GENUINE PARTS CO (GPC) Business

ITEM 1.    BUSINESS.

Incorporated in the State of Georgia in 1928, Genuine Parts Company is a leading global service provider of automotive and industrial replacement parts and value-added solutions. We serve our customers from more than 10,800 locations, primarily in North America, Europe, and Australasia (primarily Australia and New Zealand). We offer outstanding service, an industry-leading assortment of replacement parts, extensive supply chain and distribution capabilities, and enhanced technology solutions.

As used in this report, "we," "us," "our," "GPC," and the “company” refers to GPC and its subsidiaries, except as otherwise indicated by the context; and the terms “automotive parts” and “industrial parts” refer to replacement parts in each respective category.

OUR BUSINESS

We operate in the automotive aftermarket and industrial parts distribution industries. We are a global company focused on being a preferred employer, supplier, and partner while delivering value to our shareholders. To achieve this, we prioritize excellent customer service, profitable growth, operational efficiency, and strong cash flow. In 2025, we had net sales of $24.3 billion, with revenues distributed approximately 74% in North America, 16% in Europe and 10% in Australasia.

We see attractive long-term growth potential across our markets. In the automotive aftermarket industry, growth is driven by increases in miles driven, a growing and aging vehicle fleet, rising complexity in vehicle technology, and expanding opportunities in electric and hybrid vehicles. In the industrial distribution industry, growth is supported by increased manufacturing activity across our diverse end markets, shifts in global supply chains, rising demand for automation and robotics, and an aging technical workforce. We are positioned competitively in attractive and fragmented industries that create value for shareholders.

Our competitive advantages include our strong brands, global footprint with leading positions in key markets, robust supply chain and distribution capabilities, and advanced technology solutions. Our financial strategy supports these advantages and includes strategic initiatives to grow revenue in excess of the market, improve operating margins, maintain a healthy balance sheet, generate strong cash flow, and allocate capital effectively.

PROPOSED SEPARATION OF AUTOMOTIVE AND INDUSTRIAL BUSINESS

On February 17, 2026, following a comprehensive strategic and operational review by our Board of Directors and management team, we announced our intention to separate the Company into two independent, publicly traded companies: one comprising our Automotive Parts Group (“Global Automotive”) and the other comprising our Industrial Parts Group (“Global Industrial”). The transaction is intended to qualify as a tax-free transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes for the Company’s shareholders. The separation is targeted for completion in the first quarter of 2027, subject to certain customary conditions, including, among others, final approval by our Board of Directors, receipt of requisite regulatory clearances and compliance with applicable SEC requirements. There can be no assurance that any separation transaction will ultimately occur or, if one does occur, of its terms or timing. See Item 1A. “Risk Factors – Risks Related to the Proposed Separation – The proposed separation of our Automotive and Industrial businesses may not be completed on the terms or timeline currently contemplated, if at all, and there is no guarantee that the separation, if completed, will achieve the intended financial, strategic and operational benefits.

OUR SEGMENTS

Effective December 31, 2025, we revised the aggregation of our operating segments to present three reportable segments: North America Automotive Parts Group (“North America Automotive”), International Automotive Parts Group (“International Automotive”), collectively "Automotive Parts Group" or "Global Automotive", and Industrial Parts Group (“Industrial” or "Global Industrial"). Financial information related to our reportable business segments is included in our Segment Data footnote in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

North America Automotive & International Automotive Segments

Business Overview

Our North America Automotive and International Automotive segments represent approximately 39% and 24% of total GPC net sales, respectively, and together they represent the largest global automotive network of parts and auto care. Our North America Automotive segment operates in the United States and Canada through our Napa Auto Parts (“NAPA”) subsidiaries, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and UAP Inc., headquartered in Montreal, Canada. Our International Automotive segment operates in Europe and Australasia through our wholly-owned

2

Table of Contents

subsidiaries Alliance Automotive Group (“AAG”), headquartered in London, England, and GPC Asia Pacific, headquartered in Melbourne, Australia.

