[Form 4] GENUINE PARTS CO Insider Trading Activity
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Paul D. Donahue, Executive Chairman and Director of Genuine Parts Co. (GPC), reported insider transactions on 09/12/2025. He acquired 10,000 shares via vested Stock Appreciation Rights at an effective price of $99.72 per share, and disposed of 8,379 shares at $140.92 per share. After these transactions he beneficially owns 147,017 shares. The SARs vested in three equal installments beginning April 1, 2016; the reported acquisition reflects the exercisable tranche. The Form 4 shows direct ownership and no additional indirect holdings disclosed.
Positive
- Acquisition of 10,000 shares via SAR exercise indicates insider still retains substantial equity (147,017 shares post-transactions).
- Disclosure includes SAR vesting schedule, clarifying the compensation-related nature of the acquisition.
Negative
- Disposition of 8,379 shares at $140.92 reduced insider holdings, which some investors may view as a liquidity event.
- Net change provides limited information about intent—transactions combine exercise and sale, making interpretation ambiguous.
Insights
TL;DR: Insider exercised vested SARs to acquire 10,000 shares while selling 8,379 shares, leaving ~147k shares owned.
The reported activity mixes an acquisition from exercised Stock Appreciation Rights and a contemporaneous disposition of shares. The acquisition at an effective $99.72 reflects SAR vesting mechanics rather than an open-market buy, which signals compensation realization rather than a direct buy signal. The sale of 8,379 shares at $140.92 reduced share holdings but left ownership largely intact at 147,017 shares. Net change is modest relative to institutional holdings; impact on float is likely immaterial.
TL;DR: Transaction consistent with executive compensation exercise; no governance red flags apparent.
The filing identifies Donahue as Executive Chairman and Director and documents SAR vesting terms (three equal installments from April 1, 2016). The mix of exercise and sale is common for tax/liquidity management when SARs become exercisable. There are no disclosures of related-party transactions, hedging, or indirect ownership changes. From a governance perspective, the disclosure appears routine and complete for Section 16 reporting.