Does AppLovin Stock Lead the Pack?

APP: AppLovin logo
APP
AppLovin

AppLovin (APP) stock has significantly outperformed peers over the past year. But how does it truly measure up against others in the dynamic, AI-powered mobile ad-tech space? A closer look reveals robust profitability, with strong operating and free cash flow margins, alongside exceptional revenue growth. However, its higher valuation relative to many peers and intensifying competition, coupled with ongoing regulatory scrutiny, could limit future upside potential.

  • APP’s 71.7% operating margin, highest among peers, reflects superior AI-driven efficiency and strong profit conversion.
  • APP’s 61.1% revenue growth, outpacing peers, reflects its Axon AI engine driving ad optimization and e-commerce expansion.
  • APP’s 30.1% stock gain and 44.5 PE signal high growth expectations, despite peers’ stronger returns, driven by its AI-powered profitability.

Here’s how AppLovin stacks up across size, valuation, and profitability versus key peers.

  APP U TTD META APPS MGNI
Market Cap ($ Bil) 148.4 8.5 12.2 1,653.4 0.5 2.0
Revenue ($ Bil) 5.8 1.8 2.8 201.0 0.5 0.7
PE Ratio 44.5 -19.5 27.8 27.3 -9.9 34.0
LTM Revenue Growth 61.1% -8.2% 20.8% 22.2% 12.1% 6.3%
LTM Operating Margin 71.7% -27.5% 18.9% 41.4% 2.2% 12.2%
LTM FCF Margin 68.4% 21.7% 24.3% 22.9% 3.5% 22.9%
12M Market Return 30.1% -15.5% -62.8% 0.3% 32.2% -6.3%

For more details on AppLovin, read Buy or Sell APP Stock. Below we compare APP’s growth, margin, and valuation with peers across years

Trefis: APP Stock Insights

Revenue Growth Comparison

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  LTM 2025 2024 2023 2022
APP 61.1% 70.0% 75.1% -34.6%  
U -8.2% -17.1% 57.2% 25.3%
TTD 20.8% 25.6% 23.3% 31.9%
META 22.2% 22.2% 21.9% 15.7%  
APPS 12.1% -9.9% -18.2% -10.9%  
MGNI 6.3% 7.8% 7.4% 23.2%

Operating Margin Comparison

  LTM 2025 2024 2023 2022
APP 71.7% 75.8% 59.3% 41.9%  
U -27.5% -41.6% -38.1% -63.4%
TTD 18.9% 17.5% 10.3% 7.2%
META 41.4% 41.4% 42.2% 34.7%  
APPS 2.2% -11.0% -6.9% 6.9%  
MGNI 12.2% 7.6% -23.8% -18.3%

PE Ratio Comparison

  LTM 2025 2024 2023 2022
APP 44.5 68.5 69.1 39.3  
U -19.5 -26.3 -10.4 -13.8
TTD 27.8 47.4 321.4 656.4
META 27.3 27.5 23.8 23.3  
APPS -9.9 -5.6 -0.4 40.6  
MGNI 34.0 100.1 -13.7 -9.5

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