Genuine Parts Company (NYSE:GPC) has increased its dividend for 70 consecutive years, placing it among the longest-running dividend growth records in the market. The company raised its annual dividend by 3.2% for 2026 to $4.25 per share, or $1.0625 quarterly.
The dividend is supported by Genuine Parts' large automotive and industrial replacement-parts businesses, which tend to generate recurring demand because customers still need repairs and replacement parts during weaker economic periods. The company operates more than 10,800 locations across 17 countries.
There are also some reasons for caution. Genuine Parts generated $421 million of free cash flow in 2025, while paying $564 million in dividends. That means the dividend exceeded reported free cash flow during the year. The company expects free cash flow to improve to $550 million-$700 million in 2026, while adjusted EPS is expected at $7.50-$8.00.
Photo by Vitaly Taranov on Unsplash
70-year track record provides strong evidence of dividend commitment. Genuine Parts Company (NYSE:GPC) has maintained and increased its dividend through multiple recessions, inflationary periods, and industry cycles. Reaching 70 consecutive years of increases suggests that protecting the dividend is deeply embedded in the company's capital-allocation strategy.
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The dividend is supported by Genuine Parts' large automotive and industrial replacement-parts businesses, which tend to generate recurring demand because customers still need repairs and replacement parts during weaker economic periods. The company operates more than 10,800 locations across 17 countries.
There are also some reasons for caution. Genuine Parts generated $421 million of free cash flow in 2025, while paying $564 million in dividends. That means the dividend exceeded reported free cash flow during the year. The company expects free cash flow to improve to $550 million-$700 million in 2026, while adjusted EPS is expected at $7.50-$8.00.
Photo by Vitaly Taranov on Unsplash
70-year track record provides strong evidence of dividend commitment. Genuine Parts Company (NYSE:GPC) has maintained and increased its dividend through multiple recessions, inflationary periods, and industry cycles. Reaching 70 consecutive years of increases suggests that protecting the dividend is deeply embedded in the company's capital-allocation strategy.
#company
2 months ago
