Genuine Parts Company
GPC
#1303
Rank
A$24.81 B
Marketcap
A$180.00
Share price
-1.55%
Change (1 day)
-12.91%
Change (1 year)
Categories
The Genuine Parts Company is an American company that sells aftermarket parts for motor vehicles and industrial equipment as well as items for office supplies.
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

---------------------

FORM 10-K

<TABLE>
<S> <S>
(MARK ONE)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (NO FEE REQUIRED,
EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 7, 1996).
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED: DECEMBER 31, 1996
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (NO FEE REQUIRED)
COMMISSION FILE NO. 1-5690
</TABLE>

GENUINE PARTS COMPANY
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
GEORGIA 58-0254510
(State of Incorporation) (IRS Employer Identification No.)
</TABLE>

2999 CIRCLE 75 PARKWAY, ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30339
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (770) 953-1700.

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act and the Exchange
on which such securities are registered:

Common Stock, Par Value, $1 Per Share
New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No __

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [X]

The aggregate market value of the Registrant's Common Stock (based upon the
closing sales price reported by the New York Stock Exchange and published in The
Wall Street Journal for February 11, 1997) held by non-affiliates as of February
11, 1997 was approximately $5,257,393,196.

The number of shares outstanding of Registrant's Common Stock, as of
February 11, 1997: 119,879,085.

Documents Incorporated by Reference:
--Portions of the Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996, are incorporated by reference into Parts I and II.
--Portions of the definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on April 21, 1997 are incorporated by reference
into Part III.

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PART I. ITEM I. BUSINESS.

Genuine Parts Company, a Georgia corporation incorporated on May 7,
1928, is a service organization engaged in the distribution of automotive
replacement parts, industrial replacement parts and office products. In 1996,
business was conducted throughout most of the United States and in western
Canada from approximately 1,300 operations. As used in this report, the
"Company" refers to Genuine Parts Company 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.

Recent Developments. Effective at the end of February, 1997, the Company closed
its NAPA Distribution Center in Bridgeport, West Virginia, with the distribution
center's business being divided between the Company's NAPA Distribution Centers
in Carrollton, Ohio, Altoona, Pennsylvania, and Charleston, West Virginia.

Industry Segment Data. The following table sets forth the net sales, operating
profit and identifiable assets for the fiscal years 1996, 1995 and 1994
attributable to each of the Company's groups of products which the Company
believes indicate segments of its business. Sales to unaffiliated customers are
the same as net sales.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995 1994
---- ---- ----
NET SALES (in thousands)
---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Automotive Parts $ 3,008,105 $ 2,804,086 $ 2,693,961
Industrial Parts 1,677,859 1,509,566 1,317,495
Office Products 1,034,510 948,252 846,959
----------- ----------- -----------
TOTAL NET SALES $ 5,720,474 $ 5,261,904 $ 4,858,415
=========== =========== ===========

OPERATING PROFIT
----------------

Automotive Parts $ 321,852 $ 307,726 $ 304,164
Industrial Parts 150,815 132,952 111,822
Office Products 103,309 93,888 78,206
----------- ----------- -----------
TOTAL OPERATING PROFIT 575,976 534,566 494,192
Interest Expense (8,498) (3,419) (1,321)
Corporate Expense (29,057) (25,939) (22,854)
Equity in Income 9,398 8,298 7,224
Minority Interests (2,586) (2,712) (2,373)
----------- ----------- -----------
INCOME BEFORE
INCOME TAXES $ 545,233 $ 510,794 $ 474,868
=========== =========== ===========

IDENTIFIABLE ASSETS
-------------------

Automotive Parts $ 1,495,106 $ 1,320,910 $ 1,223,416
Industrial Parts 527,253 482,067 404,647
Office Products 379,394 360,456 308,817
----------- ----------- -----------
TOTAL IDENTIFIABLE ASSETS 2,401,753 2,163,433 1,936,880
Corporate Assets 20,394 18,631 5,950
Equity Investments 99,484 92,068 86,641
----------- ----------- -----------
TOTAL ASSETS $ 2,521,631 $ 2,274,132 $ 2,029,471
=========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>

For additional information regarding industry data, see Page 21 of
Annual Report to Shareholders for 1996.

The majority of the Company's revenue, profitability and identifiable
assets are attributable to the Company's operations in the United States.
Revenue, profitability and identifiable assets in Canada and Mexico are not
material. For additional information regarding foreign operations, see "Note 1
of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" on Page 27 of Annual Report to
Shareholders for 1996.


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Competition - General. The distribution business, which includes all segments of
the Company's business, is highly competitive with the principal methods of
competition being product quality, sufficiency of inventory, price and the
ability to give the customer prompt and dependable service. The Company
anticipates no decline in competition in any of its business segments in the
foreseeable future.

