Core Insights - Needham analyst Bernie McTernan reiterated a Hold rating on AppLovin Corp. (APP) and highlighted Axon 2 as a key growth tool for the company, which is an ad optimizer within the DSP [1] - The total number of websites using Axon increased by 3% to 323, with 18 new additions and 7 churns, indicating modest growth [1][2] - Apparel, Footwear & Accessories emerged as the largest category gainer, with 10 new additions and one churn [2] Company Performance - AppLovin reported having 600 e-commerce brands and a $1 billion ad spend run rate as of December [3] - The user count for the Axon pixel remained unchanged at 2,000, with a notable increase from 1,000 to 2,000 between February 28 and March 5 [6] - Projected second-quarter revenue is $1.21 billion with an EPS of $1.86 [6] Market Dynamics - The churn rate increased, with seven websites churning compared to one the previous month, although two of these companies shut down their businesses [2] - Reebok was noted as a significant brand addition to the Pixel, with sales around $5 billion, which is relatively low among the sampled big brands [4] - The valuation of AppLovin has become one of the highest in its coverage group, driven by expectations for monetizing its advertising platform [7]

Core Insights - The article expresses a positive outlook on the shares of APP, indicating a beneficial long position held by the analyst [1]. Group 1 - The analyst emphasizes personal opinions and insights regarding APP's stock performance [1]. - There is no compensation received for the article, highlighting an independent analysis [1]. - The article does not provide financial advice, urging readers to conduct their own due diligence before investing [2].

Core Viewpoint - OpenAI's ChatGPT has identified two stocks, Riot Platforms and AppLovin, as potential candidates for turning $100 into $1,000 by 2026, despite the high-risk nature of such investments [1] Group 1: Riot Platforms (NASDAQ: RIOT) - Riot Platforms is a leading Bitcoin mining company that is aggressively expanding its mining capacity with a goal to increase its hash rate by the end of 2025 [2] - The stock price of Riot Platforms is highly sensitive to Bitcoin's price movements, which can lead to significant gains if Bitcoin surges [3] - As of the latest trading session, RIOT was priced at $8.55, reflecting a 4% decline for the day and an 18% drop year-to-date [3] Group 2: AppLovin Corporation (NASDAQ: APP) - AppLovin specializes in marketing and monetization solutions for mobile applications and has received a consensus "Strong Buy" rating from analysts [5] - The company reported earnings of $1.67 per share, exceeding expectations of $1.45, and generated $1.48 billion in revenue, surpassing the $1.38 billion estimate [6] - AppLovin's stock was trading at $354, up 0.8%, with a year-to-date gain of over 3% [7]

Core Viewpoint - AppLovin has attracted controversy due to bearish reports from short sellers, yet a significant investment from billionaire Chase Coleman indicates strong confidence in the company's future growth potential [1][3]. Investment Activity - Chase Coleman of Tiger Global Management purchased nearly $575 million worth of AppLovin stock, making it his largest new position in the first quarter, representing 1.7% of his portfolio and ranking as his 16th-largest holding [2][3]. Business Model and Technology - AppLovin operates an advertising platform for gaming app companies and is selling a legacy portfolio of gaming apps. The introduction of Axon 2, an AI-based advertising technology, is expected to drive substantial revenue growth [5][8]. - Axon 2 utilizes predictive machine learning to enhance ad targeting, bidding, and placement, aiming to identify gamers likely to engage with ads and maximize return on ad spending [6][8]. Financial Performance - In 2022, AppLovin generated $2.8 billion in revenue, which is projected to grow to $4.7 billion by 2024. In Q1 2023, revenue increased by 40% to $1.48 billion, with advertising revenue surging 70% to $1.16 billion [9]. - The company's gross margin improved significantly, rising from 55.4% in 2022 to 75.2% in 2024, and further to 81.7% in Q1 2023 [10]. Competitive Landscape - AppLovin's growth appears to be at the expense of competitors like Unity Software, which has seen a decline in revenue in its adtech business [11]. - The company anticipates long-term revenue growth from gaming clients in the 20% to 30% range, with plans to expand Axon 2's application to the e-commerce sector [12]. Valuation - Despite significant stock gains over the past two years, AppLovin's valuation remains reasonable, with a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of just under 45 and a price/earnings-to-growth (PEG) ratio of 0.56, indicating potential undervaluation [13].