Through these two Automotive segments, we distribute automotive replacement parts, accessories, tools, equipment, and related solutions that help keep a wide range of vehicles running safely and efficiently. Together, these segments serve over one million customer locations including repair shops, dealerships, fleet operators, and retail consumers by delivering extensive product offerings with speed and reliability. Most orders are fulfilled quickly from well-stocked inventories, reducing vehicle downtime for our end customers.

We serve two primary customer types:

•Do-It-For-Me (DIFM): commercial customers including independent and national repair centers, dealerships, service stations, and public and private fleets.

•Do-It-Yourself (DIY): retail customers who shop through company-owned and independently-owned stores as well as digital platforms.

Our DIFM and DIY customers represent approximately 80% and 20%, respectively, of sales in the aggregate across our two Automotive segments.

Our Global Automotive network serves over one million commercial customer locations. We have a diverse commercial customer base with no specific customer type representing an outsized concentration of our overall business. Our network operates in large and fragmented markets with a combined total addressable market estimated to be over $200 billion. The majority of the automotive aftermarket is comprised of small, local competitors and our brands, scale, advanced technology, and distribution network and capabilities differentiate us from our competitors.

Our Products and Services

Inventory availability drives our success, and our teams use data and analytics designed to ensure that the right parts are available in the right locations at the right time. In North America, most products are distributed under the NAPA brand, which serves as a key competitive advantage. In Europe and Australasia, we offer a diverse range of brands, including NAPA, Repco and many other national brands. Our U.S. Automotive business offers over one million parts sourced from hundreds of suppliers, with approximately 55% of the 2025 U.S. Automotive inventory purchased from 10 major suppliers. Overall, our Global Automotive portfolio includes parts, accessories, tools, and equipment that cover nearly all vehicle types from passenger cars and trucks, including hybrids and electric vehicles, to motorcycles, buses, farm machinery, and heavy-duty equipment.

Key product categories include:

•Replacement parts such as brakes, batteries, filters, engine components, and fluids

•Accessories and specialty equipment for both automotive and heavy-duty vehicles

•Tools and diagnostic devices for repair and maintenance

•Paint, body care, and collision repair supplies (in select markets)

We believe we create value for our customers through:

•Advanced inventory management using data analytics to ensure product availability where it’s needed most

•Extensive distribution networks combined with omni-channel digital platforms for fast, reliable delivery

•Technical expertise and training programs that support customers and independent stores alike

•Programs such as the NAPA Auto Care network, which provide branding support, increased visibility, and supply benefits for independent repair centers

•Specialized services offered at select locations, including paint mixing, battery testing, hydraulic hose assembly, and key cutting

Together, these products and services enable us to meet the evolving needs of the global automotive aftermarket, helping keep vehicles running smoothly and minimizing downtime for our customers.

NAPA

We are the sole member of the National Automotive Parts Association, LLC, a voluntary group established in 1925 to promote the distribution of automotive parts. We distribute certain automotive products under the federally registered NAPA® brand, which is used in many of our distribution centers and stores across the U.S., Canada,

3

Table of Contents

Europe, and Australia. While we promote NAPA lines, we are not obligated to purchase specific quantities and may also source competitive products from various suppliers.

We fund NAPA’s advertising to build brand recognition and support product promotion.

Additionally, we comply with a consent decree, entered by the Federal District Court in Detroit, Michigan, on May 4, 1954 that prohibits certain anticompetitive practices, including exclusive manufacturer agreements, territorial restrictions, price fixing, and uniform policies regarding customer selection among former NAPA members.

Global Operations and Distribution

Our extensive logistics and distribution network supports nearly 10,000 company-owned and independently-owned stores worldwide. We have distribution centers strategically located around the globe to support our extensive store network. Our stores are positioned close to key commercial customers, primarily repair shops and auto care centers, enabling frequent deliveries and efficient order fulfillment.

The NAPA brand is integral to our North America and International operations, serving as a symbol of quality and reliability. Our Automotive segments continue to invest in digital sales platforms and omni-channel service capabilities to meet evolving customer preferences. Additionally, we are committed to sustainable business practices, including the distribution of recycled automotive parts through our Back2Car program in Europe, and ongoing innovation to support the growing electric and hybrid vehicle markets globally.

