They benefit from slower sales of new cars

Article Excerpt

These two companies cater to the used car market and should continue to benefit as the uncertain economy prompts drivers to hang on to their current vehicles. However, we still prefer Genuine Parts, as loan losses at Snap-On’s financial services division add to its risk. GENUINE PARTS CO. $122 is a buy. The company (New York symbol GPC; Income-Growth Payer Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 139.3 million; Market cap: $17.0 billion; Dividend yield: 3.4%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Above Average; www.genpt.com) is a leading seller of replacement auto parts. It also distributes industrial products like bearings, pumps and hoses. Genuine operated roughly 10,790 locations in 17 countries as of December 31, 2024. It generates 74% of its revenue in North America, 16% in Europe, and 10% in Australia/New Zealand. It has two operating segments: Automotive Parts Group (63% of revenue) and Industrial Parts Group (37%). With the April 2025 payment, the company will raise your quarterly dividend by 3.0%, to $1.03 a share from $1.00. The…