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.
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.
APP
AppLovin Corporation
$323.96TechnologyDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
MA
Mastercard Incorporated
$569.19Financial ServicesDelayed quote: Sep 11, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT
Total return — APP vs MA
growth of $100 · dividends reinvested · last 5yAPP +382.3% (+37.0%/yr)MA +53.5% (+8.9%/yr)APP compounded faster over this window
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
| Metric | APP | MA |
|---|---|---|
| P/E ratio | 24.90 | 31.31 |
| Forward P/E | 20.53 | 28.52 |
| P/S ratio | 15.94 | 14.23 |
| P/B ratio | 34.41 | 88.97 |
| EV / EBITDA | 20.16 | N/A |
| FCF yield | 4.13% | N/A |
Profitability
| Metric | APP | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Gross margin | 88.46% | 100.00% |
| Operating margin | 77.44% | 59.84% |
| Net margin | 64.58% | 46.34% |
| ROE | 139.42% | 289.73% |
| ROIC | 63.79% | N/A |
Dividends
| Metric | APP | MA |
|---|---|---|
| Dividend yield | N/A | 0.60% |
| Payout ratio | N/A | 18.54% |
Growth (annualized)
| Metric | APP | MA |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Go deeper
Dig into the metrics
AppLovin P/E ratioMastercard P/E ratioMastercard dividend yieldAppLovin ROEMastercard ROEAppLovin operating marginMastercard operating marginAppLovin revenue growthMastercard revenue growthAppLovin free cash flow
AppLovin & Mastercard appear in these rankings
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.