Employees. As of December 31, 1996, the Company employed approximately 24,200
persons.

AUTOMOTIVE PARTS GROUP

The Automotive Parts Group, the largest division of the Company,
distributes automotive replacement parts and accessory items. The Company is the
largest member of the National Automotive Parts Association ("NAPA"), a
voluntary trade association formed in 1925 to provide nationwide distribution of
automotive parts. In addition to approximately 165,000 part numbers that are
available, the Company, in conjunction with NAPA, offers complete inventory,
accounting, cataloging, marketing, training and other programs in the automotive
aftermarket.

During 1996, the Company's Automotive Parts Group included NAPA
automotive parts distribution centers and automotive parts stores ("auto parts
stores" or "NAPA Auto Parts stores") owned in the United States by Genuine Parts
Company; automotive parts distribution centers and auto parts stores in western
Canada owned and operated by UAP/NAPA Automotive Western Partnership
("UAP/NAPA"), a general partnership in which a wholly owned subsidiary of
Genuine Parts Company owns a 49% interest; auto parts stores in the United
States operated by corporations in which Genuine Parts Company owned either a
51% or a 70% interest; distribution centers owned by Balkamp, Inc., a
majority-owned subsidiary; rebuilding plants owned by the Company and operated
by its Rayloc division; and automotive parts distribution centers and auto parts
stores in Mexico, owned and operated by Grupo Auto Todo, S.A. de C.V. ("Auto
Todo"), a joint venture company in which a wholly owned subsidiary of Genuine
Parts Company owns a 49% interest.

The Company's NAPA automotive parts distribution centers distribute
replacement parts (other than body parts) for substantially all motor vehicle
makes and models in service in the United States, including imported vehicles,
trucks, buses, motorcycles, recreational vehicles and farm vehicles. In
addition, the Company distributes small engines and replacement parts for farm
equipment and heavy duty equipment. The Company's inventories also include
accessory items for such vehicles and equipment, and supply items used by a wide
variety of customers in the automotive aftermarket, such as repair shops,
service stations, fleet operators, automobile and truck dealers, leasing
companies, bus and truck lines, mass merchandisers, farms, industrial concerns
and individuals who perform their own maintenance and parts installation.
Although the Company's domestic automotive operations purchase from more than
150 different suppliers, approximately 60% of 1996 automotive inventories were
purchased from 10 major suppliers. Since 1931, the Company has had return
privileges with most of its suppliers which has protected the Company from
inventory obsolescence.

Distribution System. In 1996, Genuine Parts Company operated 63 domestic NAPA
automotive parts distribution centers located in 38 states and 750 domestic
company-owned NAPA Auto Parts stores located in 43 states. At December 31, 1996,
Genuine Parts Company owned a 51% interest in 94 corporations and a 70% interest
in 5 corporations which operated 178 auto parts stores in 31 states.

In Canada, Genuine Parts Company Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary, owns
a 49% interest in UAP/NAPA which operated 5 automotive parts distribution
centers and 115 auto parts stores located in the provinces of Alberta, British
Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan and in the Yukon Territories. In addition,
the Company has an approximate 23% interest in UAP Inc., a publicly traded
Canadian corporation, which owns the other 51% interest in UAP/NAPA and further
engages in the distribution of automotive parts primarily in eastern Canada. In
Mexico, Auto Todo owns and operates 12 distribution centers and 29 auto parts
stores. In 1996, Auto Todo was licensed to and used the NAPA(R) name in Mexico.
The Company's investments in UAP/NAPA and Auto Todo are accounted for by the
equity method of accounting.

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The Company's distribution centers serve approximately 5,100
independently owned NAPA Auto Parts stores located throughout the market areas
served. NAPA Auto Parts stores, in turn, sell to a wide variety of customers in
the automotive aftermarket. Collectively, these auto parts stores account for
approximately 31% of the Company's total sales with no auto parts store or group
of auto parts stores with individual or common ownership accounting for more
than .4% of the total sales of the Company.

Products. Distribution centers carry approximately 165,000 different parts and
related supply items. Each item is cataloged and numbered for identification and
accessibility. Significant inventories are carried to provide for fast and
frequent deliveries to customers. Most orders are filled and shipped the same
day as received. The majority of sales are on terms which require payment within
30 days of the statement date. The Company does not manufacture any of the
products it distributes. The majority of products are distributed under the
NAPA(R) name, a mark licensed to the Company by the National Automotive Parts
Association.

