CAAS
China Automotive Systems, Inc.
Auto - Parts
Market Cap$138M
5Y Perf.+136.1%
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Stock Comparison
CAAS vs GM
Revenue, margins, valuation, and 5-year total return — side by side.
GM
General Motors Company
Auto - Manufacturers
Market Cap$70.96B
5Y Perf.+204.1%
CAAS vs GM — Key Financials
Market cap, revenue, margins, and valuation side-by-side.
| Company Snapshot | CAAS | GM |
|---|---|---|
| Industry | Auto - Parts | Auto - Manufacturers |
| Market Cap | $138M | $70.96B |
| Revenue (TTM) | $696M | $184.62B |
| Net Income (TTM) | $29M | $2.54B |
| Gross Margin | 16.5% | 6.1% |
| Operating Margin | 5.9% | 1.3% |
| Forward P/E | 7.2x | 6.2x |
| Total Debt | $209M | $130.28B |
| Cash & Equiv. | $142M | $20.95B |
CAAS vs GM — Long-Term Stock Performance
Price return indexed to 100 at period start. Dividends excluded.
CAAS
GM
| Stock | May 20 | May 26 | Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| China Automotive Sy… (CAAS) | 100 | 236.1 | +136.1% |
| General Motors Comp… (GM) | 100 | 304.1 | +204.1% |
Price return only. Dividends and distributions are not included.
Quick Verdict: CAAS vs GM
Each card shows where this stock fits in a portfolio — not just who wins on paper.
Bottom line: CAAS leads in 5 of 7 categories, making it the strongest pick for growth and revenue expansion and profitability and margin quality. General Motors Company is the stronger pick specifically for valuation and capital efficiency 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
GM
General Motors Company
The Long-Run Compounder
GM is the clearest fit if your priority is long-term compounding.
- 179.6% 10Y total return vs CAAS's 33.5%
- Lower P/E (6.2x vs 7.2x)
- +74.5% vs CAAS's +14.5%
Best for: long-term compounding
See the full category breakdown
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Growth | CAAS | 17.6% revenue growth vs GM's -1.3% |
| Value | GM | Lower P/E (6.2x vs 7.2x) |
| Quality / Margins | CAAS | 4.2% margin vs GM's 1.4% |
| Stability / Safety | CAAS | Beta 0.42 vs GM's 1.07, lower leverage |
| Dividends | CAAS | 1.6% yield, vs GM's 0.9% |
| Momentum (1Y) | GM | +74.5% vs CAAS's +14.5% |
| Efficiency (ROA) | CAAS | 3.5% ROA vs GM's 0.9%, ROIC 8.8% vs 1.3% |
CAAS vs GM — Revenue Breakdown by Segment
How each company's revenue is distributed across its business units
FY 2024
FY 2025
CAAS vs GM — Financial Metrics
Side-by-side numbers across 2 stocks — who leads on profitability, valuation, growth, and risk.
BEST OVERALLCAASLAGGINGGM
GMGeneral Motors Company
1leads
CAASChina Automotive Syst…
3leads
6 Total Categories
CATEGORYLEADERvs GMMETRICS WON
Income & Cash FlowRevenue, margins, and cash flow strength
CAAS5/6
Valuation MetricsMultiples, price ratios, and targets
CAAS5/6
Profitability & EfficiencyROE, ROIC, leverage, and quality scores
CAAS9/9
Total Returns1Y, 3Y, 5Y total returns with dividends
GM5/6
Risk & VolatilityBeta, volatility, and downside exposure
Tied
—
Analyst OutlookRatings, price targets, and dividends
Tied
—
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
CAAS leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Income & Cash Flow (Last 12 Months)
GM is the larger business by revenue, generating $184.6B annually — 265.2x CAAS's $696M. Profitability is closely matched — net margins range from 4.2% (CAAS) to 1.4% (GM). On growth, CAAS holds the edge at +11.1% YoY revenue growth, suggesting stronger near-term business momentum.