Market Overview - The stock market has rebounded significantly after a turbulent period, with the S&P 500 index recovering from a 19% decline and now up 1% year to date [1][2] Trade Relations and Corporate Earnings - Efforts by the Trump administration to negotiate bilateral trade deals have alleviated fears regarding trade wars and economic disruptions [2] - Strong corporate earnings, particularly in the AI sector, have contributed to increased investor optimism [2] Company Highlights Apple - Apple benefits from a temporary suspension of retaliatory tariffs between the U.S. and China, reducing uncertainty for the company [4] - China accounts for nearly 17% of Apple's global sales, and over 80% of iPhones are manufactured there [5] - In the fiscal second quarter, Apple reported a 5% year-over-year revenue increase and an 8% rise in earnings per share (EPS) to $1.65 [6] - Anticipation for the next-generation iOS 19 and iPhone 17, which will feature more AI-optimized capabilities, is expected to drive sales [7] - Shares are currently down about 18.5% from their 52-week high, presenting a potential buy opportunity [7] AppLovin - AppLovin's share prices have surged by 339% over the past year, driven by growth in AI-powered mobile advertising solutions [8] - In the first quarter, advertising revenue increased by 71% year over year, with EPS rising by 149% to $1.67 [9] - The company is expanding into e-commerce and video streaming, leveraging its AI capabilities for targeted advertising [10] - AppLovin trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 33, indicating a reasonable valuation given its growth trajectory [11] Super Micro Computer - Super Micro Computer is a key player in AI infrastructure, providing server systems that support Nvidia's AI chips [12] - The company faced challenges in 2024, including a DOJ probe, but an independent committee found no evidence of fraud, allowing it to file its audited annual report [13] - Supermicro excels in liquid cooling technology, which is expected to be adopted by over 30% of new data centers globally by 2025 [14] - Wall Street estimates project a 48% annual revenue growth for 2025, with the stock trading at a forward P/E of 22, indicating strong growth potential [15]

Industry Overview - The Technology Services industry has experienced strong growth post-pandemic, driven by the rapid adoption of remote work and advancements in technology such as 5G, blockchain, AI, and ML [1][6] - The industry includes companies involved in software support, data processing, computing hardware, and communications equipment, serving both consumer and business markets [3] Economic Factors - The industry is benefiting from a recovering economy, with GDP growth projected at an annual rate of 2.8% in 2024, up from 2.5% in 2023 [5] - The Services PMI has remained above 50% for 56 out of the last 59 months, indicating healthy economic activity [5] Technological Advancements - The global shift towards digitization is creating opportunities in markets such as 5G, blockchain, and AI, with generative AI expected to grow at a 42% CAGR over the next decade, reaching a $1.3 trillion market by 2032 [6] Industry Performance - The Zacks Technology Services industry ranks 49, placing it in the top 20% of over 246 Zacks industries, indicating a promising outlook [7] - Over the past year, the industry has outperformed the broader Zacks Business Services sector and the S&P 500, returning 42.1% compared to 12% and 12.4% respectively [9] Valuation Metrics - The industry is currently trading at an EV-to-EBITDA ratio of 31.02X, significantly higher than the S&P 500's 16.6X and the sector's 12.03X [12] Company Highlights - **AppLovin Corporation (APP)**: Focuses on a software platform for advertisers, enhancing machine-learning models and AI integration. The company has a Zacks Rank 1 and is expected to see earnings rise 85.2% year over year in 2025, with shares up 340.5% in the past year [20][18][19] - **Priority Technology Holdings (PRTH)**: Operates a platform for financial operations, showing strong growth despite economic challenges. PRTH also holds a Zacks Rank 1, with earnings expected to rise over 100% year over year in 2025, and shares up 116.8% in the past year [24][23] - **Qifu Technology (QFIN)**: A China-based credit tech company improving user acquisition and integrating AI for better credit data analysis. QFIN has a Zacks Rank 1, with earnings expected to rise 22.4% year over year in 2025, and shares up 113.7% in the past year [29][27]

Core Viewpoint - AppLovin Corporation (APP) has experienced significant stock volatility, with a 26% decline over the past three months, contrasting with a 15% decline in the industry, but has recently rebounded with a 64% increase in the past month, indicating potential recovery in the digital advertising market [1][2][3] Group 1: Market Performance - APP's stock has declined 26% over the last three months, worse than the industry's 15% decline [1] - Competitors like Alphabet and Meta Platforms have also faced declines of 11% and 10%, respectively, during the same period [1] - In the past month, APP's stock surged 64%, while Alphabet and Meta Platforms gained 8% and 31%, respectively, suggesting a potential market recovery [2] Group 2: Strategic Initiatives - AppLovin is transitioning to a pure-play advertising platform, focusing on high-growth, high-margin segments [4] - The $900 million sale of its gaming unit to Tripledot Studios allows APP to concentrate on ad technology, aligning with its vision for the global digital advertising market [4] - The company is investing in automation and developing advanced tools to enhance customer efficiency and maximize ad performance [4] Group 3: Financial Performance - AppLovin's first quarter of 2025 saw revenues surge 40% year over year, with adjusted EBITDA jumping 83% and net income skyrocketing 144% [5] - For the full year 2024, revenues climbed 43% year over year, while adjusted EBITDA surged 81%, indicating strong market demand and operational efficiency [5] Group 4: Earnings and Revenue Projections - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for second-quarter 2025 earnings is $2.01 per share, reflecting a 125.8% increase from the prior-year quarter [8] - For the full years 2025 and 2026, earnings are expected to grow by 85.2% and 41.9%, respectively [8] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for second-quarter 2025 revenues is $1.45 billion, representing a 33.9% increase from the prior-year quarter [11]

