Superior Industries International, Inc. (SUP)

Superior Industries International, Inc. (SUP) Consumer Business Overview

Superior Industries International, Inc. is a long-standing manufacturer and distributor of aluminum wheels for automobiles and light trucks, serving both OEM and aftermarket segments across North America and Europe. Operating since 1957, the company leverages brands like ATS and RIAL to maintain its position in the consumer cyclical auto parts industry.

What Is the Investment Thesis for SUP?

Superior Industries International, Inc. presents an investment profile characterized by its established market position in aluminum wheel manufacturing and distribution, serving both OEM and aftermarket segments across North America and Europe. A key strength lies in its long-standing relationships with major automotive manufacturers, providing a stable foundation for demand. However, the company currently faces significant financial headwinds, evidenced by a negative profit margin of -28.3% and a negative gross margin of -0.5%. These metrics highlight challenges in profitability and cost management. The company's market capitalization stands at $0.01 billion, indicating a small-cap valuation, while its Beta of 3.32 suggests high volatility relative to the broader market. Growth catalysts include future developments in electric vehicle (EV) wheel design and demand, which could open new revenue streams as the automotive industry transitions. Investors must closely monitor fluctuations in aluminum prices, a critical raw material, and overall automotive production volumes, as these factors significantly impact financial performance. Strategic initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiencies and securing new EV-related contracts will be crucial for future value creation.

Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis

SUP Key Highlights

• Market Capitalization: $0.01 billion, indicating a small-cap company valuation.
• Profit Margin: -28.3%, reflecting current unprofitability and operational challenges.
• Gross Margin: -0.5%, suggesting significant pressures on the cost of goods sold relative to revenue.
• Beta: 3.32, indicating high volatility relative to the broader market, implying greater risk.
• No Dividend: The company does not currently pay a dividend, focusing on reinvestment or managing its financial position.

Who Are SUP's Competitors?

SUP is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.

AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance

What Are SUP's Key Strengths?

• Long-standing relationships with major automotive manufacturers.
• Established brand portfolio (ATS, RIAL, ALUTEC, ANZIO) in both OEM and aftermarket segments.
• Specialized manufacturing expertise in aluminum wheel production.
• Geographic presence across North America and Europe.

What Are SUP's Weaknesses?

• Negative profit margin of -28.3%, indicating unprofitability.
• Negative gross margin of -0.5%, highlighting cost of goods sold pressures.
• High Beta of 3.32, suggesting significant stock price volatility.
• Dependence on overall automotive production volumes and sales.

What Could Drive SUP Stock Higher?

• Introduction of new wheel designs specifically for electric vehicles, potentially securing new OEM contracts as the EV market expands.
• Strategic initiatives aimed at expanding market share within the European aftermarket segment, leveraging existing brand recognition and distribution networks.
• Implementation of significant cost-saving measures or efficiency improvements in manufacturing processes to address negative gross and profit margins.
• Continued strengthening of relationships with major automotive manufacturers, leading to sustained order volumes and potential for new platform wins.

What Are the Key Risks for SUP?

• Financial-distress signal — its Altman Z-Score of -1.32 sits in the distress zone (elevated bankruptcy risk).
• Weak fundamentals — a Piotroski F-Score of 3/9 flags soft profitability, leverage or efficiency.
• Fluctuations in aluminum prices, which directly impact raw material costs and can further compress the company's already negative profit and gross margins.
• Volatility in overall automotive production volumes, leading to unpredictable demand from OEM customers and impacting manufacturing utilization.
• Intense competition within the highly fragmented auto parts industry, potentially leading to pricing pressures and erosion of market share.
• Economic downturns or shifts in consumer spending habits that could reduce demand for new vehicles and aftermarket parts.
• Supply chain disruptions, including geopolitical events or logistical challenges, affecting the availability of raw materials or components.

What Are the Growth Opportunities for SUP?

