Genuine Parts Company Annual Report 2017

Plain-text annual report

CELEBRATING 90 YEARS 2 017 A NNUA L REP OR T 58272.indd 1 2/19/18 12:25 PM CELEBRATING YEARS $ $ $ $ - INCOME TAXES YEAR 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 1,058,408,000*** *Excludes facility consolidation and impairment charges **Excludes cumulative effect adjustment ***Excludes transaction costs and non-cash U.S. tax reform adjustments (see next page) Financial information as reported in the Company’s annual reports (includes discontinued operations) NET SALES 75,129 227,978 339,732 402,463 482,525 629,751 904,580 1,035,477 1,299,185 1,520,199 1,858,252 3,180,241 3,928,342 6,109,724 6,592,707 8,205,316 10,084,893 11,355,633 19,237,291 18,531,472 20,729,280 19,845,875 24,447,042 26,244,669 28,468,962 29,731,105 30,744,504 34,073,288 41,325,377 48,140,313 56,504,293 71,581,580 75,010,726 80,533,146 90,248,450 96,651,445 120,313,692 171,545,228 175,132,785 204,893,008 245,443,798 303,455,677 340,036,395 387,138,252 450,500,768 501,189,438 572,833,282 678,353,280 846,192,692 942,958,756 1,148,632,000 1,337,468,000 1,431,713,000 1,584,642,000 1,936,524,000 2,068,231,000 2,303,594,000 2,332,544,000 2,394,072,000 2,606,246,000 2,941,963,000 3,161,198,000 3,319,394,000 3,434,642,000 3,668,814,000 4,384,294,000 4,858,415,000 5,261,904,000 5,697,592,000 5,981,224,000 6,587,576,000 7,950,822,000 8,369,857,000 8,220,668,000 8,258,927,000 8,449,300,000 9,097,267,000 9,783,050,000 10,457,942,000 10,843,195,000 11,015,263,000 10,057,512,000 11,207,589,000 12,458,877,000 13,013,868,000 14,077,843,000 15,341,647,000 15,280,044,000 15,339,713,000 16,308,801,000 INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES -2,570 8,027 15,666 21,516 16,839 34,614 52,115 38,503 70,234 72,622 78,305 136,902 176,301 348,690 337,252 430,634 489,547 532,944 1,621,541 1,088,967 1,176,590 1,067,096 1,454,832 1,168,405 1,416,235 1,408,213 1,642,148 1,921,777 2,473,384 3,328,598 4,251,175 6,001,005 5,661,551 6,491,113 7,107,524 7,210,807 9,324,827 12,262,510 12,409,363 14,918,758 19,330,334 24,228,557 28,163,228 33,897,667 36,104,767 42,088,098 50,234,298 63,552,088 79,321,897 88,365,511 105,070,000 121,953,000 133,996,000 154,271,000 193,560,000 200,822,000 234,713,000 245,203,000 240,565,000 262,068,000 290,445,000 321,877,000 333,219,000 335,027,000 353,998,000 425,829,000 474,868,000 510,794,000 545,233,000 565,600,000 589,117,000 628,067,000 646,750,000 603,813,000* 605,736,000 571,743,000 635,919,000 709,064,000 770,916,000 816,745,000 768,468,000 644,165,000 761,783,000 890,806,000 1,018,932,000 1,044,304,000 1,117,739,000 1,123,681,000 1,074,340,000 599 1,158 1,857 2,787 6,160 10,159 7,140 13,187 17,647 18,185 27,320 50,505 149,020 204,234 260,084 310,082 323,302 650,060 429,045 438,498 420,175 636,275 601,386 744,330 736,190 864,331 1,020,148 1,309,667 1,752,800 2,261,582 3,165,042 2,988,000 3,481,000 3,795,000 3,850,000 4,620,000 5,890,000 6,030,000 7,272,000 10,362,000 13,240,000 14,600,000 16,966,000 18,200,000 21,280,000 25,408,000 32,650,000 40,538,000 44,918,000 53,429,000 58,808,000 64,545,000 74,471,000 92,552,000 97,188,000 115,046,000 118,962,000 119,013,000 113,776,000 109,072,000 122,389,000 126,623,000 127,350,000 134,210,000 166,961,000 186,320,000 201,626,000 215,157,000 223,203,000 233,323,000 250,445,000 261,427,000 242,289,000* 238,236,000 218,101,000 240,367,000 271,630,000 295,511,000 310,406,000 293,051,000 244,590,000 286,272,000 325,690,000 370,891,000 359,345,000 406,453,000 418,009,000 387,100,000 362,627,000*** NET INCOME -2,570 7,428 14,508 19,659 14,052 28,454 41,956 31,363 57,047 54,975 60,120 109,582 125,796 199,670 133,018 170,550 179,465 209,642 971,481 659,922 738,092 646,921 818,557 567,019 671,905 672,023 777,817 901,629 1,163,717 1,575,798 1,989,593 2,835,963 2,673,551 3,010,113 3,312,524 3,360,807 4,704,827 6,372,510 6,379,363 7,491,411 8,794,941 10,778,467 13,290,852 16,535,006 17,567,931 20,341,677 24,005,057 29,981,108 37,763,166 42,243,015 50,263,000 61,715,000 67,833,000 77,543,000 100,167,000 103,634,000 119,667,000 126,241,000 121,552,000 148,292,000 181,373,000 199,488,000 206,596,000 207,677,000 219,788,000 257,813,000 288,548,000 309,168,000 330,076,000 342,397,000 355,794,000 377,622,000 385,323,000 361,524,000* 367,500,000** 353,642,000** 395,552,000 437,434,000 475,405,000 506,339,000 475,417,000 399,575,000 475,511,000 565,116,000 648,041,000 684,959,000 711,286,000 705,672,000 687,240,000 695,782,000*** $ TOTAL EQUITY END OF YEAR 38,756 49,837 60,591 78,097 90,187 109,025 149,176 171,238 185,119 240,140 358,621 476,750 623,521 738,536 859,449 1,032,182 1,202,955 1,415,974 2,379,001 3,029,334 4,005,910 4,372,831 4,966,086 5,325,561 5,647,553 6,022,077 6,449,894 7,001,523 7,815,241 8,969,272 10,807,320 13,285,215 14,967,697 17,142,687 19,213,273 21,189,880 29,268,289 45,565,926 47,308,163 55,679,256 63,649,275 77,437,679 85,290,945 95,476,147 108,053,465 121,548,638 137,156,965 163,092,941 206,861,402 233,641,292 275,127,000 320,706,000 359,889,000 410,689,000 581,915,000 636,218,000 701,113,000 729,231,000 758,493,000 760,256,000 863,159,000 971,764,000 1,033,100,000 1,126,718,000 1,235,366,000 1,445,263,000 1,526,165,000 1,650,882,000 1,732,054,000 1,859,468,000 2,053,332,000 2,177,517,000 2,260,806,000 2,345,123,000 2,130,009,000 2,312,283,000 2,544,377,000 2,693,957,000 2,549,991,000 2,716,716,000 2,324,332,000 2,629,372,000 2,802,714,000 2,792,819,000 3,008,179,000 3,358,768,000 3,312,364,000 3,159,242,000 3,207,356,000 3,464,156,000 58272.indd 2 2/19/18 12:25 PM GENUINE PARTS COMPANY PROFILE Genuine Parts Company, founded in 1928, is a service organization engaged in the distribution of automotive replacement parts, industrial parts and materials, and business products. The Company serves hundreds of thousands of customers from more than 3,100 operations and has approximately 48,000 employees. 2017 SALES BY REGION 2017 NET SALES BY SEGMENT AUTOMOTIVE 53% UNITED STATES: 81% CANADA: 9% AUSTRALASIA: 7% EUROPE: 2% MEXICO: 1% (30%) INDUSTRIAL 35% (5%) BUSINESS PRODUCTS 12% SALES IN BILLIONS OF DOLLARS $16.31 ADJUSTED EARNINGS PER SHARE IN DOLLARS $15.34 $15.28 $15.34 $4.71 $4.61 $4.63 $4.59 $14.08 $13.01 $12.46 $11.02 $11.21 $10.06 $4.40 $4.14 $3.58 $2.92 $3.00 $2.50 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Net Sales Income Before Taxes Income Taxes Net Income Shareholders’ Equity Rate Earned on Shareholders’ Equity at the Beginning of the Year Average Common Shares Outstanding - Assuming Dilution PER COMMON SHARE: Diluted Net Income Adjustments Adjusted Diluted Net Income Dividends Declared 2017 CHANGE 2016 CHANGE 2015 $ 16,308,801,000 1,009,268,000 392,511,000 616,757,000 3,464,156,000 19.2% 147,701,000 $4.18 $0.53* $4.71 $2.70 6.3% -6% * * 1% -10% * 8% – – -9% * – 3% 3% $ 15,339,713,000 0.4% $ 15,280,044,000 1,074,340,000 387,100,000 687,240,000 3,207,356,000 21.8% 149,804,000 – – $4.59 $2.63 -4% -7% -3% 2% – – – – -1% 7% 1,123,681,000 418,009,000 705,672,000 3,159,242,000 21.3% 152,496,000 – – $4.63 $2.46 *Adjustments reflect transaction costs primarily related to the acquisition of AAG and the tax expense associated with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Excluding these items, income before taxes was $1,058,408,000, down 1%, income taxes were $362,627,000, down 6%, net income was $695,782,000, up 1%, and rate earned on shareholders’ equity was 21.7% 58272.indd 3 2/19/18 12:25 PM TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS CELEBRATING YEARS We are pleased to update you on our 90th year of operations at Genuine Parts Company, which produced a record $16.3 billion in revenues, representing a 6.3% increase from 2016. Additionally, 2017 marks the 85th year of increased revenues for the Company. Net earnings were $617 million and diluted earnings per share were $4.18 on a GAAP basis, or $696 million and $4.71 per diluted share on an adjusted basis compared to $4.59 in the prior year. Paul D. Donahue President and Chief Executive Ofﬁ cer Thomas C. Gallagher Chairman Carol B. Yancey Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Ofﬁ cer THE YEAR IN REVIEW In 2017, the Company beneﬁ ted from positive comparable sales growth as well as ongoing accretive acquisitions, which included investments in 15 businesses across our distribution network in the U.S., Canada and Australasia. We also acquired a 35% stake in the Sydney, Australia based Inenco Group, one of Australasia’s leading industrial distributors of key product categories including bearings, power transmission and seals, with approximate annual revenues of $325 million. GPC will have the opportunity to acquire the remaining 65% interest in Inenco within a few years, subject to the achievement of certain earnings thresholds. Finally, we want to highlight that in the fourth quarter we expanded into Europe with the acquisition of U.K. based Alliance Automotive Group (AAG). AAG is a leading European automotive parts distributor with estimated annual revenues of $1.7 billion across operations in France, the U.K., Germany and Poland. Throughout the year, our team remained focused on positioning the Company for sustained long term sales and earnings growth. We also executed on our initiatives to grow revenues and overcome the challenged sales environment in our U.S. automotive, business products and electrical/electronic businesses. Additionally, we worked to create a lower cost, but highly effective infrastructure. These efforts included steps to accelerate the integration of our acquisitions, investments to enhance our productivity and innovative strategies to offset rising costs in areas such as labor, freight, technology, warehousing, insurance, healthcare and other employee beneﬁ ts. Our attention to these important areas was further supported by our effective management of the balance sheet. We also continue to produce strong cash ﬂ ows and, in 2017, cash from operations of $815 million supported dividends paid of $395 million and capital expenditures of $157 million, leaving us with free cash ﬂ ow of approximately $263 million. The ﬁ nancial strength of the Company is the hallmark of our success, and we continue to allocate our cash for key investments, accretive acquisitions and the return of capital to our shareholders in the form of the dividend and share repurchases. BUSINESS SEGMENT UPDATE The Company’s record sales were marked by revenue increases in each business segment, as our ongoing acquisition strategy positively contributed to operations. The Automotive Group generated nearly $8.7 billion in global sales in 2017, representing an approximate 7% increase from 2016. We are pleased that each region in which we operate posted positive sales growth, with the international markets of Canada, Australasia and Mexico up over 5% and our U.S. group increasing 2%. We are also encouraged by the contribution of Alliance Automotive Group, which added 3% to automotive’s sales in just two months with GPC. Turning to 2018, we expect to achieve additional sales growth across the automotive segment. The improvement will be driven by continued growth in our international businesses, stronger U.S. results as conditions associated with cyclical headwinds subside and the beneﬁ t of a full year of operations in Europe. Without question, we are excited for the global growth prospects for our Automotive Group. The Industrial Parts Group, including the Industrial and Electrical/Electronic business segments of the Company, accounted for total sales of $5.7 billion in 2017. At Motion Industries, our industrial distribution business, total sales were $5.0 billion, a 7% increase from 2016. Motion’s total sales growth reﬂ ects an approximate 4.5% increase in core sales and a 2.5% beneﬁ t from acquisitions. We were pleased with the strong and steady results in this business throughout the year, which correlate to the ongoing strength in the industrial economy. This was evidenced by positive indicators such as Manufacturing Industrial Production, the Purchasing Managers Index, the level of exports and the continued stabilization of the energy sector. EIS, our electrical/ electronic distribution segment, grew sales to $781 million in 2017, up 9% from 2016 primarily due to the Empire Wire and Supply acquisition in the second quarter. Effective in 2018, EIS will be reported as the Electrical Specialties Group of Motion Industries. The combination of these two segments will provide strong economies of scale and greater operating efﬁ ciencies, which we intend to leverage. The opportunity to build synergies by sharing talent, physical resources, greater size and scale, and value-added expertise in each respective market channel is highly compelling. We anticipate this combination will create value for both our customers and all our stakeholders, and expect a strong performance from the Industrial Parts Group in 2018. The Business Products Group, represented by S.P. Richards, had sales of $2.0 billion in 2017, a 1.5% increase from 2016. While the business products industry continues to face signiﬁ cant challenges, our strategy to diversify our traditional product offering into the large and growing Facilities, Breakroom and Safety Supplies category has proven beneﬁ cial. Going forward, we remain focused on our core growth initiatives and the further diversiﬁ cation of this business, while also evaluating all options for new and enhanced opportunities that may help us more effectively navigate the difﬁ cult industry dynamics in which we compete. 58272.indd 4 2/19/18 12:25 PM DIVIDENDS & SHARE REPURCHASES In 2017, we returned $569 million to our shareholders through the combination of dividends and share repurchases. DIVIDENDS PER SHARE IN DOLLARS $2.88 $2.70 $2.63 The Company has paid a cash dividend to shareholders every year since going public in 1948, and on February 19, 2018, the Board of Directors raised the 2018 cash dividend to an annual rate of $2.88 per share, up 7% from $2.70 in 2017. 2018 marks our 62nd consecutive year of increased dividends paid to our shareholders. We repurchased approximately 1.9 million shares of our Company stock in 2017 and, at the August 2017 Board Meeting, our Directors authorized an additional 15 million shares for repurchase. As of December 31, 2017 we were authorized to repurchase up to 17.4 million shares. We expect to continue making opportunistic share repurchases, as we view this as a good use of cash. $2.46 $2.30 $2.15 $1.98 $1.80 $1.60 $1.64 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 GPC DIRECTOR CHANGES At our August 2017 Board meeting, P. Russell Hardin was elected by the Board as a new Director of the Company. Mr. Hardin is President of the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation and the Joseph B. Whitehead, Lettie Pate Evans and Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundations. Russ is an extremely talented executive with a wealth of management, business and legal experience and knowledge that make him a valuable addition to our board. In April of 2018, Jerry W. Nix will retire from our Board of Directors. Mr. Nix served as the Vice Chairman of the Board from November 2005 until his retirement as CFO of the Company in March 2013. We want to thank Jerry for his more than 12 years of dedicated service to our Board. We will miss his excellent counsel. KEY MANAGEMENT CHANGES It is a great honor to recognize in this letter to shareholders the 47-year career of Tom Gallagher, Chairman of the Board of Directors, who retired from the Company on June 30, 2017. Mr. Gallagher served as President from 1990 to 2011, Chief Executive Ofﬁ cer from 2004 to April 2016 and Chairman of the Board since 2005, and his many contributions to the Company are truly immeasurable. His thoughtful leadership guided the Company to signiﬁ cant growth and success. Mr. Gallagher remains on our Board as Chairman and we look forward to his continued positive inﬂ uence on the direction of the Company. Tom, congratulations on a remarkable career! We thank you for all that you have done for Genuine Parts Company and our stakeholders. During the past year, there were a number of other key management changes and promotions that we would like to share with you. Gary T. Dunwell was named President of our Balkamp Division, effective January 2018. Mr. Dunwell had previously served nine years with our GPC Asia Paciﬁ c business, most recently as Executive General Manager of the Australian Auto Parts Division and head of Merchandising and Strategic Marketing for both Australia and New Zealand. Mr. Dunwell replaces D. Tip Tollison, who retired from the Company this January after a distinguished 41-year career with Genuine Parts, including the last 10 years as Balkamp’s President. We want to welcome Gary to his new role and wish him great success and also congratulate Tip on his retirement and thank him for his contributions to the Company. Additionally, at our April 2017 Board meeting, the Directors elected Sidney G. Jones to Senior Vice President Investor Relations. Further, at our February 2018 Board meeting, the Directors elected Napoleon B. Rutledge to Senior Vice President Finance and Derek B. Goshay to Vice President Safety & Sustainability. Sid, Napoleon and Derek are talented individuals and well deserving of their new positions. We look forward to their many future contributions. FINAL THOUGHTS Reﬂ ecting on our 90th year, we surpassed $16 billion in revenues, a new record for us. In addition, we better positioned the Company for sustained long-term growth, with signiﬁ cant investments in our existing businesses as well as new ones, both in North America and abroad. Our balance sheet is in excellent condition, our cash ﬂ ows are strong and our plans are in place for the year ahead. The future is bright, and we enter 2018 a stronger, more diversiﬁ ed global distributor relative to a year ago. We will look to enhance our revenue growth and effectively manage our cost structure to unlock greater savings and efﬁ ciencies. The four building blocks of our growth strategy remain intact and include the: • execution of fundamental initiatives to drive a greater share of wallet with our existing customers, • pursuit of an aggressive and disciplined acquisition strategy focused on geographical as well as product line expansion, • build-out of our digital capabilities in each of our businesses and • further expansion of our U.S. and international store footprint. We have made progress in these areas and expect to build on our positive momentum in the coming years. We look forward to reporting to you as we go. We want to take this opportunity to express our appreciation to our employees, customers, vendors and shareholders for their commitment to, and ongoing support of, Genuine Parts Company. Respectfully submitted, Paul D. Donahue President and Chief Executive Ofﬁ cer Carol B. Yancey Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Ofﬁ cer February 27, 2018 58272.indd 5 2/19/18 12:25 PM AUTOMOTIVE PARTS GROUP 53% of Total GPC Net Sales INDUSTRIAL PARTS GROUP 35% of Total GPC Net Sales The Automotive Parts Group distributes automotive replacement parts, accessory items and service items throughout North America, France, the U.K., Germany, Poland, Australia and New Zealand. • In North America, more than 500,000 parts are sold primarily under the NAPA brand name, widely recognized for quality parts, quality service and knowledgeable people. • In Europe, the Company serves each country under a variety of brands: o France – GROUPAUTO France, Precisium Group, Partner’s, GEF Auto o U.K. – GROUPAUTO UK & Ireland, UAN o Germany – Alliance Automotive Group Germany o Poland – GROUPAUTO Polska • The Company’s GPC Asia Paciﬁ c business serves the Australasian markets primarily under the brand name Repco. Our global automotive network serves approximately 6,000 NAPA AUTO PARTS stores in the U.S., 700 wholesalers in Canada, 41 stores in Mexico, approximately 2,000 automotive stores and outlets in Europe and 550 automotive locations in Australia and New Zealand. These stores sell to both the Retail (DIY) and Commercial (DIFM) automotive aftermarket customer and cover substantially all domestic and foreign motor vehicle models. Major Products Automotive Replacement Parts Paint and Reﬁ nishing Supplies Farm and Marine Supplies Tools and Equipment Heavy Duty Parts Automotive Accessories Website: napaonline.com Headquarters: Atlanta, GA North America 57 NAPA Distribution Centers 4 Balkamp Distribution Centers 4 Rayloc Facilities 10 Altrom Import Parts Facilities 3 Heavy Vehicle Parts Distribution Centers 6,000 NAPA AUTO PARTS (1,142 company-owned) 27 TRACTION Heavy Duty Parts stores (20 company-owned) Website: napacanada.com 12 Distribution Centers 698 NAPA and Heavy Vehicle Facilities (188 company-owned) 28 Altrom Canada Import Parts Facilities Website: napaenlinea.com 13 Auto Todo Facilities 41 NAPA Mexico Facilities (14 company-owned) Headquarters: London, England France 15 Distribution Centers 1,014 Stores (220 company-owned) Germany 8 Distribution Centers 37 Stores U.K. 25 Distribution Centers 771 Stores (106 company-owned) Poland 210 Stores Website: repco.com.au Headquarters: Melbourne, Australia Australasia 12 Distribution Centers 449 AUTO PARTS Stores and Branches in Aus 111 AUTO PARTS Stores and Branches in NZ Website: motionindustries.com Headquarters: Birmingham, AL Website: eis-inc.com Headquarters: Atlanta, GA The Industrial Parts Group, which was traditionally represented as Motion Industries, was further enhanced with the combination of EIS, Inc., the Company’s Electrical/ Electronic Materials Group, into Motion, effective in 2018. In 2017, Motion represented 30% of total sales, and EIS represented 5% of total sales. Motion offers access to 7.1 million industrial replacement parts and related supplies and serves over 300,000 MRO (maintenance, repair and operations) and OEM (original equipment manufacturer) customers throughout North America and in all types of industries. These include the food and beverage, forest products, primary metals, pulp and paper, mining, automotive, oil and gas, petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries. MOTION LOCATIONS U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico: Service Capabilities 24/7/365 Product Delivery Repair & Fabrication Quality Processes (ISO) Technical Expertise Asset Repair Tracking Application & Design Inventory Management & Logistics Training Programs E-business Technologies Storeroom & Replenishment Tracking 14 Distribution Centers 498 Branches 43 Service Centers Major Products Bearings Mechanical & Electrical Power Transmission Products Industrial Automation Hydraulic and Industrial Hose Hydraulic and Pneumatic Components Industrial and Safety Supplies Material Handling Products EIS, our Electrical/Electronic Materials Group, distributes over 100,000 items to more than 20,000 customers from 38 branches and six fabrication facilities in North America. Customers served include original equipment manufacturers, motor repair shops, specialty wire and cable users and a broad variety of industrial assembly markets. Products include wire, cable and connectivity solutions, insulating and conductive materials, assembly tools and test equipment as well as custom fabricated parts and specialty coated materials. EIS LOCATIONS U.S., Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic: 38 Branches 6 Fabrication Facilities Major Products Magnet Wire Specialty Converted Solutions Cable and Connectivity Solutions Insulating and Conductive Materials Assembly Tools Test Equipment BUSINESS PRODUCTS GROUP 12% of Total GPC Net Sales Website: sprichards.com Headquarters: Atlanta, GA The Business Products Group, formerly "Ofﬁ ce Products", distributes more than 98,000 items to over 9,700 resellers and distributors throughout the United States and Canada from a network of 55 distribution centers. Customers include independently owned ofﬁ ce product dealers, national ofﬁ ce supply superstores and mass merchants, large contract stationers, mail order companies, internet resellers, college bookstores, military base stores, ofﬁ ce furniture dealers, value-add technology resellers, janitorial and sanitation supply distributors, safety product resellers and food service, food processing and laboratory supply distributors. LOCATIONS U.S. & Canada 33 Full-Stocking Distribution Centers 2 Furniture Only Distribution Centers 5 S.P. Richards Canada Distribution Centers 9 Safety Zone Distribution Centers 3 Impact Distribution Centers 2 GCN Distribution Centers 1 Malt Distribution Center Major Products General Ofﬁ ce Products Technology Supplies & Accessories Facility & Breakroom Solutions Disposable Food Service Products Ofﬁ ce Furniture School & Educational Products Healthcare Products Safety & Security Items Proprietary Brands Sparco Ofﬁ ce Supplies Compucessory Computer Accessories Lorell Ofﬁ ce Furniture NatureSaver Recycled Paper Products Elite Image Printer Supplies Integra Writing Instruments Genuine Joe Cleaning & Breakroom Products Business Source Ofﬁ ce Supplies Lighthouse Janitorial & Cleaning Products 58272.indd 6 2/19/18 12:25 PM UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 Form 10-K Í ‘ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 Or TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to Commission file number: 1-5690 GENUINE PARTS COMPANY (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Georgia (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 2999 Wildwood Parkway, Atlanta, Georgia (Address of principal executive offices) 58-0254510 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 30339 (Zip Code) 678-934-5000 (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of Each Class Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered Common Stock, $1 par value per share New York Stock Exchange Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes Í No ‘ Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes ‘ No Í 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 the past 90 days. Yes Í No ‘ to such filing requirements and (2) has been subject such reports), for Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes Í 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. ‘ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one): Large accelerated filer Í Accelerated filer ‘ Non-accelerated filer ‘ Smaller reporting company ‘ Emerging growth company ‘ If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended tran- sition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ‘ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ‘ No Í As of June 30, 2017, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $12,933,100,000 based on the closing sale price as reported on the New York Stock Exchange. Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practi- cable date. Class Common Stock, $1 par value per share Outstanding at February 13, 2018 146,734,604 shares Specifically identified portions of the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Share- holders to be held on April 23, 2018 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K. ITEM 1. BUSINESS. PART I. Genuine Parts Company, a Georgia corporation incorporated on May 7, 1928, is a service organization engaged in the distribution of automotive replacement parts, industrial parts and electrical materials and business products, each described in more detail below. In 2017, business was conducted from more than 3,100 locations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand and Europe. In November 2017, the Company expanded its operations into France, the U.K., Germany and Poland. As of December 31, 2017, the Company employed approximately 48,000 persons. As used in this report, the “Company” refers to Genuine Parts Company and its subsidiaries, except as other- wise indicated by the context; and the terms “automotive parts” and “industrial parts” refer to replacement parts in each respective category. Financial Information about Segments. For financial information regarding segments as well as our geo- graphic areas of operation, refer to Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page F-1. Available Information. The Company’s internet website can be found at www.genpt.com. The Company makes available, free of charge through its internet website, access to the Company’s annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements and other reports, and any amendments to these documents, as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Additionally, our corporate governance guide- lines, codes of conduct and ethics, and charters of the Audit Committee and the Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee of our Board of Directors, as well as information regarding our procedure for share- holders and other interested parties to communicate with our Board of Directors, are available on our website. In Part III of this Form 10-K, we incorporate certain information by reference to our proxy statement for our 2018 annual meeting of shareholders. We expect to file that proxy statement with the SEC on or about Febru- ary 27, 2018, and we will make it 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. AUTOMOTIVE PARTS GROUP The Automotive Parts Group, the largest division of the Company, distributes automotive parts and accessory items in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australasia, France, the U.K., Germany and Poland. The Automo- tive Parts Group offers complete inventory, cataloging, marketing, training and other programs to the automotive aftermarket in each of these regions to distinguish itself from the competition. The Company is the sole member of the National Automotive Parts Association (“NAPA”), a voluntary trade association formed in 1925 to provide nationwide distribution of automotive parts. During 2017, 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 and operated in the United States by the Company; NAPA and Traction automotive parts distribution centers and auto parts stores in the United States and Canada owned and operated by the Company and NAPA Canada/UAP Inc. (“NAPA Canada/UAP”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company; auto parts stores and distribution centers in the United States operated by corporations in which the Company owned either a noncontrolling or controlling inter- est; auto parts stores in Canada operated by corporations in which NAPA Canada/UAP owns a 50% interest; Repco and other automotive parts distribution centers, branches and auto parts stores in Australia and New Zea- land owned and operated by GPC Asia Pacific, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company; import automotive parts distribution centers in the United States owned by the Company and operated by its Altrom America divi- sion; import automotive parts distribution centers in Canada owned and operated by Altrom Canada Corporation (“Altrom Canada”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company; distribution centers in the United States owned 2 by Balkamp, Inc. (“Balkamp”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company; distribution facilities in the United States owned by the Company and operated by its Rayloc division; automotive parts distribution centers and automotive parts stores in Mexico, owned and operated by Grupo Auto Todo, S.A. de C.V. (“Auto Todo”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company; and an automotive parts distribution center and automotive parts stores in Mexico, owned and operated by Autopartes NAPA Mexico (“NAPA Mexico”), a wholly-owned sub- sidiary of the Company. The Company’s automotive parts network was expanded in 2017 via the acquisition of various store groups and automotive operations in the U.S., Australasia and Canada. In the United States, the Company acquired Standard Motor Parts in Baltimore, Maryland, which operates five locations, as well as Olympic Brake Supply in Seattle, Washington, which operates six locations, in January and February of 2017, respectively. Additionally, the Company added 14 