The Fed rate decision is spurring some stocks higher — but the fundamentals and this factor are more critical for investors.
An analyst upgraded his recommendation on the shares. He also raised his price target considerably, by 45%.
On September 19, 2024, Citi analysts raised their price target on AppLovin (NASDAQ: APP) to $155 from $110, citing the company's strong growth potential and dominance in mobile gaming software. This represents a nearly 25% upside from the current stock price, which has already surged over 200% year-to-date.
AppLovin (APP) shares could continue to attract attention Thursday after hitting a record high yesterday as the company makes inroads capitalizing on mobile gaming and lucrative new digital advertising markets.
The Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the first time in four years on Wednesday, signaling confidence that inflation was finally low enough to reverse its course. Homebuilders, Tech, and Financials stand to benefit from the 50 bps cut, as cheaper financing can positively impact their cost structures and drive up consumer demand. Typically, the market falls the first week after the first rate cut. History has shown that in subsequent periods, the market rallies, presenting a potential buying opportunity.
Zacks.com users have recently been watching AppLovin (APP) quite a bit. Thus, it is worth knowing the facts that could determine the stock's prospects.
POWL, NCLH, and APP made it to the Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) growth stocks list on September 13, 2024.
AppLovin stock rose after getting a bullish report from BofA Securities on prospects for advertising and e-commerce growth.
APP's promising foray into the diversified ad-tech sector has already been observed in the excellent FQ3'24 guidance and the projected accretive impact on its top/ bottom lines from 2025 onwards. The highly strategic plan "to expand our teams in a very lean and targeted manner" has also been reflected in its expanding adj EBITDA margins and Free Cash Flow. Combined with the growing market share and the management's long-term growth target of between 20% to 30%, we believe that APP may continue to generate robust profitable growth ahead.
Given the continued surge in APP shares, we evaluate the stock's current position to determine how to play it now.
AppLovin Corporation has surged 112% YTD, driven by its game-changing AI-powered ad engine, AXON, which enhances mobile gaming advertising efficiency and user engagement. APP's ongoing software platform growth will result in superior flow through to the EBITDA and cash flow level. Despite high financial leverage, APP's operating profits cover interest expenses well, with a current interest coverage ratio of over 5x, alleviating debt concerns.
AppLovin is growing fast and its profits have more than doubled. The company does have considerable debt and pays generous stock-based compensation, which is eating into its cash.