PL Group Valuation Multiples

Founded in 1911 by Joseph Eaton, the eponymous company began by selling truck axles in New Jersey. Eaton has since become an industrial powerhouse largely through acquisitions in various end markets. Eaton's portfolio can broadly be divided into two parts: its electrical and industrial businesses. Its electrical portfolio (representing around 70% of company revenue) sells components within data centers, utilities, and commercial and residential buildings, while its industrial business (30% of revenue) sells components within commercial and passenger vehicles and aircraft. Eaton receives favorable tax treatment as a domiciliary of Ireland, but it generates over half of its revenue within the US.

Mitsubishi Corp. is Japan’s largest general trading house, or sogo shosha, a type of conglomerate unique to Japan. Its core role is that of a trading intermediary in a variety of industrial sectors, including resources businesses like energy and metals as well as non-resources businesses, both industrial ones like automotive and non-industrial ones like food, healthcare, and retail. In addition to acting as a trading intermediary (including midstream processing functions to convert inputs into final products), Mitsubishi also participates in upstream production businesses and downstream distribution businesses.

Founded in 1912, Illinois Tool Works has become a diversified industrial manufacturer through acquisitions and innovations that follow customer needs. ITW operates through seven business segments, with no segment representing more than one-fifth of revenue. ITW’s automotive OEM segment sells vehicle components; its food equipment segment sells commercial kitchen appliances; its test and measurement and electronics segment sells inspection and analysis equipment; its welding segment sells welding equipment and consumables; its polymers and fluids segment sells industrial and consumer adhesives, solvents, and coatings; its construction products segment sells building fasteners and tools; and its specialty products segment sells medical, packaging, HVAC, and airport ground equipment.

Hyundai Mobis Co Ltd is an automotive parts manufacturer. The company operates two reportable segments: the Auto Parts segment, which supplies modules and parts required for the complete vehicle manufacturing process, and the After-Sales Services segment, which provides auto parts for After-Sales service needs along with accessories and related products. It generates the majority of its revenue from the Auto parts segment.

Heico is an aerospace and defense supplier that focuses on creating replacement parts for commercial aircraft and components for defense products. In commercial aerospace, Heico is the largest independent producer of replacement aircraft parts. In the defense market, the company produces niche subcomponents used in targeting technology as well as simulation equipment, among other categories. It operates as two segments: the flight support group and the electronic technologies group. Both supply the aerospace and defense sectors to different degrees. Heico is persistently acquisitive, focusing on companies in similar or adjacent markets that offer strong cash flow and profitable growth potential.

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd is a holding company. The company's segment includes Automotive; Farm Equipment and Services. It generates maximum revenue from the Automotive segment. The Automotive segment comprises the sale of automobiles, spares, mobility solutions, construction equipment, and related services. Geographically, it derives a majority of its revenue from India.

Denso was founded on Dec. 16, 1949, as Nippondenso, and is now a leading global manufacturer of automotive components, ranging from thermal and powertrain control systems to electronic and electrification solutions, headquartered in Kariya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, and a core member of the Toyota Group.

Bridgestone Corp is engaged in developing, manufacturing, and marketing tires and diversified products. The company manufactures tires and tubes for passenger cars, trucks and buses, construction and mining vehicles, industrial machinery, agricultural machinery, aircraft, motorcycles and scooters, and others. Its tire operations include retread business, automotive maintenance and repairs, retail business, and raw material supplies, as well as tire development, manufacturing, and marketing. The company also provides diversified products that include industrial products, chemical products, automotive components, construction materials, electronic equipment, bicycles, and sporting goods.

Michelin manufactures tires for passenger vehicles. The company also makes tires for all types of commercial vehicles as well as bicycle, motorcycle, earthmover, aviation, and agricultural tires. Its operations are organized into three operating segments namely Automotive and two-wheel; Road transportation; and Specialty businesses. The company generates maximum revenue from Automotive segments. The Specialty businesses include the Mining, Beyond-road, Two-wheel and Aircraft tire activities, as well as the High-Tech Materials activities. The Services & Solutions businesses are included for the majority part in the "Road transportation and related distribution" segment.

Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co Ltd manufactures and sells glass to be fitted in automobiles. The company is principally engaged in providing total solutions of safety glass and automotive accessories for various transportation vehicles, including the design, manufacture, and sale of automotive grade float glass, automotive glass, locomotive glass, luggage racks, vehicle window trims, and provision of relevant services. The company's product portfolio consists of automobile glasses, such as coating glasses and others, which are applied in passenger cars, buses, limousines and others, and float glasses. The company distributes its products within domestic markets and overseas markets. Geographically, it derives a majority of its revenue from PRC.