new locations in the Tucson, Arizona market with the acquisition of Merle’s Automotive Supply in May 2017, and 17 new locations with the addition of Monroe Motor Products in Rochester, New York, in November 2017. The Company also added four new locations to its heavy vehicle parts operations with the June 2017 acquisition of Stone Truck Parts, headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. The GPC Asia Pacific automotive business expanded its distribution network in Australia with the addition of three single-location businesses, including Welch Auto Parts in July 2017, Logan City autoBarn in August of 2017, subsequently re-branded as a NAPA Auto Super Store, and Sulco Tools and Equipment in September of 2017. Finally, the NAPA Canada/UAP business enhanced its auto parts and heavy vehicle distribution network with the addition of three new businesses. In April of 2017, NAPA Canada/UAP acquired Service de Freins Montreal Ltee (“Freno”), with four locations in Canada, and Belcher Parts and Attachments, with one location in Canada. In December of 2017, NAPA Canada/UAP also acquired Universal Supply Group, a 21 store operation in eastern Ontario serving the automotive, paint and body and heavy vehicle sectors. Collectively, the new store groups and automotive operations across the U.S., Australasia and Canada are expected to generate annual rev- enues of approximately $217 million. Further, effective November 2, 2017, the Company acquired Alliance Automotive Group (“AAG”) for approximately $2.0 billion, including the repayment of AAG’s outstanding debt. The purchase was funded pri- marily through new debt agreements. AAG is the second largest parts distributor in Europe, with a focus on light vehicle and commercial vehicle replacement parts. Headquartered in London, England, AAG has annual rev- enues of approximately $1.7 billion and over 2,000 company-owned stores and affiliated outlets across France, the U.K., Germany and Poland. The Company has a 15% interest in Mitchell Repair Information Corporation (“MRIC”), a subsidiary of Snap-on Incorporated. MRIC is a leading automotive diagnostic and repair information company that links North American subscribers “Mitchell ON-DEMAND,” is a premier electronic repair information source in the automotive aftermarket. and information databases. MRIC’s core product, services to its 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, SUVs, buses, motorcycles, recreational vehicles and farm vehicles. In addition, the Company distributes replacement parts for small engines, 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 approximately 100 different suppliers, approximately 48% of 2017 automotive parts inventories were purchased from 10 major suppliers. Since 1931, the Company has had return privileges with most of its suppliers, which have protected the Company from inventory obsolescence. Distribution System. In 2017, the Company operated 57 domestic NAPA automotive parts distribution centers located in 41 states and approximately 1,100 domestic company-owned NAPA AUTO PARTS stores located in 45 states. The Company also operated domestically three TW Distribution heavy duty parts dis- tribution centers which serve 20 company-owned and seven independently owned Traction Heavy Duty parts 3 stores located in eight states. The Traction operations are discussed further below in Related Operations. At December 31, 2017, the Company had either a noncontrolling, controlling or other interest in 12 corporations, which operated approximately 200 auto parts stores in 14 states. The Company’s domestic distribution centers serve approximately 4,800 independently owned NAPA AUTO PARTS stores located throughout the United States. NAPA AUTO PARTS stores, in turn, sell to a wide variety of customers in the automotive aftermarket. Collectively, sales to these independent automotive parts stores account for approximately 59% of the Company’s total U.S. Automotive sales and 22% of the Company’s total sales, with no automotive parts store or group of automotive parts stores with individual or common owner- ship accounting for more than 0.79% of the total U.S. auto sales and 0.29% of the total sales of the Company. NAPA Canada/UAP, founded in 1926, is a leader in the distribution and marketing of replacement parts and accessories for automobiles and trucks and is also a significant supplier to the mining and forestry industries in Canada. NAPA Canada/UAP operates a network of nine NAPA automotive parts distribution centers, three heavy duty parts distribution centers and one fabrication/remanufacturing facility supplying 589 NAPA stores and 109 Traction wholesalers. The NAPA stores and Traction wholesalers in Canada include 176 company owned stores, 11 joint ventures and 21 progressive owners in which NAPA Canada/UAP owns a 50% interest and 490 independently owned stores. NAPA and Traction operations supply bannered installers and independent installers in all provinces of Canada, as well as networks of service stations and repair shops operating under the banners of national accounts. NAPA Canada/UAP is a licensee of the NAPA® name in Canada. In Canada, Altrom Canada operates two import automotive parts distribution centers and 26 branches. In the United States, Altrom America operates two import automotive parts distribution centers and eight branches. In Australia and New Zealand, GPC Asia Pacific, originally established in 1922, is a leading distributor of automotive replacement parts and accessories. GPC Asia Pacific operates 12 distribution centers, 482 auto parts stores, primarily under the Repco banner, and 78 branches associated with the Ashdown Ingram, Motospecs, McLeod and RDA Brakes operations. As discussed earlier, GPC Asia Pacific expanded its footprint with the 2017 acquisitions of Welch Auto Parts, Logan City autoBarn and Sulco Tools and Equipment. In Mexico, Auto Todo owns and operates 11 distribution centers, one auto parts store and one tire center. NAPA Mexico owns and operates one distribution center and serves 13 company-owned and 28 independently owned auto parts stores. Auto Todo and NAPA Mexico are licensees of the NAPA® name in Mexico. Alliance Automotive Group, founded in 1989, is a leading European distributor of vehicle parts, tools, and workshop equipment with operations in four countries in Europe. In France, AAG operates 15 distribution cen- ters and 1,014 stores, of which 220 are company-owned, under the banners GROUPAUTO France, Precisium Group, Partner’s, and GEF Auto. In the U.K., AAG operates 25 distribution centers and 771 stores, of which 106 are company-owned, under the banners GROUPAUTO UK & Ireland and UAN. In Germany, AAG operates eight distribution centers and 37 company-owned stores under the banner Alliance Automotive Group Germany. In Poland, AAG operates 210 affiliated outlets under the banner GROUPAUTO Polska. Products. Distribution centers in the U.S. have access to approximately 530,000 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 they are received. The majority of sales are paid from statements with varied terms and conditions. The Company does not manufacture any of the products it distributes. The majority of products are distributed under the NAPA® name, a mark licensed to the Company by NAPA, which is important to the sales and marketing of these products. Traction sales also include products distributed under the HD Plus name, a proprietary line of automo- tive parts for the heavy duty truck market. Related Operations. Balkamp, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, 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 42,000 products, which constitute the “Balkamp” line of products that are distributed through the 4 NAPA system. These products are categorized into over 238 different product categories purchased from approx- imately 500 domestic suppliers and over 100 foreign manufacturers. Balkamp has two distribution centers located in Plainfield, Indiana, and West Jordan, Utah. In addition, Balkamp operates two redistribution centers that provide the NAPA system with over 1,300 SKUs of oils and chemicals. BALKAMP®, a federally registered trademark, is important to the sales and marketing promotions of the Balkamp organization. The Company, through its Rayloc division, operates four facilities focused on providing cost effective, qual- ity service in engineering, cataloging, global sourcing, and distribution. With over 10,000 part numbers, includ- ing brake pads, brake drums, chassis, and bearings, Rayloc delivers products through a nationwide distribution network of four transfer and shipping facilities. Products are distributed through the NAPA system under the NAPA® brand name. Rayloc® is a mark licensed to the Company by NAPA. The Company’s Heavy Vehicle Parts Group operates as TW Distribution, with three heavy vehicle automo- tive parts distribution centers and 27 Traction Heavy Duty parts stores in the United States. Twenty of these stores are company-owned and seven are independently owned. This group, which expanded its U.S. footprint with the acquisition of Stone Truck Parts in 2017 (discussed earlier) distributes heavy vehicle parts through the NAPA system and direct to small and large fleet owners and operators. Segment Data. In the year ended December 31, 2017, sales from the Automotive Parts Group were approx- imately 53% of the Company’s net sales, as compared to 53% in 2016 and 52% in 2015. For additional segment information, see Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page F-1. Service to NAPA AUTO PARTS Stores. The Company believes that the quality and the range of services provided to its automotive parts customers constitute a significant advantage for its automotive parts distribution system. Such services include fast and frequent delivery, parts cataloging (including the use of electronic NAPA AUTO PARTS catalogs) and stock adjustment through a continuing parts classification system which, as ini- tiated by the Company from time to time, allows independent retailers (“jobbers”) 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, as well as marketing conferences and seminars, sales and advertising is available through TAMS® (Total manuals and training programs. Point of sale/inventory management Automotive Management Systems), a computer system designed and developed by the Company for the NAPA AUTO PARTS stores. The Company has developed and refined an inventory classification system to determine optimum dis- tribution center and auto parts store inventory levels for automotive parts stocking based on automotive registra- tions, 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 that the Company makes available to its NAPA AUTO PARTS store customers. Over the last 25 years, losses to the Company from obsolescence have been insignificant and the Company attributes this to the successful operation of its classification system, which involves product return privileges with most of its suppliers. Competition. The automotive parts distribution business is highly competitive. The Company competes with automobile manufacturers (some of which sell replacement parts for vehicles built by other manufacturers as well as those that 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 retailers, including online retailers. The Automotive Parts Group competes primarily on product offering, service, brand recognition and price. 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.” NAPA. The Company is the sole member of the National Automotive Parts Association, a voluntary associa- tion formed in 1925 to provide nationwide distribution of automotive parts. NAPA, which neither buys nor sells automotive parts, functions as a trade association whose sole member in 2017 owned and operated 57 5 distribution centers located throughout the United States. NAPA develops marketing concepts and programs that may be used by its members which, at December 31, 2017, includes only the Company. It is not involved in the chain of distribution. Among the automotive products purchased by the Company from various manufacturers for distribution are certain lines designated, cataloged, advertised and promoted as “NAPA” lines. Generally, the Company is not required to purchase any specific quantity of parts so designated and it may, and does, purchase competitive lines from the same as well as other supply sources. The Company uses the federally registered trademark NAPA® as part of the trade name of its distribution centers and parts stores. The Company funds NAPA’s national advertising program, which is designed to increase public recognition of the NAPA name and to promote NAPA product lines. The Company is a party, together with the former members of NAPA, 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 the Company and former 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 cus- tomers or determining the number and location of, or arrangements with, auto parts customers. INDUSTRIAL PARTS GROUP The Industrial Parts Group is operated as Motion Industries, Inc. (“Motion”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. Motion distributes industrial replacement parts and related supplies such as bearings, mechanical and electrical power transmission products, industrial automation, hose, hydraulic and pneumatic components, industrial and safety supplies and material handling products to MRO (maintenance, repair and operation) and OEM (original equipment manufacturer) customers throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. In Canada, industrial parts are distributed by Motion Industries (Canada), Inc. (“Motion Canada”). The Mexican market is served by Motion Mexico S de RL de CV (“Motion Mexico”). In 2017, the Industrial Parts Group served more than 300,000 customers in all types of industries located throughout North America, including the food and beverage, forest products, primary metals, pulp and paper, mining, automotive, oil and gas, petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries; as well as strategically targeted specialty industries such as power generation, alternative energy, government, transportation, ports, and others. Motion services all manufacturing and processing industries with access to a database of 7.1 million parts. Addi- tionally, Motion provides U.S. government agencies access to approximately 400,000 products and replacement parts through a Government Services Administration (GSA) schedule. Effective April 3, 2017, the Company expanded its industrial operations beyond North America by making a 35% investment in Inenco Group (“Inenco”) for approximately $72 million in cash. Inenco, headquartered in Sydney, Australia, is a leading distributor of industrial replacements parts and accessories in Australasia, with annual revenues of approximately $325 million and operating in 161 locations across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. In accordance with the purchase agreement, the Company has an option to acquire the remaining 65% interest in Inenco at a later date, contingent upon Inenco meeting certain financial conditions. In 2017, the Company accounted for this investment under the equity method of accounting. Effective August 1, 2017, Motion acquired Numatic Engineering (“Numatic”), a Los Angeles, California based distributor of automation products. Numatic complements Motion’s growth strategy, which included the acquisition of Braas Company in 2016, of focusing on the area of industrial plant floor automation. Numatic is expected to generate approximately $18 million in annual revenues. Additionally, Motion acquired Apache Hose & Belting Company, Inc. (“Apache”) on November 1, 2017. Apache, which operates seven locations across the United States, is based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and specializes in value-added fabrication of belts, hoses and other industrial products. Apache is expected to generate approximately $100 million in annual revenues. 6 The Industrial Parts Group provides customers with supply chain efficiencies achieved through the Compa- ny’s On-Site Solutions offering. This service provides inventory management, asset repair and tracking, vendor managed inventory commonly referred to as VMI, as well as RFID asset management of the customer’s inventory. Motion’s Energy Services Team routinely performs in-plant surveys and assessments, helping customers reduce their energy consumption and finding opportunities for improved sustainability, ultimately helping customers operate more profitably. Motion also provides a wide range of services and repairs such as: gearbox and fluid power assembly repair, process pump assembly and repair, hydraulic drive shaft repair, elec- trical panel assembly and repair, hose and gasket manufacture and assembly, as well as many other value-added services. A highly developed supply chain with vendor partnerships and connectivity are enhanced by Motion’s leading e-business capabilities, such as MiSupplierConnect, which provides integration between the Company’s information technology network and suppliers’ systems, creating numerous benefits for both the supplier and customer. These services and supply chain efficiencies assist Motion in providing the cost savings that many of its customers require and expect. Distribution System. In North America, the Industrial Parts Group operated 498 branches, 14 distribution centers and 43 service centers as of December 31, 2017. The distribution centers stock and distribute more than 275,000 different items purchased from more than 1,050 different suppliers. The service centers provide hydraulic, hose and mechanical repairs for customers. Approximately 45% of total industrial product purchases in 2017 were made from 10 major suppliers. Sales are generated from the Industrial Parts Group’s branches located in 49 states, Puerto Rico, nine provinces in Canada, and Mexico. Most branches have warehouse facilities that stock significant amounts of inventory representative of the products used by customers in the respective market area served. Products. The Industrial Parts Group distributes a wide variety of parts and products to its customers, which are primarily industrial concerns. Products include such items as hoses, belts, bearings, pulleys, pumps, valves, chains, gears, sprockets, speed reducers, electric motors, and industrial supplies. In recent years, Motion expanded its offering to include systems and automation products in response to the increasing sophistication of motion control and process automation for full systems integration of plant equipment. Manufacturing trends and government policies have led to opportunities in the “green” and energy-efficient product markets, focusing on product offerings such as energy-efficient motors and drives, recyclable and environmentally friendly parts and supplies. The nature of this group’s business demands the maintenance of adequate inventories and the ability to promptly meet demanding delivery requirements. Virtually all of the products distributed are installed by the customer or used in plant and facility maintenance activities. 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. Motion has ongoing purchase agreements with existing customers that represent approximately 50% of the annual sales volume. Supply Agreements. Non-exclusive distributor agreements are in effect with most of the Industrial Parts Group’s suppliers. The terms of these agreements vary; however, it has been the experience of the Industrial Parts 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. Motion has return privileges with most of its suppliers, which helps protect the Company from inventory obsolescence. Segment Data. In the year ended December 31, 2017, sales from the Company’s Industrial Parts Group approximated 30% of the Company’s net sales, as compared to 30% in 2016 and 2015. For additional segment information, see Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page F-1. Competition. The industrial parts distribution business is highly competitive. The Industrial Parts Group competes with other distributors specializing in the distribution of such items, general line distributors and others who provide similar services. To a lesser extent, the Industrial Parts Group competes with manufacturers that sell directly to the customer. The Industrial Parts Group competes primarily on the breadth of product offerings, serv- ice and price. 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.” 7 BUSINESS PRODUCTS GROUP The Business Products Group (formerly referred to as our Office Products Group), operated through S.P. Richards Company (“S.P. Richards” or “SPR”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. S.P. Richards is engaged in the wholesale distribution of a broad line of office and other busi- ness related products through a diverse customer base of resellers. These products are used in homes, businesses, schools, offices, and other institutions. Business products fall into the general categories of office furniture, tech- nology products, general office, school supplies, cleaning, janitorial and breakroom supplies, safety and security items, healthcare products and disposable food service products. The Business Products Group is represented in Canada through S.P. Richards Canada, a wholly-owned sub- sidiary of the Company headquartered near Toronto, Ontario. S.P. Richards Canada services office product resellers throughout Canada from locations in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton and Winnipeg. Distribution System. The Business Products Group distributes more than 98,000 items to over 9,700 resellers and distributors throughout the United States and Canada from a network of 55 distribution centers. This group’s network of strategically located distribution centers provides overnight delivery of the Company’s com- prehensive product offering. Approximately 45% of the Company’s total office products purchases in 2017 were made from 10 major suppliers. The Business Products Group sells to a wide variety of resellers. These resellers include independently owned office product dealers, national office product superstores and mass merchants, large contract stationers, mail order companies, Internet resellers, college bookstores, military base stores, office furniture dealers, value-add technology resellers, business machine dealers, janitorial and sanitation supply distributors, safety product resellers and food service distributors. Resellers are offered comprehensive marketing programs, which include print and electronic catalogs and flyers, digital content and email campaigns for reseller websites, and education and training resources. In addition, world-class market analytics programs are made available to quali- fied resellers. Products. The Business Products Group distributes technology products and consumer electronics including storage media, printer supplies, iPad, iPhone and computer accessories, calculators, shredders, laminators, cop- iers, printers, fitness bracelets and digital cameras; office furniture including desks, credenzas, chairs, chair mats, office suites, panel systems, file, mobile and storage cabinets and computer workstations; general office supplies including desk accessories, business forms, accounting supplies, binders, filing supplies, report covers, writing instruments, envelopes, note pads, copy paper, mailroom and shipping supplies, drafting and audiovisual sup- plies; school and educational products including bulletin boards, teaching aids and art supplies; healthcare prod- ucts including first aid supplies, gloves, exam room supplies and furnishings, cleaners and waste containers; janitorial and cleaning supplies; safety supplies; disposable food service products; and breakroom supplies including napkins, utensils, snacks and beverages. S.P. Richards has return privileges with most of its suppliers, which have protected the Company from inventory obsolescence. While the Company’s inventory includes products from nearly 850 of the industry’s leading manufacturers worldwide, S.P. Richards also markets products under its nine proprietary brands. These brands include: Spar- co™, an economical line of office supply basics; Compucessory®, a line of computer accessories; Lorell®, a line of office furniture; NatureSaver®, an offering of recycled products; Elite Image®, a line of new and remanufac- tured toner cartridges, premium papers and labels; Integra™, a line of writing instruments; Genuine Joe®, a line of cleaning and breakroom products; Business Source®, a line of basic office supplies available only to independent resellers; and Lighthouse, a brand of janitorial and cleaning products offered through the GCN business. The Company’s Impact and The Safety Zone businesses also offer an additional series of proprietary brands including ProGuard®, ProMax® and The Safety Zone that are product based and solution-specific oriented. Through the Company’s FurnitureAdvantage™ program, S.P. Richards provides resellers with an additional 16,000 furniture items made available to consumers in 7 to 10 business days. Segment Data. In the year ended December 31, 2017, sales from the Company’s Business Products Group approximated 12% of the Company’s net sales, as compared to 13% in 2016 and 2015. For additional segment information, see Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page F-1. 8 Competition. The business products distribution business is highly competitive. In the distribution of its product offering to resellers, S.P. Richards competes with many other wholesale distributors, as well as with certain manufacturers of office products. S.P. Richards competes primarily on product offerings, service, market- ing programs, brand recognition and price. 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.” ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONIC MATERIALS GROUP The Electrical/Electronic Materials Group, operated as EIS, Inc. (“EIS”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. EIS distributes materials to more than 20,000 electrical and elec- tronic manufacturers, as well as to industrial assembly and specialty wire and cable markets in North America. With 38 branch locations and six fabrication facilities in the United States, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Canada, EIS distributes over 100,000 items including wire, cable and connectivity solutions, insulat- ing and conductive materials, assembly tools and test equipment. EIS’ six fabrication facilities provide custom fabricated parts and specialty coated materials. Effective April 5, 2017, EIS acquired Empire Wire and Supply (“Empire”), an innovative provider of cus- tom cable assemblies and distributor of network, electrical, automation and safety products. Empire, based in Rochester Hills, Michigan, operates from three U.S. locations as well as one location in Canada, and is expected to generate approximately $65 million in annual revenues. Effective January 1, 2018, EIS was combined with Motion Industries, the Industrial Parts Group, and will be identified as its Electrical Specialties Group. The combination of these two segments will provide strong econo- mies of scale and greater operating efficiencies, which we intend to leverage. The opportunity to build synergies by sharing talent, physical resources, greater size and scale, and value-added expertise in each respective market channel is highly compelling, and the Company anticipates this combination will create value for both our cus- tomers and all our stakeholders. Distribution System. The Electrical/Electronic Materials Group provides distribution services to OEMs, motor repair shops and a variety of industrial assembly markets, as well as specialty wire and cable users in market segments such as telecom and broadband, marine, industrial, smart building technology, factory automa- tion and robotics. EIS actively utilizes its e-commerce Internet site to present its products to customers while allowing these on-line visitors to conveniently purchase from a large product assortment. Electrical and electronic, industrial assembly, and wire and cable products are distributed from warehouse locations in major user markets throughout the United States, as well as in Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. EIS has return privileges with some of its suppliers, which have protected the Company from inventory obsolescence. Products. The Electrical/Electronic Materials Group distributes a wide variety of products to customers from over 2,000 suppliers. These products include custom fabricated flexible materials that are used as compo- nents within a customer’s manufactured finished product in a variety of market segments. Among the products distributed and fabricated are such items as magnet wire, conductive materials, electrical wire and cable, cable assemblies, insulating and shielding materials, assembly tools, test equipment, adhesives and chemicals, pressure sensitive tapes, solder, anti-static products, thermal management products and coated films. To meet the prompt delivery demands of its customers, the Electrical/Electronic Materials Group maintains large inventories. The majority of sales are on open account. Approximately 50% of total Electrical/Electronic Materials Group pur- chases in 2017 were made from 10 major suppliers. Integrated Supply. The Electrical/Electronic Materials Group’s integrated supply programs are a part of the marketing strategy, as a greater number of customers — especially national accounts — are given the oppor- tunity to participate in this low-cost, high-service capability. EIS has developed AIMS (Advanced Inventory Management Solutions), a totally integrated, highly automated suite of solutions for inventory management. EIS’ integrated supply offering also includes AIMS Dispense, an electronic vending dispenser used to eliminate costly tool cribs, or in-house stores, at customer warehouse facilities. 9 Segment Data. In the year ended December 31, 2017, sales from the Company’s Electrical/Electronic Materials Group approximated 5% of the Company’s net sales, as compared to 4% in 2016 and 5% in 2015. For additional segment information, see Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page F-1. Competition. The electrical and electronics distribution business is highly competitive. The Electrical/ Electronic Materials Group competes with other distributors specializing in the distribution of electrical and elec- tronic products, general line distributors and, to a lesser extent, manufacturers that sell directly to customers. EIS competes primarily on factors of price, product offerings, service and engineered solutions. 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.” ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Some statements in this report, as well as in other materials we file with the SEC or otherwise release to the public and in materials that we make available on our website, constitute forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Senior officers may also make verbal statements to analysts, investors, the media and others that are forward-looking. Forward- looking statements may relate, for example, to future operations, including the anticipated synergies and benefits of any acquisitions, as well as prospects, strategies, financial condition, economic performance (including growth and earnings), industry conditions and demand for our products and services. The Company cautions that its forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and while we believe that our expectations for the future are reasonable in view of currently available information, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Actual results or events may differ materially from those indicated in our forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those discussed below. Forward-looking statements are only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no duty to update its forward-looking statements except as required by law. You are advised, however, to review any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our subsequent Forms 10-Q, 8-K and other reports to the SEC. Set forth below are the material risks and uncertainties that, if they were to occur, could materially and adversely affect our business or could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated by the forward-looking statements in this report and in the other public statements we make. Please be aware that these risks may change over time and other risks may prove to be important in the future. New risks may emerge at any time, and we cannot predict such risks or estimate the extent to which they may affect our business, finan- cial condition, results of operations or the trading price of our securities. We may not be able to successfully implement our business initiatives in each of our four business segments to grow our sales and earnings, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We have implemented numerous initiatives in each of our four business segments to grow sales and earn- ings, including the introduction of new and expanded product lines, strategic acquisitions, geographic expansion (including through acquisitions), sales to new markets, enhanced customer marketing programs and a variety of gross margin and cost savings initiatives. If we are unable to implement these initiatives efficiently and effec- tively, or if these initiatives are unsuccessful, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected. Successful implementation of these initiatives also depends on factors specific to the automotive parts industry and the other industries in which we operate and numerous other factors that may be beyond our control. In addition to the other risk factors contained in this “Item 1A. Risk Factors”, adverse changes in the following 10 factors could undermine our business initiatives and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows: • the competitive environment in our end markets may force us to reduce prices below our desired pricing level or to increase promotional spending; • our ability to anticipate changes in consumer preferences and to meet customers’ needs for our products in a timely manner; • our ability to successfully enter new markets, including by successfully identifying and acquiring suitable acquisition targets in these new markets; • our ability to effectively manage our costs; • our ability to continue to grow through acquisitions and successfully integrate acquired businesses in our existing operations; • our ability to identify and successfully implement appropriate technological, digital and e-commerce sol- utions; • the occurrence of unusually severe weather events, which can disrupt our operations (forcing temporary closure of retail and distribution centers, prohibiting shipment of inventory and products) and negatively impact our results in the affected geographies; and • the economy in general. Our business will be adversely affected if demand for our products slows. Our business depends on customer demand for the products that we distribute. Demand for these products depends on many factors. With respect to our automotive group, the primary factors are: • the number of miles vehicles are driven annually, as higher vehicle mileage increases the need for main- tenance and repair; • the number of vehicles in the automotive fleet, a function of new vehicle sales and vehicle scrappage rates, as a steady or growing total vehicle population supports the continued demand for maintenance and repair; • the quality of the vehicles manufactured by the original vehicle manufacturers and the length of the war- ranty or maintenance offered on new vehicles; • the number of vehicles in current service that are six years old and older, as these vehicles are typically no longer under the original vehicle manufacturers’ warranty and will need more maintenance and repair than newer vehicles; • the addition of electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and autonomously driven vehicles and future legislation related thereto; • gas prices, as increases in gas prices may deter consumers from using their vehicles; • changes in travel patterns, which may cause consumers to rely more on other transportation; • restrictions on access to diagnostic tools and repair information imposed by the original vehicle manu- facturers or by governmental regulation, as consumers may be forced to have all diagnostic work, repairs and maintenance performed by the vehicle manufacturers’ dealer networks; and • the economy generally, which in declining conditions may cause consumers to defer vehicle maintenance and repair and defer discretionary spending. 11 With respect to our industrial parts group, the primary factors are: • the level of industrial production and manufacturing capacity utilization, as these indices reflect the need for industrial replacement parts; • changes in manufacturing reflected in the level of the Institute for Supply Management’s Purchasing Managers Index, as an index reading of 50 or more implies an expanding manufacturing economy, while a reading below 50 implies a contracting manufacturing economy; • the consolidation of certain of our manufacturing customers and the trend of manufacturing operations being moved overseas, which subsequently reduces demand for our products; • changes in legislation or government regulations or policies which could impact international trade among our multi-national customer base and cause reduced demand for our products; and • the economy in general, which in declining conditions may cause reduced demand for industrial output. With respect to our business products group, the primary factors are: • the increasing digitization of the workplace, as this negatively impacts the need for certain office prod- ucts; • the level of unemployment, especially as it relates to white collar and service jobs, as high unemployment reduces the need for office products; • the level of office vacancy rates, as high vacancy rates reduces the need for office products; • consolidation of customers and consolidation of the industry; and • the economy in general, which in declining conditions may cause reduced demand for business products consumption. With respect to our electrical/electronic materials group, the primary factors are: • changes in manufacturing reflected in the level of the Institute for Supply Management’s Purchasing Managers Index, as an index reading of 50 or more implies an expanding manufacturing economy, while a reading below 50 implies a contracting manufacturing economy; and • the economy in general, which in declining conditions may cause reduced demand for industrial output. Changes in legislation or government regulations or policies could have a significant impact on our results of operations. Certain political developments, including the results of the presidential election in the U.S. and the decision of the United Kingdom to exit the European Union, have resulted in increased economic uncertainty for multi- national companies. These developments may result in economic and trade policy actions that could impact economic conditions in many countries and change the landscape of international trade. Our business is global, so changes to existing international trade agreements, blocking of foreign trade or imposition of tariffs on foreign goods could result in decreased revenues and/or increases in pricing, either of which could have an adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows in future periods. In addition, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) was signed into law on December 22, 2017. The Act, which reduces the U.S. corporate tax rate to 21 percent from 35 percent for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, requires companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred and creates new taxes on certain foreign sourced earnings. It resulted in the Company writing down our deferred tax assets in 2017 and recording a payable for the estimated transition tax on foreign sourced earnings. These amounts were provisional and could be adjusted in 2018 as calculations are finalized and the full effects of the Act are reflected on our business and financial results. Uncertainty and/or deterioration in general macro-economic conditions, including unemployment, inflation or deflation, changes in tax policies, changes in energy costs, uncertain credit markets, or other economic 12 conditions, could have a negative impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Our business and operating results have been and may in the future be adversely affected by uncertain global economic conditions, including domestic outputs, employment rates, inflation or deflation, changes in tax policies, instability in credit markets, declining consumer and business confidence, fluctuating commodity prices, interest rates, volatile exchange rates, and other challenges that could affect the global economy. Both our commercial and retail customers may experience deterioration of their financial resources, which could result in existing or potential customers delaying or canceling plans to purchase our products. Our vendors could experi- ence similar conditions, which could impact their ability to fulfill their obligations to us. Future weakness in the global economy could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows in future periods. We face substantial competition in the industries in which we do business. The sale of automotive and industrial parts, business products and electrical materials is highly competitive and impacted by many factors, including name recognition, product availability, customer service, changing customer preferences, store location, and pricing pressures. Because we seek to offer competitive prices, if our competitors reduce their prices, we may be forced to reduce our prices, which could result in a material decline in our revenues and earnings. Increased competition among distributors of automotive and industrial parts, office products and electronic materials, including increased availability among digital and e-commerce providers across the markets in which we do business, could cause a material adverse effect on our results of operations. The Company anticipates no decline in competition in any of its four business segments in the foreseeable future. In particular, the market for replacement automotive parts is highly competitive and subjects us to a wide variety of competitors. We compete primarily with national and regional auto parts chains, independently owned regional and local automotive parts and accessories stores, automobile dealers that supply manufacturer replace- ment parts and accessories, mass merchandisers, internet providers and wholesale clubs that sell automotive products and regional and local full service automotive repair shops, both new and established. Furthermore, both the automotive aftermarket and the office supply industries continue to experience con- solidation. Consolidation among our competitors could further enhance their financial position, provide them with the ability to provide more competitive prices to customers for whom we compete, and allow them to achieve increased efficiencies in their consolidated operations that enable them to more effectively compete for customers. If we are unable to continue to develop successful competitive strategies or if our competitors develop more effective strategies, we could lose customers and our sales and profits may decline. In addition, the loss of a major customer in the business products group could significantly impact its results of operations. We depend on our relationships with our vendors, and a disruption of our vendor relationships or a dis- ruption in our vendors’ operations could harm our business. As a distributor of automotive parts, industrial parts, business products and electrical/electronic materials, our business depends on developing and maintaining close and productive relationships with our vendors. We depend on our vendors to sell us quality products at favorable prices. Many factors outside our control, including, without limitation, raw material shortages, inadequate manufacturing capacity, labor disputes, transportation disruptions, tax and legislative uncertainties or weather conditions, could adversely affect our vendors’ ability to deliver to us quality merchandise at favorable prices in a timely manner. Furthermore, financial or operational difficulties with a particular vendor could cause that vendor to increase the cost of the products or decrease the quality of the products we purchase from it. Vendor con- solidation could also limit the number of suppliers from which we may purchase products and could materially affect the prices we pay for these products. In addition, we would suffer an adverse impact if our vendors limit or cancel the return privileges that currently protect us from inventory obsolescence. 13 We recognize the growing demand for business-to-business and business-to-customer digital and e-commerce options and solutions, and we could lose business if we fail to provide the digital and e-commerce options and solutions our customers wish to use. Our success in digital and e-commerce depends on our ability to accurately identify the products to make available through digital and e-commerce platforms across our business segments, and to establish and maintain such platforms to provide the highest level of data security to our customers on and through the platforms our customers wish to use (including mobile) with rapidly changing technology in a highly competitive environment. If we experience a security breach, if our internal information systems fail to function properly or if we are unsuccessful in implementing, integrating or upgrading our information systems, our business operations could be materially affected. We depend on information systems to process customer orders, manage inventory and accounts receivable collections, purchase products, manage accounts payable processes, ship products to customers on a timely basis, maintain cost effective operations, provide superior service to customers and accumulate financial results. Despite our implementation of security measures, our IT systems are vulnerable to damages from computer viruses, natural disasters, unauthorized physical or electronic access, power outages, computer system or network failures, cyber-attacks and other similar disruptions. Maintaining and operating these measures requires con- tinuous investments, which the Company has made and will continue to make. A security breach could result in sensitive data being lost, manipulated or exposed to unauthorized persons or to the public. A serious prolonged disruption of our information systems for any of the above reasons could materially impair fundamental business processes and increase expenses, decrease sales or otherwise reduce earnings. Fur- thermore, such a breach may harm our reputation and business prospects and subject us to legal claims if there is loss, disclosure or misappropriation of or access to our customers’ information. As threats related to cyber secu- rity breaches develop and grow, we may also find it necessary to make further investments to protect our data and infrastructure. Because we are involved in litigation from time to time and are subject to numerous laws and governmental regulations, we could incur substantial judgments, fines, legal fees and other costs. We are sometimes the subject of complaints or litigation from customers, employees or other third parties for various reasons. The damages sought against us in some of these litigation proceedings are substantial. Although we maintain liability insurance for some litigation claims, if one or more of the claims were to greatly exceed our insurance coverage limits or if our insurance policies do not cover a claim, this could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Additionally, we are subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and governmental regulations relating to taxes, environmental protection, product quality standards, building and zoning requirements, as well as employment law matters. If we fail to comply with existing or future laws or regulations, we may be subject to governmental or judicial fines or sanctions, while incurring substantial legal fees and costs. In addition, our capi- tal expenses could increase due to remediation measures that may be required if we are found to be noncompliant with any existing or future laws or regulations. We are dependent on key personnel and the loss of one or more of those key personnel could harm our business. Our future success significantly depends on the continued services and performance of our key management personnel. We believe our management team’s depth and breadth of experience in our industry is integral to executing our business plan. We also will need to continue to attract, motivate and retain other key personnel. The loss of services of members of our senior management team or other key employees, the inability to attract additional qualified personnel as needed or failure to plan for the succession of senior management and key per- sonnel could have a material adverse effect on our business. 14 Our increased debt levels could adversely affect our cash flow and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations. We have an unsecured revolving credit facility and unsecured senior notes, which could have important consequences to our financial health. For example, our level of indebtedness could, among other things: • make it more difficult to satisfy our financial obligations, including those relating to the senior unsecured notes and our credit facility; • increase our vulnerability to adverse economic and industry conditions; • limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes and opportunities in our industry, which may place us at a competitive disadvantage; • require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flows to service the principal and interest on the debt, reducing the funds available for other business purposes, such as working capital, capital expenditures or other cash requirements; • limit our ability to incur additional debt with acceptable terms; and • expose us to fluctuations in interest rates. In addition, the terms of our financing obligations include restrictions, such as affirmative, negative and financial covenants, conditions on borrowing and subsidiary guarantees. A failure to comply with these restrictions could result in a default under our financing obligations or could require us to obtain waivers from our lenders for failure to comply with these restrictions. The occurrence of a default that remains uncured or the inability to secure a necessary consent or waiver could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS. Not applicable. ITEM 2. PROPERTIES. The Company’s corporate and Automotive Parts Group headquarters are located in two office buildings owned by the Company in Atlanta, Georgia. The Company’s Automotive Parts Group currently operates 57 NAPA Distribution Centers in the United States distributed among eight geographic divisions. Approximately 90% of the distribution center properties are owned by the Company. At December 31, 2017, the Company operated approximately 1,100 NAPA AUTO PARTS stores located in 45 states, and the Company had either a noncontrolling, controlling or other interest in 200 additional auto parts stores in 14 states. Other than NAPA AUTO PARTS stores located within Company owned distribution centers, the majority of the automotive parts stores in which the Company has an ownership interest are operated in leased facilities. In addition, NAPA Canada/UAP operates 12 distribution centers, one fabrication/remanufacturing facility and approximately 188 automotive parts and Traction stores in Canada. In Mexico, Auto Todo operates 11 distribution centers, one automotive parts store, and one tire center, and NAPA Mexico operates one distribution center and 13 automotive parts stores. These operations in both Canada and Mexico are conducted in leased facilities. GPC Asia Pacific operates throughout Australia and New Zealand with 12 distribution centers, 482 auto parts stores, primarily under the Repco banner, and 78 branches associated with the Ashdown Ingram, Motospecs, McLeod and RDA Brakes operations. These distribution center, store and branch operations are conducted in leased facilities. In 2017, the Company expanded its global distribution net- work to Europe through the Alliance Automotive Group acquisition described above. In France, the Company operates 15 distribution centers and 220 company-owned stores. In the U.K., the Company operates 25 dis- tribution centers and 106 company-owned stores. In Germany, the Company operates eight distribution centers and 37 company-owned stores. Alliance Automotive Group serves affiliated outlets in Poland, but has no company-owned operations in that country. AAG’s locations are operated in leased facilities, other than three distribution centers and the U.K. country office which are company-owned. 15 The Company’s Automotive Parts Group also operates four Balkamp distribution and redistribution centers, four Rayloc distribution facilities and four transfer and shipping facilities. Two of the Balkamp distribution cen- ters and the four Rayloc distribution facilities are conducted in facilities owned by the Company. Altrom Canada operates two import automotive parts distribution centers and 26 branches, and Altrom America operates two import automotive parts distribution centers and eight branches. The Heavy Vehicle Parts Group operates three TW distribution centers, which serve 27 Traction stores of which 20 are company owned and located in the U.S. These operations are all conducted in leased facilities. The Company’s Industrial Parts Group, operating through Motion and Motion Canada, operates 14 dis- tribution centers, 43 service centers and 498 branches. Approximately 90% of these locations are operated in leased facilities and the remainder are Company owned. The Company’s Business Products Group operates 49 facilities in the United States and six facilities in Canada distributed among the Group’s four geographic divisions. Approximately 75% of these facilities are operated in leased buildings and the remainder are Company owned. The Company’s Electrical/Electronic Materials Group operates in 38 locations in the United States, one location in Puerto Rico, one location in the Dominican Republic, three locations in Mexico and one location in Canada. All of this Group’s 44 facilities are operated in leased buildings. We believe that our facilities on the whole are in good condition, are adequately insured, are fully utilized and are suitable and adequate to conduct the business of our current operations. For additional information regarding rental expense on leased properties, see Note 5 of Notes to Con- solidated Financial Statements beginning on page F-1. ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. The Company is subject to various legal and governmental proceedings, many involving routine litigation incidental to the businesses, including approximately 2,170 product liability lawsuits resulting from its national distribution of automotive parts and supplies. Many of these involve claims of personal injury allegedly resulting from the use of automotive parts distributed by the Company. While litigation of any type contains an element of uncertainty, the Company believes that its defense and ultimate resolution of pending and reasonably anticipated claims will continue to occur within the ordinary course of the Company’s business and that resolution of these claims will not have a material effect on the Company’s business, results of operations or financial condition. ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES. Not applicable. 16 PART II. ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES. Market Information Regarding Common Stock The Company’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “GPC”. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices for the common stock per quarter as reported on the New York Stock Exchange and dividends per share of common stock paid during the last two fiscal years: Sales Price of Common Shares 2017 2016 High Low High Low Quarter First . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Second . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Third . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fourth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $100.90 95.87 97.65 98.63 $91.93 88.88 79.86 84.71 $ 99.59 101.28 105.97 100.34 $76.50 92.25 95.96 86.61 Dividends Declared per Share 2017 2016 Quarter First . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Second . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Third . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fourth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0.6750 0.6750 0.6750 0.6750 $0.6575 0.6575 0.6575 0.6575 Stock Performance Graph Set forth below is a line graph comparing the yearly dollar change in the cumulative total shareholder return on the Company’s Common Stock against the cumulative total shareholder return of the Standard and Poor’s 500 Stock Index and a peer group composite index structured by the Company as set forth below for the five year period that commenced December 31, 2012 and ended December 31, 2017. This graph assumes that $100 was invested on December 31, 2012 in Genuine Parts Company Common Stock, the S&P 500 Stock Index (the Company is a member of the S&P 500, and its cumulative total shareholder return went into calculating the S&P 500 results set forth in the graph) and the peer group composite index as set forth below and assumes reinvest- ment of all dividends. 17 Comparison of five year cumulative total shareholder return Genuine Parts Company S&P 500 Peer Index S R A L L O D 250 225 200 175 150 125 100 75 50 25 0 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Genuine Parts Company, S&P 500 Index and peer group composite index Cumulative Total Shareholder Return $ at Fiscal Year End 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Genuine Parts Company 100.00 134.71 177.18 146.63 167.61 172.88 S&P 500 Peer Index 100.00 132.39 150.51 152.59 170.84 208.14 100.00 143.10 148.58 138.13 151.01 171.56 In constructing the peer group composite index (“Peer Index”) for use in the stock performance graph above, the Company used the shareholder returns of various publicly held companies (weighted in accordance with each company’s stock market capitalization at December 31, 2012 and including reinvestment of dividends) that compete with the Company in three industry segments: automotive parts, industrial parts and business prod- ucts (each group of companies included in the Peer Index as competing with the Company in a separate industry segment is hereinafter referred to as a “Peer Group”). Included in the automotive parts Peer Group are those companies making up the Dow Jones U.S. Auto Parts Index (the Company is a member of such industry group, and its individual shareholder return was included when calculating the Peer Index results set forth in the performance graph). Included in the industrial parts Peer Group are Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. and Kaman Corporation and included in the business products Peer Group is Essendant. The Peer Index does not break out a separate electrical/electronic peer group due to the fact that there is currently no true market com- parative to EIS. The electrical/electronic component of sales is redistributed to the Company’s other segments on a pro rata basis to calculate the final Peer Index. In determining the Peer Index, each Peer Group was weighted to reflect the Company’s annual net sales in each industry segment. Each industry segment of the Company comprised the following percentages of the Company’s net sales for the fiscal years shown: Industry Segment 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Automotive Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Industrial Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Business Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Electrical/Electronic Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49% 53% 53% 52% 53% 53% 34% 31% 31% 30% 30% 30% 13% 12% 11% 13% 13% 12% 4% 4% 5% 5% 4% 5% 18 Holders As of December 31, 2017, there were 4,497 holders of record of the Company’s common stock. The number of holders of record does not include beneficial owners of the common stock whose shares are held in the names of various dealers, clearing agencies, banks, brokers and other fiduciaries. Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities The following table provides information about the purchases of shares of the Company’s common stock during the three month period ended December 31, 2017: Period October 1, 2017 through October 31, 2017 . . . November 1, 2017 through November 30, Total Number of Shares Purchased(1) Average Price Paid per Share — — 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,827 $90.31 December 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Totals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68,820 72,647 $94.13 $93.93 17,313 17,313 Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs(2) Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs — — 17,388,516 17,388,516 17,371,203 17,371,203 (1) Includes shares surrendered by employees to the Company to satisfy tax withholding obligations in con- nection with the vesting of shares of restricted stock, the exercise of stock options and/or tax withholding obligations. (2) On November 17, 2008, and August 21, 2017, the Board of Directors announced that it had authorized the repurchase of 15 million shares and 15 million shares, respectively. The authorization for these repurchase plans continues until all such shares have been repurchased or the repurchase plan is terminated by action of the Board of Directors. Approximately 2.4 million shares authorized in the 2008 plan and 15.0 million shares authorized in 2017 remain available to be repurchased by the Company. There were no other plans announced as of December 31, 2017. 19 ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA. The following table sets forth certain selected historical financial and operating data of the Company as of the dates and for the periods indicated. The following selected financial data are qualified by reference to, and should be read in conjunction with, the consolidated financial statements, related notes and other financial information beginning on page F-1, as well as in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this report. Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cost of goods sold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating and non-operating expenses, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income before taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weighted average common shares outstanding during year — assuming dilution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Per common share: $16,308,801 11,402,403 (In thousands, except per share data) $15,280,044 10,724,192 $15,339,713 10,740,106 $15,341,647 10,747,886 $14,077,843 9,857,923 3,897,130 1,009,268 392,511 616,757 $ 3,525,267 1,074,340 387,100 687,240 $ 3,432,171 1,123,681 418,009 705,672 $ 3,476,022 1,117,739 406,453 711,286 $ 3,175,616 1,044,304 359,345 684,959 $ 147,701 149,804 152,496 154,375 155,714 Diluted net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dividends declared . