Barclays cuts Aptiv stock rating, slashes price target to $55

Published 15/04/2025, 10:42
Barclays cuts Aptiv stock rating, slashes price target to $55

On Tuesday, Barclays (LON:BARC) analyst Dan Levy downgraded shares of Aptiv PLC (NYSE:APTV) from Overweight to Equalweight and significantly reduced the price target to $55 from the previous $80. Currently trading at $50.1, near its 52-week low of $47.19, InvestingPro analysis suggests the stock is undervalued, with a P/E ratio of just 7.22x. Levy’s assessment suggests that while Aptiv’s operations conform to current tariff policies due to their compliance with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), potential changes in tariff policies could pose a risk.

Levy noted that Aptiv’s manufacturing presence in North America, with approximately 28% of its cost of goods sold (COGS) originating from Mexico, is a point of vulnerability. For context, the company generated $19.71 billion in revenue over the last twelve months. The analyst expressed concerns that if the U.S. administration decides to impose tariffs on non-US content in vehicles, Aptiv could face challenges. This scenario is seen as a broader bear case for the auto industry.

The Barclays analyst further explained that although Aptiv might attempt to pass the full impact of any prospective tariffs onto its customers, it is uncertain how much of this additional cost the market would be willing to absorb. This uncertainty contributes to the rationale behind the downgrade and the lower price target. InvestingPro data reveals that despite these challenges, the company maintains a GOOD overall financial health score, with liquid assets exceeding short-term obligations.

Aptiv, which specializes in automotive technology, has a significant portion of its manufacturing footprint in Mexico. The company’s compliance with the USMCA currently exempts its US-bound components from tariffs. However, the potential for future tariff policy changes remains a concern for the company’s outlook.

The downgrade and new price target reflect Barclays’ revised expectations for Aptiv’s stock performance in the face of potential headwinds from trade policies. Investors and market observers will likely monitor developments in tariff discussions and their implications for Aptiv’s financial health and stock valuation.

In other recent news, Aptiv PLC has captured significant attention from various analysts due to its strategic initiatives and financial outlook. RBC Capital Markets raised its price target for Aptiv to $82, citing confidence in the company’s ability to meet its Gross Operating Margin guidance, despite conservative forecasts for North American market production levels. In addition, Piper Sandler increased its price target for Aptiv to $67, acknowledging the company’s recent decision to spin off its Electrical Distribution Systems (EDS) segment and its aggressive stock repurchase strategy. TD Cowen initiated coverage with a Buy rating and set a price target of $90, highlighting Aptiv as a Top Supplier Pick due to its strong bookings and anticipated revenue growth acceleration.

HSBC also upgraded Aptiv’s stock rating to Buy and increased the price target to $77, reflecting optimism about the company’s growth potential and the planned spinoff of its Auto division. These analyst actions suggest a positive outlook for Aptiv, with expectations of unlocking value through its strategic moves. The consensus among analysts is that Aptiv’s restructuring efforts, including the EDS spinoff, will position the company favorably in the market. RBC analysts expressed a broader preference for original equipment manufacturers over suppliers amid tariff uncertainties, with Aptiv being one of their favored companies. These developments indicate a strong focus on Aptiv’s strategic realignments and potential for growth in the automotive technology sector.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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