CAAS
China Automotive Systems, Inc.
Auto - Parts
Market Cap$137M
5Y Perf.+134.0%
Compare Stocks
2 / 10Try these comparisons:
Stock Comparison
CAAS vs ALSN
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
ALSN
Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.
Auto - Parts
Market Cap$10.23B
5Y Perf.+226.3%
CAAS vs ALSN — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | CAAS | ALSN |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Auto - Parts | Auto - Parts |
| Market Cap | $137M | $10.23B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $696M | $3.65B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $29M | $543M |
| Gross Margin | 16.5% | 40.8% |
| Operating Margin | 5.9% | 24.1% |
| Forward P/E | 7.1x | 13.6x |
| Total Debt | $209M | $2.92B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $142M | $1.50B |
CAAS vs ALSN — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
CAAS
ALSN
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| China Automotive Sy… (CAAS) | 100 | 234.0 | +134.0% |
| Allison Transmissio… (ALSN) | 100 | 326.3 | +226.3% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: CAAS vs ALSN
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: CAAS leads in 4 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for growth and revenue expansion and valuation and capital efficiency. Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc. is the stronger pick specifically for profitability and margin quality and recent price momentum and sentiment. As sector peers, any of these can serve as alternatives in the same allocation.
CAAS
China Automotive Systems, Inc.
The Income Pick
CAAS carries the broadest edge in this set and is the clearest fit for income & stability and growth exposure.
- Dividend streak 0 yrs, beta 0.42, yield 1.6%
- Rev growth 17.6%, EPS growth 43.4%, 3Y rev CAGR 13.1%
- Lower volatility, beta 0.42, Low D/E 46.5%, current ratio 1.36x
Best for: income & stability and growth exposure
ALSN
Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.
The Long-Run Compounder
ALSN is the clearest fit if your priority is long-term compounding.
- 373.8% 10Y total return vs CAAS's 35.2%
- 14.9% margin vs CAAS's 4.2%
- +27.7% vs CAAS's +12.7%
Best for: long-term compounding
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | CAAS | 17.6% revenue growth vs ALSN's -6.7% |
| Value | CAAS | Lower P/E (7.1x vs 13.6x) |
| Quality / Margins | ALSN | 14.9% margin vs CAAS's 4.2% |
| Stability / Safety | CAAS | Beta 0.42 vs ALSN's 1.11, lower leverage |
| Dividends | CAAS | 1.6% yield, vs ALSN's 0.9% |
| Momentum (1Y) | ALSN | +27.7% vs CAAS's +12.7% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | ALSN | 8.4% ROA vs CAAS's 3.5%, ROIC 22.2% vs 8.8% |
CAAS vs ALSN — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2024
FY 2025
CAAS vs ALSN — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLALSNLAGGINGCAAS
CAASChina Automotive Syst…
1leads
ALSNAllison Transmission …
3leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs CAASMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
ALSN5/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
CAAS6/6
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
ALSN5/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
ALSN6/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
Tied
—
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
Tied
—
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
ALSN leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
ALSN is the larger business by revenue, generating $3.6B annually — 5.2x CAAS's $696M. ALSN is the more profitable business, keeping 14.9% of every revenue dollar as net income compared to CAAS's 4.2%. On growth, ALSN holds the edge at +83.6% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | CAASChina Automotive … | ALSNAllison Transmiss… |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $696M | $3.6B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $60M | $970M |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $29M | $543M |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | -$3M | $713M |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +16.5% | +40.8% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +5.9% | +24.1% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +4.2% | +14.9% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | -0.4% | +19.5% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +11.1% | +83.6% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +4.2% | -40.4% |
ALSN leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
CAAS leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 3.2x trailing earnings, CAAS trades at a 81% valuation discount to ALSN's 16.8x P/E. On an enterprise value basis, CAAS's 2.8x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than ALSN's 10.6x.
| Metric | CAASChina Automotive … | ALSNAllison Transmiss… |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $137M | $10.2B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $204M | $11.7B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 3.20x | 16.79x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 7.09x | 13.60x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | 0.73x |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 2.77x | 10.63x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 0.18x | 3.40x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 0.30x | 5.60x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 1.92x | 15.77x |
CAAS leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
ALSN leads this category, winning 5 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
ALSN delivers a 29.5% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $29 in annual profit, vs $7 for CAAS. CAAS carries lower financial leverage with a 0.46x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to ALSN's 1.56x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), CAAS scores 7/9 vs ALSN's 6/9, reflecting strong financial health.