North America Automotive

Our North America Automotive segment represents approximately 39% of total net GPC sales. We serve our customers through 6,864 locations across the U.S. and Canada, with a mix of approximately 35% company-owned and 65% independently-owned stores. We serve customers through a broad network of stores, heavy vehicle outlets, and specialty paint and body care locations. Most products in North America are distributed under the trusted NAPA brand. Our heavy vehicle business operates under banners such as Traction, TruckPro, TW, and Cadel. In Canada, we operate specialty stores that provide paint and body care equipment under the NAPA/CMAX brand, as well as high-quality parts and lubricants for imported vehicles through the Altrom and Auto-Camping banners.

Independent stores operate under their own management but benefit from our distribution network, industry-leading assortment of replacement parts, marketing, and technical support. Our strategic acquisitions in recent years have increased our company-owned store count in key, priority markets to enhance operational synergies and growth potential.

The following table details the number of distribution centers, company-owned stores and independently-owned stores as of December 31, 2025.

Additionally, our repair center network includes over 20,000 locations across North America through programs like our independent NAPA Auto Care program. These programs offer affiliated repair shops brand recognition, purchasing power, and access to advanced technology, all while allowing them to maintain independent ownership and operation.

International Automotive

Our International Automotive segment operates in Europe and Australasia and represents approximately 24% of total net sales.

Our operations in Europe, managed through AAG, serve thousands of repair shops and collision centers through over 2,500 outlets supported by national and regional distribution centers. Our distribution network includes company-owned and independent affiliate stores and outlets, heavy vehicle outlets, and online and specialty outlets. We operate under numerous well-established local banners across Europe, such as:

•France: GROUPAUTO, Precisium, Pièces Auto

•Germany: Coler, Henig, Knoll, Voigt

•U.K. and Ireland: UAN, CAAR and NAPA Auto Parts

4

Table of Contents

•Belgium and Netherlands: PartsPoint, Alliance Automotive Trading and Precisium

•Spain and Portugal: Lausan, Soulima, Gaudi and Colón

Our Australasia business operates the largest automotive aftermarket business in the region through company-owned stores under the Repco and NAPA Auto Parts brands, serving trade and retail customers across Australia and New Zealand. Repco is a nationwide dual-format store network serving trade and retail customers with parts, tools, and equipment, while NAPA Auto Parts offers electrical and replacement parts to specialist customers in the trade, fleet, industrial, commercial, and mining sectors. Our Australasia business also includes a leading Two Wheel Division that distributes motorcycle parts and apparel with exclusive brands, including wholesale banners (McLeod Accessories, John Titman Racing) and AMX Super Stores, Australia’s largest motorcycle accessories retailer.

The following table details the number of distribution centers, company-owned stores and independent affiliates by geographic region as of December 31, 2025.

Industrial Segment

Business Overview

Our Industrial segment, which represents 37% of total GPC net sales, operates across North America and Australasia through our wholly-owned subsidiaries Motion Industries, Inc. (“Motion”), headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, and Motion Asia Pacific, headquartered in Sydney, Australia. We provide replacement parts and value-added solutions to maintenance, repair and operation (“MRO”) customers and original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) customers, serving a total addressable market estimated to be over $150 billion.

We support over 180,000 customers across approximately 900,000 locations by delivering our products with speed and reliability. Nearly all of the products are designed for direct use by the customer in plant and facility maintenance, ensuring they are able to keep their operations running with limited disruption. Most orders are filled immediately from our existing inventory and deliveries are typically completed within 24 hours of order receipt. Our national account customers collectively represent approximately 45% of our annual sales and highlight the trust and lasting partnership that set Motion apart in the industry.

