Northcoast Research Downgrades Genuine Parts (NYSE:GPC) to Neutral

Genuine Parts (NYSE:GPC - Get Free Report) was downgraded by equities research analysts at Northcoast Research from a "buy" rating to a "neutral" rating in a research note issued to investors on Friday, MarketBeat.com reports.

Other equities analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. UBS Group decreased their price target on shares of Genuine Parts from $145.00 to $125.00 and set a "neutral" rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 23rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their target price on Genuine Parts from $162.00 to $135.00 and set an "overweight" rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, October 22nd. Redburn Atlantic upgraded Genuine Parts to a "hold" rating in a report on Monday, November 11th. Wedbush decreased their price objective on Genuine Parts from $145.00 to $120.00 and set a "neutral" rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 23rd. Finally, StockNews.com lowered shares of Genuine Parts from a "buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 16th. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, two have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Genuine Parts presently has a consensus rating of "Hold" and a consensus price target of $141.50.

Genuine Parts Trading Down 0.8 %

Shares of NYSE GPC traded down $0.99 during trading on Friday, reaching $118.43. The stock had a trading volume of 2,448,055 shares, compared to its average volume of 983,311. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81, a quick ratio of 0.57 and a current ratio of 1.17. The company has a market cap of $16.47 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.24 and a beta of 0.95. Genuine Parts has a fifty-two week low of $112.74 and a fifty-two week high of $164.45. The business's 50-day moving average price is $120.69 and its 200-day moving average price is $130.43.

Genuine Parts (NYSE:GPC - Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, October 22nd. The specialty retailer reported $1.88 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.42 by ($0.54). The firm had revenue of $6 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.94 billion. Genuine Parts had a net margin of 4.67% and a return on equity of 27.23%. The business's revenue was up 3.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $2.49 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts predict that Genuine Parts will post 8.09 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity at Genuine Parts

In related news, Director Wendy B. Needham sold 1,608 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $120.78, for a total transaction of $194,214.24. Following the transaction, the director now owns 11,357 shares in the company, valued at $1,371,698.46. This trade represents a 12.40 % decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. 0.37% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Genuine Parts

Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of GPC. Metis Global Partners LLC increased its position in Genuine Parts by 1.9% in the 3rd quarter. Metis Global Partners LLC now owns 4,477 shares of the specialty retailer's stock valued at $625,000 after acquiring an additional 85 shares during the period. Guardian Wealth Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Genuine Parts by 2.7% during the third quarter. Guardian Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 3,464 shares of the specialty retailer's stock worth $484,000 after purchasing an additional 91 shares during the last quarter. Marco Investment Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Genuine Parts by 1.2% during the third quarter. Marco Investment Management LLC now owns 7,904 shares of the specialty retailer's stock worth $1,104,000 after purchasing an additional 91 shares during the period. First Citizens Bank & Trust Co. grew its position in Genuine Parts by 5.9% in the 3rd quarter. First Citizens Bank & Trust Co. now owns 1,711 shares of the specialty retailer's stock valued at $239,000 after buying an additional 95 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Citizens Financial Group Inc. RI increased its stake in Genuine Parts by 2.8% in the 3rd quarter. Citizens Financial Group Inc. RI now owns 3,788 shares of the specialty retailer's stock valued at $533,000 after buying an additional 103 shares during the period. 78.83% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Genuine Parts Company Profile

Genuine Parts Company distributes automotive replacement parts, and industrial parts and materials. It operates in two segments: Automotive Parts Group and Industrial Parts Group segments. The company distributes automotive replacement parts for hybrid and electric vehicles, trucks, SUVs, buses, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, farm vehicles, small engines, farm equipment, marine equipment, and heavy duty equipment; and equipment and parts used by repair shops, service stations, fleet operators, automobile and truck dealers, leasing companies, bus and truck lines, mass merchandisers, farms, and individuals.