$APP Building a Moat

PUBLISHED Jan 11, 2025, 5:44:04 PM        SHARE

img
imgSharpe Investing On YouTube

Introduction

https://youtu.be/egKAwFh3W10?si=G5p2464Qin1-5MQp

Today, I want to talk about Applovin Corp. I bought this stock back in late January, and since then, it has skyrocketed. I've been trimming my position on the way up, and now I have just under 50% of the original position left. This video might seem a bit late, but I still think it's valuable to discuss the company's potential for long-term growth.

Overview of Applovin Corp

Applovin Corp is a mobile ad network, functioning as an auction house for mobile ads. Basically, they help game publishers buy and sell ads. Imagine you are creating a new mobile game and want to monetize it through ads—you would use Applovin Corp for that purpose. On the other hand, if you want to promote your game, you'd use a different part of Applovin Corp to place your ads.

With about a billion daily users, they control approximately 30% of the market and are currently the third-largest ad network behind Meta and Google. Their primary focus is on mobile gaming, but they've started expanding into e-commerce as well.

Performance and Financial Analysis

Since I bought Applovin Corp in January, the stock has increased over six times, reaching impressive heights. I originally bought it at around $50, and now it's trading well above that. Despite trimming my position, I believe in the company's potential. They have shown strong revenue growth, which is essential for long-term success.

Building a Moat

Applovin Corp operates on both the selling and buying sides of the ad auction, gathering a vast amount of valuable data. This data helps them understand and price ads more accurately, creating a significant competitive advantage or "moat." They have managed to grow organically and take market share from competitors like Unity.

Market Trends and Future Outlook

The mobile ad industry is cyclical, meaning ad spending can fluctuate. In 2022, the industry experienced a downturn, impacting Applovin Corp's revenue and profitability. However, if economic conditions remain stable, the company could continue to grow and justify their current market cap of $113 billion.

Applovin Corp's main revenue stream comes from their ad auction platform, which is a critical part of their business. They also own game publishers, which provide them with valuable data but have slow growth and lower profit margins. They are considering selling this part of the business, as it's no longer essential for their success.

Investment Strategy and Recommendations

If you're considering investing in Applovin Corp, it's crucial to understand the company's business model and potential risks. While the stock has performed exceptionally well, it remains a cyclical industry. I plan to hold my remaining position and watch the market closely. If the stock price drops to a more reasonable valuation, I'll consider adding to my position again.

To learn more about Applovin Corp and similar investment opportunities, I recommend checking out resources like "Yet Another Value Podcast" and the "Fabricated Knowledge" Substack. They provide valuable insights into the industry and help you make informed decisions.

Final Thoughts

Applovin Corp has shown remarkable growth and presents an exciting opportunity for investors. While the market can be unpredictable, understanding the company's strengths and potential risks is essential. If you have a long-term investment horizon, Applovin Corp might be a great addition to your portfolio.

What do you think about Applovin Corp? Do you have any plans to invest in the mobile ad industry?

https://youtu.be/egKAwFh3W10?si=G5p2464Qin1-5MQp



Sound investments
don't happen alone

Find your crew, build teams, compete in VS MODE, and identify investment trends in our evergrowing investment ecosystem. You aren't on an island anymore, and our community is here to help you make informed decisions in a complex world.

More Reads
Introduction to Pagsiguro (PagBank)
Image

As of December 11th, Pagsiguro's stock price has hit a support level of around **$7**. This level was previously tested back in October last year. According to technical analysis, support levels tend to attract buying interest, as investors who missed out last time will buy if the price dips again. Additionally, support levels often act as psychological barriers where the price bounces back, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Analyzing Portfolio Performance: Best and Worst Performers
Image

Here's an overview of the current holdings, courtesy of SoFi, with more detailed screenshots posted on our Discord. For simplicity, we'll use custom charts here to visualize the information. Currently, seven stocks make up over half of the entire portfolio:

Unveiling the Potential of HIMS: A Super Gem in the Stock Market
Image

I still find this stock dirt cheap, especially now that we trended back towards 25 bucks. This is a stock that peaked at around 34, and I find it just as compelling as in 2024. I think we're going to have a wonderful 2025. This is my first coverage of HIMS for 2025, so let's dive in!

Unveiling Coca-Cola: The Ninth Best-Performing Stock and Its Future Prospects
Image

The best-performing Consumer Staples stock ever returned 12 million percent. That means a dollar invested would have turned into $123,000. It's the ninth best-performing stock ever. You're dying to know which stock it is, aren't you?

Investing in Micron: Timing the Cyclical Nature of the AI Boom
Image

Micron Technology stands to benefit significantly from the AI boom. The first key question to consider is whether the business has improved, and the answer is a resounding yes. For Q1 2025, Micron's revenue nearly doubled from $4.7 billion in Q1 2024 to $8.7 billion. Additionally, the company swung from a net loss of $1 billion last year to a net profit of $2 billion this quarter.

Analyzing Sofi Technologies' Business Growth and Future Prospects
Image

To gauge whether Sofi Technologies is a worthy investment at its current market capitalization of approximately $16 billion, one must analyze several key business indicators. This company shows promising growth potential, with the possibility of increasing its market cap to $50 billion.