Our Products and Services

Motion is a premier industrial parts and solutions provider known for superior customer service, value-added services and extensive product availability with access to more than 10 million replacement parts. We offer a broad range of industrial products including:

•Bearings, seals and gaskets

•Hose, fittings, hydraulics and pneumatics components

•Abrasives, adhesives, sealants, and tape

•Pumps and power transmission

•Tools and testing equipment

•Electrical supplies and safety products

•Chemicals and janitorial supplies

Our customers span numerous industries such as aggregate and cement, automotive, chemical and allied products, equipment and machinery, equipment rental and leasing, fabricated metals, food and beverage, iron and steel, mining, lumber and wood, oil and gas, pulp and paper, and rubber products. We have strategically targeted specialty industries in power generation, alternative energy, government, transportation, ports, and emerging sectors like electric vehicle battery production.

We provide our customers and deliver value through:

•Onsite inventory management and vendor managed inventory ("VMI")

5

Table of Contents

•Asset repair and tracking, including radio frequency identification ("RFID") asset management of our customers' inventories

•Specialized repair services for gearboxes, fluid power systems, pumps, drive shafts, electrical panels, and hoses and gaskets

•Advanced automation and motion control solutions through Motion AI

•Integrated e-business capabilities through MiSupplierConnect, our advanced platform that seamlessly connects our IT systems with those of our suppliers.

These services and supply chain efficiencies enable us to deliver the cost savings that our customers need and expect. By improving operational reliability and reducing downtime, we help customers optimize performance and keep their operations running smoothly.

Global Operations and Distribution

We operate 755 locations, including distribution centers, branches and service centers to ensure products are readily accessible to our customers. We are committed to providing our customers with greater inventory availability through our strategically located distribution centers. Additionally, most branches stock inventories tailored to meet the specific product needs of customers within their local markets. The strategy is designed to address the customer expectations of a broader inventory selection closer to the point of demand, supported by best-in-class final-mile delivery, often occurring the next business day with same-day service available.

Our North America Industrial network goes to market as Motion and operates in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada. Motion has access to over 10 million replacement parts that are sourced from nearly 40,000 different suppliers, with approximately 45% of purchases coming from our top 50 strategic suppliers. Our combination of distribution centers, branches, and service centers is designed to meet diverse customer needs across multiple industries. Inventories at local branches are customized based on market demand to ensure fast and reliable order fulfillment.

Our business in Australasia supports Industrial customers via a network of distribution centers, branches, and service centers operating under the Motion banner throughout Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, and Singapore.

The following table details the number of distribution centers, branches and service centers by geographic region as of December 31, 2025.

Supplier Agreements.

We maintain non-exclusive distributor agreements with most suppliers. The terms of these agreements vary; however, these agreements typically continue until breached by one party or until terminated by mutual consent.

COMPETITION

Our Global Automotive and Industrial businesses operate in highly competitive markets, with a wide range of national, regional and local businesses.

In our Automotive segments, competition comes from specialty parts chains, automobile manufacturers (including those selling parts for their own and other manufacturers’ vehicles), automobile dealers, warehouse clubs, mass merchandisers and online retailers. Key competitors in North America include AutoZone, Inc., O'Reilly Auto Parts, Inc., Advance Auto Parts, Inc., and LKQ Corporation, among others. Internationally, competitors include LKQ Corporation, which has a strong presence in Europe, and Bapcor in Australasia, among many others. In industrial distribution, our main competitor is Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc., but we also compete against Fastenal Company, and W.W. Grainger, Inc, among many other smaller, regional competitors.

Our competitive advantages are based on broad product availability, quality service, strong brand recognition, and competitive pricing. Further information regarding competition in the industry is set forth in “Item 1A. Risk Factors — We face substantial competition in the industries in which we do business."

6

Table of Contents

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

We are committed to the development of sustainable and efficient operations and business practices that enhance and protect our people, our communities and our planet. Our goal is to generate above-market returns while aligning our business practices to support the interests of our stakeholders.

Our process of defining sustainability priorities focuses on the simultaneous improvement of our environmental, social and financial position, and our strong leadership and governance practices that strive to integrate sustainability into our business strategy and corporate culture. The Nominating and ESG Committee of the Board of Directors ("Board") oversees our sustainability initiatives which aim to deliver long-term value for our shareholders and all our stakeholders.

