Genuine Parts Company (GPC): A Dividend Giant Built to Withstand Market Downturns

Core Insights - Genuine Parts Company (GPC) is recognized as one of the top recession-proof dividend stocks, demonstrating resilience in challenging market conditions [1] - The company has a long history of growth, with sales increasing in 91 out of 97 years and earnings rising in 79 of those years, supported by strong demand for replacement parts and a disciplined acquisition strategy [2] - GPC primarily generates revenue from its automotive segment, which benefits from a wide distribution network, including thousands of NAPA and Alliance auto parts stores, and remains robust even during economic downturns as consumers tend to repair older vehicles [3] - The company boasts a significant dividend growth streak of 69 years, currently offering a quarterly dividend of $1.03 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.99% as of September 26 [4]