Related Operations. A majority-owned subsidiary of Genuine Parts Company,
Balkamp, Inc.("Balkamp"), distributes a wide variety of replacement parts and
accessory items for passenger cars, heavy duty vehicles, motorcycles and farm
equipment. In addition, Balkamp distributes service items such as testing
equipment, lubricating equipment, gauges, cleaning supplies, chemicals and
supply items used by repair shops, fleets, farms and institutions. Balkamp
packages many of the approximately 24,000 part numbers which constitute the
"Balkamp" line of products which are distributed to the members of the National
Automotive Parts Association ("NAPA"). These products are categorized in 150
different product groups purchased from more than 600 suppliers. All Balkamp
items are cataloged separately to provide single source convenience for NAPA
customers. BALKAMP(R), a federally registered trademark owned by NAPA and
licensed to Balkamp, is important to the sales and marketing promotions of the
Balkamp organization. Balkamp has three distribution centers located in
Indianapolis, Indiana, Greenwood, Mississippi, and West Jordan, Utah.

The Company, through its Rayloc division, also operates six plants
where certain small automotive parts are rebuilt. These products are distributed
to the members of NAPA under the name Rayloc(R). Rayloc(R) is a mark licensed to
the Company by the NAPA.

Segment Data. In the year ended December 31, 1996, sales from the Automotive
Parts Group approximated 53% of the Company's net sales as compared to 53% in
1995 and 56% in 1994.

Service to NAPA Auto Parts Stores. The Company believes that the quality and the
range of services provided to its auto parts customers constitute a significant
part of its automotive parts distribution system. Such services include fast and
frequent delivery, obsolescence protection, parts cataloging (including the use
of computerized NAPA Auto Parts catalogues) and stock adjustment through a
continuing parts classification system which allows auto parts customers to
return certain merchandise on a scheduled basis. The Company offers its NAPA
Auto Parts store customers various management aids, marketing aids and service
on topics such as inventory control, cost analysis, accounting procedures, group
insurance and retirement benefit plans, marketing conferences and seminars,
sales and advertising manuals and training programs. Point of sale/inventory
management is available through TAMS(R) (Total Automotive Management Systems), a
computer system designed and developed by the Company for the NAPA Auto Parts
store.

In association with NAPA, the Company has developed and refined an
inventory classification system to determine optimum distribution center and
auto parts store inventory levels for automotive parts stocking based on
automotive registrations, usage rates, production statistics, technological
advances and other similar factors. This system, which undergoes continuous
analytical review, is an integral part of the Company's inventory control
procedures and comprises an important feature of the inventory management
services which the Company makes available to its NAPA Auto Parts store
customers. Over the last 10 years, losses to the Company from obsolescence have
been insignificant, and the Company attributes this to the successful


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operation of its classification system which involves product return privileges
with most of its suppliers.

Competition. In the distribution of automotive parts, the Company competes with
automobile manufacturers (some of which sell replacement parts for vehicles
built by other manufacturers as well as those which they build themselves),
automobile dealers, warehouse clubs and large automotive parts retail chains. In
addition, the Company competes with the distributing outlets of parts
manufacturers, oil companies, mass merchandisers, including national retail
chains, and with other parts distributors and jobbers.

NAPA. The Company is a member of the National Automotive Parts Association, a
voluntary association formed in 1925 to provide nationwide distribution of
automotive replacement parts. NAPA, which neither buys nor sells automotive
parts, functions as a trade association whose members in 1996 operated 72
distribution centers located throughout the United States, 63 of which were
owned and operated by the Company. NAPA develops marketing concepts and programs
which may be used by its members. It is not involved in the chain of
distribution.

Among the automotive lines which each NAPA member purchases and
distributes are certain lines designated, cataloged, advertised and promoted as
"NAPA" lines. The members are not required to purchase any specific quantity of
parts so designated and may, and do, purchase competitive lines from other
supply sources. The Company and the other NAPA members use the federally
registered trademark NAPA(R) as part of the trade name of their distribution
centers and jobbing stores. The Company contributes to NAPA's national
advertising which is designed to increase public recognition of the "NAPA" name
and to promote "NAPA" product lines.

The Company is a party, together with other members of NAPA and NAPA
itself, to a consent decree entered by the Federal District Court in Detroit,
Michigan, on May 4, 1954. The consent decree enjoins certain practices under the
federal antitrust laws, including the use of exclusive agreements with
manufacturers of automotive parts, allocation or division of territories among
several NAPA members, fixing of prices or terms of sale for such parts among
such members, and agreements to adhere to any uniform policy in selecting parts
customers or determining the number and location of, or arrangements with, auto
parts customers.

