Is Genuine Parts Stock Underperforming the Dow?

Company Overview - Genuine Parts Company (GPC) is a leading global service provider of automotive and industrial replacement parts with a market cap of $19.4 billion, operating over 10,700 locations across 17 countries and employing over 60,000 people [1]. Stock Performance - GPC reached a 52-week high of $144.29 on October 18, 2024, and is currently trading 3.5% below that peak, with a 16.7% increase over the past three months, outperforming the Dow Jones Industrial Average's 9% gains during the same period [3]. - Year-to-date, GPC stock has surged 19.2% and gained 1.4% over the past 52 weeks, outperforming the Dow's 8.2% gains in 2025 but underperforming its 10.6% returns over the past year [4]. Financial Results - Following the release of better-than-expected Q2 results on July 22, GPC's stock prices soared 7.6%. The company's topline for the quarter grew 3.4% year-over-year to $6.2 billion, beating Street estimates by 81 basis points [5]. - The topline growth was driven by a 2.6% benefit from acquisitions, a 60 basis points impact from favorable currency movements, and a marginal 20 basis points increase in comparable sales [5]. - The adjusted EPS dropped 13.9% year-over-year to $2.10 but surpassed consensus estimates by 96 basis points, with notable progress in restructuring efforts to address challenging market conditions [6]. Competitive Position - Compared to peers, GPC has lagged behind Aptiv PLC's 37% surge year-to-date and 18% gains over the past year. Among 12 analysts covering GPC stock, the consensus rating is a "Moderate Buy," with the stock trading marginally below its mean price target of $139.38 [7].