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GPC vs LKQ
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Genuine Parts Company (GPC) vs. LKQ Corporation (LKQ) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- Genuine Parts Company (GPC) operates across automotive and industrial replacement parts, while LKQ Corporation (LKQ) focuses on alternative, recycled, and specialty vehicle parts.
- Both companies are navigating restructuring: GPC is separating its automotive and industrial businesses, while LKQ is exploring strategic alternatives, including a potential sale.
- GPC has shown broader revenue growth and a 70-year dividend growth streak, whereas LKQ faces earnings pressure tied to a European systems disruption.
- LKQ trades at a lower valuation with a higher implied analyst upside, reflecting its elevated execution and integration risk.
- Relative momentum, trend consistency, and near-term catalysts currently differ meaningfully between the two names.
Introduction
Investors screening the automotive aftermarket often weigh established distribution franchises against value-oriented turnaround stories, which makes a side-by-side look at GPC and LKQ particularly relevant. Both companies supply replacement parts to repair and maintain vehicles, yet their business models, growth drivers, and risk profiles diverge sharply. This stock comparison is useful for traders tracking relative performance and for longer-term investors evaluating market positioning, dividend durability, and corporate restructuring catalysts. By examining recent financial results, sentiment shifts, and structural changes, readers can better assess how these two names compete for capital in the current market environment.
GPC Overview and Recent Performance
Genuine Parts Company, known for its NAPA automotive brand and its Motion industrial business, distributes automotive and industrial replacement parts across North America, Europe, and Australasia. In recent weeks, the company has reported improving top-line momentum, with second-quarter revenue rising roughly 6% year over year, driven by strength in its industrial segment and broad-based automotive growth. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) also edged higher versus the prior-year period.
A defining catalyst is the planned separation of its Global Automotive and Global Industrial units into two independent, publicly traded companies, targeted for the first quarter of 2027. This restructuring has introduced separation-related costs that weigh on reported (GAAP) earnings, even as adjusted results remain steady. Sentiment has been supported by GPC's 70 consecutive years of dividend increases and improving industrial end-market demand, while higher operating expenses and restructuring charges temper the outlook. Overall, GPC presents a more defensive, income-oriented profile with steady, diversified revenue streams.
LKQ Overview and Recent Performance
LKQ Corporation is a leading provider of alternative and specialty parts used to repair and accessorize vehicles, including recycled (OEM) and aftermarket collision parts, operating across North America, Europe, and Taiwan. Recent market activity has been mixed: North America returned to positive organic growth for the first time in several quarters, with alternative-parts utilization surpassing 40%, while the Specialty segment continued to grow organically.
However, European results have been a significant drag. An enterprise resource planning (ERP) system implementation in Germany disrupted operations, reducing quarterly revenue by an estimated $140 million and pressuring segment profitability. As a result, second-quarter revenue declined year over year and the company lowered its full-year adjusted EPS and free cash flow guidance. Adding to the story, LKQ's board has initiated a comprehensive review of strategic alternatives, including a potential sale of the company. LKQ therefore carries a more value-oriented, catalyst-heavy profile, balanced by higher execution and integration risk.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The two companies diverge most clearly in business model and growth profile. GPC spans both automotive and industrial distribution, giving it diversification across end markets and supporting a long, uninterrupted dividend history. LKQ is more concentrated in alternative collision and specialty parts, where its fortunes are closely tied to repairable claims, insurer behavior, and used-car pricing dynamics.
On recent momentum, GPC has delivered positive revenue growth and stable adjusted earnings, while LKQ is contending with declining revenue and earnings tied primarily to the German ERP disruption. Risk factors also differ: GPC faces restructuring and separation costs, whereas LKQ carries integration risk, competitive pressure in the U.K. and Benelux, and uncertainty around its strategic review.
From a valuation and market sentiment standpoint, LKQ trades at a lower forward multiple and carries a higher implied upside to consensus analyst price targets, reflecting its discounted positioning and turnaround potential. GPC, by contrast, commands a steadier, income-oriented valuation with more consistent trend behavior. Investors weighing these names are effectively choosing between defensive stability and a higher-risk, catalyst-driven value opportunity.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors such as trend consistency, stability, and relative positioning, Tickeron's AI would likely lean toward GPC in the current environment. GPC's steadier revenue trajectory, diversified industrial and automotive exposure, and intact adjusted earnings path suggest a more consistent and durable trend profile. LKQ's discounted valuation and strategic-review catalysts could support a more favorable risk-reward setup over a longer horizon, but its recent earnings reset and ongoing European disruption introduce greater near-term uncertainty. Accordingly, the AI's probabilistic preference tilts toward GPC for trend stability, while acknowledging that LKQ's catalyst-driven upside may appeal to strategies oriented toward value and turnaround situations.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is GPC is a Hold and LKQ is a Hold.
GPC's RSI Indicator ascends from oversold territory
The RSI Oscillator for GPC moved out of oversold territory on September 22, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from a downward trend to an upward trend. Traders may want to buy the stock or call options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 27 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 18 of the 27 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 67%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator is in the oversold zone. Keep an eye out for a move up in the foreseeable future.
Following a +3.60% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where GPC advanced for three days, in 193 of 322 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 60%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 20, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on GPC as a result. In 47 of 83 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 57%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for GPC turned negative on October 21, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 42 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 24 of the 42 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 57%.
GPC moved below its 50-day moving average on October 19, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for GPC crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on September 24, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 7 of 19 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 37%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where GPC declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 58%.