• Electric Vehicle (EV) Wheel Design and Demand: The shift towards EVs presents an opportunity for specialized wheel designs that cater to unique EV requirements, such as aerodynamics, weight reduction, and aesthetic integration with futuristic vehicle designs. As the global EV market expands, Superior Industries can leverage its manufacturing expertise to develop and supply wheels optimized for these vehicles. This involves investing in R&D for lighter alloys and more efficient designs, potentially opening new revenue streams within a rapidly growing segment of the automotive industry. The timeline for this opportunity is ongoing, with significant growth projected over the next decade.
• Aftermarket Expansion in Europe: Superior Industries already serves aftermarket retailers in Europe under brands like ATS, RIAL, ALUTEC, and ANZIO. There is an opportunity to deepen market penetration and expand distribution channels within the European aftermarket segment. This could involve strategic partnerships with larger retail chains, e-commerce platforms, or specialized automotive parts distributors. By enhancing brand visibility and product availability, the company can capitalize on the consistent demand for replacement and upgrade wheels, which is less susceptible to new vehicle production cycles. This expansion offers a continuous growth avenue.
• Technological Advancements in Wheel Manufacturing: Continuous innovation in manufacturing processes, such as advanced casting techniques, flow forming, or lightweight alloy development, can enhance product performance, reduce production costs, and improve fuel efficiency for vehicles. Superior Industries can invest in these technologies to offer differentiated products that meet evolving OEM and aftermarket demands for performance, durability, and aesthetics. Such advancements could also lead to higher margins and a stronger competitive position by offering superior products that justify premium pricing. This is an ongoing opportunity with continuous R&D.
• Strengthening OEM Relationships through Innovation: The company's long-standing relationships with major automotive manufacturers are a key strength. By proactively collaborating with OEMs on next-generation vehicle platforms and offering innovative wheel solutions that align with their design and performance objectives, Superior Industries can secure long-term supply contracts. This includes developing wheels for new vehicle segments, integrating smart technologies into wheels, or providing customized design services. Deepening these partnerships ensures a stable revenue base and positions the company as a preferred supplier for future automotive trends. This is an ongoing strategic opportunity.
• Geographic Expansion in Emerging Markets: While the company primarily serves North America and Europe, there could be opportunities to explore new geographic markets, particularly in regions with growing automotive production and increasing disposable incomes. Emerging markets often present a burgeoning demand for both new vehicles and aftermarket parts. A strategic entry into select high-growth regions, potentially through joint ventures or localized manufacturing, could diversify revenue streams and reduce reliance on established markets. This would be a longer-term strategic initiative, likely spanning several years for implementation and market penetration.

What Opportunities Does SUP Have?

• Growth in electric vehicle (EV) wheel design and demand.
• Expansion of aftermarket presence and distribution channels, particularly in Europe.
• Technological advancements in wheel manufacturing processes to improve efficiency and product offerings.
• Strengthening existing OEM relationships through collaborative innovation on new vehicle platforms.

What Threats Does SUP Face?

• Fluctuations in aluminum prices, directly impacting raw material costs and margins.
• Economic downturns or shifts in consumer spending impacting automotive sales and aftermarket demand.
• Intense competition from other domestic and international wheel manufacturers.
• Potential supply chain disruptions affecting raw material availability or production schedules.

What Are SUP's Competitive Advantages?

• Long-standing relationships with major automotive manufacturers, indicating deep integration into OEM supply chains and established trust.
• Established brand portfolio including ATS, RIAL, ALUTEC, and ANZIO, providing recognition and market presence in both OEM and aftermarket segments.
• Specialized manufacturing expertise in aluminum wheel production, a capital-intensive and technically demanding process requiring significant know-how.
• Extensive geographic reach across North America and Europe, providing diversified market access and reducing reliance on a single region.

What Does SUP Do?

Superior Industries International, Inc., established in 1957 and headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, has evolved into a prominent global designer, manufacturer, and distributor of aluminum wheels. The company's foundational mission has been to supply high-quality, durable, and aesthetically pleasing wheels for the automotive industry. Over decades, Superior Industries has cultivated extensive expertise in aluminum casting and finishing technologies, enabling it to produce a diverse range of wheels tailored for both original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and various aftermarket retailers. Its operational footprint spans across key automotive markets in North America and Europe, ensuring broad market access and responsiveness to regional demands. The company specializes exclusively in aluminum wheels designed for use in automobiles and light trucks, a focused approach that has allowed for deep specialization and efficiency in its core competencies. Superior Industries markets its comprehensive product line under several distinct and recognized brand names, including ATS, RIAL, ALUTEC, and ANZIO. These brands cater to different segments of the market, from premium performance wheels to stylish aftermarket options, providing a competitive edge and diverse customer appeal. The company's business model relies on its ability to forge and maintain long-standing relationships with major automotive manufacturers, positioning it as a trusted supplier for new vehicle production. Concurrently, its robust aftermarket presence ensures a continuous revenue stream from replacement and upgrade sales. With a substantial workforce of 6,500 employees, Superior Industries manages complex manufacturing processes and extensive distribution networks, from initial design and engineering to advanced production and logistics. This integrated approach emphasizes quality control and consistent supply, critical factors in the demanding automotive supply chain. The company's strategic focus remains on adapting to the evolving automotive landscape, including the growing demand for specialized wheel designs for electric vehicles and the ongoing industry push for lightweight components to enhance fuel efficiency and performance. Superior Industries International, Inc. continues to leverage its history, brand portfolio, and manufacturing prowess to navigate market dynamics and sustain its position in the global aluminum wheel market.

