Evercore ISI has boosted its rating on $GPC from “In-line” to “Outperform” with a target price of $135, signaling renewed confidence in the company’s forward momentum.

Genuine Parts Company has been leaning into efficiency and expansion across both its automotive and industrial parts divisions. This push has translated into stronger revenue growth and margin improvement, key reasons behind the bullish shift from Evercore. The firm’s upgraded stance suggests that $GPC is better positioned now to outperform its sector peers in the near to mid-term.

Where $GPC really shines, however, is its dividend history. The company has paid a dividend every single year since 1948 and has increased that payout for an impressive 69 consecutive years. Its current annual dividend stands at $4.12 per share, equating to a yield of roughly 3.43%. With a payout ratio around 61.6%, the dividend is not only sustainable—it’s a hallmark of the company’s reliability.

For long-term investors looking for steady income backed by a company with a proven track record, $GPC now stands out with both strategic momentum and a shareholder-friendly capital return profile. Evercore’s upgrade makes it clear: this isn’t just a legacy name, it’s a growth story in motion.