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GPC vs LOW
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Genuine Parts Company (GPC) vs. Lowe's Companies (LOW) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- GPC is a global distributor of automotive and industrial replacement parts, while LOW is a home-improvement retailer — two businesses with different demand cycles and risk profiles.
- GPC is executing a planned separation into two independent public companies (GPC and Motion) targeted for early 2027, a catalyst that adds both opportunity and execution risk.
- LOW has shown four consecutive quarters of positive comparable sales, supported by Pro, online, and home-services growth, but continues to face cautious do-it-yourself (DIY) consumer demand.
- Both stocks have trailed the broader market year to date, though LOW has underperformed more sharply over the trailing year amid housing-market and margin pressures.
- Relative positioning hinges on GPC's industrial momentum versus Lowe's structural growth initiatives in a subdued housing environment.
Introduction
Investors and traders evaluating consumer-adjacent, parts-and-materials businesses often weigh GPC and LOW as contrasting ways to gain exposure to repair, maintenance, and improvement spending. Genuine Parts Company serves professional automotive and industrial customers across 17 countries, while Lowe's Companies operates roughly 1,759 home-improvement stores focused on both Pro and DIY shoppers. Although both are distribution- and retail-heavy models tied to the broader economy, their drivers differ meaningfully. This stock comparison examines recent performance, catalysts, and market positioning to help readers understand how these two names stack up in the current environment.
GPC Overview and Recent Performance
Genuine Parts Company, established in 1928, is a leading global provider of automotive and industrial replacement parts, operating more than 10,800 locations supported by over 65,000 employees. In its most recent quarter, GPC reported sales of approximately $6.52 billion, up 4.2% year over year, with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $2.07. The company's Industrial segment, led by the Motion brand, was the standout, growing sales 6.1% and segment earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) by 11.2%. By contrast, North America Automotive posted modest growth while absorbing margin pressure, and management narrowed its full-year adjusted EPS outlook to a range of $7.50 to $7.75. The shares declined in reaction to the results, and the stock has lagged the S&P 500 year to date. A key structural catalyst is the company's plan to separate its automotive and industrial businesses into two independent public companies in the first quarter of 2027.
LOW Overview and Recent Performance
Lowe's Companies is one of the world's largest home-improvement retailers, operating roughly 1,759 stores and nearly 196 million square feet of selling space. In its most recent reported quarter, LOW posted total sales of about $26 billion with comparable sales up 0.2%, driven by strength in Pro and home services and a 15.7% increase in online sales. The company has now delivered four consecutive quarters of positive comparable sales, but persistent pressure on DIY demand and softer housing activity have kept a lid on overall growth. Management updated its fiscal 2026 outlook to approximately $92 billion in total sales with roughly flat comparable sales and adjusted diluted EPS near $12.25. Recent acquisitions of Foundation Building Materials and Artisan Design Group are expanding Lowe's reach into professional and residential construction, though integration costs and margin pressure have weighed on results. The stock has declined notably over the trailing year.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
The most important contrast between GPC and LOW is the nature of their end markets. GPC's business skews toward professional, non-discretionary maintenance and repair demand — a comparatively steady revenue base — and is currently enjoying robust industrial momentum, with growth in 12 of 14 tracked end markets. Lowe's, by contrast, is more exposed to discretionary big-ticket home-improvement spending and the housing cycle, where elevated interest rates and low housing turnover have pressured DIY demand even as Pro and online channels expand.
On growth drivers, GPC's near-term story centers on its planned separation into two standalone companies, a move that could sharpen strategic focus but also carries restructuring and execution costs. Lowe's growth narrative rests on its Total Home strategy, Pro penetration, digital adoption, and recent construction-focused acquisitions. On risk, GPC faces automotive margin compression and a cautious consumer, while Lowe's faces persistent margin and transaction-volume pressure alongside acquisition integration. On sentiment, both stocks have underperformed the broad market, though Lowe's trailing-year decline has been considerably steeper, reflecting greater cyclical sensitivity.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on observable factors, Tickeron's AI would likely tilt toward GPC in the current environment. The company's steadier, professionally driven demand base, strengthening industrial segment, and clearly defined separation catalyst provide a more consistent trend profile than Lowe's still-soft DIY backdrop. That said, the preference is probabilistic rather than definitive: Lowe's structural Pro and digital momentum could gain traction if the housing market stabilizes, while GPC's automotive margin pressure and separation costs remain near-term headwinds. The relative positioning of these two names will likely hinge on whether industrial demand sustains its current strength faster than home-improvement spending recovers.
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 LOW is a StrongBuy.
GPC's MACD Histogram crosses above signal line
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for GPC turned positive on October 12, 2026. Looking at past instances where GPC's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 31 of 43 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 72%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where GPC's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 18 of 27 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 67%.
Following a +1.77% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where GPC advanced for three days, in 194 of 324 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 60%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator may be shifting from an upward trend to a downward trend. In 39 of 64 cases where GPC's Stochastic Oscillator exited the overbought zone, the price fell further within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 61%.