INDUSTRIAL PARTS GROUP

The Industrial Parts Group distributes industrial replacement parts and
related supplies throughout the United States and in Western Canada. This Group
distributes industrial bearings and fluid transmission equipment, including
hydraulic and pneumatic products, material handling components, agricultural and
irrigation equipment and their related supplies.

In 1996, the Company distributed industrial parts in the United States
through Motion Industries, Inc. ("Motion"), headquartered in Birmingham,
Alabama, and Berry Bearing Company ("Berry Bearing"), headquartered in Chicago,
Illinois. Both Motion and Berry are wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company. In
Canada, industrial parts are distributed by Oliver Industrial Supply Ltd.
("Oliver"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Genuine Parts Holdings Ltd.,
headquartered in Lethbridge, Alberta. Genuine Parts Holdings Ltd. is a wholly
owned subsidiary of the Company. Oliver's service area is principally the
Provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. In 1996, the
Company formed Motion (Canada), Inc., which is a shell corporation designed to
protect the Motion name in Canada. An affiliate relationship in Mexico allows
Motion to provide the Mexican industrial sector with industrial parts.

On June 5, 1996, and October 1, 1996, the Company completed the
acquisitions of Capstan, Inc. and Amarillo Bearing Corp., respectively. Capstan,
Inc., headquartered in Portland, Maine and operating one branch, is a
distributor of hydraulics, pneumatics and industrial products throughout Maine,
Vermont and New Hampshire. Amarillo Bearing Corp., a major supplier to the beef
packing and chemical industries in the Texas Panhandle area, operates two
branches in Amarillo and Dumas, Texas. Both companies have been merged into the
Company's Motion Industries, Inc. subsidiary.

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As of December 31, 1996, the Group served more than 150,000 customers
in all types of industries located throughout the United States, Mexico and
western Canada.

Distribution System. In the United States, the Industrial Parts Group operates 7
distribution centers, two re-distribution centers, 12 service centers for fluid
power, electrical and special hose applications and over 390 branches.
Distribution centers stock and distribute more than 200,000 different items
purchased from over 250 different suppliers. The Group's re-distribution centers
serve as collection points for excess inventory collected from its branches for
re-distribution to those branches which need the inventory. Approximately 60% of
1996 total industrial purchases were made from 10 major suppliers. Sales are
generated from the Group's branches located in 43 states, each of which has
warehouse facilities that stock significant amounts of inventory representative
of the lines of products used by customers in the respective market area served.

In Canada, Oliver operates an industrial parts and agricultural supply
distribution center for its nine branches serving the industrial and
agricultural markets of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Saskatchewan in
western Canada. In addition to industrial parts and agricultural supplies,
Oliver distributes irrigation systems and related supplies.

Products. The Industrial Parts Group distributes a wide variety of products to
its customers, primarily industrial concerns, to maintain and operate plants,
machinery and equipment. Products include such items as hoses, belts, bearings,
pulleys, pumps, valves, chains, gears, sprockets, speed reducers and electric
motors. The nature of this Group's business demands the maintenance of large
inventories and the ability to provide prompt and demanding delivery
requirements. Virtually all of the products distributed are installed by the
customer. Most orders are filled immediately from existing stock and deliveries
are normally made within 24 hours of receipt of order. The majority of all sales
are on open account.

Related Information. Non-exclusive distributor agreements are in effect with
most of the Group's suppliers. The terms of these agreements vary; however, it
has been the experience of the Group that the custom of the trade is to treat
such agreements as continuing until breached by one party, or until terminated
by mutual consent.

Integrated Supply. In response to customer demands for a more simple and a more
economic method of purchasing and managing inventory, Motion has developed and
joined various strategic integrated supply alliance programs. These programs,
designed to provide the end-user with increased value by reducing marketing,
operational and financial redundancies, are known as Integrated Supply Programs.
The largest is an integrated supply alliance in which Motion has joined with
Ferguson Enterprises and W.W. Grainger.

Segment Data. In the year ended December 31, 1996, sales from the Company's
Industrial Parts Group approximated 29% of the Company's net sales as compared
to 29% in 1995 and 27% in 1994.

Competition. The Industrial Parts Group competes with other distributors
specializing in the distribution of such items, general line distributors and
others who have developed or joined integrated supply programs. To a lesser
extent, the Group competes with manufacturers that sell directly to the
customer.

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OFFICE PRODUCTS GROUP

The Office Products Group, through S. P. Richards Company ("S.P.
Richards"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Genuine Parts Company headquartered in
Atlanta, Georgia, is engaged in the wholesale distribution of a broad line of
office products which are used in the daily operation of businesses, schools,
offices and institutions. Office products fall into the general categories of
computer supplies, imaging supplies, office machines, general office supplies,
janitorial supplies, breakroom supplies, and office furniture. Lesker Office
Furniture, a furniture only wholesaler acquired in 1993, operates from 5
branches in the Northeast. Horizon USA Data Supplies, Inc., acquired by the
Company in 1995, is a computer supplies distributor headquartered in Reno,
Nevada.

