AXL
American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.
Auto - Parts
Market Cap$761M
5Y Perf.-9.8%
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Stock Comparison
AXL vs APTV
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
APTV
Aptiv PLC
Auto - Parts
Market Cap$12.11B
5Y Perf.-2.4%
AXL vs APTV — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | AXL | APTV |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Auto - Parts | Auto - Parts |
| Market Cap | $761M | $12.11B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $5.84B | $20.66B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $-20M | $365M |
| Gross Margin | 12.1% | 19.1% |
| Operating Margin | 1.9% | 5.2% |
| Forward P/E | 13.6x | 8.7x |
| Total Debt | $135M | $8.09B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $709M | $1.85B |
AXL vs APTV — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
AXL
APTV
| Stock | May 20 | Mar 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Axle & Man… (AXL) | 100 | 90.2 | -9.8% |
| Aptiv PLC (APTV) | 100 | 97.6 | -2.4% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: AXL vs APTV
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: APTV leads in 5 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for growth and revenue expansion and valuation and capital efficiency. American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. is the stronger pick specifically for recent price momentum and sentiment. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
AXL
American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.
The Income Pick
AXL is the clearest fit if your priority is income & stability and sleep-well-at-night.
- Dividend streak 0 yrs, beta 1.84
- Lower volatility, beta 1.84, Low D/E 21.1%, current ratio 2.95x
- +54.5% vs APTV's -2.4%
Best for: income & stability and sleep-well-at-night
APTV
Aptiv PLC
The Growth Play
APTV carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for growth exposure and long-term compounding.
- Rev growth 3.5%, EPS growth -89.2%, 3Y rev CAGR 5.3%
- 8.7% 10Y total return vs AXL's -60.4%
- Beta 1.44, current ratio 1.74x
Best for: growth exposure and long-term compounding
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | APTV | 3.5% revenue growth vs AXL's -4.7% |
| Value | APTV | Lower P/E (8.7x vs 13.6x) |
| Quality / Margins | APTV | 1.8% margin vs AXL's -0.3% |
| Stability / Safety | APTV | Beta 1.44 vs AXL's 1.84 |
| Dividends | Tie | Neither stock pays a meaningful dividend |
| Momentum (1Y) | AXL | +54.5% vs APTV's -2.4% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | APTV | 1.7% ROA vs AXL's -0.3%, ROIC 5.5% vs 6.0% |
AXL vs APTV — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2025
FY 2025
AXL vs APTV — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLAXLLAGGINGAPTV
APTVAptiv PLC
2leads
AXLAmerican Axle & Manuf…
2leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs APTVMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
APTV6/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
AXL5/6
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
APTV5/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
AXL5/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
Tied
—
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
—
—
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
APTV leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
APTV is the larger business by revenue, generating $20.7B annually — 3.5x AXL's $5.8B. Profitability is closely matched — net margins range from 1.8% (APTV) to -0.3% (AXL). On growth, APTV holds the edge at +5.4% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | AXLAmerican Axle & M… | APTVAptiv PLC |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $5.8B | $20.7B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $454M | $1.8B |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | -$20M | $365M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | $155M | $1.1B |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +12.1% | +19.1% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +1.9% | +5.2% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | -0.3% | +1.8% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | +2.7% | +5.3% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +0.2% | +5.4% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | -4.7% | +19.4% |
APTV leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
AXL leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
On an enterprise value basis, AXL's 1.7x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than APTV's 8.4x.
| Metric | AXLAmerican Axle & M… | APTVAptiv PLC |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $761M | $12.1B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $187M | $18.3B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | -37.71x | 75.73x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 13.63x | 8.70x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 1.67x | 8.44x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 0.13x | 0.59x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 1.19x | 1.32x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 4.91x | 7.92x |
AXL leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
APTV leads this category, winning 5 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
APTV delivers a 3.8% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $4 in annual profit, vs $-3 for AXL. AXL carries lower financial leverage with a 0.21x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to APTV's 0.85x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), APTV scores 8/9 vs AXL's 5/9, reflecting strong financial health.
| Metric | AXLAmerican Axle & M… | APTVAptiv PLC |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | -3.1% | +3.8% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | -0.3% | +1.7% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +6.0% | +5.5% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +2.4% | +6.5% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 5 | 8 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.21x | 0.85x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | -$574M | $6.2B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $709M | $1.9B |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $135M | $8.1B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 3.83x | 4.44x |
APTV leads this category, winning 5 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
AXL leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in AXL five years ago would be worth $6,568 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $4,015 for APTV. Over the past 12 months, AXL leads with a +54.5% total return vs APTV's -2.4%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors AXL at -4.2% vs APTV's -15.4% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | AXLAmerican Axle & M… | APTVAptiv PLC |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | -1.2% | -27.6% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +54.5% | -2.4% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -12.0% | -39.6% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -34.3% | -59.8% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | -60.4% | +8.7% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | -4.2% | -15.4% |
AXL leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — AXL and APTV each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
APTV is the less volatile stock with a 1.44 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than AXL's 1.84 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500. AXL currently trades 69.3% from its 52-week high vs APTV's 63.9% drawdown — a narrower gap to the peak suggests stronger recent price momentum.
| Metric | AXLAmerican Axle & M… | APTVAptiv PLC |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 1.84x | 1.44x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $9.25 | $88.93 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $3.94 | $52.38 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +69.3% | +63.9% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 35.2 | 29.4 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 5.0M | 2.6M |
Evenly matched — AXL and APTV each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Insufficient data to determine a leader in this category.