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 48 of 84 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%.
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 9 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 47%.
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 Price Growth Rating for this company is 36 (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 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 Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 84 (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 88, 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 (3.965) is normal, around the industry mean (0.841). GPC's P/E Ratio (500.692) is considerably higher than the industry average of (40.223). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (1.362) is also within normal values, averaging (1.471). Dividend Yield (0.033) settles around the average of (0.039) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.722) is also within normal values, averaging (49.084).
LOW's RSI Oscillator ascending out of oversold territory
The RSI Oscillator for LOW moved out of oversold territory on October 06, 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 26 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 19 of the 26 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 73%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 13, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on LOW as a result. In 46 of 82 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 56%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for LOW just turned positive on October 08, 2026. Looking at past instances where LOW's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 28 of 45 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 62%.
Following a +4.82% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where LOW advanced for three days, in 183 of 322 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 57%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 6 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where LOW 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 61%.
LOW broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 15, 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 LOW entered a downward trend on October 14, 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 SMR rating for this company is 6 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a 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 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 59 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. LOW’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 60 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to consistent 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 84 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is slightly 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: LOW's P/B Ratio (-14.977) is slightly lower than the industry average of (1.489). P/E Ratio (16.768) is within average values for comparable stocks, (13.911). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (2.222) is also within normal values, averaging (1.177). Dividend Yield (0.025) settles around the average of (0.228) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.202) is also within normal values, averaging (0.937).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 92 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. LOW’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 92, placing this stock worse than average.
GPC | LOW | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 17 | 6 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 99 Overvalued | 84 Overvalued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 84 | 92 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 90 | 6 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 36 | 59 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 1 | 60 | |
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.
LOW's Valuation (84) in the Home Improvement Chains industry is in the same range as GPC (99) in the Wholesale Distributors industry. This means that LOW’s stock grew similarly to GPC’s over the last 12 months.
GPC's Profit vs Risk Rating (84) in the Wholesale Distributors industry is in the same range as LOW (92) in the Home Improvement Chains industry. This means that GPC’s stock grew similarly to LOW’s over the last 12 months.
LOW's SMR Rating (6) in the Home Improvement Chains industry is significantly better than the same rating for GPC (90) in the Wholesale Distributors industry. This means that LOW’s stock grew significantly faster than GPC’s over the last 12 months.
GPC's Price Growth Rating (36) in the Wholesale Distributors industry is in the same range as LOW (59) in the Home Improvement Chains industry. This means that GPC’s stock grew similarly to LOW’s over the last 12 months.
GPC's P/E Growth Rating (1) in the Wholesale Distributors industry is somewhat better than the same rating for LOW (60) in the Home Improvement Chains industry. This means that GPC’s stock grew somewhat faster than LOW’s over the last 12 months.
| GPC | LOW | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 67% | 1 day ago 73% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 61% | 1 day ago 67% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 57% | 1 day ago 56% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 72% | 1 day ago 62% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 56% | 1 day ago 60% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 48% | 1 day ago 57% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 5 days ago 60% | 5 days ago 57% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 58% | 9 days ago 61% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 67% | 1 day ago 64% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 53% | 1 day ago 65% |
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 LOW’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- GPC’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- LOW’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 3 TA indicator(s) are bullish while LOW’s TA Score has 4 bullish TA indicator(s).
- GPC’s TA Score: 3 bullish, 7 bearish.
- LOW’s TA Score: 4 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
GPC (@Auto Parts: OEM) experienced а -5.50% price change this week, while LOW (@Home Improvement Chains) price change was +5.19% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Auto Parts: OEM industry was -3.10%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -8.37%, and the average quarterly price growth was -17.31%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Home Improvement Chains industry was +2.27%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was -0.29%, and the average quarterly price growth was -10.75%.
Reported Earning Dates
GPC is expected to report earnings on Feb 18, 2027.
LOW is expected to report earnings on Nov 18, 2026.
Industries' Descriptions
@Auto Parts: OEM (-3.10% 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.
@Home Improvement Chains (+2.27% weekly)The home improvement chains industry sells home improvement merchandise and do-it-yourself repair and building goods. Customers include individual contractors or construction managers on one hand; on the other hand, there are retail consumers who’d either buy raw materials/items from the store to do a project on their own, or pay extra for installation services. Products sold include fencing supplies, lumber materials, hardware, lighting fixtures, plumbing supplies, home decor items, bathroom remodel items, roofing materials, tools and wallboard to name a few. The Home Depot Inc., Lowe’s Companies, Inc. and Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc. are some of the biggest home improvement retailing companies in the U.S. Allowing all types of customers the flexibility to choose or buy products both offline and online and then having the products shipped to the respective sites/homes are some of the potential drivers of a home improvement chain’s popularity. Many big-box home improvement chains are looking to expand their overseas presence. Supply-chain efficiency and distribution management are some of the key ingredients to grow/make profit in this industry.
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