The Office Products Group distributes computer supplies including
diskettes, printer supplies, printout paper and printout binders; office
furniture to include desks, credenzas, chairs, chair mats, partitions, files and
computer furniture; office machines to include telephones, answering machines,
calculators, typewriters, shredders and copiers; and general office supplies to
include copier supplies, desk accessories, business forms, accounting supplies,
binders, report covers, writing instruments, note pads, envelopes, secretarial
supplies, mailroom supplies, filing supplies, art/drafting supplies, janitorial
supplies, breakroom supplies and audio visual supplies.

The Office Products Group distributes more than 20,000 items to over
6,000 office supply dealers from 46 facilities located in 30 states.
Approximately 53% of 1996 total office products purchases were made from 10
major suppliers.

The Office Products Group sells to qualified resellers of office
products. Customers are offered comprehensive marketing programs which include
flyers, other promotional material and personalized product catalogs. The
marketing programs are supported by all the Group's distribution centers which
stock all cataloged products and have the capability to provide overnight
delivery.

While many recognized brand-name items are carried in inventory, S. P.
Richards Company also markets items produced for it under its own SPARCO(R)
brand name, as well as its NATURE SAVER(R) brand of recycled products and
CompuCessory(TM) brand of computer supplies and accessories.

Segment Data. In the year ended December 31, 1996, sales from the Company's
Office Products Group approximated 18% of the Company's net sales as compared to
18% in 1995 and 17% in 1994.

Competition. In the distribution of office supplies to retail dealers, S. P.
Richards competes with many other wholesale distributors as well as with
manufacturers of office products and large national retail chains.



Executive Officers of the Company. The table below sets forth the name and age
of each person deemed to be an executive officer of the Company as of February
11, 1997, the position or office held by each and the period during which each
has served as such. Each executive officer is elected by the Board of Directors
and serves at the pleasure of the Board of Directors until his successor has
been elected and has qualified, or until his earlier death, resignation,
removal, retirement or disqualification.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year First
Assumed
Name Age Position of Office Position
- ---- --- ------------------ --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Larry L. Prince 58 Chairman of the Board of Directors
and Chief Executive Officer 1990/1989
Thomas C. Gallagher 49 President and Chief Operating Officer 1990
George W. Kalafut 63 Executive Vice President-Finance and
Administration * 1991
John J. Scalley 66 Executive Vice President 1986
</TABLE>


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<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Keith M. Bealmear 50 Group Vice President 1994
Robert J. Breci 61 Group Vice President 1987
Albert T. Donnon, Jr 49 Group Vice President 1993
Edward Van Stedum 46 Senior Vice President-Human Resources 1996
</TABLE>

* Also serves as the Company's Principal Financial and Accounting
Officer.

All executive officers except Mr. Van Stedum have been employed by and
have served as officers of the Company for at least the last five years. Prior
to his joining the Company in May, 1994, Mr. Van Stedum owned and operated a
consulting company in Atlanta, Georgia, that performed various services for the
Company's Personnel Department.


ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.

The Company's headquarters are located in one of two adjacent office
buildings owned by Genuine Parts Company in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Company's Automotive Parts Group currently operates 62 NAPA
Distribution Centers in the United States distributed among eight geographic
divisions. More than 90% of the distribution center properties are owned by the
Company. At December 31, 1996, the Company owned 750 NAPA Auto Parts stores
located in 43 states, and Genuine Parts Company owned either a 51% or 70%
interest in 178 auto parts stores located in 31 states. Other than NAPA Auto
Parts stores located within Company owned distribution centers, most of the auto
parts stores were operated in leased facilities. In addition, UAP/NAPA, in which
Genuine Parts Company owns a 49% interest, operated 115 auto parts stores in
Western Canada. The Company's Automotive Parts Group also operates three Balkamp
distribution centers, six Rayloc rebuilding plants, two transfer and shipping
facilities and a Rayloc warehouse.

The Company's Industrial Parts Group, operating through Motion and
Berry Bearing Company, operates 7 distribution centers, 2 re-distribution
centers, 12 service centers and over 390 branches. Approximately 80% of these
branches are operated in leased facilities. In addition, the Industrial Parts
Group operates an industrial parts and agricultural supply distribution center
in Western Canada for its 9 branches of which approximately 85% are operated in
leased facilities.