| Metric | CAASChina Automotive … | ALSNAllison Transmiss… |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +7.4% | +29.5% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +3.5% | +8.4% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +8.8% | +22.2% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +13.9% | +18.6% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 7 | 6 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.46x | 1.56x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $67M | $1.4B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $142M | $1.5B |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $209M | $2.9B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 22.18x | 64.20x |
ALSN leads this category, winning 5 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
ALSN leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in ALSN five years ago would be worth $28,345 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $12,333 for CAAS. Over the past 12 months, ALSN leads with a +27.7% total return vs CAAS's +12.7%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors ALSN at 37.9% vs CAAS's 7.2% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | CAASChina Automotive … | ALSNAllison Transmiss… |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +5.3% | +24.7% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +12.7% | +27.7% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +23.0% | +162.2% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +23.3% | +183.5% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +35.2% | +373.8% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +7.2% | +37.9% |
ALSN leads this category, winning 6 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — CAAS and ALSN each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
CAAS is the less volatile stock with a 0.42 beta — it tends to amplify market swings less than ALSN's 1.11 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500.
| Metric | CAASChina Automotive … | ALSNAllison Transmiss… |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 0.42x | 1.11x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $5.15 | $137.42 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $3.84 | $76.01 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +88.2% | +89.6% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 63.2 | 50.9 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 29K | 814K |
Evenly matched — CAAS and ALSN each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Evenly matched — CAAS and ALSN each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
For income investors, CAAS offers the higher dividend yield at 1.60% vs ALSN's 0.87%.
| Metric | CAASChina Automotive … | ALSNAllison Transmiss… |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | — | Hold |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | — | $116.00 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | — | 29 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +1.6% | +0.9% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 0 | 6 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $0.07 | $1.07 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | 0.0% | +3.2% |
Evenly matched — CAAS and ALSN each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Key Takeaway
ALSN leads in 3 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Profitability & Efficiency). CAAS leads in 1 (Valuation Metrics). 2 tied.
Best OverallAllison Transmission Holdin… (ALSN)Leads 3 of 6 categories
Loading custom metrics...
CAAS vs ALSN: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is CAAS or ALSN a better buy right now?
For growth investors, China Automotive Systems, Inc.
(CAAS) is the stronger pick with 17. 6% revenue growth year-over-year, versus -6. 7% for Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc. (ALSN). China Automotive Systems, Inc. (CAAS) offers the better valuation at 3. 2x trailing P/E (7. 1x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc. (ALSN) a "Hold" — based on 29 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 — CAAS or ALSN?
On trailing P/E, China Automotive Systems, Inc.
(CAAS) is the cheapest at 3. 2x versus Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc. at 16. 8x. On forward P/E, China Automotive Systems, Inc. is actually cheaper at 7. 1x.
03Which is the better long-term investment — CAAS or ALSN?
Over the past 5 years, Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.
(ALSN) delivered a total return of +183. 5%, compared to +23. 3% for China Automotive Systems, Inc. (CAAS). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: ALSN returned +373. 8% versus CAAS's +35. 2%. 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 — CAAS or ALSN?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), China Automotive Systems, Inc.
(CAAS) is the lower-risk stock at 0. 42β versus Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc. 's 1. 11β — meaning ALSN is approximately 166% more volatile than CAAS relative to the S&P 500. On balance sheet safety, China Automotive Systems, Inc. (CAAS) carries a lower debt/equity ratio of 46% versus 156% for Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc. — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — CAAS or ALSN?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), China Automotive Systems, Inc.
(CAAS) is pulling ahead at 17. 6% versus -6. 7% for Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc. (ALSN). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: China Automotive Systems, Inc. grew EPS 43. 4% year-over-year, compared to -11. 8% for Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.. Over a 3-year CAGR, CAAS leads at 13. 1% 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 — CAAS or ALSN?
Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc.
(ALSN) is the more profitable company, earning 20. 7% net margin versus 5. 6% for China Automotive Systems, Inc. — meaning it keeps 20. 7% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: ALSN leads at 32. 3% versus 7. 8% for CAAS. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — ALSN leads at 48. 4%, 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 CAAS or ALSN more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, China Automotive Systems, Inc.
(CAAS) trades at 7. 1x forward P/E versus 13. 6x for Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc. — 6. 5x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis.
08Which pays a better dividend — CAAS or ALSN?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
China Automotive Systems, Inc. (CAAS) offers the highest yield at 1. 6%, versus 0. 9% for Allison Transmission Holdings, Inc. (ALSN).
09Is CAAS or ALSN better for a retirement portfolio?
For long-horizon retirement investors, China Automotive Systems, Inc.
(CAAS) is the stronger choice — it scores higher on the combination of lower volatility, dividend reliability, and long-term compounding (low volatility (β 0. 42), 1. 6% yield). Both have compounded well over 10 years (CAAS: +35. 2%, ALSN: +373. 8%), 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 CAAS and ALSN?
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.
In terms of investment character: CAAS is a small-cap high-growth stock; ALSN is a mid-cap deep-value stock. 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.
Find Stocks Like These
Explore pre-built screens for each stock's profile, or build a custom screen to find stocks that outperform both.
Revenue Growth>
%
(CAAS: 11.1% · ALSN: 83.6%)Net Margin>
%
(CAAS: 4.2% · ALSN: 14.9%)P/E Ratio<
x
(CAAS: 3.2x · ALSN: 16.8x)You Might Also Compare
Based on how these companies actually compete and overlap — not just which sector they're filed under.