TVS Motor Co Ltd is an Indian automobile manufacturing company focused on the production of two-wheeled vehicles. The company principally manufactures motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, three-wheelers, and related spare parts and accessories. The company's reportable segments are Automotive vehicles and parts, Automotive Components, Financial Services, and Others. The company generates a majority of its revenue from the Automotive vehicles and parts segment. Geographically, the company derives its key revenue from India and the rest from other countries through exports.

Traton SE is the parent and holding company of the TRATON GROUP and one of the world’s commercial vehicle manufacturers. With its brands Scania, MAN, International, and Volkswagen Truck and Bus. The Group’s product portfolio comprises trucks, buses, and light-duty commercial vehicles. Transforming Transportation Together. For a sustainable world, this intention underlines the Company’s ambition to have a lasting and sustainable impact on the commercial vehicle business and on the Group’s commercial growth.

Knorr-Bremse AG is engaged in the development, production, marketing, and servicing of Automotive parts. It operates its business activities in two divisions: Rail Vehicle Systems and Commercial Vehicle Systems. Its product portfolio comprises Braking, entrance, and HVAC systems; power electric and control technology; digital solutions; couplers; signal systems; pneumatic braking systems; energy supply and distribution systems; wiper and wash systems; and others. Majority of revenue is from Rail Vehicle System. Its geographical segments are Europe/Africa, North America, South America, and Asia-Pacific.

Magna International prides itself on an entrepreneurial culture and a corporate constitution that outlines the distribution of profits to various stakeholders. This automotive supplier's product groups include exteriors, interiors, seating, roof systems, body and chassis, powertrain, vision and electronic systems, closure systems, electric vehicle systems, tooling and engineering, and contract vehicle assembly. In 2024, 48% of Magna's USD 42.8 billion of revenue came from North America, while Europe accounted for approximately 37% and Asia the remainder. The firm's top six customers constituted 72.9% of revenue, with the top three being GM, Mercedes, and Ford. GM was the largest contributor at 15.4%. Magna was founded in 1957, has over 170,000 employees, and is based in Aurora, Ontario.

Following the spinoff of its automotive middleware business in 2025 and the planned sale of ContiTech, the rubber solutions business, in 2026, Continental will be a pure-play tire manufacturer. According to our research, Continental Tires is the fourth-largest branded tire manufacturer internationally, with approximately 7% market share globally, behind Michelin, Bridgestone, and Goodyear, with global market shares of around 14%, 14% and 9%, respectively. Geographically, its operations remain Europe-heavy, where it derives 52% of revenue, followed by North America, and Asia-Pacific and "other," contributing 29% and 19%, respectively. Twenty-four percent of tires are sold into the new vehicle market with automotive original equipment as customers, and 76% sold as replacement tires.

Zhejiang Century Huatong Group Co Ltd is a China-based company engaged in three main businesses: Internet games, auto parts manufacturing, and artificial intelligence cloud data, as well as brain science research, artificial intelligence, metaverse platform and application development and investment.

Modine Manufacturing Co provides thermal management solutions to diversified markets and customers. The company provides engineered heat transfer systems and heat transfer components for use in on- and off-highway original equipment manufacturer (OEM) vehicular applications in the United States. It offers powertrain cooling products, such as engine cooling assemblies, radiators, condensers, and charge air coolers; auxiliary cooling products, including power steering and transmission oil coolers. Its operating segments include Climate Solutions and Performance Technologies.

Samvardhana Motherson International Ltd is a manufacturer of automotive wiring harnesses and plastic components and modules. The products include wiring harnesses, mirrors for passenger cars, injection molded products, modules including dashboards, door trims, bumpers, blow moulded components, liquid silicone rubber molded components, injection molding tools, extruded rubber products, precision machined metal components, and others. The company has five reportable segments such as Wiring Harness, Modules and polymer products, Integrated Assemblies, Vision systems and Emerging businesses. It derives majority of the revenue from Modules and polymer products segment which is engaged in manufacturing and supplies of plastic parts and system modules for vehicle interiors and exteriors.

