katie Jansen, AppLovin’s Chief Marketing Officer, announced her resignation effective March 14, without any disagreements related to company affairs. On February 12, 2025, the company revealed plans to sell its mobile gaming business for $900 million through a term sheet agreement, involving both equity and cash, with a provision for financing by AppLovin in case the acquirer cannot secure necessary funds.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.