Citi Boosts AppLovin's Price Target to $335 on Strong AI-Driven Q3 Performance

AppLovin Corporation (APP) has received a significant vote of confidence from Citi, with the financial institution raising its price target for the company to $335. This move reflects Citi's bullish outlook on AppLovin's strong AI-driven Q3 performance and raised 2026 forecasts. In this article, we will delve into the factors driving AppLovin's growth and the implications of Citi's price target increase for investors.

AppLovin's robust Q3 performance can be attributed to its AI-driven initiatives, which have enabled the company to optimize ad campaigns, maximize ad revenue, and acquire high-quality users at scale. The company's AI algorithms, such as those used in its AppDiscovery and AppLovin Exchange platforms, have proven instrumental in driving growth. Additionally, AppLovin's AI-driven user acquisition strategies, like Max, have helped developers acquire valuable users, driving app growth and increasing the lifetime value of users.



Citi's price target increase to $335 reflects its confidence in AppLovin's AI capabilities and the company's potential for accelerated growth and increased profitability. The firm rolled its valuation forward from 2025 to 2026, raising its free cash flow multiple and 2026 free cash flow per share estimate to $9.13 from $7.41, primarily due to higher ad revenue expectations. This shift indicates Citi's optimism about AppLovin's long-term growth prospects.



The rollover of AppLovin's valuation from 2025 to 2026 has significant implications for the company's long-term investment prospects. This move suggests that Citi expects AppLovin's strong Q3 performance to continue, with higher ad revenue expectations driving an increase in free cash flow per share in 2026. This positive revision indicates that investors can anticipate sustained growth and profitability from AppLovin, making it an attractive long-term investment opportunity.

In conclusion, Citi's boosted price target for AppLovin reflects the company's robust AI-driven growth potential. As AppLovin continues to leverage its AI capabilities to optimize ad campaigns and user acquisition, investors can expect the company to maintain its momentum and deliver strong earnings. However, it's essential to consider other factors, such as market conditions and competition in the ad tech sector, when evaluating AppLovin's stock performance.