Group 1 - AppLovin's Q1 results were strong, alleviating concerns about tariffs impacting advertisers [1] - The company's performance is better than headline numbers indicate, with pedestrian growth and margins [1] - Narweena, an asset manager, focuses on identifying market dislocations and businesses with long-term growth opportunities [1] Group 2 - Narweena's research emphasizes company and industry fundamentals to uncover unique insights [1] - The firm has a high risk appetite and targets deeply undervalued stocks, particularly in smaller cap markets [1] - An aging population and low growth are expected to create new investment opportunities, contrasting with past trends [1] Group 3 - Many industries may face stagnation or decline, potentially improving business performance due to reduced competition [1] - Other businesses might experience rising costs and diseconomies of scale [1] - The economy is increasingly dominated by asset-light businesses, reducing the need for infrastructure investments [1] Group 4 - A large pool of capital is pursuing limited investment opportunities, leading to rising asset prices and compressed risk premia [1] - Richard Durant holds degrees in engineering and finance, along with an MBA, and has passed the CFA exams [1]

Market Overview - Wall Street has experienced significant volatility over the past two months due to sticky inflation, weak economic data, and the imposition of reciprocal tariffs by the Trump administration, raising concerns about a potential near-term recession in the U.S. economy. All three major stock indexes are currently in negative territory year to date [1]. Investment Opportunities - Three U.S. corporate giants with a market capitalization of nearly $100 billion or more and a favorable Zacks Rank have provided positive returns in the past month. These companies are Amphenol Corp. (APH), AppLovin Corp. (APP), and Philip Morris International Inc. (PM), all holding a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) [2]. Amphenol Corp. (APH) - Amphenol provides connectivity solutions utilizing AI and machine learning technologies, offering high-density, high-speed connectors and cables optimized for signal integrity and thermal performance [4]. - The company benefits from a diversified business model, with strong demand across Commercial Air, Industrial, and Mobile devices, alongside defense technologies driving top-line growth [5]. - Amphenol's expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 30% and 38.6%, respectively, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings improving by 12.9% in the last 30 days [6]. AppLovin Corp. (APP) - AppLovin operates a software-based platform for mobile app developers, enhancing marketing and monetization capabilities both domestically and internationally [7]. - The introduction of AI-powered AXON 2.0 technology and strategic expansion in gaming studios have significantly boosted revenue growth, while the Ai-enabled Audience+ marketing platform enhances reach into direct-to-consumer and e-commerce sectors [8]. - AppLovin's expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 24.3% and 70.6%, respectively, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings improving by 13.7% in the last seven days [10]. Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) - Philip Morris has shown strong pricing power and an expanding smoke-free product portfolio, making significant progress in its smoke-free transition with products like IQOS and ZYN [11]. - The company anticipates robust growth in 2025, driven by increasing demand across all product categories, with an expected volume growth of 2% and smoke-free products projected to expand by 12-14% [12]. - Philip Morris's expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 8.1% and 13.7%, respectively, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings improving by 4.2% over the last 30 days [13].

Core Viewpoint - AppLovin has shown a strong recovery in 2025, with shares rising approximately 7% as of May 12, following a successful Q1 earnings report and positive developments from Trump's trade deal with China [1][2]. Group 1: Q1 Earnings Performance - AppLovin's Q1 revenue growth was 40%, exceeding Wall Street's expectations by nearly 10% [2]. - The company achieved adjusted earnings per share growth of 149%, significantly higher than the forecasted 115% increase [2]. Group 2: Strategic Focus and Market Opportunities - AppLovin finalized the sale of its mobile gaming segment to Tripledot Studios, allowing it to concentrate on its advertising business, which is a key growth driver [3]. - The company's e-commerce segment is performing well, operating at a $1 billion annual run rate, with less than 0.1% market penetration indicating substantial growth potential [3][4]. Group 3: Impact of Trade Deal - Approximately 90% of AppLovin's advertising revenue is derived from mobile games, which are not directly affected by tariffs, but the trade deal is expected to lower costs for many businesses, potentially increasing their advertising budgets [6]. - The trade deal may also facilitate discussions regarding a potential merger with TikTok, which could provide AppLovin with valuable data to enhance its advertising algorithms [7][8]. Group 4: Analyst Outlook - Analysts see a near 30% upside for AppLovin's shares, driven by its growth opportunities in e-commerce, the de-escalation of trade tensions, and the speculative potential of a TikTok deal [10].