Stock Analysis

AppLovin (APP) Valuation Check After AI Ad Platform Momentum, S&P 500 Entry, and Strategic Refocus

The recent run in AppLovin (APP) is being powered by a clean story, faster growth from its AI ad platform and e commerce tools, and the decision to exit first party gaming.

See our latest analysis for AppLovin.

That backdrop helps explain why the share price has climbed to about $733.6, with a powerful year to date share price return of roughly 115 percent and a three year total shareholder return above 7,300 percent, suggesting momentum is still very much building.

If AppLovin’s surge has you thinking about what else could rerate on strong AI execution, this might be the moment to explore high growth tech and AI stocks as your next hunting ground.

But with APP now trading just shy of fresh analyst targets after a 7,000 plus percent three year run, are investors still getting in ahead of the story, or is the market already discounting the next leg of growth?

Most Popular Narrative Narrative: 0.5% Undervalued

With the narrative fair value sitting a touch above the last close, the story leans toward modest upside built on powerful operating assumptions.

Continuous advancements and adoption of the AXON machine learning platform are improving ad targeting, campaign ROI, and automation, enhancing advertiser outcomes and enabling higher net margins through increased operating efficiency.

Read the complete narrative.

Curious how sustained double digit growth, expanding margins, and a richer earnings multiple all fit together? Want to see the numbers behind that confidence? Read on.

Result: Fair Value of $737.21 (UNDERVALUED)

Have a read of the narrative in full and understand what's behind the forecasts.

However, sustained regulatory pressure on data privacy and renewed platform tracking restrictions could quickly compress margins and undermine the optimistic earnings trajectory embedded in today’s valuation.

Find out about the key risks to this AppLovin narrative.

Another Lens on Valuation

There is a catch. While the narrative model points to modest undervaluation, the earnings multiple tells a very different story, with APP trading on a rich 85 times earnings versus 32.3 times for the US software group and a 57 times fair ratio, implying little room for execution missteps. Is the market paying too far in advance for growth?

See what the numbers say about this price — find out in our valuation breakdown.

NasdaqGS:APP PE Ratio as at Dec 2025
NasdaqGS:APP PE Ratio as at Dec 2025

Build Your Own AppLovin Narrative

If this framework does not quite match your view, or you want to dig into the numbers yourself, you can build a custom narrative in just a few minutes: Do it your way.

A great starting point for your AppLovin research is our analysis highlighting 2 key rewards and 2 important warning signs that could impact your investment decision.

Ready for more investment ideas?

Do not stop at one great story. Use the Simply Wall St Screener to uncover fresh opportunities that match your strategy before the market fully catches on.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

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Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com

About NasdaqGS:APP

AppLovin

Engages in building a software-based platform for advertisers to enhance the marketing and monetization of their content in the United States and internationally.

Exceptional growth potential with solid track record.

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