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 31 closing stock price . . Total debt, less current maturities . . . . Total equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 4.18 2.70 95.01 2,550,020 3,464,156 $12,412,381 $ 4.59 2.63 95.54 550,000 3,207,356 $ 8,859,400 $ 4.63 2.46 85.89 250,000 3,159,242 $ 8,144,771 $ 4.61 2.30 106.57 500,000 3,312,364 $ 8,246,238 $ 4.40 2.15 83.19 500,000 3,358,768 $ 7,680,297 In 2017, the Company incurred $49.1 million ($28.0 million after-tax) in transaction-related costs primarily associated with the acquisition of Alliance Automotive Group. the Company recorded a $51.0 million tax expense related to the transition tax associated with foreign earnings and the revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities as required by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net income and net income per common share to adjusted net income and adjusted diluted net income per common share to account for the impact of these adjustments. The Company does not, nor does it suggest investors should, consider such non-GAAP financial measures in isolation from, or as a substitute for, GAAP financial information. The Company believes that the presentation of adjusted net income and adjusted net income per common share provides meaningful supplemental information to both management and investors that is indicative of the Company’s core operations. Year Ended December 31, In addition, 2017 2016 GAAP net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diluted net income per common share . . . . . . . . Add after-tax adjustments: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Transition tax and deferred tax (In thousands, except per share data) $616,757 4.18 $ $687,240 4.59 $ revaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Transaction-related costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50,986 28,039 — — Adjusted net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $695,782 $687,240 Adjusted diluted net income per common share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 4.71 $ 4.59 20 ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS. OVERVIEW Genuine Parts Company is a service organization engaged in the distribution of automotive replacement parts, industrial parts and electrical materials and business products. We have a long tradition of growth dating back to 1928, the year we were founded in Atlanta, Georgia. The Company conducted business in 2017 through- out the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, the U.K., France, Germany, Poland and Puerto Rico from approximately 3,100 locations. For the periods presented, the Company operates in four business segments: Automotive; Industrial; Busi- ness Products; and, Electrical and Electronic. Effective in 2018, EIS, our Electrical and Electronic business segment, will be identified as the Electrical Specialties Group of Motion Industries, and will be included within the results of our Industrial business segment. The combination of these two segments will provide strong economies of scale and greater operating efficiencies, which we intend to leverage. The opportunity to build synergies by sharing talent, physical resources, greater size and scale, and value-added expertise in each respective market channel is highly compelling. We anticipate this combination will create value for both our customers and all our stakeholders. We recorded consolidated net sales of $16.3 billion for the year ended December 31, 2017, an increase of 6.3% compared to sales in 2016. Consolidated net income for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $617 million and diluted net income per share was $4.18. Adjusted net income was $696 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, and adjusted diluted net income per share was $4.71. Adjusted net income and adjusted diluted net income per share exclude the impact of transaction-related costs primarily related to the Company’s acquisition of Alliance Automotive Group and the transition tax associated with foreign earnings and the revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities as required by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. In 2017, our growth strategy centered around positioning the Company for sustained long term sales and earnings growth. We also executed on our initiatives to grow revenues and overcome the challenged sales envi- ronment in our U.S. automotive, business products and electrical/electronic businesses. Additionally, we were focused on creating a lower cost, but highly effective infrastructure. These efforts included steps to accelerate the integration of our acquisitions, investments to enhance our productivity and innovative strategies to offset rising costs. Total sales in 2016 and 2015 were essentially flat relative to the prior year periods. Net income in 2016 was down by 3% and decreased by 1% in 2015 when compared to the prior year. Our revenue and earnings in 2016 reflected the impact of a challenging sales environment that persisted in the U.S. throughout the year. In 2015, revenue and earnings reflected a 3% negative impact of currency translation and after adjusting for this factor, the Company produced an increase in both sales and net income. Over the three year period of 2015 through 2017, our financial performance reflects a variety of initiatives the Company implemented to grow sales and earnings across our businesses. Examples of such initiatives include strategic acquisitions, the introduction of new and expanded product lines, including those carried by acquired companies, geographic expansion, sales to new markets, enhanced customer marketing programs and a variety of gross margin and cost savings initiatives. We discuss these initiatives further below. With regard to the December 31, 2017 consolidated balance sheet, the Company’s cash balance of $315 million compares to cash of $243 million at December 31, 2016. The Company continues to maintain a strong cash position, supported by relatively steady net income and effective asset management. Accounts receivable increased 25% from the prior year and is up 3% excluding the AAG and other recent acquisitions as well as the impact of foreign currency. The 3% increase compares to an approximate 4.5% sales increase in the fourth quarter of 2017. Inventory is up by approximately 17%, including the impact of acquisitions, and is rela- tively unchanged excluding the AAG and other recent acquisitions as well as the impact of foreign currency. Accounts payable increased 18% from the prior year, and is up 3% excluding the AAG and other recent acquis- itions as well as the impact of foreign currency. The slight increase in accounts payable before these items 21 reflects improved payment terms with certain suppliers offset by the decrease in purchases in the fourth quarter of the year. Total debt outstanding at December 31, 2017 was $3.2 billion, an increase from total debt of $875 million at December 31, 2016, which is related to the acquisition of AAG. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Our results of operations are summarized below for the three years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gross margin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diluted net income per common share . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net Sales (In thousands except per share data) $15,339,713 4,599,607 687,240 4.59 $16,308,801 4,906,398 616,757 4.18 $15,280,044 4,555,852 705,672 4.63 Consolidated net sales for the year ended December 31, 2017 totaled $16.3 billion, up 6.3% from 2016. 2017 net sales included a 4.4% contribution from acquisitions, net of store closures, an approximate 1.5% increase in core sales and an approximate 0.4% positive impact of currency translation. Core sales growth, which represents the Company’s comparable sales, included an approximate 0.6% increase in sales volume and product inflation of approximately 0.9%. The impact of product inflation varied by business in 2017, as prices were up approximately 0.3% in the Automotive segment, up approximately 2.0% in the Industrial segment, up approx- imately 1.3% in the Electrical/Electronic segment and up approximately 0.6% in the Business Products segment. Due to the Company’s global initiatives to grow revenues and create a lower cost, but highly effective infra- structure, it is well positioned for sustainable long-term growth. Consolidated net sales for the year ended December 31, 2016 totaled $15.3 billion, up slightly from 2015. 2016 net sales included a 2.4% contribution from acquisitions, net of store closures, offset by a 1.1% decrease in core sales and an approximate 0.5% negative impact of currency translation. Additionally, the Company experi- enced product deflation of approximately 0.3%. The impact of product inflation/deflation varied by business in 2016 and, cumulatively, prices were down approximately 0.7% in the Automotive segment, up approximately 0.4% in the Industrial segment, up approximately 0.3% in the Business Products segment and down approx- imately 1.2% in the Electrical/Electronic segment. Automotive Group Net sales for the Automotive Group (“Automotive”) were $8.7 billion in 2017, a 7% increase from 2016. The increase in sales for the year consists of an approximate 5% contribution from acquisitions, a 1% comparable sales increase and an approximate 1% positive impact of currency translation associated with our automotive businesses in Canada, Australasia and Mexico. Automotive sales were also positively impacted by product inflation of 0.3%, which is included in the comparable sales increase. In 2017, total Automotive revenues were up 3% in the first quarter, up 4% in the second and third quarters and up 17% in the fourth quarter. The sig- nificant increase in fourth quarter sales relative to the first three quarters of 2017 primarily reflects the incremental revenues from the Alliance Automotive Group acquisition on November 2, 2017. Throughout 2017, the sales environment for the automotive aftermarket was stronger in our international markets of Canada, Aus- tralasia and Mexico than in the United States. In our view, however, the underlying fundamentals in the automo- tive aftermarket, including the overall number and age of the vehicle population as well as the positive increase in miles driven, remain supportive of sustained demand for automotive aftermarket maintenance and supply items across the markets we serve. We expect these fundamentals as well as key sales initiatives to drive sales growth for the Automotive business in 2018. 22 Net sales for the Automotive Group were $8.1 billion in 2016, a 1% increase from 2015. The increase in sales for the year consists of an approximate 1% comparable sales increase and a 1% contribution from acquis- itions, less an approximate 1% negative impact of currency translation associated with our automotive businesses in Canada, Australasia and Mexico. Automotive sales were negatively impacted by product deflation of 0.7%, which is included in the comparable sales increase. In 2016, Automotive revenues were up 2% in the first quar- ter, down 1% in the second quarter, up 1.5% in the third quarter and up 2% in the fourth quarter. Industrial Group Net sales for Motion Industries, our Industrial Group (“Industrial”), were $5.0 billion in 2017, up 7.2% from 2016. The increase in sales for the year reflects an approximate 4.4% comparable sales increase, a 2.6% con- tribution from acquisitions and a slight positive impact of currency translation associated with our Canadian and Mexican operations. Motion’s sales were also positively impacted by product inflation of 2.0%, as a portion of this increase is passed through to customers and included in the comparable sales increase. Industrial revenues were up 7% in each of the four quarters in 2017, which correlates to the ongoing strength in the industrial economy throughout the year. This was evidenced by positive economic indicators such as Manufacturing Industrial Production, the Purchasing Managers Index, the level of exports and the continued stabilization of the energy sector. We believe the Industrial business is well positioned for ongoing profitable growth in 2018. Net sales for Industrial were $4.6 billion in 2016, basically unchanged from 2015. An approximate 2.6% decrease in sales volumes and a slight negative impact of currency translation associated with our Canadian and Mexican operations were partially offset by higher transaction values associated with 0.4% product inflation and approximately 2% in sales from acquisitions. Industrial revenues were down 2.5% in the first quarter of 2016, down 2% in the second quarter, down 1% in the third quarter and up 4% in the fourth quarter. The sequential improvement in this group’s sales performance correlated to the growing strength in the industrial economy dur- ing the year. In addition, the energy sector, which had contracted throughout 2015 and the first half of 2016, began to stabilize over the last half of 2016. Business Products Group Net sales for S. P. Richards, our Business Products Group (“Business Products”), were $2.0 billion in 2017, an increase of 1.5% from 2016. The increase in sales reflects a 4.8% contribution from acquisitions, offset by an approximate 3.3% decrease in comparable sales, inclusive of a 0.6% increase in higher transaction values asso- ciated with price inflation. Sales were up 9% in the first quarter, up 5% in the second quarter, down 5% in the third quarter and down 2% in the fourth quarter of 2017. While the business products industry continues to face significant challenges, our strategy to diversify our traditional product offering into the large and growing Facili- ties, Breakroom and Safety Supplies (FBS) category has proven beneficial. Looking ahead, we remain focused on our core growth initiatives and the further diversification of this business, but will continue to evaluate all opportunities that may help us more effectively navigate the difficult industry dynamics in which we compete. Net sales for Business Products were $2.0 billion in 2016, an increase of 2% from 2015. The increase in sales reflects an approximate 7% contribution from acquisitions and a 0.3% increase in higher transaction values associated with price inflation. These items were offset by an approximate 6% decrease in sales volume. Sales were down 3% in the first quarter, up 1% in the second quarter, up 5% in the third quarter and up 4% in the fourth quarter of 2016. Overall, this growth was driven by our strategy to further diversify the Business Products business in the FBS category. Electrical/Electronic Group Net sales for EIS, our Electrical and Electronic Group (“Electrical/Electronic”), were $781 million in 2017, an increase of 9.1% from 2016. The increase in sales consists of an 8.3% contribution from acquisitions and an approximate 1% benefit from copper pricing, which were partially offset by a slight decline in comparable sales for the year. Sales were also positively impacted by product inflation of 1.3%, which is included in comparable sales. Sales for Electrical/Electronic increased by 5% in the first quarter, 11% in the second quarter, 12% in the 23 third quarter and 9% in the fourth quarter, relative to the prior year periods. These quarterly sales increases pri- marily reflect the benefit of acquisitions. Net sales for Electrical/Electronic were $716 million in 2016, a decrease of 5% from 2015. The decrease in sales consists of an approximate 4% decline in sales volume, a 1.2% decrease from lower transaction values associated with price deflation and a 0.5% negative sales impact of copper pricing. These items were partially offset by an approximate 1% contribution from acquisitions. Sales for Electrical/Electronic decreased by 3% in the first quarter, 5% in the second quarter, 9% in the third quarter and were unchanged in the fourth quarter, rela- tive to the prior year periods. The manufacturing segment of the economy was relatively weak in 2016, which pressured demand across the markets served by this business. Cost of Goods Sold The Company includes in cost of goods sold the actual cost of merchandise, which represents the vast majority of this line item. Other items in cost of goods sold include warranty costs and in-bound freight from the suppliers, net of any vendor allowances and incentives. Cost of goods sold was $11.40 billion in 2017, $10.74 billion in 2016 and $10.72 billion in 2015. Cost of goods sold in 2017 and 2016 changed from the prior year periods in accordance with the related percentage change in sales for the same periods. In addition, the Company incurred costs of $49.1 million primarily related to the Alliance Automotive Group acquisition, of which $5.6 million was recorded to cost of goods sold in 2017. For these periods, total product inflation or deflation was less than 1% and actual costs were relatively unchanged from the prior year. Cost of goods sold represented 69.9% of net sales in 2017, 70.0% of net sales in 2016 and 70.2% of net sales in 2015 thus, as a per- cent of net sales, decreased slightly in 2017 and 2016. In 2017, each of the Company’s business segments experienced vendor price increases, while in 2016 and 2015, only the Industrial and Business Products segments experienced vendor price increases. In any year where we experience price increases, we are able to work with our customers to pass most of these along to them. Operating Expenses The Company includes in selling, administrative and other expenses (“SG&A”), all personnel and personnel-related costs at its headquarters, distribution centers, stores and branches, which accounts for approx- imately 65% of total SG&A. Additional costs in SG&A include our facilities, delivery, marketing, advertising, technology, digital, legal and professional costs. SG&A of $3.71 billion in 2017 increased by $334 million or approximately 10% from 2016. This represents 22.7% of net sales compared to 22.0% of net sales in 2016. The increase in SG&A expenses from the prior year reflect a combination of factors, including the impact of increased sales for the year. We also experienced rising costs in areas such as labor, freight, technology, warehousing, insurance, healthcare and other employee benefits. Further, we incurred incremental costs associated with our 15 acquisitions during the year and, in addition, recorded $43.5 million in transaction-related costs primarily associated with the acquisition of Alliance Automo- tive Group. Finally, our SG&A expenses reflect the impact of higher cost, and higher gross margin, models at select acquisitions, including Alliance Automotive Group. The increase in SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales from the prior year reflect the increases in costs described above as well as the loss of leverage associated with the Company’s 1.5% consolidated comparable sales growth. To improve on our SG&A expense levels, we continue to work towards a lower cost, but highly effective infrastructure. These efforts include steps to accel- erate the integration of our acquisitions, investments to enhance our productivity and innovative strategies to unlock greater savings and efficiencies. Depreciation and amortization expense was $168 million in 2017, an increase of approximately $20 million or 14% from 2016, due primarily to the impact of acquisitions. The provision for doubtful accounts was $14 million in 2017, a $2 million increase from 2016. We believe the Company is adequately reserved for bad debts at December 31, 2017. SG&A of $3.37 billion in 2016 increased by $93 million or approximately 3% from 2015. This represents 22.0% of net sales compared to 21.4% of net sales in 2015. The increase in SG&A expenses from the prior year reflects the year one costs associated with our 19 acquisitions, as well as the impact of higher cost, and higher 24 gross margin, models at select acquisitions. The increase in SG&A expenses as a percentage of net sales from the prior year reflect the loss of leverage due to negative comparable sales in our U.S. Automotive, Industrial, Busi- ness Products and Electrical/Electronic businesses. Depreciation and amortization expense was $147 million in 2016, an increase of approximately $6 million or 4% from 2015. The provision for doubtful accounts was $12 million in 2016, a decrease of $1 million from 2015. Total share-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $16.9 million, $19.7 million and $17.7 million, respectively. Refer to Note 6 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding share-based compensation. Non-Operating Expenses and Income Non-operating expenses consist primarily of interest. Interest expense was $41 million in 2017, $21 million in 2016 and $22 million in 2015. The $20 million increase in interest expense in 2017 reflects the combination of higher debt levels throughout the year and rising interest rates on certain variable interest debt instruments. In addition, the Company further increased its debt levels with the acquisition of Alliance Automotive Group on November 2, 2017. The $1 million decrease in interest expense in 2016 compared to 2015 reflects the more favorable interest rate on certain debt, which was renewed in November 2016. This was partially offset by new long-term debt, which commenced in July 2016. In “Other”, the net benefit of interest income, equity method investment income, investment dividends and noncontrolling interests in 2017 was $31 million, a $5 million increase from the prior year. The increase in Other reflects the incremental investment income associated with the Company’s April 2017 Inenco investment as well as higher interest income earned in 2017 relative to 2016. These items totaled $26 million in 2016, an increase from $21 million in 2015 due to higher interest income earned in 2016 relative to 2015. Income Before Income Taxes Income before income taxes was $1.0 billion in 2017, down 6% from 2016. As a percentage of net sales, income before income taxes was 6.2% in 2017 compared to 7.0% in 2016. Adjusted for $49.1 million in transaction-related costs primarily associated with the Company’s acquisition of Alliance Automotive Group on November 2, 2017, income before income taxes was down 1% from 2016 and 6.5% of net sales. In 2016, income before income taxes was $1.1 billion, down 4% from 2015 and as a percentage of net sales was 7.0% compared to 7.4% in 2015. Automotive Group Automotive income before income taxes as a percentage of net sales, which we refer to as operating margin, decreased to 8.3% in 2017 from 8.8% in 2016. The decrease in margin reflects the loss of expense leverage due to 1% growth in comparable sales for Automotive, as this group requires approximately 3% comparable sales growth to leverage its fixed costs. In addition, rising costs in several areas negatively impacted Automotive’s margin. To improve Automotive’s operating margin, this group is focused on several initiatives to grow sales and has also enhanced its cost management initiatives to drive savings in 2018 and the years ahead. Automotive’s operating margin of 8.8% in 2016 was down from 9.1% in 2015 due to the loss of expense leverage on weak comparable sales in the U.S. Industrial Group Industrial’s operating margin was 7.7% in 2017, which is up from 7.3% in 2016. The improvement in operat- ing margin for this group primarily reflects the positive impact of stronger sales growth in 2017 relative to 2016, driven by an improved industrial economy. Gross margins benefited from the increase in supplier incentives and rebates and operating expenses were better leveraged. Industrial enters 2018 in position to further expand their operating margin. Industrial’s operating margin was 7.3% in 2016, which was unchanged from 2015. The constant margin primarily reflects improved gross margins and cost savings associated with initiatives to consolidate locations 25 during 2016, which were partially offset by continued pressure on operating expenses associated with the decrease in comparable sales for the year. Business Products Group Business Product’s operating margin decreased to 4.9% in 2017 from 5.9% in 2016, as gross margin pres- sures associated with lower supplier incentives as well as rising costs and the deleveraging of expenses due to comparable sales declines in this group’s core office supplies business continue to weigh on the operating margin for this business. The Business Products Group enters 2018 focused on its core growth initiatives, the further diversification of its business and the evaluation of options for new and enhanced opportunities that may serve to more effectively navigate the difficult industry dynamics in which we compete. Business Product’s operating margin decreased to 5.9% in 2016 from 7.3% in 2015, primarily due to gross margin pressures associated with lower supplier incentives and the deleveraging of expenses due to comparable sales declines in the core office supplies business. Electrical/Electronic Group Electrical/Electronic’s operating margin was 7.2% in 2017, a decrease from 8.5% in 2016, as changes in product mix pressured gross margins and operating expenses were deleveraged due to the slight decline in com- parable sales for the year. We expect further cost savings in 2018, as this group combines with the Industrial Parts Group. Electrical/Electronic’s operating margin decreased to 8.5% in 2016 from 9.3% in 2015, primarily due to changes in product mix that pressured gross margins as well as deleveraging of operating expenses due to lower comparable sales from the previous year. These items were partially offset by cost savings initiatives to con- solidate locations. Income Taxes The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was enacted December 22, 2017. While not all inclusive, these are the provi- sions of the Act that materially impact the Company. It reduces the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% for taxable years starting after December 31, 2017, requires companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were not previously subject to U.S. Federal income tax and creates new taxes on certain foreign sourced earnings. The effective income tax rate of 38.9% in 2017 increased from 36.0% in 2016. The increase in rate reflects the $51 million tax expense related to the transition tax associated with foreign earnings and the revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities as required by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Excluding this one-time tax expense, our adjusted 2017 income tax rate would have been 33.8%, which reflects a favorable mix of U.S. and foreign earnings, including Alliance Automotive Group acquired November 2, 2017. The effective income tax rate of 36.0% in 2016 decreased from 37.2% in 2015. The decrease in rate primar- ily reflects the Company’s lower mix of U.S. earnings in 2016, which is taxed at a higher rate relative to our for- eign operations. Additionally, the more favorable retirement asset valuation adjustment in 2016 relative to 2015 resulted in the decrease in rate. Net Income Net income was $617 million in 2017, a decrease of 10.3% from $687 million in 2016. On a per share diluted basis, net income was $4.18 in 2017, down 8.9% compared to $4.59 in 2016. Net income was 3.8% of net sales in 2017 compared to 4.5% of net sales in 2016. Adjusted net income was $696 million in 2017, up 1.2% from 2016, and on a per share diluted basis, adjusted net income was $4.71, a 2.6% increase compared to $4.59 in in 2016. Adjusted net income and adjusted diluted net income per share exclude the impact of transaction related costs primarily related to the Company’s acquisition of Alliance Automotive Group and the one-time transition tax associated with foreign earnings and the revaluation of deferred tax assets and liabilities as required by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. 26 Net income was $687 million in 2016, a decrease of 3% from $706 million in 2015. On a per share diluted basis, net income was $4.59 in 2016, down 1% compared to $4.63 in 2015. Net income was 4.5% of net sales in 2016 compared to 4.6% of net sales in 2015. FINANCIAL CONDITION The Company’s cash balance of $315 million at December 31, 2017 compares to cash of $243 million at December 31, 2016, as discussed further below. Accounts receivable at December 31, 2017 increased by approx- imately 25% from the prior year, and is up 3% excluding the AAG and other recent acquisitions as well as the impact of foreign currency. The 3% increase compares to an approximate 4.5% sales increase in the fourth quar- ter of 2017. We are satisfied with the quality and collectibility of our accounts receivable. Inventory at December 31, 2017 increased from the prior year by approximately 17%, and is relatively unchanged excluding the AAG and other recent acquisitions as well as the impact of foreign currency. Accounts payable increased 18% from the prior year, and is up 3% excluding the AAG and other recent acquisitions as well as the impact of foreign currency. The slight increase in accounts payable before these items reflects improved payment terms with certain suppliers offset by the decrease in purchases in the fourth quarter of the year. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES The Company’s sources of capital consist primarily of cash flows from operations, supplemented as neces- sary by private issuances of debt and bank borrowings. We have $3.25 billion of total debt outstanding at December 31, 2017, of which $50 million matures in July 2021, $250 million matures in December 2023, €225 million matures on October 30, 2024, $250 million matures in November 2026, €250 million matures on October 30, 2027, $120 million matures on October 30, 2027, €125 million matures on October 30, 2029 and €100 million matures on October 30, 2032. In addition, the Company has a multi-currency Syndicated Facility Agreement (the “Syndicated Facility”) with a consortium of financial institutions. The Syndicated Facility includes a $1.5 billion multi-currency revolving credit facility and a $1.1 billion Term Loan A, of which the Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan A have $590 million and $1.1 billion, respectively, outstanding at December 31, 2017. Currently, we believe that our cash on hand and available short-term and long-term sources of capital are sufficient to fund the Company’s operations, including working capital requirements, scheduled debt payments, interest payments, capital expenditures, benefit plan contributions, income tax obligations, divi- dends, share repurchases and contemplated acquisitions. The ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 1.3 to 1 and 1.4 to 1 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and our liquidity position remains solid. The Company’s total debt outstanding at December 31, 2017 increased by $2.4 billion or 270% from December 31, 2016, due primarily to the 15 acquisitions made in 2017. Sources and Uses of Net Cash A summary of the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows is as follows: Year Ended December 31, Percent Change Net Cash Provided by (Used in): 2017 2016 2015 2017 vs. 2016 2016 vs. 2015 Operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 815,043 (1,630,280) 872,059 (In thousands) $ 946,078 (593,999) (322,406) $1,159,373 (263,627) (806,074) (14)% 174% 370% (18)% 125% (60)% Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities: The Company continues to generate cash, and in 2017, net cash provided by operating activities totaled $815 million. This reflects a $131 million or 14% decrease from 2016, and represents the lower source of cash from trade accounts receivable, merchandise inventories, trade accounts payable and other short term assets and liabilities, collectively, relative to 2016. Other changes in operating activities were essentially offsetting. 