Applovin Corp (APP)vsCostco Wholesale Corp (COST)
APP
Applovin Corp
$468.55
-6.08%
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · Cap: $167.59B
COST
Costco Wholesale Corp
$1,008.79
-0.32%
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · Cap: $449.00B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Costco Wholesale Corp generates 4544% more annual revenue ($286.27B vs $6.16B). APP leads profitability with a 64.3% profit margin vs 3.0%. APP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.33. APP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).
APP
Strong Buy77
out of 100
Grade: B+
COST
Buy61
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
-56.9%
Fair Value
$242.94
Current Price
$468.55
$225.61 premium
Margin of Safety
-89.1%
Fair Value
$535.26
Current Price
$1008.79
$473.53 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Every $100 of equity generates 266 in profit
Keeps 64 of every $100 in revenue as profit
Strong operational efficiency at 78.1%
Revenue surging 59.0% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 113.0% YoY
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 30 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Revenue surging 21.5% year-over-year
Earnings expanding 45.5% YoY
Areas to Watch
Elevated debt levels
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Trading at 74.3x book value
3.0% margin — thin
Operating margin of 3.7%
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : APP
The strongest argument for APP centers on Return on Equity, Profit Margin, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 64.3% and operating margin at 78.1%. Revenue growth of 59.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : COST
The strongest argument for COST centers on Market Cap, Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity. Revenue growth of 21.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : APP
The primary concerns for APP are Debt/Equity, P/E Ratio, Price/Book. A P/E of 43.3x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 1.66 is elevated, increasing financial risk.
Bear Case : COST
The primary concerns for COST are Profit Margin, Operating Margin, PEG Ratio. A P/E of 52.6x leaves little room for execution misses. Thin 3.0% margins leave little buffer for downturns.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
APP carries more volatility with a beta of 2.37 — expect wider price swings.
APP is growing revenue faster at 59.0% — sustainability is the question.
COST generates stronger free cash flow (1.7B), providing more financial flexibility.
Monitor ADVERTISING AGENCIES industry trends, competitive dynamics, and regulatory changes.
Bottom Line
APP scores higher overall (77/100 vs 61/100), backed by strong 64.3% margins and 59.0% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Applovin Corp
COMMUNICATION SERVICES · ADVERTISING AGENCIES · USA
AppLovin Corporation is committed to creating a software-based platform for mobile application developers to improve the marketing and monetization of their applications globally. The company is headquartered in Palo Alto, California.
Visit Website →Costco Wholesale Corp
CONSUMER DEFENSIVE · DISCOUNT STORES · USA
Costco Wholesale Corporation (doing business as Costco Wholesale and also known simply as Costco) is an American multinational corporation which operates a chain of membership-only (needing a membership to shop there) big-box retail stores. As of 2020, Costco was the fifth largest retailer in the world, and the world's largest retailer of choice and prime beef, organic foods, rotisserie chicken, and wine as of 2016.
Visit Website →Compare with Other ADVERTISING AGENCIES Stocks
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