GPC announces leadership changes with retirement and promotion

ATLANTA - Genuine Parts Company (NYSE: GPC), a global distributor of automotive and industrial replacement parts with a market capitalization of $17.4 billion and annual revenues exceeding $23.5 billion, has announced that Randy Breaux will retire as Group President, GPC North America at the end of 2025. Concurrently, the company revealed the promotion of Alain Masse to President, North America Automotive, a role he will assume in August 2025.

Breaux, who has been with GPC for 14 years, will transition into an advisory role to facilitate a smooth handover to his successor. During his tenure, Breaux has been recognized for his leadership and for fostering strong relationships within the company’s industrial and automotive segments. According to InvestingPro data, GPC has maintained dividend payments for 55 consecutive years and currently offers a 3.3% dividend yield, demonstrating strong financial stability under its leadership. "His dedication to people and leadership has been instrumental," said Will Stengel, President and CEO of GPC.

Masse, who joined GPC in 2011 and has served as President of UAP, Inc., the company’s Canadian automotive business, brings over 14 years of experience within GPC. His promotion to oversee the North American automotive businesses aligns with GPC’s strategic goals and is expected to create new commercial opportunities. Stengel praised Masse for his collaborative leadership style and his track record of driving performance improvements and market share growth.

The leadership transition at GPC underscores the company’s commitment to effective succession planning and the strength of its leadership team. Masse’s promotion is seen as a move to capitalize on the momentum within GPC’s North American automotive business. InvestingPro analysis shows the company maintains a "Fair" overall financial health score, with particularly strong marks in profitability metrics.

Genuine Parts Company, founded in 1928, operates globally with over 10,700 locations in 17 countries and employs more than 63,000 people. The company’s Automotive Parts Group serves regions including North America, Australasia, and several European countries, while the Industrial Parts Group caters to customers in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Australasia. Based on current market analysis, GPC appears fairly valued, with analysts maintaining a moderate buy consensus. For detailed valuation metrics and additional insights, investors can access the comprehensive Pro Research Report available on InvestingPro, which covers over 1,400 top US stocks.

This organizational update is based on a press release statement from Genuine Parts Company.

In other recent news, Genuine Parts Company reported its first-quarter earnings, with an adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.75, surpassing consensus estimates despite a year-over-year decrease. The company’s net sales rose by 1.4% to $5.87 billion, exceeding expectations by $40 million, driven by a 2.5% increase in the Automotive segment. In addition, Genuine Parts reaffirmed its full-year adjusted EPS guidance range of $7.75 to $8.25. Analyst firms have varied opinions on the stock, with Truist Securities raising its price target to $137 and maintaining a Buy rating, while Loop Capital also reiterated a Buy rating with a $155 target. Evercore ISI, however, lowered its price target to $130 but kept an Outperform rating, citing a conservative stance on earnings forecasts. CFRA upgraded the stock from Hold to Buy, setting a $130 target, noting the company’s attractive dividend yield and positive aftermarket trends. Genuine Parts also announced changes to its Board of Directors, appointing Laurie Schupmann as a new director and declaring a quarterly cash dividend of $1.03 per share.

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