Genuine Parts Company vs Unilever plc — how do they compare? Genuine Parts Company trades at $125.15 (market cap $16.65B), while Unilever plc trades at $62.63 (market cap $129.57B). The key difference: Unilever plc is far larger — about 7.8× Genuine Parts Company's market cap, and Unilever plc pays the higher dividend (3.71%). Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| GPC | UL | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $16.65B | $129.57B |
Sector | Consumer Cyclical | Consumer Staples |
52-Week High | $149.26 | $74.59 |
52-Week Low | $92.47 | $55.05 |
Enterprise Value | $22.87B | $155.02B |
Dividend Yield | 3.51% | 3.71% |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
GPC trades at $125.40, up 2.65% with a bullish technical signal. The stock shows mixed fundamentals with a high P/E ratio of 275 but strong gross margins of 36.87%. Recent earnings beat expectations in Q1 2026 after two consecutive misses, with Q2 2026 results expected July 21. Analyst consensus is mixed with 43% buy ratings and a $133 price target, while technical indicators show support at $119-120 and resistance at $122-124.
GPC presents a cautious opportunity with dividend stability but faces profitability challenges. The 70-year dividend growth history provides income appeal, though net margins below 1% and declining cash flow trends warrant monitoring. Upside exists if Q2 earnings beat expectations, but weak profitability and rising debt-to-asset ratios pose significant risks to shareholder value.
Unilever (UL) trades at $62.49, up 2.71% with a bullish technical signal. Recent earnings misses contrast with strong profitability margins and a 53.32% ROE. The company is divesting its food business to McCormick and investing in innovation, while maintaining a $0.54 dividend. Cash flow improved to $1.91B net in 2024 after a volatile period.
Outlook remains mixed: valuation appears fair with a P/E of 20.83, but revenue declines and execution risks on strategic deals pose challenges. Analyst sentiment is cautious with only 24% buy ratings. The stock offers stability through dividends but faces headwinds in sales growth and competitive pressures.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
Genuine Parts sells automotive parts (about two thirds of net sales) and industrial components. The company sells vehicle parts to commercial and retail customers through roughly 9,700 stores worldwide, most of which are independently owned. Its industrial unit, primarily operating under the Motion Industries banner in the United States, supplies bearings, power transmission, industrial automation, hydraulic, and pneumatic components to maintenance, repair, and OEM clients.
Read more on GPC →Unilever is a diversified personal product (42% of 2021 sales by value), home care (20%), and packaged food (38%) company. Its brands include Knorr soups and sauces, Hellmann's mayonnaise, Lipton teas, Axe and Dove skin products, and the TRESemme haircare brand. The firm has been acquisitive in recent years
Read more on UL →