AppLovin Corporation (APP) vs Mastercard Incorporated (MA)

A side-by-side comparison of AppLovin Corporation and Mastercard Incorporated across valuation, profitability, dividends, and growth — built entirely from reported fundamentals, as of September 10, 2026. Differences are shown without an overall score or investment verdict.

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Different business models: APP is classified in Technology; MA is classified in Financial Services. Margin, capital intensity, and valuation differences should be interpreted in that sector context.

Total returnAPP vs MA

growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 5y
APP +382.3% (+37.0%/yr)MA +53.5% (+8.9%/yr)APP compounded faster over this window
05001kStart $10020222023202420252026$482$153
APP MA

APP vs MA: by the numbers

  • MA is the larger company ($499.20B vs $108.83B market cap).
  • APP trades at the lower trailing earnings multiple (24.90 vs 31.31 P/E), one valuation lens rather than an overall verdict.
  • APP converts more revenue to profit (64.58% vs 46.34% net margin).
  • APP grew revenue faster over the past five years (25.84% vs 16.09% CAGR).
  • MA pays a dividend (0.60% yield), while APP has no payments in the available dividend history.

Metrics side by side

Valuation

MetricAPPMA
P/E ratio24.9031.31
Forward P/E20.5328.52
P/S ratio15.9414.23
P/B ratio34.4188.97
EV / EBITDA20.16N/A
FCF yield4.13%N/A

Profitability

MetricAPPMA
Gross margin88.46%100.00%
Operating margin77.44%59.84%
Net margin64.58%46.34%
ROE139.42%289.73%
ROIC63.79%N/A

Dividends

MetricAPPMA
Dividend yieldN/A0.60%
Payout ratioN/A18.54%

Growth (annualized)

MetricAPPMA
Revenue CAGR (5Y)25.84%16.09%
EPS CAGR (5Y)73.54%20.93%
FCF CAGR (5Y)73.58%N/A
Total return CAGR (5Y)32.38%10.88%

Frequently asked

Which has the lower trailing P/E, APP or MA?
APP has the lower trailing P/E: APP trades at 24.90 and MA at 31.31. P/E is one valuation measure and does not by itself establish which business is cheaper.
Which has grown faster, APP or MA?
Over the past five years, APP grew revenue faster — APP at a 25.84% CAGR versus MA at 16.09%.
Does APP or MA pay a bigger dividend?
MA pays a dividend (0.60% yield), while APP has no payments in the available dividend history.
Is APP or MA more profitable?
APP runs the higher net margin — APP at 64.58% versus MA at 46.34%.
How have APP and MA total returns compared?
Over the past 5 years, APP delivered 32.38% and MA delivered 10.88% annualized total return. Past performance doesn't predict future results.

Figures are sourced from reported fundamentals and the latest end-of-day price. This comparison is informational only and is not investment advice. Past performance does not predict future results. See our methodology. Compiled by TGMCharts Research · data verified September 10, 2026.