27 Net cash provided by operating activities was $946 million in 2016, an 18% decrease from 2015 due primar- ily to the change in trade accounts receivable, merchandise inventories, and trade accounts payable, which, collectively, net to a $123 million source of cash in 2016 compared to a $312 million source of cash in 2015. Net Cash Used in Investing Activities: Net cash flow used in investing activities was $1.63 billion in 2017 compared to $594 million in 2016, a $1.04 billion or 174% increase. Cash used for acquisitions of businesses and other investing activities in 2017 was $1.49 billion, or $1.03 billion more than in 2016. Primarily, this increase reflects the Company’s purchase of Alliance Automotive Group. Capital expenditures of $157 million in 2017 compare to $161 million in 2016 and were within the range of our original estimate of $145 to $165 million for the year. We estimate that cash used for capital expenditures in 2018 will be approximately $200 to $220 million. Net cash flow used in investing activities was $594 million in 2016 compared to $264 million in 2015, an increase of 125%. Cash used for acquisitions of businesses and other investing activities in 2016 was $462 million, or $299 million more than in 2015. Capital expenditures of $161 million in 2016 were $51 million more than in 2015, which was at the high end of our original estimate of $140 to $160 million for the year. Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities: Net cash provided by financing activities in 2017 totaled $872 million, an increase of $1.19 billion or 370% from the $322 million used in financing activities in 2016. Primarily, the increase reflects additional borrowings associated with the Company’s purchase of AAG. Cash used in financing activities in 2016 was down 60% from the $806 million used in 2015. For the three years presented, the Company’s financing activities included the use of cash for dividends paid to shareholders and repurchases of the Company’s common stock. The Company paid dividends to shareholders of $395 million, $387 million and $368 million during 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company expects this trend of increasing dividends to continue in the foreseeable future. Dur- ing 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company repurchased $174 million, $181 million and $292 million, respectively, of the Company’s common stock. We expect to remain active in our share repurchase program, but the amount and value of shares repurchased will vary. In 2016, net cash used in financing activities was partially offset by approximately $250 million in net proceeds from debt. Notes and Other Borrowings The Company maintains a $2.6 billion syndicated credit facility with a consortium of financial institutions, which matures in June 2022 with an option to decrease the borrowing capacity or terminate the Syndicated Facility with appropriate notice and bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin, which is based on the Company’s debt to earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) ratio (2.69% at December 31, 2017). The Company also has the option to increase the borrowing capacity up to an additional $1 billion, as well as an option to decrease the borrowing capacity or terminate the facility with appropriate notice. At December 31, 2017, approximately $1.7 billion were outstanding under this line of credit. Due to the workers’ compensation and insurance reserve requirements in certain states, the Company also had unused letters of credit of approximately $62 million and $65 million outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. At December 31, 2017, the Company had unsecured Senior Notes outstanding under financing arrangement as follows: $50 million series G senior unsecured notes, 2.39% fixed, due 2021; $250 million series F senior unsecured notes, 2.99% fixed, due 2023; €225 million series J senior unsecured notes, 1.4% fixed, maturing on October 30, 2024; $250 million series H senior unsecured notes, 2.99% fixed, due 2026; €250 million series K senior unsecured notes, 1.81% fixed, maturing on October 30, 2027; $120 million series I senior unsecured notes, 3.70% fixed, maturing on October 30, 2027; €125 million series L senior unsecured notes, 2.02% fixed, maturing on October 30, 2029; and €100 million series M senior unsecured notes, 2.32% fixed, maturing on October 30, 2032. These borrowings contain covenants related to a maximum debt to EBITDA ratio and certain limitations on additional borrowings. At December 31, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants. The weighted average interest rate on the Company’s total outstanding borrowings was approximately 2.70% at December 31, 2017 and 2.39% at December 31, 2016. Total interest expense, net of interest income, for all bor- rowings was $38.7 million, $19.5 million and $20.4 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 28 Contractual and Other Obligations The following table shows the Company’s approximate obligations and commitments, including interest due on credit facilities, to make future payments under specified contractual obligations as of December 31, 2017: Contractual Obligations Payment Due by Period Total Less Than 1 Year 1-3 Years 3-5 Years (In thousands) Over 5 Years Credit facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,522,700 $681,800 $266,100 $ 974,200 $1,600,600 237,600 1,140,000 Operating leases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 406,900 299,200 196,300 Total contractual cash obligations . . . . . . . . . $4,662,700 $981,000 $673,000 $1,170,500 $1,838,200 Due to the uncertainty of the timing of future cash flows associated with the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2017, the Company is unable to make reasonably reliable estimates of the period of cash settlement with the respective taxing authorities. Therefore, $17 million of unrecognized tax benefits and the provisional $37 million one-time transition tax estimate related to the Act have been excluded from the con- tractual obligations table above. Refer to Note 7 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion on income taxes. Purchase orders or contracts for the purchase of inventory and other goods and services are not included in our estimates. We are not able to determine the aggregate amount of such purchase orders that represent con- tractual obligations, as purchase orders may represent authorizations to purchase rather than binding agreements. Our purchase orders are based on our current distribution needs and are fulfilled by our vendors within short time horizons. The Company does not have significant agreements for the purchase of inventory or other goods speci- fying minimum quantities or set prices that exceed our expected requirements. The Company guarantees the borrowings of certain independently owned automotive parts stores (independents) and certain other affiliates in which the Company has a noncontrolling equity ownership interest (affiliates). The Company’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with these independents and affiliates is generally equal to the total borrowings subject to the Company’s guarantee. To date, the Company has had no significant losses in connection with guarantees of independents’ and affiliates’ borrowings. The fol- lowing table shows the Company’s approximate commercial commitments as of December 31, 2017: Other Commercial Commitments Amount of Commitment Expiration per Period Total Amounts Committed Less Than 1 Year 1-3 Years 3-5 Years Over 5 Years Line of credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Standby letters of credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Guaranteed borrowings of independents and affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total commercial commitments . . . . . . . . . . $678,729 $282,383 $390,144 $6,202 616,710 220,364 390,144 6,202 — $— $ — $ 62,019 62,019 — $ — $— — — — (In thousands) — $ In addition, the Company sponsors defined benefit pension plans that may obligate us to make contributions to the plans from time to time. Contributions in 2017 were $53 million. We expect to make $47 million in cash contributions to our qualified defined benefit plans in 2018, and contributions required for 2018 and future years will depend on a number of unpredictable factors including the market performance of the plans’ assets and future changes in interest rates that affect the actuarial measurement of the plans’ obligations. 29 Share Repurchases In 2017, the Company repurchased approximately 1.9 million shares and the Company had remaining authority to purchase approximately 17.4 million shares at December 31, 2017. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES General Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted account- ing principles. The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, net sales and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily appa- rent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We describe in this section certain critical accounting policies that require us to make significant estimates, assumptions and judgments. An accounting policy is deemed to be critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions about matters that are uncertain at the time the estimate is made and if different estimates that reasonably could have been used, or changes in the accounting estimates that are reasonably likely to occur periodically, could materially impact the consolidated financial statements. Management believes the following critical accounting policies reflect its most significant estimates and assumptions used in the prepara- tion of the consolidated financial statements. For further information on the critical accounting policies, see Note 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Inventories — Provisions for Slow Moving and Obsolescence The Company identifies slow moving or obsolete inventories and estimates appropriate provisions related thereto. Historically, these losses have not been significant as the vast majority of the Company’s inventories are not highly susceptible to obsolescence and are eligible for return under various vendor return programs. While the Company has no reason to believe its inventory return privileges will be discontinued in the future, its risk of loss associated with obsolete or slow moving inventories would increase if such were to occur. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts — Methodology The Company evaluates the collectability of trade accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. The Company estimates an allowance for doubtful accounts as a percentage of net sales based on historical bad debt experience and periodically adjusts this estimate when the Company becomes aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations (e.g., bankruptcy filing) or as a result of changes in the overall aging of accounts receivable. While the Company has a large customer base that is geographically dispersed, a general economic downturn in any of the industry segments in which the Company operates could result in higher than expected defaults and, therefore, the need to revise estimates for bad debts. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company recorded provisions for doubtful accounts of approximately $13.9 million, $11.5 million, and $12.4 million, respectively. Consideration Received from Vendors The Company enters into agreements at the beginning of each year with many of its vendors that provide for inventory purchase incentives. Generally, the Company earns inventory purchase incentives upon achieving specified volume purchasing levels or other criteria. The Company accrues for the receipt of these incentives as part of its inventory cost based on cumulative purchases of inventory to date and projected inventory purchases through the end of the year. While management believes the Company will continue to receive consideration from vendors in 2018 and beyond, there can be no assurance that vendors will continue to provide comparable amounts of incentives in the future or that we will be able to achieve the specified volumes necessary to take advantage of such incentives. 30 Impairment of Property, Plant and Equipment and Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets At least annually, the Company evaluates property, plant and equipment, goodwill and other intangible assets for potential impairment indicators. The Company’s judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators are based on market conditions and operational performance, among other factors. Future events could cause the Company to conclude that impairment indicators exist and that assets associated with a particular oper- ation are impaired. Evaluating for impairment also requires the Company to estimate future operating results and cash flows which require judgment by management. Any resulting impairment loss could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. Employee Benefit Plans The Company’s benefit plan committees in the U.S. and Canada establish investment policies and strategies and regularly monitor the performance of the Company’s pension plan assets. The plans in Europe are unfunded and therefore there are no plan assets. The pension plan investment strategy implemented by the Company’s management is to achieve long-term objectives and invest the pension assets in accordance with the applicable pension legislation in the U.S. and Canada, as well as fiduciary standards. The long-term primary objectives for the pension plan funds are to provide for a reasonable amount of long-term growth of capital without undue exposure to risk, protect the assets from erosion of purchasing power and provide investment results that meet or exceed the pension plans’ actuarially assumed long term rates of return. The Company’s investment strategy with respect to pension plan assets is to generate a return in excess of the passive portfolio benchmark (47% S&P 500 Index, 5% Russell Mid Cap Index, 7% Russell 2000 Index, 5% MSCI EAFE Index, 5% DJ Global Moderate Index, 3% MSCI Emerging Market Net, and 28% BarCap U.S. Govt/Credit). We make several critical assumptions in determining our pension plan assets and liabilities and related pen- sion income. We believe the most critical of these assumptions are the expected rate of return on plan assets and the discount rate. Other assumptions we make relate to employee demographic factors such as rate of compensa- tion increases, mortality rates, retirement patterns and turnover rates. Refer to Note 8 of the Consolidated Finan- cial Statements for more information regarding these assumptions. Based on the investment policy for the pension plans, as well as an asset study that was performed based on the Company’s asset allocations and future expectations, the Company’s expected rate of return on plan assets for measuring 2018 pension income is 7.20% for the plans. The asset study forecasted expected rates of return for the approximate duration of the Company’s benefit obligations, using capital market data and historical relation- ships. The discount rate is chosen as the rate at which pension obligations could be effectively settled and is based on capital market conditions as of the measurement date. We have matched the timing and duration of the expected cash flows of our pension obligations to a yield curve generated from a broad portfolio of high-quality fixed income debt instruments to select our discount rate. Based upon this cash flow matching analysis, we selected a weighted average discount rate for the plans of 3.70% at December 31, 2017. Net periodic benefit income for our defined benefit pension plans was $12.6 million, $13.4 million, and $5.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The income associated with the pension plans in 2017, 2016 and 2015 reflects the impact of the hard freeze effective December 31, 2013. Refer to Note 8 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding employee benefit plans. Business Combinations From time to time, the Company may enter into business combinations. The Company generally recognizes the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interests in an acquiree at their fair values as of the date of acquisition. The Company measures goodwill as the excess of consideration trans- ferred, which the Company also measures at fair value, over the net of the acquisition date fair values of the iden- tifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The acquisition method of accounting requires the Company to make significant estimates and assumptions regarding the fair values of the elements of a business combination 31 as of the date of acquisition, including the fair values of identifiable intangible assets, deferred tax asset valuation allowances, liabilities, including those related to debt, pensions and other postretirement plans, uncertain tax positions, contingent consideration and contingencies. This method also requires the Company to refine these estimates over a measurement period not to exceed one year to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date that, if known, would have affected the measurement of the amounts recognized as of that date. If the Company is required to adjust provisional amounts that it has recorded for the fair values of assets and liabilities in connection with acquisitions, these adjustments could have a material impact on its financial condition and results of operations. Significant estimates and assumptions in estimating the fair value of customer relationships and other identi- fiable intangible assets include future cash flows that the Company expects to generate from the acquired assets. If the subsequent actual results and updated projections of the underlying business activity change compared with the assumptions and projections used to develop these values, the Company could record impairment charges. In addition, the Company has estimated the economic lives of certain acquired assets and these lives are used to calculate depreciation and amortization expense. If the Company’s estimates of the economic lives change, depreciation or amortization expenses could be increased or decreased, or the acquired asset could be impaired. 32 QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following is a summary of the quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016: 2017 Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Earnings per share: Three Months Ended March 31, June 30, Sept. 30, Dec. 31, (In thousands except per share data) $3,905,641 1,155,721 160,160 $4,100,178 1,239,712 189,972 $4,095,906 1,226,890 158,442 $4,207,076 1,284,075 108,183 Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.08 1.08 1.29 1.29 1.08 1.08 0.74 0.73 2016 Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Earnings per share: $3,718,267 1,104,471 158,025 $3,899,638 1,165,452 191,369 $3,941,743 1,198,601 185,326 $3,780,065 1,131,083 152,520 Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.06 1.05 1.28 1.28 1.24 1.24 1.03 1.02 We recorded the quarterly earnings per share amounts as if each quarter was a discrete period. As a result, the sum of the basic and diluted earnings per share will not necessarily total the annual basic and diluted earnings per share. The preparation of interim consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions for the amounts reported in the interim condensed consolidated financial statements. Specifically, the Company makes estimates and assumptions in its interim condensed consolidated financial statements for inventory adjustments, the accrual of bad debts, the accrual of insurance reserves, customer sales returns and volume incentives earned, among others. Inventory adjustments (including adjustments for a majority of inventories that are valued under the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method) are accrued on an interim basis and adjusted in the fourth quarter based on the annual book to physical inventory adjustment and LIFO valuation, which is performed each year-end. Reserves for bad debts, insurance and customer sales returns are estimated and accrued on an interim basis based upon historical experience. Volume incentives are estimated based upon cumulative and projected purchasing levels. Income taxes are estimated on an interim basis to reflect the impact of tax reform assumptions and other considerations. The estimates and assumptions for interim reporting may change upon final determination at year-end, and such changes may be significant. The effect of these adjust- ments in 2017 and 2016 was not significant. ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK. Although the Company does not face material risks related to interest rates and commodity prices, the Company is exposed to changes in foreign currency rates with respect to foreign currency denominated operating revenues and expenses. Foreign Currency The Company has translation gains or losses that result from translation of the results of operations of an operating unit’s foreign functional currency into U.S. dollars for consolidated financial statement purposes. For the periods presented, the Company’s principal foreign currency exchange exposure is the Canadian dollar, the functional currency of our Canadian operations, the Australian dollar, the functional currency of our Australasian 33 operations and, to a lesser extent, the Mexican peso, the functional currency of our Mexican operations. Effective in November 2017, the Company increased its foreign currency exchange exposure to include the Euro, the func- tional currency of our European operations. Foreign currency exchange exposure, particularly in regard to the Canadian and Australian dollar and, to a lesser extent, the Euro and Mexican peso, positively impacted our results for the year ended December 31, 2017. During 2017 and 2016, it was estimated that a 10% shift in exchange rates between those foreign functional currencies and the U.S. dollar would have impacted translated net sales by approximately $287 million and $262 million, respectively. A 15% shift in exchange rates between those functional currencies and the U.S. dollar would have impacted translated net sales by approximately $430 million in 2017 and $393 million in 2016. A 20% shift in exchange rates between those functional currencies and the U.S. dollar would have impacted trans- lated net sales by approximately $574 million in 2017 and $524 million in 2016. ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA. The information required by this Item 8 is set forth in a separate section of this report. See “Index to Con- solidated Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules” beginning on page F-1. ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE. Not applicable. ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. Management’s conclusion regarding the effectiveness of disclosure controls and procedures As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in SEC Rule 13a-15(e). Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective, as of the end of the period covered by this report, to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting A report of management’s assessment of our internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in SEC Rule 13a-15(f), as of December 31, 2017 is set forth in a separate section of this report. See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules” beginning on page F-1. The attestation report called for by Item 308(b) of Regulation S-K is incorporated herein by reference to the “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting”, which is set forth in a separate section of this report. See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules” beginning on page F-1. Changes in internal control over financial reporting There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the Compa- ny’s fourth fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION. Not applicable. 34 PART III. ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY. Executive officers of the Company are elected by the Board of Directors and each serves at the pleasure of the Board of Directors until his or her successor has been elected and qualified, or until his or her earlier death, resignation, removal, retirement or disqualification. The current executive officers of the Company are: Thomas C. Gallagher, age 70, retired as an employee of the Company on June 30, 2017. He continues to serve as Chairman of the Board. Previously, Mr. Gallagher served as Executive Chairman since May of 2016 and was Chief Executive Officer from August 2004 to April 2016 and has been Chairman of the Board since February 2005. Mr. Gallagher served as President of the Company from 1990 until January 2012 and Chief Operating Officer of the Company from 1990 until August 2004. Paul D. Donahue, age 61, was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Company in May 2016. Mr. Donahue has been President of the Company since January 2012 and a director of the Company since April 2012. Previously, Mr. Donahue served as President of the Company’s U.S. Automotive Parts Group from July 2009 to February 1, 2016. Mr. Donahue served as Executive Vice President of the Company from August 2007 until his appointment as President in 2012. Previously, Mr. Donahue was President and Chief Operating Officer of S.P. Richards Company from 2004 to 2007 and was Executive Vice President-Sales and Marketing in 2003, the year he joined the Company. Carol B. Yancey, age 54, has been Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Com- pany since March 2013, and also held the additional title of Corporate Secretary of the Company up to February 2015. Ms. Yancey was Senior Vice President — Finance and Corporate Secretary from 2005 until her appointment as Executive Vice President — Finance in November 2012. Previously, Ms. Yancey was named Vice President of the Company in 1999 and Corporate Secretary in 1995. Timothy P. Breen, age 57, was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Motion Industries in November 2014. Mr. Breen was President and Chief Operating Officer from 2013 until his appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer. Previously, Mr. Breen was the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from 2012 to 2013. Mr. Breen was the Senior Vice President of Motion’s U.S. Operations from 2011 to 2012 and was Senior Vice President and Group Executive from 2008 to 2011. Mr. Breen served as Vice President of Motion Industries from 2000 to 2008. Lee A. Maher, age 62, was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer of the U.S. Automotive Parts Group in February 2016. Mr. Maher was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from 2013 until his appointment as President and Chief Operating Officer. Previously, Mr. Maher was the Execu- tive Vice President from December 2009 to 2013. Mr. Maher served as Vice President of the U.S. Automo- tive Group’s Midwest Division from 1998 to 2009. James R. Neill, age 56, was appointed Senior Vice President of Human Resources of the Company in April 2014. Mr. Neill was Senior Vice President of Employee Development and HR Services from April 2013 until his appointment as Senior Vice President of Human Resources of the Company. Previously, Mr. Neill served as the Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Motion Industries from 2008 to 2013. Mr. Neill was Vice President of Human Resources at Motion from 2006 to 2007. Further information required by this item is set forth under the heading “Nominees for Director”, under the heading “Corporate Governance — Code of Conduct and Ethics”, under the heading “Corporate Governance — Board Committees — Audit Committee”, under the heading “Corporate Governance — Director Nominating Process” and under the heading “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” of the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference. 35 ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION. Information required by this item is set forth under the headings “Executive Compensation”, “Additional Information Regarding Executive Compensation”, “2017 Grants of Plan-Based Awards”, “2017 Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End”, “2017 Option Exercises and Stock Vested”, “2017 Pension Benefits”, “2017 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation”, “Post Termination Payments and Benefits”, “Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee Report”, “Compensation, Nominating and Governance Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and “Compensation of Directors” of the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS. Certain information required by this item is set forth below. Additional information required by this item is set forth under the headings “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” and “Security Ownership of Management” of the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference. The following table gives information as of December 31, 2017 about the common stock that may be issued under all of the Company’s existing equity compensation plans: Equity Compensation Plan Information (a) Number of Securities to be Issued upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights(1) (b) Weighted Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights (c) Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in Column (a)) Plan Category Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Shareholders: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Shareholders: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96,630(4) Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,296,258 2,579,696(2) 1,619,932(3) $75.17 $94.76 n/a — — 8,367,665(5) 903,370 9,271,035 (1) Reflects the maximum number of shares issuable pursuant to the exercise or conversion of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units and common stock equivalents. The actual number of shares issued upon exercise of stock appreciation rights is calculated based on the excess of fair market value of our common stock on date of exercise and the grant price of the stock appreciation rights. (2) Genuine Parts Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (3) Genuine Parts Company 2015 Incentive Plan (4) Genuine Parts Company Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended (5) All of these shares are available for issuance pursuant to grants of full-value stock awards. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE. Information required by this item is set forth under the headings “Corporate Governance — Independent Directors” and “Transactions with Related Persons” of the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by refer- ence. ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES. Information required by this item is set forth under the heading “Proposal 3. Ratification of Selection of Independent Auditors” of the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference. 36 PART IV. ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES. (a) Documents filed as part of this report (1) Financial Statements The following consolidated financial statements of Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. See, also, the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on Page F-1. Report of independent registered public accounting firm on internal control over financial reporting Report of independent registered public accounting firm on the financial statements Consolidated balance sheets — December 31, 2017 and 2016 Consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income — Years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 Consolidated statements of equity — Years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 Consolidated statements of cash flows — Years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 Notes to consolidated financial statements — December 31, 2017 (2) Financial Statement Schedules The following consolidated financial statement schedule of Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries, set forth immediately following the consolidated financial statements of Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries, is filed pursuant to Item 15(c): Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are not applicable, and therefore have been omitted. (3) Exhibits The following exhibits are filed as part of or incorporated by reference in this report. Exhibits that are incorporated by reference to documents filed previously by the Company under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under File No. 1-5690. The Company will furnish a copy of any exhibit upon request to the Company’s Corporate Secretary. Instruments with respect to long-term debt where the total amount of securities authorized there under does not exceed 10% of the total assets of the Registrant and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis have not been filed. The Registrant agrees to furnish to the Commission a copy of each such instrument upon request. Exhibit 2.1 Exhibit 3.1 Exhibit 3.2 Exhibit 4.2 Exhibit 10.1* Genuine Parts Company Sale and Purchase Agreement relating to the Alliance Automotive Group by and between BCP Funds, AIG Managers, GPC Europe Acquisition Co. Limited and Genuine Parts Company dated September 22, 2017. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, dated October 26, 2017.) Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as amended April 23, 2007. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 23, 2007.) By-Laws of the Company, as amended and restated November 18, 2013. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated November 18, 2013.) Specimen Common Stock Certificate. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No. 33-63874.) The Genuine Parts Company 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.) 37 Exhibit 10.2* Exhibit 10.3* Exhibit 10.4* Exhibit 10.5* Exhibit 10.6* Exhibit 10.7* Exhibit 10.8* Exhibit 10.9* Exhibit 10.10* Exhibit 10.11* Exhibit 10.12* Exhibit 10.13* Exhibit 10.14* Exhibit 10.15* Exhibit 10.16* Amendment No. 1 to the Genuine Parts Company Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, dated June 1, 1996, effective June 1, 1996. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March 7, 2005.) Amendment No. 2 to the Genuine Parts Company Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, dated April 19, 1999, effective April 19, 1999. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form10-K, dated March 10, 2000.) Amendment No. 3 to the Genuine Parts Company Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, dated November 28, 2001, effective July 1, 2001. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March 7, 2002.) Amendment No. 4 to the Genuine Parts Company Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, dated June 5, 2003, effective June 5, 2003. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March 8, 2004.) Amendment No. 5 to the Genuine Parts Company Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, dated December 28, 2005, effective January 1, 2006. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March 3, 2006.) Amendment No. 6 to the Genuine Parts Company Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, dated November 28, 2007, effective January 1, 2008. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated February 29, 2008.) Amendment No. 7 to the Genuine Parts Company Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, dated November 16, 2010, effective January 1, 2011. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated February 25, 2011.) Amendment No. 8 to the Genuine Parts Company Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, dated December 7, 2012, effective December 7, 2012. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated February 26, 2013.) The Genuine Parts Company Original Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated as of August 19, 1996. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March 8, 2004.) Amendment to the Genuine Parts Company Original Deferred Compensation Plan, dated April 19, 1999, effective April 19, 1999. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Compa- ny’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March 10, 2000.) Genuine Parts Company Supplemental Retirement Plan, as amended and restated as of Jan- uary 1, 2009. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated February 27, 2009.) Amendment No. 1 to the Genuine Parts Company Supplemental Retirement Plan, as amended and restated as of January 1, 2009, dated August 16, 2010, effective August 16, 2010. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated February 25, 2011.) Amendment No. 2 to the Genuine Parts Company Supplemental Retirement Plan, as amended and restated as of January 1, 2009, dated November 16, 2010, effective January 1, 2011. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated February 25, 2011.) Amendment No. 3 to the Genuine Parts Company Supplemental Retirement Plan, as amended and restated as of January 1, 2009, dated December 7, 2012, effective December 31, 2013. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated February 26, 2013.) Genuine Parts Company Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2003, and executed November 11, 2003. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March 8, 2004.) 38 Exhibit 10.17* Exhibit 10.18* Exhibit 10.19* Exhibit 10.20* Exhibit 10.21* Exhibit 10.22* Exhibit 10.23* Exhibit 10.24* Exhibit 10.25* Exhibit 10.26* Exhibit 10.27* Exhibit 10.28* Exhibit 10.29 Exhibit 10.30 Exhibit 10.31 Amendment No. 1 to the Genuine Parts Company Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan, dated November 19, 2007, effective January 1, 2008. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated February 29, 2008.) Amendment No. 2 to the Genuine Parts Company Director’s Deferred Compensation Plan, dated December 7, 2012, effective December 7, 2012. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated February 26, 2013.) Description of Director Compensation. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, dated May 7, 2014.) Genuine Parts Company 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended and restated as of November 19, 2001. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated March 21, 2003.) Genuine Parts Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan, effective April 17, 2006. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 18, 2006.) Amendment to the Genuine Parts Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated November 20, 2006, effective November 20, 2006. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated February 28, 2007.) Amendment No. 2 to the Genuine Parts Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated November 19, 2007, effective November 19, 2007. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated February 29, 2008.) Genuine Parts Company 2015 Incentive Plan, effective November 17, 2014. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 28, 2015.) Genuine Parts Company Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, dated May 7, 2014.) Genuine Parts Company Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated February 29, 2008.) Genuine Parts Company Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement. (Incorporated herein by refer- ence from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated February 26, 2013.) Form of Executive Officer Change in Control Agreement. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, dated February 26, 2015) Genuine Parts Company 364-Day Bridge Credit Agreement dated September 22, 2017 by and among Genuine Parts Company, J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the other Lender Parties. (Incorporated herein by reference from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, dated October 26, 2017.) Genuine Parts Company Amended and Restated Syndicated Facility Agreement dated October 30, 2017 by and among Genuine Parts Company, Bank of America, N.A., as admin- istrative agent, and the other Lender Parties. Genuine Parts Company Note Purchase Agreement dated October 30, 2017 by and among Genuine Parts Company, J.P. Morgan Securities, LLC and Merill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as agents, and the other Lender Parties. * Indicates management contracts and compensatory plans and arrangements. Exhibit 21 Exhibit 23 Exhibit 31.1 Exhibit 31.2 Exhibit 32.1 Exhibit 32.2 Subsidiaries of the Company. Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. Certification signed by Chief Executive Officer pursuant to SEC Rule 13a-14(a). Certification signed by Chief Financial Officer pursuant to SEC Rule 13a-14(a). Statement of Chief Executive Officer of Genuine Parts Company pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Sec- tion 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith). Statement of Chief Financial Officer of Genuine Parts Company pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Sec- tion 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith). 39 Exhibit 101 Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the Years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015; (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Equity for the Years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015; (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for Years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015; (v) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text; and (vi) Financial Statement Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts. (b) Exhibits See the response to Item 15(a)(3) above. (c) Financial Statement Schedules See the response to Item 15(a)(2) above. 40 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. SIGNATURES. GENUINE PARTS COMPANY /s/ Paul D. Donahue Paul D. Donahue President and Chief Executive Officer 2/27/2018 (Date) /s/ Carol B. Yancey 2/27/2018 Carol B. Yancey (Date) Executive Vice President and Chief Financial and Accounting Officer 41 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities 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/ Paul D. Donahue Paul D. Donahue Director President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) 2/19/2018 (Date) /s/ Carol B. Yancey Carol B. Yancey Executive Vice President and Chief Finan- cial and Accounting Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) 2/19/2018 (Date) /s/ Elizabeth W. Camp Elizabeth W. Camp Director /s/ P. Russell Hardin P. Russell Hardin Director /s/ Donna W. Hyland Donna W. Hyland Director /s/ Robert C. Loudermilk, Jr. Robert C. Loudermilk, Jr. Director Jerry W. Nix /s/ Jerry W. Nix Director 2/19/2018 (Date) 2/19/2018 2/19/2018 (Date) 2/19/2018 (Date) 2/19/2018 (Date) /s/ Thomas C. Gallagher Thomas C. Gallagher Director and Chairman /s/ Gary P. Fayard Gary P. Fayard Director John R. Holder /s/ John R. Holder Director John D. Johns /s/ John D. Johns Director /s/ Wendy B. Needham Wendy B. Needham Director /s/ E. Jenner Wood, III E. Jenner Wood, III Director 2/19/2018 (Date) 2/19/2018 (Date) 2/19/2018 (Date) 2/19/2018 (Date) 2/19/2018 (Date) 2/19/2018 (Date) 42 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE Report of Management Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page F-2 Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on the Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, F-8 2016 and 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consolidated Statements of Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . F-9 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 . . . . . . . F-10 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-11 S-1 Financial Statement Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-4 F-6 F-7 F-1 Genuine Parts Company Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements Report of Management We have prepared the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related information included herein for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015. The opinion of Ernst & Young LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, on those consolidated financial statements is included herein. The primary responsibility for the integrity of the financial information included in this annual report rests with management. Such information was prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles appro- priate in the circumstances based on our best estimates and judgments and giving due consideration to materiality. Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting The management of Genuine Parts Company and its Subsidiaries (the “Company”) is responsible for estab- lishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company’s internal control system was designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and to the board of directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of the Company’s pub- lished consolidated financial statements. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: i. pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the trans- actions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; ii. provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and iii. provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations and may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. On November 2, 2017, we acquired Alliance Automotive Group and have included their balances as of December 31, 2017 in our consolidated balance sheet and the results of two months of their operations in our consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income. As permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, we elected to exclude Alliance Automotive Group, which constituted approximately 24% of total assets as of December 31, 2017 and 2% and 1% of net sales and net income, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2017, from our assessment of integration of Alliance Automotive Group’s systems and processes could cause changes to our internal controls over finan- cial reporting in future periods. reporting as of December 31, 2017. Our internal control over financial The Company’s management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017. In making this assessment, it used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (COSO) in “Internal Control-Integrated Framework.” Based on this assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2017, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective. Ernst & Young LLP has issued an audit report on the Company’s operating effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017. This report appears on page F-4. F-2 Audit Committee Responsibility The Audit Committee of Genuine Parts Company’s Board of Directors is responsible for reviewing and monitoring the Company’s financial reports and accounting practices to ascertain that they are within acceptable limits of sound practice in such matters. The membership of the Committee consists of non-employee Directors. At periodic meetings, the Audit Committee discusses audit and financial reporting matters and the internal audit function with representatives of financial management and with representatives from Ernst & Young LLP. /s/ Carol B. Yancey CAROL B. YANCEY Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer February 27, 2018 F-3 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting We have audited Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Com- mittee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on the COSO criteria. As indicated in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting sec- tion of the accompanying Report of Management, management’s assessment of and conclusion on the effective- ness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of Alliance Automotive Group, which is included in the 2017 consolidated financial statements of the Company and constituted 24% of total assets as of December 31, 2017 and 2% and 1% of net sales and net income, respectively, for the year then ended. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of the Company also did not include an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of Alliance Automotive Group. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) of the Company and our report dated Febru- ary 27, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. Basis of Opinion The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial report- ing and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accom- panying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting section of the accompanying Report of Management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circum- stances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made F-4 only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the compa- ny’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect mis- statements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that con- trols may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Atlanta, Georgia February 27, 2018 F-5 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Opinion on the Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of income and com- prehensive income, equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated February 27, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. Basis for Opinion These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commis- sion and the PCAOB. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing proce- dures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the finan- cial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1948. Atlanta, Georgia February 27, 2018 F-6 Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets December 31 2017 2016 (In Thousands, Except Share Data and per Share Amounts) Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trade accounts receivable, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Merchandise inventories, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prepaid expenses and other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ Total current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other intangible assets, less accumulated amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Property, plant, and equipment: Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Buildings, less accumulated depreciation (2017 — $317,777; 2016 — $292,049) . . . . . . . Machinery and equipment, less accumulated depreciation (2017 — $726,576; 2016 — $668,950) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net property, plant, and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 314,899 2,421,563 3,771,089 805,342 7,312,893 2,153,988 1,400,392 40,158 568,248 104,049 371,612 461,041 936,702 $ 242,879 1,938,562 3,210,320 556,670 5,948,431 956,153 618,510 132,652 475,530 92,046 314,268 321,810 728,124 $12,412,381 $ 8,859,400 Liabilities and equity Current liabilities: Trade accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Current portion of debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accrued compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dividends payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 3,634,859 694,989 198,048 847,129 99,000 $ 3,081,111 325,000 142,942 597,513 97,584 Total current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pension and other post-retirement benefit liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other long-term liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equity: Preferred stock, par value $1 per share — authorized 10,000,000 shares; none issued . . . . Common stock, par value $1 per share — authorized 450,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding — 2017 — 146,652,615 shares and 2016 — 148,410,422 shares . . . . . . . . . Additional paid-in capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accumulated other comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Retained earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total parent equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5,474,025 2,550,020 229,868 193,308 501,004 4,244,150 550,000 341,510 48,326 468,058 — — 146,653 68,126 (852,592) 4,049,965 3,412,152 52,004 148,410 56,605 (1,013,021) 4,001,734 3,193,728 13,628 Total equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,464,156 3,207,356 $12,412,381 $ 8,859,400 See accompanying notes. F-7 Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income Year Ended December 31 2017 2016 2015 Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cost of goods sold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gross margin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating expenses: (In Thousands, Except per Share Amounts) $15,339,713 10,740,106 $15,280,044 10,724,192 $16,308,801 11,402,403 4,906,398 4,599,607 4,555,852 Selling, administrative, and other expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Provision for doubtful accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,705,136 167,691 13,932 3,370,833 147,487 11,515 3,277,390 141,675 12,373 Total operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Non-operating expenses (income) : 3,886,759 3,529,835 3,431,438 Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41,486 (31,115) Total non-operating expenses (income) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Basic net income per common share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diluted net income per common share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weighted average common shares outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dilutive effect of stock options and nonvested restricted stock 21,084 (25,652) (4,568) 1,074,340 387,100 687,240 4.61 4.59 21,662 (20,929) 733 1,123,681 418,009 705,672 4.65 4.63 $ $ $ 10,371 1,009,268 392,511 616,757 4.19 4.18 $ $ $ $ $ $ 147,140 149,051 151,667 awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 561 753 829 Weighted average common shares outstanding — assuming dilution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147,701 149,804 152,496 Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Foreign currency translation adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net investment hedge, net of income taxes of 2017 — $ 616,757 $ 687,240 $ 705,672 137,694 (8,957) (207,986) $9,711 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (17,388) — — Pension and postretirement benefit adjustments, net of income taxes of 2017 — ($20,539); 2016 — $50,144; 2015 — $5,335 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40,123 (73,446) (2,421) Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160,429 (82,403) (210,407) Comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 777,186 $ 604,837 $ 495,265 See accompanying notes. F-8 Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Equity (In Thousands, Except Share and per Share Amounts) Common Stock Shares Amount Additional Paid-In Capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Retained Earnings Total Parent Equity Non- controlling Interests in Subsidiaries Total Equity Balance at January 1, 2015 . . . . . . . 153,113,042 $153,113 — — $26,414 — $ (720,211) — $3,841,932 $3,301,248 705,672 705,672 $11,116 — $3,312,364 705,672 Balance at December 31, 2015 . . . . 150,081,474 — 150,081 — 41,353 — (930,618) — 3,885,751 687,240 3,146,567 687,240 12,675 — 3,159,242 687,240 — — 1,559 1,559 Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other comprehensive loss, net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash dividends declared, $2.46 per share . . . . . . . . . . Share-based awards exercised, including tax benefit of $7,024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Share-based compensation . . . Purchase of stock . . . . . . . . . . Noncontrolling interest activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other comprehensive loss, net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash dividends declared, $2.63 per share . . . . . . . . . . Share-based awards exercised, including tax benefit of $12,021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Share-based compensation . . . Purchase of stock . . . . . . . . . . Noncontrolling interest activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other comprehensive income, net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash dividends declared, $2.70 per share . . . . . . . . . . Share-based awards exercised, including tax benefit of $3,134 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Share-based compensation . . . Purchase of stock . . . . . . . . . . Noncontrolling interest activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — — — 229,958 — (3,261,526) 230 (2,778) — 17,717 — (3,262) — — — — — — — — — 340,703 — (2,011,755) 341 (4,467) — 19,719 — (2,012) — — — (210,407) — (210,407) (372,840) (372,840) — — (289,013) (2,548) 17,717 (292,275) (82,403) — (82,403) (391,852) (391,852) — — (179,405) (4,126) 19,719 (181,417) — — — — — (210,407) (372,840) (2,548) 17,717 (292,275) — — — — — (82,403) (391,852) (4,126) 19,719 (181,417) — — — — — — 131,232 — (1,889,039) 132 (5,371) — 16,892 — (1,889) — — — 160,429 — 160,429 (396,891) (396,891) — — (171,635) (5,239) 16,892 (173,524) — — — — — 160,429 (396,891) (5,239) 16,892 (173,524) — — 38,376 38,376 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — Balance at December 31, 2016 . . . . 148,410,422 — 148,410 — 56,605 — (1,013,021) — 4,001,734 616,757 3,193,728 616,757 13,628 — 3,207,356 616,757 — — 953 953 Balance at December 31, 2017 . . . . 146,652,615 $146,653 $68,126 $ (852,592) $4,049,965 $3,412,152 $52,004 $3,464,156 See accompanying notes. F-9 Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Operating activities Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gain on sale of property, plant, and equipment Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Share-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Foreign exchange gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changes in operating assets and liabilities: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trade accounts receivable, net Merchandise inventories, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trade accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other short-term assets and liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other long-term assets and liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Investing activities Purchases of property, plant and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acquisition of businesses and other investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . Net cash used in investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proceeds from debt Payments on debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Payments on acquired debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Share-based awards exercised, net of taxes paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dividends paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Purchase of stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Effect of exchange rate changes on cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net increase in cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Year Ended December 31 2017 2016 2015 (In Thousands) $ 616,757 $ 687,240 $ 705,672 167,691 (3,134) (3,989) 65,990 16,892 (14,051) (19,273) (9,923) 61,474 (1,544) (61,847) 198,286 815,043 147,487 (12,021) (15,237) 33,226 19,719 — (53,544) (64,214) 240,717 37,271 (74,566) 258,838 141,675 (7,024) (3,189) 35,544 17,717 — 1,974 (21,821) 331,419 967 (43,561) 453,701 946,078 1,159,373 (156,760) 21,275 (1,494,795) (160,643) 28,811 (462,167) (109,544) 8,618 (162,701) (1,630,280) (593,999) (263,627) 6,630,294 (4,350,222) (833,775) (5,239) — (395,475) (173,524) 872,059 15,198 72,020 242,879 4,350,000 (4,100,000) — (16,147) 12,021 (386,863) (181,417) (322,406) 1,575 31,248 211,631 3,862,224 (4,005,191) — (9,572) 7,024 (368,284) (292,275) (806,074) (15,771) 73,901 137,730 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 314,899 $ 242,879 $ 211,631 Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information Cash paid during the year for: Income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ $ 298,827 38,401 $ $ 374,865 19,043 $ $ 352,153 23,687 See accompanying notes. F-10 Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2017 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Business Genuine Parts Company and all of its majority-owned subsidiaries (the Company) is a distributor of automo- tive replacement parts, industrial parts and materials and business products. The Company serves a diverse cus- tomer base through approximately 3,100 locations in North America, Australasia and Europe and, therefore, has limited exposure from credit losses to any particular customer, region, or industry segment. The Company per- forms periodic credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and generally does not require collateral. The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued. Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include all of the accounts of the Company. The net income attribut- able to noncontrolling interests is not material to the Company’s consolidated net income. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Use of Estimates The preparation of the consolidated financial statements, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates and the differences could be material. Revenue Recognition The Company records revenue when the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the Company’s price to the customer is fixed and determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Delivery is not considered to have occurred until the customer assumes the risks and rewards of ownership. Foreign Currency Translation The consolidated balance sheets and statements of income and comprehensive income of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries have been translated into U.S. dollars at the current and average exchange rates, respectively. The foreign currency translation adjustment is included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Trade Accounts Receivable and the Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Company evaluates the collectability of trade accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. The Company estimates an allowance for doubtful accounts as a percentage of net sales based on historical bad debt experience and periodically adjusts this estimate when the Company becomes aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations (e.g., bankruptcy filing) or as a result of changes in the overall aging of accounts receivable. While the Company has a large customer base that is geographically dispersed, a general F-11 Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued) December 31, 2017 economic downturn in any of the industry segments in which the Company operates could result in higher than expected defaults and, therefore, the need to revise estimates for bad debts. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, the Company recorded provisions for doubtful accounts of approximately $13,932,000, $11,515,000, and $12,373,000, respectively. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the allowance for doubtful accounts was approximately $17,612,000 and $15,557,000, respectively. Merchandise Inventories, Including Consideration Received From Vendors Merchandise inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method for a majority of U.S. automotive parts, electrical/electronic materials, and industrial parts, and by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method for business products and certain non-U.S. and other inventories. If the FIFO method had been used for all inventories, cost would have been approximately $440,550,000 and $426,760,000 higher than reported at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. During 2017 and 2016, reduc- tions in industrial parts inventories resulted in liquidations of LIFO inventory layers. The effects of the LIFO liquidations in 2017 and 2016 reduced cost of goods sold by approximately $2,000,000 and $6,000,000, respectively. There were no LIFO liquidations in 2015. The Company identifies slow moving or obsolete inventories and estimates appropriate provisions related thereto. Historically, these losses have not been significant as the vast majority of the Company’s inventories are not highly susceptible to obsolescence and are eligible for return under various vendor return programs. While the Company has no reason to believe its inventory return privileges will be discontinued in the future, its risk of loss associated with obsolete or slow moving inventories would increase if such were to occur. The Company enters into agreements at the beginning of each year with many of its vendors that provide for inventory purchase incentives. Generally, the Company earns inventory purchase incentives upon achieving specified volume purchasing levels or other criteria. The Company accrues for the receipt of these incentives as part of its inventory cost based on cumulative purchases of inventory to date and projected inventory purchases through the end of the year. While management believes the Company will continue to receive consideration from vendors in 2018 and beyond, there can be no assurance that vendors will continue to provide comparable amounts of incentives in the future. Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist primarily of prepaid expenses, amounts due from vendors, and income taxes receivable. Goodwill The Company reviews its goodwill annually in the fourth quarter, or sooner if circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may exceed fair value. The Company tests goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is an operating segment or a level below an operating segment, which is referred to as a component. A component of an operating segment is a reporting unit if the component constitutes a business for which dis- crete financial information is available and management regularly reviews the operating results of that compo- nent. However, two or more components of an operating segment are aggregated and deemed a single reporting unit if the components have similar economic characteristics. A combination of qualitative assessments and present value of future cash flows approaches was used to determine any potential impairment. The Company determined that there were no indicators that goodwill was impaired and, therefore, no impairments were recognized for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015. F-12 Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued) December 31, 2017 Other Assets Other assets are comprised of the following: Retirement benefit assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred compensation benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inenco equity investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash surrender value of life insurance policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Customer sales returns inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Guarantees related to borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other long-term prepayments and receivables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ December 31 2017 2016 $ (In Thousands) 8,573 30,084 75,660 42,313 117,952 56,442 65,000 172,224 6,721 29,222 — 28,793 106,251 68,160 42,000 194,383 Total other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $568,248 $475,530 The guarantees related to borrowings and the Inenco equity investment are discussed further in the guaran- tees footnote and the acquisitions and equity investments footnote, respectively. Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are primarily determined on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives of each asset: buildings and improvements, 10 to 40 years; machinery and equipment, 5 to 15 years. Long-Lived Assets Other Than Goodwill The Company assesses its long-lived assets other than goodwill for impairment whenever facts and circum- stances indicate that the carrying amount may not be fully recoverable. To analyze recoverability, the Company projects undiscounted net future cash flows over the remaining life of such assets. If these projected cash flows are less than the carrying amount, an impairment would be recognized, resulting in a write-down of assets with a corresponding charge to earnings. Impairment losses, if any, are measured based upon the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the assets. Other Long-Term Liabilities Other long-term liabilities are comprised of the following: Post-employment and other benefit/retirement liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Insurance liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other lease obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other taxes payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Customer deposits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Guarantees related to borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 31 2017 2016 (In Thousands) $ 60,458 44,181 55,693 47,724 65,758 65,000 162,190 $ 56,723 37,608 39,221 16,997 79,528 42,000 195,981 Total other long-term liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $501,004 $468,058 F-13 Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued) December 31, 2017 The guarantees related to borrowings are discussed further in the guarantees footnote. Self-Insurance The Company is self-insured for the majority of group health insurance costs. A reserve for claims incurred but not reported is developed by analyzing historical claims data provided by the Company’s claims admin- istrators. These reserves are included in accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as the expenses are expected to be paid within one year. Long-term insurance liabilities consist primarily of reserves for the workers’ compensation program. In addition, the Company carries various large risk deductible workers’ compensation policies for the majority of workers’ compensation liabilities. The Company records the workers’ compensation reserves based on an analy- sis performed by an independent actuary. The analysis calculates development factors, which are applied to total reserves as provided by the various insurance companies who underwrite the program. While the Company believes that the assumptions used to calculate these liabilities are appropriate, significant differences in actual experience or significant changes in these assumptions may materially affect workers’ compensation costs. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Accumulated other comprehensive loss is comprised of the following: December 31 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Foreign currency translation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unrealized loss on net investment hedge, net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unrecognized net actuarial loss, net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unrecognized prior service (cost) credit, net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $(266,247) (17,388) (566,876) (2,081) $ (403,941) — (611,333) 2,253 Total accumulated other comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $(852,592) $(1,013,021) F-14 Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued) December 31, 2017 The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the years ended on December 31, 2017 and 2016: Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component Other Post- Retirement Benefits Pension Benefits Beginning balance, January 1, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . Other comprehensive (loss) income before $(534,215) $(1,419) reclassifications, net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (92,758) 15 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . 19,505 (208) Net current period other comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (73,253) (193) Net Investment Hedge Foreign Currency Translation Total (In Thousands) $ — $(394,984) $ (930,618) — — — (8,957) (101,700) — 19,297 (8,957) (82,403) Ending balance, December 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . Other comprehensive income (loss) before (607,468) (1,612) — (403,941) (1,013,021) reclassifications, net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16,640 307 (17,388) 137,694 137,253 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . 23,385 (209) — — 23,176 Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40,025 98 (17,388) 137,694 160,429 Ending balance, December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . $(567,443) $(1,514) $(17,388) $(266,247) $ (852,592) The accumulated other comprehensive loss components related to the pension benefits are included in the computation of net periodic benefit income in the employee benefit plans footnote. Business Combinations From time to time, the Company enters into business combinations. The Company recognizes the identifi- able assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interests in an acquiree at their fair values as of the date of acquisition. The Company measures goodwill as the excess of consideration transferred, which the Company also measures at fair value, over the net of the acquisition date fair values of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The acquisition method of accounting requires the Company to make significant estimates and assumptions regarding the fair values of the elements of a business combination as of the date of acquisition, including the fair values of identifiable intangible assets, deferred tax asset valuation allowances, liabilities including those related to debt, pensions and other postretirement plans, uncertain tax positions, con- tingent consideration and contingencies. This method also requires the Company to refine these estimates over a measurement period not to exceed one year to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date that, if known, would have affected the measurement of the amounts recognized as of that date. If the Company is required to adjust provisional amounts that were recorded for the fair values of assets and liabilities in connection with acquisitions, these adjustments could have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Significant estimates and assumptions in estimating the fair value of acquired customer relationships and other identifiable intangible assets include future cash flows that the Company expects to generate from the acquired assets. If the subsequent actual results and updated projections of the underlying business activity F-15 Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued) December 31, 2017 change compared with the assumptions and projections used to develop these values, the Company could record impairment charges. In addition, the Company has estimated the economic lives of certain acquired assets and these lives are used to calculate depreciation and amortization expense. If the Company estimates the economic lives change, depreciation or amortization expenses could be increased or decreased, or the acquired asset could be impaired. Fair Value of Financial Instruments The carrying amounts reflected in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, trade accounts payable, and borrowings under the line of credit and term loan approximate their respective fair values based on the short-term nature of these instruments. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the fair value of fixed rate debt was approximately $1,497,179,000 and $549,000,000, respectively. The fair value of fixed rate debt is designated as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy (i.e., significant observable inputs) and is based primarily on the discounted value of future cash flows using current market interest rates offered for debt of similar credit risk and maturity. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the carrying value of fixed rate debt, net of debt issuance costs, was $1,506,400,000 and $550,000,000, respectively, and is included in long-term debt in the consolidated balance sheets. Non-derivative Financial Instrument Designated as a Net Investment Hedge The Company designated euro-denominated debt, a non-derivative financial instrument, as a hedge against a portion of the Company’s euro-denominated net investment in its European subsidiaries. Changes in the value of the euro-denominated debt attributable to the change in exchange rates at the end of each reporting period are expected to offset the foreign currency translation adjustments resulting from the euro-denominated net invest- ment, and are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The net investment hedge is discussed further in the non-derivative financial instrument footnote. Shipping and Handling Costs Shipping and handling costs are classified as selling, administrative and other expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income and totaled approximately $290,000,000, $230,000,000, and $240,000,000, for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. Advertising Costs Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and totaled $64,700,000, $66,900,000, and $75,000,000 in the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. Accounting for Legal Costs The Company’s legal costs expected to be incurred in connection with loss contingencies are expensed as such costs are incurred. Share-Based Compensation The Company maintains various long-term incentive plans, which provide for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights (SARs), restricted stock, restricted stock units (RSUs), performance awards, dividend equivalents and other share-based awards. SARs represent a right to receive upon exercise an amount, payable in shares of common stock, equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of exercise over the base value of the grant. The terms of such SARs require net settlement in shares of common stock and do not provide for cash settlement. RSUs represent a contingent right to receive one share of the Company’s common stock at a future date. The majority of awards previously granted vest on a pro-rata basis for periods ranging from one to five years and are expensed accordingly on a straight-line basis. The Company issues new shares upon exercise or conversion of awards under these plans. F-16 Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued) December 31, 2017 Net Income per Common Share Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. The computation of diluted net income per common share includes the dilutive effect of stock options, stock appreciation rights and nonvested restricted stock awards options. Options to purchase approximately 1,920,000, 1,290,000, and 1,280,000 shares of common stock ranging from $85 — $100 per share were outstanding at December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. These options were excluded from the computation of diluted net income per common share because the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market prices of common stock in each respective year. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”), which will create a single, comprehensive revenue recognition model for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Accordingly, the Company will adopt this standard on January 1, 2018. The core principle of the new standard is that a com- pany should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or serv- ices. ASU 2014-09 defines a five-step process to achieve this core principle and more judgment and estimates are required within the revenue recognition process than are required under existing guidance, including identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the trans- action price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation, among others. The Company has established a cross-functional implementation team to evaluate and implement the new standard related to the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers. The Company plans to use the modified retrospective adoption method. As a result, a cumulative effect adjustment is required at January 1, 2018 and the Company will account for revenue under the new standard prospectively from such date. The Company primarily sells goods and recognizes revenue at point of sale or delivery and this will not change under the new standard. However, certain customer relationships have terms that include items considered variable consideration, primarily related to customer discounts which will require a change in recognition under the new standard. Upon adoption of Topic 606, the cumulative impact to the Company’s retained earnings at January 1, 2018 is estimated to be approximately $8,000,000. Once finalized, this amount will be recorded as a reduction in retained earnings as a cumulative effect of adoption of a new accounting standard and a deferred revenue liability will be established and classified with accrued liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. Leases (Topic 842) In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”), which requires an entity to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases, including operating leases, with a term greater than twelve months. Expanded disclosures with additional qualitative and quantitative information will also be required. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. The new standard must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition. The Company has established a cross-functional team to evaluate and implement the new standard. As disclosed in the leased properties footnote, the future minimum payments under noncancelable operating leases are approximately $1,140,000,000 and the Company believes the adoption of this standard will have a significant impact on the consolidated balance sheet. F-17 Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued) December 31, 2017 Income Tax Reform The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Act) was enacted December 22, 2017. The Act reduces the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% for taxable years starting after December 31, 2017, and requires companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were not previously subject to U.S. Federal income tax and creates new taxes on certain foreign sourced earnings. As of December 31, 2017, the Company has not completed the accounting for the tax effects of enactment of the Act; however, the Company has made a reasonable estimate of the effect of the Act on the existing deferred tax balances and of the one-time transition tax. As disclosed in the income taxes footnote, the items for which the Company was able to determine a reasonable estimate were recognized as a provisional tax expense of $50,986,000 for the period ended December 31, 2017, which is included as a component of income tax expense in the Company’s consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income. In all cases, the Company will continue to make and refine the calculations as additional analysis is completed. Further, the Company’s estimates may also be affected as regu- lations and additional guidance are made available. In addition, the Act subjects a U.S. shareholder to tax on Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) earned by certain foreign subsidiaries. Given the complexity of the GILTI provisions, the Company is still evalu- ating the effects and has not yet determined the new accounting policy. The provision is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements or related disclosures. Inventory (Topic 330) In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory (“ASU 2015-11”), which modifies existing requirements regarding measuring first-in, first-out and average cost inventory at the lower of cost or market. Under existing standards, the market amount requires con- sideration of replacement cost, net realizable value (“NRV”), and NRV less an approximately normal profit margin. ASU 2015-11 replaces market with NRV, defined as estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. This eliminates the need to determine and consider replacement cost or NRV less an approximately normal profit margin when measuring inventory. The Company adopted ASU 2015-11 on January 1, 2017 and it did not have a material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718) In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”) that changes the accounting for certain aspects of share-based compensation to employees including forfeitures, employer tax withholding, and the financial statement presentation of excess tax benefits or expense. ASU 2016-09 also clarifies the statement of cash flows presentation for certain components of share-based compensation, which prospectively reclassifies cash flows from excess tax benefits of share-based compensation currently disclosed in financing activities to operating activities in the period of adoption. The guidance will increase income tax expense volatility, as well as the Company’s cash flows from operations. In addition, the Company did not elect to change shares withheld for employment income tax purposes. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 on January 1, 2017 on a prospective basis. The adoption of ASU 2016-09 did not have a material impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements or related disclosures. Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715) In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715) (“ASU 2017-07”), which requires an entity to report the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost in the same line item as other compensation costs (selling, administrative and other expenses), and the remaining components in non-operating expense in the consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income. This standard is F-18 Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued) December 31, 2017 effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is per- mitted. The Company will adopt ASU 2017-07 on January 1, 2018 and it is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements or related disclosures. 2. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 by reportable segment, as well as other identifiable intangible assets, are summarized as follows (in thousands): Automotive Industrial Goodwill Business Products Electrical/ Electronic Materials Other Intangible Assets, Net Total Balance as of January 1, 2016 . . . . . . Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Foreign currency translation . . . . . $ 555,003 56,518 — (3,963) $136,079 36,267 — 247 $56,499 25,609 — (8) $ 93,001 901 — — $ 840,582 119,295 — (3,724) $ 521,213 139,982 (40,870) (1,815) Balance as of December 31, 2016 . . . Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Foreign currency translation . . . . . 607,558 1,089,767 — 68,183 172,593 17,921 — 577 82,100 — — (111) 93,902 21,498 — — 956,153 1,129,186 — 68,649 618,510 796,544 (51,993) 37,331 Balance as of December 31, 2017 . . . $1,765,508 $191,091 $81,989 $115,400 $2,153,988 $1,400,392 The gross carrying amounts and accumulated amortization relating to other intangible assets at December 31, 2017 and 2016 is as follows (in thousands): 2017 Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Gross Carrying Amount Customer relationships . . . . . . . . . Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Non-competition agreements . . . . $1,251,783 369,512 6,946 $(199,741) $1,052,042 $603,966 180,416 5,098 (23,056) (5,052) 346,456 1,894 2016 Accumulated Amortization Net $(150,350) $453,616 164,262 632 (16,154) (4,466) $1,628,241 $(227,849) $1,400,392 $789,480 $(170,970) $618,510 Amortization expense for other intangible assets totaled $51,993,000, $40,870,000, and $34,878,000 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. Estimated other intangible assets amortization expense for the succeeding five years is as follows (in thousands): 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 83,564 83,137 82,199 82,044 82,137 $413,081 Additions related to the AAG acquisition are discussed further in the acquisitions and equity investments footnote. F-19 Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued) December 31, 2017 3. Credit Facilities The principal amounts of the Company’s borrowings subject to variable rates totaled approximately $1,690,000,000 and $325,000,000 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The weighted average interest rate on the Company’s outstanding borrowings was approximately 2.70% and 2.39% at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. On October 30, 2017, the Company entered into a multi-currency Syndicated Facility Agreement (the institutions. The Syndicated Facility amended the “Syndicated Facility”) with a consortium of financial $1,200,000,000 unsecured Revolving Credit Facility dated September 11, 2012 that was scheduled to mature in September 2022. The Syndicated Facility is for $2,600,000,000 and expires October 30, 2022. The Syndicated Facility includes a $1,500,000,000 multi-currency revolving credit facility and a $1,100,000,000 Term Loan A, which requires quarterly principal payments. The Syndicated Facility interest rate is based on LIBOR plus a margin based on the Company’s debt to earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) ratio (2.69% at December 31, 2017). The Syndicated Facility contains an uncommitted option to increase the borrowing capacity up to an additional $1,000,000,000, as well as an option to decrease the borrowing capacity or terminate the Syndicated Facility with appropriate notice. At December 31, 2017, the amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan A were $590,000,000 and $1,100,000,000, respectively. In addition to the Syndicated Facility, the Company entered into five Senior Fixed Rate Notes with a num- ber of investors. The Notes vary in maturity with €225,000,000 maturing on October 30, 2024, €250,000,000 maturing on October 30, 2027, $120,000,000 maturing on October 30, 2027, €125,000,000 maturing on October 30, 2029 and €100,000,000 maturing on October 30, 2032. Effective December 31, 2017, the Company amended the existing private placement debt of $550,000,000 to align with the debt covenant arrangements held in all newly issued debt that was funded in October 2017. As a result of updating all debt to the same covenant (debt to EBITDA), the Company increased the fixed rate interest by .25% with the three debt holders. Certain borrowings require the Company to comply with a financial covenant with respect to a maximum debt to EBITDA ratio. At December 31, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants. Due to the workers’ compensation and insurance reserve requirements in certain states, the Company also had unused letters of credit of approximately $62,019,000 and $64,930,000 outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. F-20 Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued) December 31, 2017 Amounts outstanding under the Company’s credit facilities, net of debt issuance cost, consist of the following: Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility, $1,500,000,000, LIBOR plus 1.375% variable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unsecured Term Loan A, $1,100,000,000, LIBOR plus 1.375% variable . . Unsecured term notes: July 29, 2016, Series G Senior Unsecured Notes, $50,000,000, 2.64% December 31 2017 2016 (In Thousands) $ 590,000 1,100,000 $325,000 — fixed, due July 29, 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50,000 50,000 December 2, 2013, Series F Senior Unsecured Notes, $250,000,000, 3.24% fixed, due December 2, 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250,000 250,000 October 30, 2017, Series J Senior Unsecured Notes, €225,000,000, 1.40% fixed, due October 30, 2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269,955 — November 30, 2016, Series H Senior Unsecured Notes, $250,000,000, 3.24% fixed, due November 30, 2026 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250,000 250,000 October 30, 2017, Series K Senior Unsecured Notes, €250,000,000, 1.81% fixed, due October 30, 2027 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299,950 October 30, 2017, Series I Senior Unsecured Notes, $120,000,000, 3.70% fixed, due October 30, 2027 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120,000 October 30, 2017, Series L Senior Unsecured Notes, €125,000,000, 2.02% fixed, due October 30, 2029 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149,975 October 30, 2017, Series M Senior Unsecured Notes, €100,000,000, 2.32% fixed, due October 30, 2032 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119,980 Acquired debt includes German Unsecured Revolving Credit Facility, 2.85%, due June 30, 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49,990 — — — — — . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total unsecured debt Unamortized debt issuance costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Less debt due within one year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,249,850 (4,841) 3,245,009 694,989 875,000 — 875,000 325,000 Long-term debt, excluding current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,550,020 $550,000 Approximate maturities under the Company’s credit facilities, net of debt issuance costs, are as follows (in thousands): 2018, net of debt issuance costs of $633 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thereafter $ 694,356 81,867 109,366 186,866 714,366 1,458,188 $3,245,009 F-21 Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued) December 31, 2017 4. Non-derivative Financial Instrument On November 2, 2017, in connection with the acquisition of Alliance Automotive Group, the Company designated euro-denominated debt as hedging instruments in a hedge of the net investment in certain European subsidiaries. The Company’s risk management objective and strategy for this hedge is to mitigate a designated monetary amount of the Company’s net investment in Euro functional currency subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had designated €700,000,000 of the face value of Euro- denominated debt, a non-derivative financial instrument, as a hedge of the foreign currency exchange rate exposure of an equal amount to the Company’s euro-denominated net investment in certain European sub- sidiaries. As of December 31, 2017, the euro-denominated debt has a total carrying value of $839,860,000, which is included in long-term debt in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded a loss, net of tax, of approximately $17,388,000 in the net investment hedge section of the accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. No hedge ineffectiveness was recognized in income. 5. Leased Properties Future minimum payments, by year and in the aggregate, under the noncancelable operating leases with ini- tial or remaining terms of one year or more was approximately the following at December 31, 2017 (in thousands): 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thereafter $ 299,200 234,500 172,400 114,700 81,600 237,600 Total minimum lease payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,140,000 Rental expense for operating leases was approximately $306,000,000, $278,000,000, and $254,000,000 for 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. 