WallStSmart

Applovin Corp (APP)vsKLA Corporation (KLAC)

VS

Smart Verdict

WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison

KLA Corporation generates 133% more annual revenue ($12.74B vs $5.48B). APP leads profitability with a 60.8% profit margin vs 35.8%. APP appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.22. APP earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 77/100 (B+).

APP

Strong Buy

77

out of 100

Grade: B+

Growth: 10.0Profit: 8.5Value: 8.7Quality: 9.0
Piotroski: 5/9Altman Z: 3.74

KLAC

Strong Buy

70

out of 100

Grade: B

Growth: 7.3Profit: 10.0Value: 8.7Quality: 8.5
Piotroski: 6/9Altman Z: 2.70
IV

Intrinsic Value Comparison

Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula

APPUndervalued (+10.4%)

Margin of Safety

+10.4%

Fair Value

$470.34

Current Price

$435.91

$34.43 discount

UndervaluedFair: $470.34Overvalued
KLACUndervalued (+3.9%)

Margin of Safety

+3.9%

Fair Value

$1605.71

Current Price

$1543.82

$61.89 discount

UndervaluedFair: $1605.71Overvalued

Key Strengths & Concerns

Side-by-side fundamental analysis

Key Strengths

APP6 strengths · Avg: 9.8/10
Profit MarginProfitability
60.8%10/10

Keeps 61 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
76.9%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 76.9%

Revenue GrowthGrowth
65.9%10/10

Revenue surging 65.9% year-over-year

EPS GrowthGrowth
84.7%10/10

Earnings expanding 84.7% YoY

Altman Z-ScoreHealth
3.7410/10

Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk

Market CapQuality
$155.10B9/10

Large-cap with strong market position

KLAC6 strengths · Avg: 9.3/10
Market CapQuality
$205.79B10/10

Mega-cap, among the largest globally

Return on EquityProfitability
100.7%10/10

Every $100 of equity generates 101 in profit

Profit MarginProfitability
35.8%10/10

Keeps 36 of every $100 in revenue as profit

Operating MarginProfitability
41.3%10/10

Strong operational efficiency at 41.3%

EPS GrowthGrowth
40.9%8/10

Earnings expanding 40.9% YoY

Free Cash FlowQuality
$1.26B8/10

Generating 1.3B in free cash flow

Areas to Watch

APP4 concerns · Avg: 2.5/10
Return on EquityProfitability
2.1%3/10

ROE of 2.1% — below average capital efficiency

Debt/EquityHealth
1.663/10

Elevated debt levels

P/E RatioValuation
45.7x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
69.1x2/10

Trading at 69.1x book value

KLAC4 concerns · Avg: 2.8/10
PEG RatioValuation
1.664/10

Expensive relative to growth rate

Debt/EquityHealth
1.153/10

Elevated debt levels

P/E RatioValuation
45.6x2/10

Premium valuation, high expectations priced in

Price/BookValuation
37.0x2/10

Trading at 37.0x book value

Comparative Analysis Report

WallStSmart Research

Bull Case : APP

The strongest argument for APP centers on Profit Margin, Operating Margin, Revenue Growth. Profitability is solid with margins at 60.8% and operating margin at 76.9%. Revenue growth of 65.9% demonstrates continued momentum.

Bull Case : KLAC

The strongest argument for KLAC centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Profit Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 35.8% and operating margin at 41.3%.

Bear Case : APP

The primary concerns for APP are Return on Equity, Debt/Equity, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 45.7x leaves little room for execution misses. Debt-to-equity of 1.66 is elevated, increasing financial risk.

Bear Case : KLAC

The primary concerns for KLAC are PEG Ratio, Debt/Equity, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 45.6x leaves little room for execution misses.

Key Dynamics to Monitor

APP profiles as a growth stock while KLAC is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.

APP carries more volatility with a beta of 2.50 — expect wider price swings.

APP is growing revenue faster at 65.9% — sustainability is the question.

APP generates stronger free cash flow (1.3B), providing more financial flexibility.

Bottom Line

APP scores higher overall (77/100 vs 70/100), backed by strong 60.8% margins and 65.9% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Strong 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 →

KLA Corporation

TECHNOLOGY · SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS · USA

KLA Corporation is a capital equipment company based in Milpitas, California. It supplies process control and yield management systems for the semiconductor industry and other related nanoelectronics industries. The company's products and services are intended for all phases of wafer, reticle, integrated circuit (IC) and packaging production, from research and development to final volume manufacturing.

Visit Website →

Want to dig deeper into these stocks?