| Metric | CAASChina Automotive … | GMGeneral Motors Co… |
|---|---|---|
| RevenueTrailing 12 months | $696M | $184.6B |
| EBITDAEarnings before interest/tax | $60M | $15.5B |
| Net IncomeAfter-tax profit | $29M | $2.5B |
| Free Cash FlowCash after capex | -$3M | $12.5B |
| Gross MarginGross profit ÷ Revenue | +16.5% | +6.1% |
| Operating MarginEBIT ÷ Revenue | +5.9% | +1.3% |
| Net MarginNet income ÷ Revenue | +4.2% | +1.4% |
| FCF MarginFCF ÷ Revenue | -0.4% | +6.8% |
| Rev. Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +11.1% | -0.9% |
| EPS Growth (YoY)Latest quarter vs prior year | +4.2% | -15.2% |
CAAS leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
CAAS leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Valuation Metrics
At 3.2x trailing earnings, CAAS trades at a 87% valuation discount to GM's 24.1x P/E. On an enterprise value basis, CAAS's 2.8x EV/EBITDA is more attractive than GM's 10.3x.
| Metric | CAASChina Automotive … | GMGeneral Motors Co… |
|---|---|---|
| Market CapShares × price | $138M | $71.0B |
| Enterprise ValueMkt cap + debt − cash | $206M | $180.3B |
| Trailing P/EPrice ÷ TTM EPS | 3.23x | 24.07x |
| Forward P/EPrice ÷ next-FY EPS est. | 7.16x | 6.24x |
| PEG RatioP/E ÷ EPS growth rate | — | — |
| EV / EBITDAEnterprise value multiple | 2.79x | 10.30x |
| Price / SalesMarket cap ÷ Revenue | 0.18x | 0.38x |
| Price / BookPrice ÷ Book value/share | 0.31x | 1.21x |
| Price / FCFMarket cap ÷ FCF | 1.94x | 6.41x |
CAAS leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
CAAS leads this category, winning 9 of 9 comparable metrics.
Profitability & Efficiency
CAAS delivers a 7.4% return on equity — every $100 of shareholder capital generates $7 in annual profit, vs $4 for GM. CAAS carries lower financial leverage with a 0.46x debt-to-equity ratio, signaling a more conservative balance sheet compared to GM's 2.06x. On the Piotroski fundamental quality scale (0–9), CAAS scores 7/9 vs GM's 6/9, reflecting strong financial health.
| Metric | CAASChina Automotive … | GMGeneral Motors Co… |
|---|---|---|
| ROE (TTM)Return on equity | +7.4% | +3.8% |
| ROA (TTM)Return on assets | +3.5% | +0.9% |
| ROICReturn on invested capital | +8.8% | +1.3% |
| ROCEReturn on capital employed | +13.9% | +1.6% |
| Piotroski ScoreFundamental quality 0–9 | 7 | 6 |
| Debt / EquityFinancial leverage | 0.46x | 2.06x |
| Net DebtTotal debt minus cash | $67M | $109.3B |
| Cash & Equiv.Liquid assets | $142M | $20.9B |
| Total DebtShort + long-term debt | $209M | $130.3B |
| Interest CoverageEBIT ÷ Interest expense | 22.18x | 2.60x |
CAAS leads this category, winning 9 of 9 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
GM leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Total Returns (Dividends Reinvested)
A $10,000 investment in GM five years ago would be worth $13,704 today (with dividends reinvested), compared to $12,659 for CAAS. Over the past 12 months, GM leads with a +74.5% total return vs CAAS's +14.5%. The 3-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) favors GM at 33.6% vs CAAS's 7.4% — a key indicator of consistent wealth creation.
| Metric | CAASChina Automotive … | GMGeneral Motors Co… |
|---|---|---|
| YTD ReturnYear-to-date | +6.3% | -2.6% |
| 1-Year ReturnPast 12 months | +14.5% | +74.5% |
| 3-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +24.0% | +138.3% |
| 5-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +26.6% | +37.0% |
| 10-Year ReturnCumulative with dividends | +33.5% | +179.6% |
| CAGR (3Y)Annualised 3-year return | +7.4% | +33.6% |
GM leads this category, winning 5 of 6 comparable metrics.