The Company's Office Products Group operates 46 facilities in the
United States distributed among the Group's six geographic divisions.
Approximately 75% of these facilities are operated in leased buildings.

For additional information regarding rental expense on leased
properties, see "Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" on Page
28 of Annual Report to Shareholders for 1996.


ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

Not Applicable.


ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

Not Applicable.

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PART II.


ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

Information required by this item is set forth under the heading
"Market and Dividend Information" on Page 18 of Annual Report to Shareholders
for the year ended December 31, 1996, and is incorporated herein by reference.
The Company has made no unregistered sales of securities during the year ended
December 31, 1996.


ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

Information required by this item is set forth under the heading
"Selected Financial Data" on Page 18 of Annual Report to Shareholders for the
year ended December 31, 1996, and is incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS.

Information required by this item is set forth under the heading
"Management's Discussion and Analysis" on Pages 19 and 20 of Annual Report to
Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 1996, and is incorporated herein by
reference.


ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

Information required by this item is set forth in the consolidated
financial statements on Page 21 and Pages 23 through 30, in "Report of
Independent Auditors" on Page 22, and under the heading "Quarterly Results of
Operations" on Page 20, of the Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended
December 31, 1996, and is incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

Not Applicable.


PART III.

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.

Information required by this item is set forth under the headings
"Nominees for Director" and "Members of the Board of Directors Continuing in
Office" on Pages 2 through 4 of the definitive proxy statement for the Company's
Annual Meeting to be held on April 21, 1997, and is incorporated herein by
reference. Certain information about Executive Officers of the Company is
included in Item 1 of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

Information required by this item is set forth under the heading
"Executive Compensation and Other Benefits" on Pages 7 and 8, and under the
headings "Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation",
"Compensation Pursuant to Plans" and "Termination of Employment and Change of
Control Arrangements" on Pages 11 through 14 of the definitive proxy statement
for the Company's Annual Meeting to be held on April 21, 1997, and is
incorporated herein by reference. In no event shall the information contained in
the definitive proxy statement for the Company's 1997 Annual Meeting on Pages 9
and 10 under the heading "Compensation and Stock Option Committee Report on
Executive Compensation" or on Pages 15 and 16 under the heading "Performance
Graph" be incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.

Information required by this item is set forth under the headings
"Common Stock Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners" and "Common Stock
Ownership of Management" on Pages 5 and 6 of the definitive proxy statement for
the Company's Annual Meeting to be held on April 21, 1997, and is incorporated
herein by reference.


ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.

Information required by this item is set forth under the heading
"Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" on Page 11 of the
definitive proxy statement for the Company's 1997 Annual Meeting to be held on
April 21, 1997, and is incorporated herein by reference.

PART IV.

ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM
8-K.

(a) (1) and (2) The response to this portion of Item 14 is
submitted as a separate section of this report.

(3) The following Exhibits are filed as part of this report in
Item 14(c):

Exhibit 3.1 Restated Articles of Incorporation of the
Company, dated as of April 18, 1988, and as
amended April 17, 1989 and amendments to the
Restated Articles of Incorporation of the
Company, dated as of November 20, 1989 and
April 18, 1994. (Incorporated herein by
reference from the Company's Annual Report
on Form 10-K, dated March 3, 1995).

Exhibit 3.2 By-laws of the Company, as amended.
(Incorporated herein by reference from the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated
March 5, 1993).

Exhibit 4.1 Shareholder Protection Rights Agreement,
dated as of November 20, 1989, between the
Company and Trust Company Bank, as Rights
Agent. (Incorporated herein by reference
from the Company's Report on Form 8-K, dated
November 20, 1989).

Exhibit 4.2 Specimen Common Stock Certificate.
(Incorporated herein by reference from the
Company's Registration Statement on Form
S-1, Registration No. 33-63874).

Exhibit 10.1 * 1988 Stock Option Plan. (Incorporated herein
by reference from the Company's Annual
Meeting Proxy Statement, dated March 9,
1988).

Exhibit 10.2 * Form of Amendment to Deferred Compensation
Agreement, adopted February 13, 1989,
between the Company and certain executive
officers of the Company. (Incorporated
herein by reference from the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March 15,
1989).

-10-
11

Exhibit 10.3 * Form of Agreement adopted February 13, 1989,
between the Company and certain executive
officers of the Company providing for a
supplemental employee benefit upon a change
in control of the Company. (Incorporated
herein by reference from the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March 15,
1989).

Exhibit 10.4 * Genuine Parts Company Supplemental
Retirement Plan, effective January 1, 1991.
(Incorporated herein by reference from the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated
March 8, 1991).