Aptiv PLC is an industrial technology company focused on enabling a more automated, electrified and digitalized future. The company's technologies reach from sensor to cloud, including the hardware and software necessary to support automotive and other industries on a global basis. Its Advanced Safety and User Experience segment provides advanced software and services, intelligent sensors and high-performance compute platforms; its Engineered Components Group segment provides connection systems, high-performance interconnects, and cable management and protection solutions; and its Electrical Distribution Systems segment provides low voltage and high voltage power, signal and data distribution.

BorgWarner is a tier one supplier of turbo and thermal management technologies, drivetrain systems, powerdrive systems, and battery and charging systems mostly to automotive original equipment manufacturers. Its products aim to move a vehicle with as few electrons as possible, resulting in cleaner, cost-optimized, and more-efficient vehicles. Foundational products, the combustion vehicle business, contributes more than 80% to group revenue while BorgWarner transitions to becoming an electric vehicle-centric parts supplier (e-business). In 2024, 23% of the company’s revenue was sourced from Volkswagen and Ford. Revenue is well diversified geographically, with approximately a third each generated in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Genuine Parts sells aftermarket automotive parts (60% of sales) and industrial products (40% of sales) in the United States and internationally. The automotive segment primarily acts as a distributor to its network of 9,800 global retail locations, of which about two-thirds are independently owned and operated. We estimate Genuine serves around 6,000 retail locations in the US operating under the Napa Auto Parts brand, with about 80% of end-market sales derived from professional customers. Its industrial segment, primarily operating under the Motion name in the United States, is a leading distributor of bearings, power transmission, and other industrial products to more than 200,000 maintenance, repair, and original equipment manufacturer customers.

Niterra Co Ltd is engaged in the manufacture and sale of automotive components and ceramic products. The group has three reportable segments: Automobile related, Ceramics, and New Businesses. The Automobile related segment manufactures and sells spark plugs, exhaust gas sensors, and other automobile components. The Ceramics segment manufactures and sells cutting tools, industrial machinery parts, semiconductor manufacturing equipment parts, semiconductor packages, and medical oxygen concentrators. The New Businesses segment focuses on products related to environmental energy and other emerging fields.

Schaeffler AG is an automotive and industrial supplier. The company's business is managed based on three divisions: Automotive Technologies, Automotive Aftermarket, and Industrial. The Automotive Technologies division organizes its business in the Engine Systems, Transmission Systems, E-Mobility, and Chassis Systems business divisions. The industrial division distributes components and systems for rotary and linear movements as well as services for a wide range of industrial sectors. The Automotive Aftermarket division is responsible for business with spare vehicle parts. Its Automotive Technologies generates revenue. Its geographical segments are Europe, the Americas, Greater China, and Asia-Pacific.

Bosch Ltd is a holding company of subsidiaries manufacturing and trading automotive products. The company sells car parts such as fuel systems, electrical drives and motors, steering systems, and aftermarket products to the automotive industry. The company's reportable segments are; Automotive products which generate maximum revenue, Consumer Goods, and Others. Its operations in the automotive business consist of diesel systems, gasoline systems, and automotive aftermarket products and services. The Consumer Goods segment predominantly consists of trading activities in power tools and consumables, and the Others segment includes industrial technology, building technology products, and services. Geographically, the company generates a majority of its revenue within India.

Chongqing Changan Automobile Co Ltd is engaged in automobile manufacturing. The company's own-brand models include Alsvin series, CS series, EADO series, RAETON series, Honor, and Oushang series automobiles and passenger cars. The company is also engaged in the research and development, production, and sales of automobile engines. It has also developed businesses such as mobile travel, automotive life services, new marketing, after-sales maintenance, and battery replacement services.

Aisin Corp is a manufacturer and seller of automotive parts, lifestyle and energy-related products, and wellness products. The majority of revenue is generated selling automotive parts and related services, automatic transmissions, car navigation systems, lifestyle products such as sewing machines and beds, and heat pumps. Other operations include cast-iron parts for engines and brakes. The company has operations across the world, supplying a wide range of car manufacturers around the globe.

Autoliv Inc is a developer, manufacturer, and supplier of passive safety systems to the automotive industry with a broad range of product offerings. Its product portfolio includes passive safety systems for commercial vehicles, battery cut-off switches, safety solutions for riders of motorcycles and bikes, airbags (including steering wheels and inflators), seatbelts, etc. Geographically, the group operates in the Americas, Europe, China, and Asia, excluding China, of which the maximum revenue is generated from its business in the Americas.

