Why Is Genuine Parts (GPC) Down 5.6% Since Last Earnings Report?

Core Viewpoint - Genuine Parts reported mixed financial results for Q3 2025, missing earnings estimates but showing growth in net sales compared to the previous year [2][3]. Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share for Q3 2025 were $1.98, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.02, but up from $1.88 in the same quarter last year [2]. - Net sales reached $6.26 billion, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.13 billion, and reflecting a 5% year-over-year growth driven by comparable sales, acquisitions, and favorable forex impacts [3]. Segmental Performance - The Automotive segment reported net sales of $4 billion, a 5% increase year-over-year, surpassing estimates and achieving a comparable sales growth of 1.6% [4]. - The Industrial Parts segment's net sales rose 4.6% year-over-year to $2.3 billion, also exceeding estimates, with comparable sales growth of 3.7% [5]. Guidance for 2025 - Genuine Parts expects overall sales growth of 3-4% for 2025, an increase from the previous guidance of 1-3% [7]. - Automotive sales are anticipated to grow by 4-5%, up from the prior forecast of 1.5-3.5% [7]. - Adjusted earnings per share guidance is set between $7.50 and $7.75, unchanged from the previous range [8]. Cash and Debt Position - As of September 30, 2025, cash and cash equivalents were $431 million, down from $480 million at the end of 2024, with long-term debt at $3.75 billion [6]. Market Sentiment and Estimates - Since the earnings release, there has been a flat trend in estimates revision, indicating stable market sentiment [9]. - The stock has an average Growth Score of C and a Momentum Score of F, but a Value Score of B, placing it in the second quintile for investment strategy [10]. Overall Outlook - Genuine Parts holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting an expectation of in-line returns in the coming months [12].