Genuine Parts Co: Separating the Signal from Noise

Research evidence excerpt

Genuine Parts Co: Separating the Signal from Noise

increase in commercial. Though, the company lowered its outlook for the auto

segment due in part to slower trends in both N.A. and the International segment.

While 2Q represented a step in the right direction, we continue to expect that GPC

shares are likely to be range-bound from here until further information on the

separation is disclosed.

Our updated sum-of-the-parts analysis suggests that the implied valuation of the Auto

business remains meaningfully discounted relative to peers. Assuming the Industrial

business trades at ~16x EBITDA, representing approximately a 20% discount to

industrial peers that trade near 20x, the implied FY26E EV/EBITDA multiple for the Auto

business remains approximately 5x-7x, or roughly 6x at the midpoint.This compares with

approximately 8x for AAP and approximately 13x for the broader auto parts peer group.

At the current valuation, the market appears to be assigning very little value to potential

operational improvements, market share gains, or the strategic optionality associated

with the business. In our view, these discounts appear excessive and create an attractive

setup should management successfully execute the separation.

Additionally, we continue to expect both companies to prioritize maintaining

investment-grade credit ratings and continue returning capital to shareholders.

However, capital deployment priorities will likely diverge. Motion appears positioned to

emphasize strategic acquisitions and geographic expansion opportunities given its

highly fragmented industry structure, while the Auto business is expected to prioritize

investments in supply chain capabilities, technology infrastructure, and operational

execution.

GPC's Auto business continued improvement in 2Q’26