Allison Transmission is the largest manufacturer of fully automatic transmissions for medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. Its automatic transmissions allow customers to achieve better fuel and operator efficiency than less expensive manual and automated manual transmissions. Allison serves several end markets, including on- and off-highway equipment and military vehicles. Its on-highway business commands approximately 60% global market share. The company’s transmissions can be found in Class 4-8 trucks, buses, and a limited number of large passenger vehicles (heavy-duty pickup trucks and motorhomes). Allison also produces commercial hybrid propulsion systems and is developing fully electric powertrains.

Bharat Forge Ltd is an Indian multinational engaged in metal forging across different industries. The company has the following business units: automotive, power, oil and gas, construction and mining, rail, marine and aerospace. The automotive unit offers products including powertrain components, machines crankshafts, connecting rods, and piston. The Power business unit manufactures components for thermal, wind, hydro and nuclear applications. The Company divides its business into three reporting segments: "Forgings", "Defense", and "Others". The Forgings segment focuses on manufacturing forged components, while the Defense segment centers around defense-related activities. The "Others" segment encompasses all other businesses not covered by Forgings and Defense.

HELLA GmbH & Co KGaA is a manufacturer of lighting and electronic components and systems for the automotive industry. The company also produces complete vehicle modules, air-conditioning systems, and vehicle electrical systems in its joint-venture companies, as well as products for specialist vehicles. Further, Hella operates a trade organisation for automotive parts, accessories, diagnosis, and services in Europe. The company is controlled through a pooled family majority shareholding in the group. The company has three reportable segments which are Lighting, Electronics and Lifecycle Solutions. The company generates majority of the revenue from Lighting segment.

Mobileye Global Inc engages in the development and deployment of ADAS and autonomous driving technologies and solutions. It is building a portfolio of end-to-end ADAS and autonomous driving solutions to provide the capabilities needed for the future of autonomous driving, leveraging a comprehensive suite of purpose-built software and hardware technologies. The company's reportable operating segment are Mobileye and Moovit. Its solutions comprise Driver Assist, Cloud-Enhanced Driver Assist, Mobileye SuperVision Lite, Mobileye SuperVision, Mobileye Chauffeur, Mobileye Drive, Self-Driving System & Vehicles. It derives maximum revenue from Mobileye Segment.

Pirelli & C SpA designs develop, manufactures, and markets tires - for motor vehicles, industrial vehicles, and motorcycles. The company is focused on Prestige and Premium segments. Geographically it derives the majority revenue from Europe and Turkey.

Guangzhou Automobile Group Co Ltd is a state-controlled producer of passenger vehicles, motorcycles, and auto parts. The company's activities are broadly classified into two segments; The vehicles and related operations segment include the production and sale of a variety of passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, automotive parts, and related operations, and the Others segment includes mainly the production and sale of motorcycles, automobile finance, and insurance, other financing services, and investing businesses. The firm's operations are spread across Mainland China and Hong Kong. Its vehicles segment generates a majority of the revenues for the company. Geographically, it derives a majority of its revenue from Mainland China.

Sensata Technologies is a global supplier of sensors for transportation and industrial applications. Sensata sells a bevy of pressure, temperature, force, and position sensors into the automotive, heavy vehicle, industrial, heating, ventilation, and cooling, and aerospace markets. The majority of the firm’s revenue comes from the automotive market, where it focuses on bumper-in applications.

Yamaha Motor Co Ltd is engaged in the manufacture and sale of motorcycles, marine products, and related equipment. The company operates through four reportable segments: Land Mobility, Marine, Robotics, and Financial Services. The Land Mobility segment includes motorcycles, highway vehicles, electric-assist bicycles, automobile engines, and components. The Marine segment handles outboard motors, water vehicles, boats, and fishing vessels. The Robotics segment provides surface mounters, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, industrial robots, and unmanned helicopters, while the Financial Services segment offers sales financing and leasing related to Yamaha products. It generates the majority of its revenue from the Land mobility segment.

Lear Corp designs, develops, and manufactures automotive seating and electrical systems and components. The company has two reporting segments Seating and E-Systems. Seating components include frames and mechanisms, covers (leather and woven fabric), seat heating and cooling, foam, and headrests. Automotive electrical distribution and connection systems and electronic systems include wiring harnesses, terminals and connectors, on-board battery chargers, high-voltage battery management systems. The company earns majority of its revenue from the seating segment.

Shenzhen Kedali Industry Co Ltd is engaged in Research & Development and manufacturing of lithium battery precision structural parts and automotive structural parts.