We seek to promote an inclusive workplace and to ensure the health, safety and well-being of all employees. We emphasize giving back and uplifting the communities in which we operate through partnerships and volunteer efforts. Refer to the “Human Capital Management” section below for further information on our human capital management initiatives.

We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint through the implementation of sustainable initiatives throughout our value chain. We are continuously incorporating environmental stewardship in our practices and discovering opportunities to develop more efficient operations. Additional information regarding our sustainability efforts and future initiatives can be found in our 2025 Sustainability Report and the Sustainability section of our website at www.genpt.com.

HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

Our key human capital management objectives are to attract, retain and develop the highest quality talent. To support these objectives, our human resources programs are designed to connect prospective and current talent to opportunities at the company, engage current employees through an inclusive culture, and develop employees to grow for future opportunities within the organization.

As of December 31, 2025, we employed more than 65,000 people worldwide and operated within 17 countries. We are proud of our employees and are committed to helping them improve their physical, emotional, financial and social well-being. Our benefit offerings are designed to meet the varied and evolving needs of a global workforce across businesses and geographies while helping our employees care for themselves and their families. We offer healthcare benefits aimed at improving quality of care while limiting out-of-pocket costs. In addition, our well-being programs include an online platform that offers an interactive way to accomplish personal and financial goals and a rewards platform to reward employees for completing company sponsored competitions and well-being activities.

We periodically conduct a global engagement survey as a means of measuring employee engagement and satisfaction, as well as a tool for improving our human capital management strategies. Our leadership team reviews the survey results and based on the survey responses, action plans are developed to focus on areas of opportunity. We are pleased to report that our most recent engagement survey results were favorable overall and have shown that our employees are proud to work for the company. The results of the engagement surveys help us continuously improve our human capital strategies and find ways to foster engagement and growth for our employees.

In addition, to empower employees to continually enhance their skills and reach their maximum potential, we provide a range of development programs, resources and opportunities. Many are facilitated locally by each business unit with core leadership development at the enterprise level. One of our more significant programs is focused on high potential employees from all global business units. This program is a combination of in-person and virtual coursework and training with the intent that participants become fully immersed in the operations of our business and develop strategies and improvements cross-functionally. We also offer various internship and rotational programs that allow employees to see different operations of our business while also building strong relationships throughout the company. Other development opportunities include on-demand and live training courses to help our employees achieve their professional and personal goals. We believe these programs demonstrate our ongoing commitment to develop our future leaders.

Our culture is strengthened by our core values, which includes a steadfast commitment to standing up for equality for our teammates, suppliers, customers, communities and other stakeholders. We embrace different ideas and perspectives and are committed to creating a welcoming environment where all teammates have opportunities to grow and feel a sense of belonging. Our goal is to create an inclusive and welcoming culture where we value, respect, and provide equal opportunities for all employees.

Please refer to our 2025 Sustainability Report and Human Rights Policy, which can be found on our investor relations website, for further information on human capital management.

7

Table of Contents

Additional Information

Our website can be found at www.genpt.com. We make available, free of charge through our website, access to our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements, any amendments to these documents, and other reports. These documents and reports are available under the Investor Relations section of our website as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). We also use our website as a means of disclosing material information and for complying with our disclosure obligations under the SEC’s Regulation FD (Fair Disclosure). Important information, including news releases, analyst presentations and financial information regarding GPC is routinely posted on our website. Accordingly, investors should monitor the Investor Relations portion of our website, in addition to following our press releases, SEC filings and public conference calls and webcasts. Additionally, our corporate governance guidelines, codes of conduct and ethics, charters of the Audit Committee, Compensation and Human Capital Committee and the Nominating and ESG Committee, and information regarding our procedure for shareholders and other interested parties to communicate with our Board of Directors, are available also on our website.

In Part III of this Form 10-K, we incorporate certain information by reference to our proxy statement for our 2026 annual meeting of shareholders. We expect to file the proxy statement with the SEC on or about February 27, 2026, and it will be available online at the same time at http://www.proxydocs.com/gpc. Please refer to the proxy statement for the information incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K when it is available.