Exhibit 10.5 * 1992 Stock Option and Incentive Plan,
effective April 20, 1992. (Incorporated
herein by reference from the Company's
Annual Meeting Proxy Statement, dated March
6, 1992).

Exhibit 10.6 * Restricted Stock Agreement dated March 31,
1994, between the Company and Larry L.
Prince. (Incorporated herein by reference
from the Company's Form 10- Q, dated May 6,
1994).

Exhibit 10.7 * Restricted Stock Agreement dated March 31,
1994, between the Company and Thomas C.
Gallagher. (Incorporated herein by refer-
ence from the Company's Form 10-Q, dated May
6, 1994).

Exhibit 10.8 * The Genuine Parts Company Restated
Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, effective January
1, 1993. (Incorporated herein by reference
from the Company's Annual Report on Form
10-K, dated March 3, 1995).

Exhibit 10.9 * Amendment No. 2 to the Genuine Parts Company
Supplemental Retirement Plan, effective
January 1, 1995. (Incorporated herein by
reference from the Company's Annual Report
on Form 10-K, dated March 3, 1995).

Exhibit 10.10 * Genuine Partnership Plan, as amended and
restated January 1, 1994. (Incorporated
herein by reference from the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March 3,
1995).

Exhibit 10.11 * Genuine Parts Company Pension Plan, as
amended and restated effective January 1,
1989. (Incorporated herein by reference from
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K,
dated March 3, 1995).

Exhibit 10.12 * Amendment No. 1 to the Genuine Partnership
Plan, effective September 1, 1995.
(Incorporated herein by reference to the
Company's Form 10-K, dated March 7, 1996).

Exhibit 10.13 * Amendment No. 1 to the Genuine Parts Company
Pension Plan, effective April 1, 1995.
(Incorporated herein by reference to the
Company's Form 10-K, dated March 7, 1996).

-11-
12
Exhibit 10.14 * Amendment No. 2 to the Genuine Parts Company
Pension Plan, dated September 28, 1995,
effective January 1, 1995. (Incorporated
herein by reference to the Company's Form
10-K, dated March 7, 1996).

Exhibit 10.15* Genuine Parts Company Directors' Deferred
Compensation Plan, effective November 1,
1996.

Exhibit 10.16* Amendment No. 3 to the Genuine Parts Company
Pension Plan dated May 24, 1996, effective
January 1, 1996.

Exhibit 10.17* Amendment No. 4 to the Genuine Parts Company
Pension Plan dated December 3, 1996,
effective January 1, 1996.

Exhibit 10.18* Amendment No. 2 to the Genuine Partnership
Plan, dated December 3, 1996, effective
November 1, 1996.

* Indicates executive compensation plans and arrangements

Exhibit 13 The following sections and pages of the 1996
Annual Report to Shareholders:
- Selected Financial Data on Page 18
- Market and Dividend Information on Page
18
- Management's Discussion and Analysis on
Pages 19 and 20
- Quarterly Results of Operations on Page 20
- Industry Data on Page 21
- Report of Independent Auditors on Page 22
- Consolidated Financial Statements and
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
on Pages 23-30

Exhibit 21 Subsidiaries of the Company

Exhibit 23 Consent of Independent Auditors

Exhibit 27 Financial Data Schedule



-12-
13
(b) Reports on Form 8-K. No reports on Form 8-K were filed by the
Registrant during the last quarter of the fiscal year.

(c) Exhibits. The response to this portion of Item 14 is submitted
as a separate section of this report.

(d) Financial Statement Schedules. The response to this portion of
Item 14 is submitted as a separate section of this report.



SIGNATURES.

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to
be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.




GENUINE PARTS COMPANY




/s/Larry L. Prince 3/10/97 /s/George W. Kalafut 3/10/97
- -------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
Larry L. Prince (Date) George W. Kalafut (Date)
Chairman of the Board Executive Vice President -
and Chief Executive Officer Finance and Administration and
Principal Financial and Accounting
Officer


-13-
14
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange
Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on
behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.





/s/ Bradley Currey, Jr. 2/17/97 /s/ Larry L. Prince 2/17/97
- -------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
Bradley Currey, Jr. (Date) Larry L. Prince (Date)
Director Director
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer




/s/ Jean Douville 2/17/97 /s/ John J. Scalley 2/17/97
- -------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
Jean Douville (Date) John J. Scalley (Date)
Director Director
Chairman of the Board and Executive Vice President
Chief Executive Officer UAP Inc.