Yokohama Rubber Co Ltd makes and sells rubber tires, wheels, and other components in two primary segments based on product type: The tires segment, which generates the majority of revenue, sells rubber tires and wheels for automobiles under the Yokohama and Advan brand names; the multiple businesses segment sells hose and couplings, conveyor belts, marine hoses, pneumatic genders, sealants and adhesives, aerospace components, and electronic materials. The majority of revenue comes from Japan.

LKQ Corp is a world-wide distributor of vehicle products, including replacement parts, components and systems used in the repair and maintenance of vehicles, and specialty aftermarket products and accessories to improve the performance, functionality and appearance of vehicles. The company is organized into three operating segments: North America; Europe; and Specialty segment. It derives maximum revenue from Europe Segment. Europe segment is a provider of alternative vehicle replacement and maintenance products in Germany, the United Kingdom, the Benelux region (Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg), Italy, Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, France and various other European countries.

Zhongce Rubber Group Co Ltd is engaged in Research and development, production and sales of tire products such as all-steel tires, semi-steel tires, bias tires and car tires.

RENK Group AG provides vehicle mobility solutions. Its propulsion and drivetrain technology ensures the reliable deployment of forces to set vehicles, vessels, and machinery in motion. The company's business is divided into the following segments; Vehicle Mobility Solutions, Marine and Industry, and Slide Bearings. The Vehicle Mobility Solutions segment which generates maximum revenue, provides technology for the deployment of forces to set vehicles, vessels, and machinery in motion, and also offers products like engines, suspensions, electric drives, and power packs for military vehicles and test systems. Geographically, the company generates maximum revenue from Germany and the rest from America, Asia, Africa, other European countries, Other EU countries, and Australia and Oceania.

Ningbo Joyson Electronic Corp is a global leading supplier of automotive electronics and automotive safety. It is mainly engaged in the research and development and manufacturing of smart cockpits, smart networking, smart driving, new energy management and automotive safety. It currently has two major business divisions, automotive safety and automotive electronics, and has established an Intelligent Vehicle Technology Research Institute and a New Energy Research Institute.

Garrett Motion Inc designs, manufactures and sells engineered turbocharger and electric-boosting technologies for light and commercial vehicle original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The company is a technology leader with expertise in delivering products across gasoline, diesel, natural gas and electrified powertrains. The company also sells its technologies in the aftermarket through its distribution network. The company derives maximum of its revenue from Gas and geographically from Europe.

Sekisui Chemical Co Ltd is a Japanese diversified holding company engaged in the housing, infrastructure, high-performance plastics, and medical businesses. The company operates through four segments: Housing, which handles the manufacture, sale, and renovation of unit housing and real estate services; Environment & Lifeline, which produces and sells plastic pipes, building materials, and infrastructure products; High Performance Plastics, which manufactures glass interlayer films, polyolefin foams, adhesive tapes, and functional materials; and Medical, which produces and sells diagnostic reagents, medical raw materials, and pharmaceutical intermediates. It generates the majority of its revenue from the Housing segment.

BAIC BluePark New Energy Technology Co Ltd is engaged in the research and development, production, sales, and service of new energy pure electric vehicles and core components. The company operates under the Xiangjie, Jihu, and BEIJING brands, offering a range of models that include the Xiangjie S9, Alpha S Pioneer PRO, Alpha T5, Koala series, and others.

QuantumScape Corporation is an American company that researches and develops solid-state rechargeable lithium metal batteries for use in electric cars. It was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in San Jose, California, employs around 850 people. Major investors include Volkswagen Group and Bill Gates.

Hankook Tire & Technology Co Ltd is a manufacturer of rubber automotive tires. It offers a wide range of tires, including options for passenger cars, light trucks, buses, high-performance vehicles, and motorsport use. The company also provides services such as installation, tire replacement, and wheel alignment for different vehicle types. Its products are marketed under several brands, including Laufenn, Kingstar, Ventus, Dynapro, Smart, and VanTRa.

Gentex was founded in 1974 to produce smoke-detection equipment. The company sold its first glare-control interior mirror in 1982 and its first model using electrochromic technology in 1987. Automotive revenue is about 98% of total revenue. The company is constantly developing new applications for the technology to remain on top. Sales in 2024 totaled about $2.3 billion, with 47.7 million mirrors shipped. The unit mix breaks out as 63% interior and 37% exterior, versus 31% exterior in 2019. The company is based in Zeeland, Michigan.