Buffett's Investment in Sirius XM
Image

One of the latest additions to Warren Buffett's portfolio is Sirius XM (ticker symbol SIRI). Recently, Buffett increased his stake in the company by 12 million shares, bringing the total investment to over $2.8 billion, which now constitutes just over 1% of his overall portfolio. This move has generated a lot of buzz in the financial community.

Verisign: An In-Depth Look at Buffett's Investment and Its Growth Potential
Image

another stock that has captured Warren Buffett's attention is Verisign (ticker symbol VRSN). Buffett recently purchased another 234,000 shares, bringing his total investment in Verisign to over $2.5 billion, which constitutes just under 1% of his portfolio. This is a stock I personally own and highly regard.

Domino's Stock Analysis: Warren Buffett's Investment and Growth Potential
Image

Coming in at purchase number two is the renowned pizza giant, Domino's (SEC symbol DPZ). Recently, Warren Buffett purchased almost $550 million worth of Domino's stock last quarter, attracting significant attention in the financial world.

The Significance of TSM: An In-Depth Analysis of Its Performance and Role in the Tech Industry
Image

In recent years, TSM (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) has been a hot topic, and it's clear why. The company's stock has soared by an impressive 247% over the last five years, far outpacing the S&P 500's 90% increase during the same period. Even on a shorter scale, TSM's one-year performance has surged by 105%, highlighting its robust growth.

The AI Boom in Tech Stocks: Winners and Losers
Image

AI is revolutionizing industries, driving innovation, and transforming the stock market. This article explores the history, advancements, and benefits of AI, from generative models like ChatGPT to applications in sectors such as healthcare, finance, and transportation. In 2024, the stock market showcased clear winners like Nvidia, Microsoft, and Tesla, which capitalized on AI technologies, and losers like Intel and Snapchat, which struggled to adapt. While AI offers opportunities for efficiency, automation, and economic growth, it also brings challenges, including overvaluation fears, ethical dilemmas, and regulatory scrutiny. Looking forward, companies that balance innovation with responsible practices will define AI's sustainable impact.

Is Vertiv a BUY Even After a Massive Run?
Image

An in depth look at Vertiv (VRT)

Not a Cheap Market
Image

Stock Market Commentary

The Evolution of Holiday Shopping: Winners, Trends, and Economic Insights for 2024
Image

The 2024 holiday shopping season showcases resilience as retailers adapt to inflation's impact on consumer spending. With extended discounts and hybrid shopping models, companies like Amazon, Walmart, and Target attract value-focused buyers. This article further explores economic conditions, retail strategies (E-commerse vs brick and mortar), key players and popular gifts.

USLM Stock Soars 209% YTD: Why United States Lime & Minerals Is a Strong Buy
Image

United States Lime & Minerals (USLM) has emerged as a top-performing stock in 2024, delivering an impressive 209% YTD return. Operating in the cyclical materials industry, USLM benefits from favorable macroeconomic conditions, including lower inflation and increasing infrastructure demand. This article takes a closer look into the fundamentals and financial ratios to determine whether USLM is an attractive buying opportunity for investors.

Is Target Stock Undervalued? A Comprehensive Analysis of TGT in 2024?
Image

Target (TGT), a cornerstone of the U.S. retail industry, has faced a mix of opportunities and challenges in recent years. This article analyzes Target's financial performance, key metrics, and competitive positioning, highlighting its resilience in navigating economic pressures like inflation and shifting consumer behaviors towards digital shopping. Despite margin compression in 2023, Target has showcased recovery in 2024, driven by its focus on e-commerce, operational efficiency, and innovative shopping solutions. With steady dividend payouts and potential undervaluation, Target presents an opportunity for long-term investors.

2024 Bitcoin Price Insights: Trends and Predictions for 2025
Image

Bitcoin experienced significant price growth in 2024, surging from $40,000 in January to an all-time high of $99,000 in November. Key factors driving this growth included the Bitcoin halving event, increased institutional investment, and the pro-crypto stance of President Trump’s administration following the U.S. elections. The introduction of spot Bitcoin ETFs and options trading further fueled market demand.

Vale Commits to Restoring Hectares of the Amazon Rainforest
Image

Vale’s commitment to sustainability, including its pledge to restore 500,000 hectares of degraded land in the Amazon rainforest by 2030, positions it favorably in an increasingly environmentally conscious market.

Why You Should Take a look at Boise Superior Industries International
Image

Superior Industries International, Inc. (NYSE:SUP) is a leading global supplier of aluminum wheels. The company designs, engineers, and manufactures a wide variety of innovative and high-quality products using the latest lightweighting and finishing technologies.

Resources for Publishers
Resources for New Investors
Boosted with BossCoin
Financial Literacy Leaders
user_profile
Wise Intelligent
user_profile
Tom Hamilton
user_profile
Mark Robertson
user_profile
Kevin Matthews II
user_profile
Akeiva Ellis
user_profile
Brendan Dale
user_profile
Kenneth Chavis IV
user_profile
Sharita Humphrey