/s/ Robert P. Forrestal 2/17/97 /s/ Alana S. Shepherd 2/17/97
- -------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
Robert P. Forrestal (Date) Alana S. Shepherd (Date)
Director Director




/s/ Thomas C. Gallagher 2/17/97 /s/ Lawrence G. Steiner 2/17/97
- -------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
Thomas C. Gallagher (Date) Lawrence G. Steiner (Date)
Director Director
President and Chief Operating Officer




/s/ J. Hicks Lanier 2/17/97 /s/ James B. Williams 2/17/97
- -------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
J. Hicks Lanier (Date) James B. Williams (Date)
Director Director





- --------------------------------------
William A. Parker (Date)
Director


-14-
15
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

ITEM 14(a)(1) AND (2), (c) AND (d)

LIST OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CERTAIN EXHIBITS

YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996

GENUINE PARTS COMPANY

ATLANTA, GEORGIA
16
Form 10-K - Item 14(a)(1) and (2)

Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries

Index of Financial Statements



The following consolidated financial statements of Genuine Parts Company and
subsidiaries, included in the annual report of the registrant to its
shareholders for the year ended December 31, 1996, are incorporated by reference
in Item 8:

Consolidated balance sheets - December 31, 1996 and 1995

Consolidated statements of income - Years ended December 31, 1996,
1995, and 1994

Consolidated statements of cash flows - Years ended December 31, 1996,
1995 and 1994

Notes to consolidated financial statements - December 31, 1996

All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting
regulation of the Securities and Exchange commission are not required under the
related instructions or are inapplicable, and therefore have been omitted.
17
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

ITEM 14(a)(3)

LIST OF EXHIBITS



The following Exhibits are filed as a part of this Report:

10.15* Genuine Parts Company Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan, effective
November 1, 1996.

10.16* Amendment No. 3 to the Genuine Parts Company Pension Plan dated May 24,
1996, effective January 1, 1996.

10.17* Amendment No. 4 to the Genuine Parts Company Pension Plan dated
December 3, 1996, effective January 1, 1996.

10.18* Amendment No. 2 to the Genuine Partnership Plan, dated December 3,
1996, effective November 1, 1996.

13 The following Sections and Pages of Annual Report to Shareholders for
1996:

- Selected Financial Data on Page 18
- Market and Dividend Information on Page 18
- Management's Discussion and Analysis on Pages 19 and 20
- Quarterly Results of Operations on Page 20
- Industry Data on Page 21
- Report of Independent Auditors on Page 22
- Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements on Pages 23-30

21 Subsidiaries of the Company

23 Consent of Independent Auditors

27 Financial Data Schedule (for SEC use only)

The following Exhibits are incorporated by reference as set forth in Item 14 on
pages 10 and 11 of this Form 10-K:

- 3.1 Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company, dated as of
April 18, 1988, and as amended April 17, 1989 and amendments
to the Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company,
dated as of November 20, 1989 and April 18, 1994.

- 3.2 By-laws of the Company, as amended.

- 4.1 Shareholder Protection Rights Agreement, dated as of November
20, 1989, between the Company and Trust Company Bank, as
Rights Agent.

- 4.2 Specimen Common Stock Certificate. (Incorporated herein by
reference form the Company's Registration Statement on Form
S-1, Registration No. 33-63874).
18
- 10.1* 1988 Stock Option Plan.

- 10.2* Form of Amendment to Deferred Compensation Agreement adopted
February 13, 1989, between the Company and certain executive
officers of the Company.

- 10.3* Form of Agreement adopted February 13, 1989, between the
Company and certain executive officers of the Company
providing for a supplemental employee benefit upon a change in
control of the Company.

- 10.4* Genuine Parts Company Supplemental Retirement Plan, effective
January 1, 1991.

- 10.5* 1992 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, effective April 20,
1992.

- 10.6* Restricted Stock Agreement dated March 31, 1994, between the
Company and Larry L. Prince.

- 10.7* Restricted Stock Agreement dated March 31, 1994, between the
Company and Thomas C. Gallagher.

- 10.8* The Genuine Parts Company Restated Tax-Deferred Savings Plan,
effective January 1, 1993.

- 10.9* Amendment No. 2 to the Genuine Parts Company Supplemental
Retirement Plan, effective January 1, 1995.

- 10.10* Genuine Partnership Plan, as amended and restated January 1,
1994.

- 10.11* Genuine Parts Company Pension Plan, as amended and restated,
effective January 1, 1989.

- 10.12* Amendment No. 1 to the Genuine Partnership Plan, effective
September 1, 1995.

- 10.13* Amendment No. 1 to the Genuine Parts Company Pension Plan,
effective April 1, 1995.

- 10.14* Amendment No. 2 to the Genuine Parts Company Pension Plan,
dated September 28, 1995, effective January 1, 1995.

* Indicates executive compensation plans and arrangements.