GPC broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 14, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for GPC entered a downward trend on October 16, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 1 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 46 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 47 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. GPC’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 80 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. GPC’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 89, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 90 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating weak sales and an unprofitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 99 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (3.801) is normal, around the industry mean (0.879). GPC's P/E Ratio (479.923) is considerably higher than the industry average of (39.808). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.362) is also within normal values, averaging (1.471). Dividend Yield (0.034) settles around the average of (0.040) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.722) is also within normal values, averaging (49.084).
LKQ in -3.76% downward trend, falling for three consecutive days on October 19, 2026
Moving lower for three straight days is viewed as a bearish sign. Keep an eye on this stock for future declines. Considering data from situations where LKQ declined for three days, in 165 of 285 cases, the price declined further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 58%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Aroon Indicator for LKQ entered a downward trend on October 19, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where LKQ's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 23 of 37 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 39 of 62 cases where LKQ's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 63%.
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 22, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on LKQ as a result. In 51 of 86 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 59%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for LKQ just turned positive on October 22, 2026. Looking at past instances where LKQ's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 23 of 47 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 49%.
Following a +1.56% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where LKQ advanced for three days, in 153 of 317 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 48%.
LKQ may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 26 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 47 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (0.882) is normal, around the industry mean (0.879). P/E Ratio (12.483) is within average values for comparable stocks, (39.808). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.922) is also within normal values, averaging (1.471). Dividend Yield (0.053) settles around the average of (0.040) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.430) is also within normal values, averaging (49.084).
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 50 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 64 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. LKQ’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 78 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating slightly better than average sales and a considerably profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. LKQ’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 89, placing this stock worse than average.
GPC | LKQ | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 31 | 61 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 99 Overvalued | 47 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 80 | 100 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 90 | 78 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 47 | 64 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 1 | 26 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 46 | 50 |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
LKQ's Valuation (47) in the Automotive Aftermarket industry is somewhat better than the same rating for GPC (99) in the Wholesale Distributors industry. This means that LKQ’s stock grew somewhat faster than GPC’s over the last 12 months.
GPC's Profit vs Risk Rating (80) in the Wholesale Distributors industry is in the same range as LKQ (100) in the Automotive Aftermarket industry. This means that GPC’s stock grew similarly to LKQ’s over the last 12 months.
LKQ's SMR Rating (78) in the Automotive Aftermarket industry is in the same range as GPC (90) in the Wholesale Distributors industry. This means that LKQ’s stock grew similarly to GPC’s over the last 12 months.
GPC's Price Growth Rating (47) in the Wholesale Distributors industry is in the same range as LKQ (64) in the Automotive Aftermarket industry. This means that GPC’s stock grew similarly to LKQ’s over the last 12 months.
GPC's P/E Growth Rating (1) in the Wholesale Distributors industry is in the same range as LKQ (26) in the Automotive Aftermarket industry. This means that GPC’s stock grew similarly to LKQ’s over the last 12 months.
| GPC | LKQ | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 67% | 1 day ago 62% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 50% | 1 day ago 63% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 57% | 1 day ago 59% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 57% | 1 day ago 49% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 57% | 1 day ago 52% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 48% | 1 day ago 62% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 60% | 10 days ago 48% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 58% | 4 days ago 58% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 67% | 1 day ago 84% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 47% | 1 day ago 55% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
GPC’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while LKQ’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- GPC’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- LKQ’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
GPC’s TA Score shows that 2 TA indicator(s) are bullish while LKQ’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- GPC’s TA Score: 2 bullish, 8 bearish.
- LKQ’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 3 bearish.
Price Growth
GPC (@Auto Parts: OEM) experienced а -5.20% price change this week, while LKQ (@Auto Parts: OEM) price change was -2.02% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Auto Parts: OEM industry was -4.24%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -10.82%, and the average quarterly price growth was -18.64%.
Reported Earning Dates
GPC is expected to report earnings on Feb 18, 2027.
LKQ is expected to report earnings on Oct 29, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Auto Parts: OEM (-4.24% weekly)OEM or Original Equipment Manufacturer of auto parts refers to the original producer of a vehicles components, and so OEM car parts are usually identical to the parts used in producing the vehicle in the first place. OEM parts tend to fit the specifications of a particular model, and their compatibility is often guaranteed by the automaker itself. OEM parts could be more expensive to buy (compared to other vendors’ products) when a consumer goes for replacement. However, increased competition from aftermarket parts/third-party vendors could, in some cases, keep EOM prices in check. The industry might progress further in adopting newer technologies like 3D printing to boost supply chain performance and quality. Aptiv PLC, Magna International Inc. and BorgWarner Inc. are major OEMs for autos.
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GPC and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, GPC has been loosely correlated with LKQ. These tickers have moved in lockstep 58% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if GPC jumps, then LKQ could also see price increases.
LKQ and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, LKQ has been loosely correlated with GPC. These tickers have moved in lockstep 58% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if LKQ jumps, then GPC could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To LKQ | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LKQ | 100% | +5.10% | ||
| GPC - LKQ | 58% Loosely correlated | +2.56% | ||
| PHIN - LKQ | 51% Loosely correlated | -0.05% | ||
| DORM - LKQ | 50% Loosely correlated | +3.34% | ||
| GT - LKQ | 42% Loosely correlated | +3.02% | ||
| ALV - LKQ | 42% Loosely correlated | +2.54% | ||
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