Aptiv PLC (APTV) in Dublin, Ireland, designs, manufactures, and distributes car components worldwide. The company delivers electrical, electronic, and safety technology solutions to the automotive and commercial vehicle sectors. The company’s shares are down 30.7% in price over the past year and 42.5% year-to-date, closing yesterday’s trading session at $94.93.

In February, the company priced $700 million of 2.4% senior notes due 2025, $800 million of 3.250% senior notes due 2032, and $1 billion of 4.15% senior notes due 2052. The notes are being issued in conjunction with Aptiv Corporation, an indirect subsidiary of the company, and will be guaranteed by Aptiv Global Financing Limited, another indirect subsidiary. However, using debt financing to fund its operations could raise investor skepticism about its prospects.

Furthermore, Last month, investment analysts at Piper Sandler downgraded the stock from a “neutral” to an “underweight” rating.

Here is what could shape APTV’s performance in the near term:

Headwinds

This month, after COVID-19 infections were found among its workers, APTV halted delivery of parts from a Shanghai facility that supplies Tesla, Inc. (TSLA) and General Motors Co. (GM) over the weekend. The stoppage of APTV shipments might be a blow for Tesla, which had expected to restore output in Shanghai to pre-lockdown levels before the city closed to contain a wave of illnesses, forcing a halt that lasted much of April. Also, this could impact APTV’s revenue growth in the near term.

Mixed Financials

APTV’s net sales increased 3.9% year-over-year to $4.18 billion for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022. Its cash and cash equivalents grew 55.4% for the three months ended to $4.88 billion.

However, its total operating expenses increased 9.1% from its year-ago value to $3.92 billion. Its operating income declined 40.3% from the prior-year quarter to $256 million. And the company’s net income narrowed 69.8% from its year-ago value to $89 million. Its EPS amounted to $0.27 over this period.

Mixed Profitability

APTV’s $768 million trailing-12-months cash from operations is 381.5% higher than the $159.49 million industry average. Its 4.6% trailing-12-months CAPEX/Sales is 64.4% higher than the 2.8% industry average. And its trailing-12-months ROA, net income margin, and ROE are 69.2%, 63.4%, and 77.8% lower than their respective industry averages. Also, its 14.6% trailing-12-months gross profit margin is 59.8% lower than the 36.3% industry average.

Premium Valuation

In terms of forward Non-GAAP P/E, the stock is currently trading at 24.01x, which is 108.5% higher than the 11.51x industry average. Also, its 1.55x forward EV/Sales is 48.8% higher than the 1.04x industry average. APTV’s 1,43x forward Price/Sales is 58.9% higher than the 0.90x industry average.

POWR Ratings Reflect Uncertainty

APTV has an overall C rating, which equates to a Neutral in our proprietary POWR Ratings system. The POWR ratings are calculated by considering 118 distinct factors, with each factor weighted to an optimal degree.

Our proprietary rating system also evaluates each stock based on eight distinct categories. APTV has a D grade for Value and a C for Quality and Growth. Its higher-than-industry valuation is in sync with the Value grade. In addition, the company’s mixed profitability and financials are consistent with the Quality and Growth grade.

Among the 69 stocks in the C-rated Auto Parts industry, APTV is ranked #51.

Beyond what I have stated above, you can view APTV ratings for Stability, Momentum, and Sentiment here.

Bottom Line

While increased demand for auto parts, and technical advancements in manufacturing processes are driving the expansion of the auto parts sector in the United States, recent analysts’ downgrades on the stock are concerning. In addition, the stock is currently trading below its 50-day and 200-day moving averages of $108.61 and $143.38, respectively, indicating bearish sentiment. Furthermore, given its lofty valuation, we think investors should wait before scooping up its shares.

How Does Aptiv Plc (APTV) Stack Up Against its Peers?

While APTV has an overall C rating, one might want to consider its industry peers, Ituran Location & Control Ltd. (ITRN), Genuine Parts Co. (GPC), and Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin (MGDDY), which have an overall A (Strong Buy) rating.

APTV shares were unchanged in premarket trading Friday. Year-to-date, APTV has declined -42.45%, versus a -17.75% rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period.

About the Author: Pragya Pandey

Pragya is an equity research analyst and financial journalist with a passion for investing. In college she majored in finance and is currently pursuing the CFA program and is a Level II candidate. More...

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