Analyst Outlook
Wall Street rates AXL as "Hold" and APTV as "Buy". Consensus price targets imply 66.8% upside for APTV (target: $95) vs 65.8% for AXL (target: $11).
| Metric | AXLAmerican Axle & M… | APTVAptiv PLC |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | Hold | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | $10.63 | $94.75 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | 20 | 33 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | — | — |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 0 | 0 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | — | — |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | 0.0% | +3.3% |
Insufficient data to determine a leader in this category.
Key Takeaway
APTV leads in 2 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Profitability & Efficiency). AXL leads in 2 (Valuation Metrics, Total Returns). 1 tied.
Best OverallAmerican Axle & Manufacturi… (AXL)Leads 2 of 6 categories
Loading custom metrics...
AXL vs APTV: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is AXL or APTV a better buy right now?
For growth investors, Aptiv PLC (APTV) is the stronger pick with 3.
5% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -4. 7% for American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. (AXL). Aptiv PLC (APTV) offers the better valuation at 75. 7x trailing P/E (8. 7x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Aptiv PLC (APTV) a "Buy" — based on 33 analyst ratings — the highest consensus in this comparison. The "better buy" depends entirely on your goals: growth investors should weight revenue trajectory, value investors should weight P/E and PEG, and income investors should weight dividend yield and streak.
02Which has the better valuation — AXL or APTV?
On forward P/E, Aptiv PLC is actually cheaper at 8.
7x.
03Which is the better long-term investment — AXL or APTV?
Over the past 5 years, American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.
(AXL) delivered a total return of -34. 3%, compared to -59. 8% for Aptiv PLC (APTV). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: APTV returned +8. 7% versus AXL's -60. 4%. Past returns do not guarantee future results, and the stock with the higher historical return may already have its best growth priced in.
04Which is safer — AXL or APTV?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), Aptiv PLC (APTV) is the lower-risk stock at 1.
44β versus American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. 's 1. 84β — meaning AXL is approximately 28% more volatile than APTV relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. (AXL) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 21% versus 85% for Aptiv PLC — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — AXL or APTV?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), Aptiv PLC (APTV) is pulling ahead at 3.
5% versus -4. 7% for American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. (AXL). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: Aptiv PLC grew EPS -89. 2% year-over-year, compared to -158. 6% for American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, APTV leads at 5. 3% annualised revenue growth. Higher growth typically commands a higher valuation multiple — check whether the premium P/E or P/S is justified by the growth rate using the PEG ratio.
06Which has better profit margins — AXL or APTV?
Aptiv PLC (APTV) is the more profitable company, earning 0.
8% net margin versus -0. 3% for American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. — meaning it keeps 0. 8% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: APTV leads at 5. 8% versus 1. 9% for AXL. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — APTV leads at 19. 1%, reflecting greater pricing power or product mix advantage. Stronger margins indicate durable pricing power, lower cost of revenue, or higher mix of software/services. They are one of the clearest signs of business quality.
07Is AXL or APTV more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, Aptiv PLC (APTV) trades at 8.
7x forward P/E versus 13. 6x for American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. — 4. 9x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis. Analyst consensus price targets imply the most upside for APTV: 66. 8% to $94. 75.
08Which pays a better dividend — AXL or APTV?
None of the stocks in this comparison currently pay a material dividend.
All are effectively zero-yield and should be held for capital appreciation rather than income.
09Is AXL or APTV better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, Aptiv PLC (APTV) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding.
American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. (AXL) carries a higher beta of 1. 84 — meaning larger drawdowns in market downturns, which matters significantly when you cannot wait years for a recovery. Both have compounded well over 10 years (APTV: +8. 7%, AXL: -60. 4%), confirming both are viable long-term holds — but the lower-volatility option typically results in less emotional selling during corrections. Retirement portfolios generally favour predictability over maximum returns. Consult a financial advisor before making allocation decisions.
10What are the main differences between AXL and APTV?
Both stocks operate in the Consumer Cyclical sector, making this a peer-level intra-sector comparison — the same macro tailwinds and headwinds will affect both.
These fundamental differences mean investors should not choose between them on a single metric — the "better stock" depends entirely on which of these characteristics aligns with your investment strategy.
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