What Products and Services Does SUP Offer?

• Design aluminum wheels for automobiles and light trucks.
• Manufacture aluminum wheels using specialized production processes.
• Distribute wheels to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for new vehicle assembly.
• Supply wheels to various aftermarket retailers across North America and Europe.
• Offer products under distinct brand names including ATS, RIAL, ALUTEC, and ANZIO.
• Focus on the creation and production of high-quality aluminum wheel components.
• Maintain corporate headquarters in Southfield, Michigan, with operations spanning multiple continents.

How Does SUP Make Money?

• Generate revenue through the sale of aluminum wheels directly to vehicle manufacturers for original equipment installation.
• Derive income from selling branded aluminum wheels to aftermarket retailers for replacement, customization, and upgrades.
• Leverage a multi-brand strategy (ATS, RIAL, ALUTEC, ANZIO) to target diverse market segments and customer preferences.
• Operate manufacturing facilities to control the entire production process from design to finished product, ensuring quality and supply.
• Utilize extensive distribution networks to reach both OEM clients and aftermarket channels efficiently across North America and Europe.

What Industry Does SUP Operate In?

Superior Industries International, Inc. operates within the highly cyclical Auto - Parts industry, a sub-sector of Consumer Cyclical, which is directly influenced by consumer spending, economic conditions, and automotive production trends. The global automotive parts market is characterized by intense competition, technological advancements, and a constant need for efficiency and innovation. Superior Industries specializes in aluminum wheels, a critical component for both vehicle aesthetics and performance. The company's dual focus on original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and the aftermarket positions it to capture demand from both new vehicle sales and the ongoing maintenance and customization needs of existing vehicles. Key market trends include the increasing adoption of electric vehicles, which necessitates specialized wheel designs for weight reduction and aerodynamics, and the continuous pressure for lightweight materials to improve fuel efficiency in internal combustion engine vehicles. Superior Industries leverages its established brand portfolio, including ATS and RIAL, to compete in this dynamic landscape, aiming to differentiate through design, quality, and supply chain reliability.

Who Are SUP's Key Customers?

• Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the automotive industry for new vehicle production.
• Aftermarket retailers and distributors specializing in automotive parts and accessories.
• Consumers who purchase replacement or upgrade wheels through aftermarket channels.
• Automobile and light truck owners seeking quality and performance wheel solutions.

Company Profile

Superior Industries International, Inc. operates in the Auto - Parts industry within the Consumer Cyclical sector. It is headquartered in Southfield, US. The company is led by CEO Majdi B. Abulaban. SUP has traded publicly since 1980.

F-Score 3/9Financial Health

Superior Industries International, Inc.'s Piotroski F-Score is 3/9, a 9-point checklist of profitability, leverage and efficiency — flagging fundamental weakness worth scrutiny. Its Altman Z-Score of -1.32 places it in the distress zone, a signal of elevated financial risk.

ROE 127%Key Financial Metrics

Return on equity for Superior Industries International, Inc. stands at 126.6%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is -47.1%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. A current ratio of 0.37 means current liabilities exceed short-term assets, a liquidity point worth watching.

SUP Valuation & Market Position

With a $9.58M market cap, Superior Industries International, Inc. sits in the micro-cap segment of the market.

FY2026 estForward Outlook

Wall Street analysts project Superior Industries International, Inc. revenue of about $1.34B for fiscal 2026, with EPS near $0.05.

Net buyingInsider Activity

The most recent 11 insider filings for Superior Industries International, Inc. break down as 5 sales and 6 purchases. On net that is roughly 26K shares acquired (about $0) — insiders putting money in tends to read as conviction.

SUP Financials

SUP Latest News

No recent news available for SUP.

SUP Analyst Consensus

SUP MoonshotScore

Common Questions About SUP (Consumer Cyclical)

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.

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