Risk & Volatility
Evenly matched — CAAS and GM 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 GM's 1.07 beta. A beta below 1.0 means the stock typically moves less than the S&P 500.
| Metric | CAASChina Automotive … | GMGeneral Motors Co… |
|---|---|---|
| Beta (5Y)Sensitivity to S&P 500 | 0.42x | 1.07x |
| 52-Week HighHighest price in past year | $5.15 | $87.62 |
| 52-Week LowLowest price in past year | $3.84 | $44.84 |
| % of 52W HighCurrent price vs 52-week peak | +88.9% | +89.8% |
| RSI (14)Momentum oscillator 0–100 | 56.6 | 46.3 |
| Avg Volume (50D)Average daily shares traded | 29K | 6.8M |
Evenly matched — CAAS and GM each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
Evenly matched — CAAS and GM each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Analyst Outlook
For income investors, CAAS offers the higher dividend yield at 1.58% vs GM's 0.86%.
| Metric | CAASChina Automotive … | GMGeneral Motors Co… |
|---|---|---|
| Analyst RatingConsensus buy/hold/sell | — | Buy |
| Price TargetConsensus 12-month target | — | $91.75 |
| # AnalystsCovering analysts | — | 51 |
| Dividend YieldAnnual dividend ÷ price | +1.6% | +0.9% |
| Dividend StreakConsecutive years of raises | 0 | 4 |
| Dividend / ShareAnnual DPS | $0.07 | $0.68 |
| Buyback YieldShare repurchases ÷ mkt cap | 0.0% | +8.5% |
Evenly matched — CAAS and GM each lead in 1 of 2 comparable metrics.
Key Takeaway
CAAS leads in 3 of 6 categories (Income & Cash Flow, Valuation Metrics). GM leads in 1 (Total Returns). 2 tied.
Best OverallChina Automotive Systems, I… (CAAS)Leads 3 of 6 categories
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CAAS vs GM: Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions · data-driven answers · updated daily
01Is CAAS or GM 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 -1. 3% for General Motors Company (GM). China Automotive Systems, Inc. (CAAS) offers the better valuation at 3. 2x trailing P/E (7. 2x forward), making it the more compelling value choice. Analysts rate General Motors Company (GM) a "Buy" — based on 51 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 GM?
On trailing P/E, China Automotive Systems, Inc.
(CAAS) is the cheapest at 3. 2x versus General Motors Company at 24. 1x. On forward P/E, General Motors Company is actually cheaper at 6. 2x — notably different from the trailing picture, reflecting expected earnings growth.
03Which is the better long-term investment — CAAS or GM?
Over the past 5 years, General Motors Company (GM) delivered a total return of +37.
0%, compared to +26. 6% for China Automotive Systems, Inc. (CAAS). Over 10 years, the gap is even starker: GM returned +179. 6% versus CAAS's +33. 5%. 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 GM?
By beta (market sensitivity over 5 years), China Automotive Systems, Inc.
(CAAS) is the lower-risk stock at 0. 42β versus General Motors Company's 1. 07β — meaning GM is approximately 159% 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 2% for General Motors Company — giving it more financial flexibility in a downturn.
05Which is growing faster — CAAS or GM?
By revenue growth (latest reported year), China Automotive Systems, Inc.
(CAAS) is pulling ahead at 17. 6% versus -1. 3% for General Motors Company (GM). On earnings-per-share growth, the picture is similar: China Automotive Systems, Inc. grew EPS 43. 4% year-over-year, compared to -48. 7% for General Motors Company. 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 GM?
China Automotive Systems, Inc.
(CAAS) is the more profitable company, earning 5. 6% net margin versus 1. 5% for General Motors Company — meaning it keeps 5. 6% of every revenue dollar as bottom-line profit. Operating margin tells a similar story: CAAS leads at 7. 8% versus 1. 6% for GM. At the gross margin level — before operating expenses — CAAS leads at 19. 0%, 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 GM more undervalued right now?
On forward earnings alone, General Motors Company (GM) trades at 6.
2x forward P/E versus 7. 2x for China Automotive Systems, Inc. — 0. 9x cheaper on a one-year earnings basis.
08Which pays a better dividend — CAAS or GM?
All stocks in this comparison pay dividends.
China Automotive Systems, Inc. (CAAS) offers the highest yield at 1. 6%, versus 0. 9% for General Motors Company (GM).
09Is CAAS or GM 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: +33. 5%, GM: +179. 6%), 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 GM?
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; GM is a mid-cap quality compounder 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.
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