6. Share-Based Compensation At December 31, 2017, total compensation cost related to nonvested awards not yet recognized was approx- imately $32,800,000. The weighted-average period over which this compensation cost is expected to be recog- nized is approximately three years. The aggregate intrinsic value for SARs and RSUs outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016 was approximately $95,400,000 and $104,200,000, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value for SARs and RSUs vested totaled approximately $52,900,000 and $62,000,000 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. At December 31, 2017, the weighted-average contractual life for outstanding and exercisable SARs and RSUs was six and five years, respectively. Share-based compensation costs of $16,892,000, $19,719,000, and $17,717,000, were recorded for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. The total income tax benefits recognized in the consolidated statements of income and com- prehensive income for share-based compensation arrangements were approximately $4,600,000, $7,900,000, and $7,100,000 for 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. There have been no modifications to valuation methodologies or methods during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, or 2015. F-22 Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued) December 31, 2017 For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, the fair values for SARs granted were estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions, respectively: risk- free interest rate of 2.3%, 1.6%, and 2.0%; dividend yield of 2.8%, 2.7%, and 2.6%; annual historical volatility factor of the expected market price of the Company’s common stock of 19% for each of the three years and an average expected life of approximately six years. The fair value of RSUs is based on the price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 were $15,500,000, $18,200,000, and $15,200,000, respectively. A summary of the Company’s share-based compensation activity and related information is as follows: Outstanding at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Outstanding at end of year(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exercisable at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shares available for future grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2017 Shares(1) (In Thousands) 3,878 917 (348) (247) 4,200 2,514 8,368 Weighted- Average Exercise Price(2) $79 90 61 92 $82 $77 (1) Shares include Restricted Stock Units (RSUs). (2) The weighted-average exercise price excludes RSUs. (3) The exercise prices for SARs outstanding as of December 31, 2017 ranged from approximately $42 to $100. The weighted-average remaining contractual life of all SARs outstanding is approximately six years. The weighted-average grant date fair value of SARs granted during the years 2017, 2016, and 2015 was $13.89, $13.52, and $13.53, respectively. The aggregate intrinsic value of SARs and RSUs exercised during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 was $16,800,000, $48,200,000, and $30,100,000, respectively. In 2017, the Company granted approximately 746,000 SARs and 171,000 RSUs. In 2016, the Company granted approximately 724,000 SARs and 170,000 RSUs. In 2015, the Company granted approximately 711,000 SARs and 176,000 RSUs. A summary of the Company’s nonvested share awards activity is as follows: Nonvested Share Awards (RSUs) Nonvested at January 1, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shares (In Thousands) 408 171 (80) (93) Nonvested at December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 406 Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value $92 90 84 88 $91 F-23 Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued) December 31, 2017 Following the adoption of ASU 2016-09, for the year ended December 31, 2017, approximately $3,134,000 of excess tax benefits from share-based compensation were presented as an operating activity in the statement of cash flows. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-09, for the years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015 approx- imately $12,021,000, and $7,024,000, respectively, of excess tax benefits were classified as operating cash out- flows and financing cash inflows. 7. Income Taxes The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was enacted December 22, 2017. The Act reduces the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, requires companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were not previously subject to U.S. Federal income tax and creates new taxes on certain foreign sourced earnings. As of December 31, 2017, the Company has not completed its accounting for the tax effects of enactment of the Act; however, in certain cases, as described below, the Company has made a reasonable estimate of the effect of the Act regarding existing deferred tax balances and the one-time transition tax. For the items which the Company was able to determine a reasonable estimate, a provisional tax expense of $50,986,000 was recognized for the period ended December 31, 2017, which is included as a component of income tax expense from continuing operations. In all cases, the Company will continue to make and refine its calculations as additional analysis is completed. In addition, the Company’s estimates may also be affected as regulations and additional guidance are made available. Provisional Amounts Deferred tax assets and liabilities: The Company remeasured U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future, which is generally 21% for federal income tax pur- poses. However, the Company is still analyzing certain aspects of the Act and refining the calculations, which could potentially affect the measurement of these balances or potentially give rise to new deferred tax amounts. The provisional amount recorded related to the remeasurement of the deferred tax balance was $13,854,000 at December 31, 2017. International tax effects: The one-time transition tax is based on the Company’s total post-1986 earnings and profits (E&P) which the Company has previously deferred from U.S. income taxes pursuant to the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code prior to the Act, as well as its assertions with respect to the E&P of foreign sub- sidiaries. The Company recorded a provisional U.S. tax liability for the transition tax in the amount of $37,132,000, resulting in an increase in current income tax expense of $37,132,000. The Company has not yet completed the calculation of the total post -1986 E&P of foreign subsidiaries. Further, the transition tax is based in part on the amount of those earnings held in cash and other specified assets. This amount may change when the Company finalizes its calculation of post-1986 foreign E&P previously deferred from U.S. federal taxation and finalizes the amounts held in cash or other specified assets. No additional income taxes, where applicable (i.e., U.S. Federal, U.S. State, foreign withholding, or similar taxes under foreign law), have been provided on any remaining outside basis difference inherent in these entities. These amounts continue to be provisionally indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations. The Company’s provisional calculation of its remaining outside basis difference is not considered material. Determining the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability related to any additional outside basis difference in these entities (i.e., basis difference other than those subject to the one-time transition tax) is not practicable. This is due to the complexities associated with the hypothetical calcu- lation to determine residual taxes on the undistributed earnings, including the availability of foreign tax credits, applicability of any additional local withholding tax and other indirect tax consequence that may arise due to the distribution of these earnings. F-24 Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued) December 31, 2017 Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) The Act subjects a U.S. shareholder to tax on GILTI earned by certain foreign subsidiaries. The FASB Staff Q&A, Topic 740, No. 5, Accounting for GILTI, states that an entity can make an accounting policy election to either recognize deferred taxes for temporary basis differences expected to reverse as GILTI in future years or provide for the tax expense related to GILTI in the year the tax is incurred. At December 31, 2017, the Company is still evaluating the GILTI provisions and the analysis of future taxable income that is subject to GILTI. Given the complexity of the GILTI provisions, the Company has not yet determined its accounting policy and therefore has not reflected any adjustments related to GILTI in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows: Deferred tax assets related to: Expenses not yet deducted for tax purposes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pension liability not yet deducted for tax purposes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net operating loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 256,728 257,766 31,046 $344,927 397,391 4,673 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Deferred tax liabilities related to: Employee and retiree benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inventory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Property, plant, and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other 545,540 746,991 210,429 93,067 287,018 66,727 35,859 276,256 141,181 120,689 61,666 58,468 693,100 658,260 Net deferred tax (liability) asset before valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . Valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (147,560) (5,590) 88,731 (4,405) Total net deferred tax (liability) asset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $(153,150) $ 84,326 The Company currently holds approximately $111,006,000 in net operating losses, of which approximately $94,579,000 will carry forward indefinitely. The remaining net operating losses of approximately $16,427,000 will begin to expire in 2024. The components of income before income taxes are as follows: United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 813,078 196,190 (In Thousands) $ 934,476 139,864 $1,004,919 118,762 Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,009,268 $1,074,340 $1,123,681 2017 2016 2015 F-25 Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued) December 31, 2017 The components of income tax expense are as follows: 2017 2016 2015 (In Thousands) Current: Federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $252,337 29,288 44,896 $284,199 41,083 28,593 $309,403 45,460 27,602 Deferred: Federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71,238 13,663 (18,911) 26,684 3,857 2,684 28,754 4,225 2,565 $392,511 $387,100 $418,009 The reasons for the difference between total tax expense and the amount computed by applying the statutory Federal income tax rate to income before income taxes are as follows: Statutory rate applied to income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Plus state income taxes, net of Federal tax benefit . . . . . . . . . . . Earnings in jurisdictions taxed at rates different from the U.S. statutory rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. tax reform - transition tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. tax reform - deferred tax remeasurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Foreign rate change - deferred tax remeasurement . . . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2017 2016 2015 $353,259 27,918 (In Thousands) $376,019 29,211 $393,288 32,295 (33,984) 37,132 13,854 (9,338) 3,670 (18,057) — — — (73) (13,684) — — — 6,110 $392,511 $387,100 $418,009 The Company, or one of its subsidiaries, files income tax returns in the U.S., various states, and foreign juris- dictions. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to federal, state and local tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2013 or subject to non-United States income tax examinations for years ended prior to 2011. The Company is currently under audit in various states in the U.S. and some of its foreign juris- dictions. Some audits may conclude in the next twelve months and the unrecognized tax benefits recorded in relation to the audits may differ from actual settlement amounts. It is not possible to estimate the effect, if any, of the amount of such change during the next twelve months to previously recorded uncertain tax positions in con- nection with the audits. The Company does not anticipate total unrecognized tax benefits will significantly change during the year. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: Balance at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Additions based on tax positions related to the current year . . . . . . . Additions for tax positions of prior years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reductions for tax positions for prior years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reduction for lapse in statute of limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Settlements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Balance at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2017 2016 2015 $15,190 2,644 1,511 (430) (3,917) (301) $14,697 (In Thousands) $15,815 2,184 1,317 (1,369) (2,516) (241) $15,190 $17,581 1,969 61 (3,152) (425) (219) $15,815 F-26 Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued) December 31, 2017 The amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was approximately $16,919,000 and $17,176,000, respectively, of which approximately $10,847,000 and $9,615,000, respectively, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, the Company paid, or received refunds of inter- est and penalties of approximately $(3,384,000), $5,000, and $1,051,000, respectively. The Company had approximately $2,150,800 and $1,848,000 of accrued interest and penalties at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company recognizes potential interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. 8. Employee Benefit Plans The Company’s defined benefit pension plans cover employees in the U.S., Canada, and Europe who meet eligibility requirements. The plan covering U.S. employees is noncontributory and the Company implemented a hard freeze for the U.S. qualified defined benefit plan as of December 31, 2013. The Canadian plan is contrib- utory and benefits are based on career average compensation. The Company’s funding policy is to contribute an amount equal to the minimum required contribution under applicable pension legislation. For the plans in the U.S. and Canada, the Company may increase its contribution above the minimum, if appropriate to its tax and cash position and the plans’ funded position. For the plans in Europe, these plans will be funded in accordance with local regulations. The Company also sponsors supplemental retirement plans covering employees in the U.S. and Canada. The Company uses a measurement date of December 31 for its pension and supplemental retirement plans. Several assumptions are used to determine the benefit obligations, plan assets, and net periodic income. The discount rate for the pension plans is calculated using a bond matching approach to select specific bonds that would satisfy the projected benefit payments. The bond matching approach reflects the process that would be used to settle the pension obligations. The expected return on plan assets is based on a calculated market-related value of plan assets, where gains and losses on plan assets are amortized over a five year period and accumulate in other comprehensive income. Other non-investment unrecognized gains and losses are amortized in future net income based on a “corridor” approach, where the corridor is equal to 10% of the greater of the benefit obligation or the market-related value of plan assets at the beginning of the year. The unrecognized gains and losses in excess of the corridor criteria are amortized over the average future lifetime or service of plan participants, depending on the plan. These assumptions are updated at each annual measurement date. Changes in benefit obligations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were: 2017 2016 Changes in benefit obligation Benefit obligation at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Plan participants’ contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Actuarial loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Foreign currency exchange rate changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gross benefits paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Plan amendments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acquired plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (In Thousands) $2,306,859 8,459 96,651 2,454 94,546 15,073 (106,885) 4,768 13,840 $2,199,356 7,746 104,485 2,585 139,851 5,449 (154,676) 2,063 — Benefit obligation at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,435,765 $2,306,859 F-27 Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued) December 31, 2017 The benefit obligations for the Company’s U.S. pension plans included in the above were $2,187,700,000 and $2,105,665,000 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The total accumulated benefit obligation for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans in the U.S., Canada, and Europe was approximately $2,409,091,000 and $2,281,648,000 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The assumptions used to measure the pension benefit obligations for the plans at December 31, 2017 and 2016, were: 2017 2016 Weighted-average discount rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rate of increase in future compensation levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.70% 4.26% 3.11% 3.14% Changes in plan assets for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were: 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Changes in plan assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Actual return on plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Foreign currency exchange rate changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Employer contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Plan participants’ contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Benefits paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,965,502 277,650 14,449 53,309 2,454 (106,885) $1,912,736 146,022 5,172 53,663 2,585 (154,676) Fair value of plan assets at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,206,479 $1,965,502 The fair values of plan assets for the Company’s U.S. pension plans included in the above were $1,969,196,000 and $1,760,713,000 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the aggregate benefit obligation and aggregate fair value of plan assets for plans with benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were as follows: 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Aggregate benefit obligation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aggregate fair value of plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,241,690 2,003,831 $2,131,550 1,783,472 For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the aggregate accumulated benefit obligation and aggregate fair value of plan assets for plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were as follows: Aggregate accumulated benefit obligation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aggregate fair value of plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,210,590 1,996,017 $2,086,711 1,760,713 2017 2016 (In Thousands) F-28 Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued) December 31, 2017 The asset allocations for the Company’s funded pension plans at December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the tar- get allocation for 2018, by asset category were: Asset Category Equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Debt securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Target Allocation 2018 Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31 2017 2016 72% 28% 71% 70% 29% 30% 100% 100% 100% The Company’s benefit plan committees in the U.S. and Canada establish investment policies and strategies and regularly monitor the performance of the funds. The plans in Europe are unfunded and, therefore, there are no plan assets. The pension plan strategy implemented by the Company’s management is to achieve long-term objectives and invest the pension assets in accordance with the applicable pension legislation in the U.S. and Canada as well as fiduciary standards. The long-term primary investment objectives for the pension plans are to provide for a reasonable amount of long-term growth of capital, without undue exposure to risk, protect the assets from erosion of purchasing power, and provide investment results that meet or exceed the pension plans’ actua- rially assumed long-term rates of return. The Company’s investment strategy with respect to pension plan assets is to generate a return in excess of the passive portfolio benchmark (47% S&P 500 Index, 5% Russell Mid Cap Index, 7% Russell 2000 Index, 5% MSCI EAFE Index, 5% DJ Global Moderate Index, 3% MSCI Emerging Market Net, and 28% BarCap U.S. Govt/Credit). The fair values of the plan assets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, by asset category, are shown in the tables below. Various inputs are considered when determining the value of the Company’s pension plan assets. The inputs or methodologies used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in these securities. Level 1 represents observable market inputs that are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 represents other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, credit risk, etc.). Level 3 represents significant unobservable inputs (including the Company’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments). Certain investments are measured at fair value using the net asset value (“NAV”) per share as a practical expe- dient and have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. F-29 Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued) December 31, 2017 The valuation methods may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. Furthermore, while the Company believes its valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date. Equity securities are valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the individual securities are traded on the last day of the calendar plan year. Debt securities including corporate bonds, U.S. Government securities, and asset-backed securities are valued using price evaluations reflecting the bid and/or ask sides of the market for an investment as of the last day of the calendar plan year. Assets Measured at NAV Total 2017 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) (In Thousands) Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Equity Securities Common stocks — mutual funds — equity . . . $ 536,609 191,771 Genuine Parts Company common stock . . . . . . 838,694 Other stocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $193,628 — — $ 342,981 191,771 838,659 $ — — — $ — — 35 Debt Securities Short-term investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash and equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Government bonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corporate bonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asset-backed and mortgage — backed securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Convertible securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other-international . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Municipal bonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mutual funds — fixed income . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other Options and futures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash surrender value of life insurance 47,745 13,530 180,838 207,978 9,725 211 29,431 7,346 139,801 38 policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,762 — — — — 47,745 13,530 121,834 — — 59,004 — 207,978 — — — — 92,248 — — — — 29,221 — — 38 — 9,725 211 210 7,346 47,553 — — — — — — — — — — — — 2,762 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,206,479 $285,876 $1,585,779 $332,027 $2,797 F-30 Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued) December 31, 2017 Assets Measured at NAV Total 2016 Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) (In Thousands) Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) $ 384,103 192,841 793,101 $114,182 — — $ 269,921 192,841 793,007 $ — — — $ — — 94 55,607 15,995 157,303 192,457 8,872 216 24,613 9,272 128,367 — — — — 55,607 15,995 102,468 — — 54,835 — 192,457 — — — — 82,394 — — 20,868 — — 8,872 216 3,745 9,272 45,973 — — — — — — — — — Equity Securities Common stocks — mutual funds — equity . . . Genuine Parts Company common stock . . . . . . Other stocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Debt Securities Short-term investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash and equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Government bonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corporate bonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Asset-backed and mortgage — backed securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Convertible securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other-international . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Municipal bonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mutual funds — fixed income . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other Cash surrender value of life insurance policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,755 — — — 2,755 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,965,502 $196,576 $1,450,707 $315,370 $2,849 Equity securities include Genuine Parts Company common stock in the amounts of $191,771,000 (9% of total plan assets) and $192,841,000 (10% of total plan assets) at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Dividend payments received by the plan on Company stock totaled approximately $5,450,000 and $5,308,000 in 2017 and 2016, respectively. Fees paid during the year for services rendered by parties in interest were based on customary and reasonable rates for such services. The changes in the fair value measurement of plan assets using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) during 2017 and 2016 were not material. Based on the investment policy for the pension plans, as well as an asset study that was performed based on the Company’s asset allocations and future expectations, the Company’s expected rate of return on plan assets for measuring 2018 pension income is 7.20% for the plans. The asset study forecasted expected rates of return for the approximate duration of the Company’s benefit obligations, using capital market data and historical relation- ships. F-31 Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued) December 31, 2017 The following table sets forth the funded status of the plans and the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31: 2017 2016 Other long-term asset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other current liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pension and other post-retirement liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ $ (In Thousands) 8,573 (9,280) (228,579) 6,721 (8,206) (339,872) Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of: $(229,286) $(341,357) 2017 2016 (In Thousands) Net actuarial loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prior service cost $941,063 5,773 $1,003,247 672 $946,836 $1,003,919 The following table reflects the total benefits expected to be paid from the pension plans’ or the Company’s assets. Of the pension benefits expected to be paid in 2018, approximately $9,283,000 is expected to be paid from employer assets. Expected employer contributions below reflect amounts expected to be contributed to funded plans. Information about the expected cash flows for the pension plans follows (in thousands): Employer contribution 2018 (expected) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 47,038 Expected benefit payments: 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2023 through 2027 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $116,326 121,779 127,219 133,143 138,211 739,406 Net periodic benefit income included the following components: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest cost Expected return on plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortization of prior service credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortization of actuarial loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2017 2016 2015 $ 8,459 96,651 (155,432) (350) 38,034 (In Thousands) $ 7,746 104,485 (156,832) (432) 31,641 $ 8,562 98,088 (150,130) (565) 38,197 Net periodic benefit income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ (12,638) $ (13,392) $ (5,848) F-32 Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued) December 31, 2017 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows: 2017 2016 2015 (In Thousands) Current year actuarial loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Recognition of actuarial loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Current year prior service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Recognition of prior service credit $(27,672) $152,415 (38,034) (31,641) 4,768 2,063 350 432 $ 44,930 (38,197) — 565 Total recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $(60,588) $123,269 $ 7,298 Total recognized in net periodic benefit income and other comprehensive (loss) income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $(73,226) $109,877 $ 1,450 The estimated amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit income in 2018 are as follows in thousands: Actuarial loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prior service credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39,856 (148) Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39,708 The assumptions used in measuring the net periodic benefit income for the plans follow: Weighted average discount rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rate of increase in future compensation levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.26% 4.82% 4.26% 3.15% 3.12% 3.07% 7.80% 7.83% 7.85% 2017 2016 2015 The Company has one defined contribution plan in the U.S. that covers substantially all of its domestic employees. Employees receive a matching contribution of 100% of the first 5% of the employees’ salary. Total plan expense was approximately $58,186,000 in 2017, $56,975,000 in 2016, and $55,066,000 in 2015. The Company launched a new defined contribution plan on April 1, 2017 that covers full-time Canadian employees after six months of employment and part-time employees upon meeting provincial minimum stan- dards. Employees receive a matching contribution of 100% of the first 5% of the employees’ salary. Total plan expense was approximately $2,600,000 in 2017. 9. Guarantees The Company guarantees the borrowings of certain independently controlled automotive parts stores (independents) and certain other affiliates in which the Company has a noncontrolling equity ownership interest (affiliates). Presently, the independents are generally consolidated by unaffiliated enterprises that have a control- ling financial interest through ownership of a majority voting interest in the independent. The Company has no voting interest or other equity conversion rights in any of the independents. The Company does not control the independents or the affiliates, but receives a fee for the guarantee. The Company has concluded that the independents are variable interest entities, but that the Company is not the primary beneficiary. Specifically, the F-33 Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued) December 31, 2017 equity holders of the independents have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the enti- ty’s economic performance including, but not limited to, decisions about hiring and terminating personnel, local marketing and promotional initiatives, pricing and selling activities, credit decisions, monitoring and maintaining appropriate inventories, and store hours. Separately, the Company concluded the affiliates are not variable inter- est entities. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with these independents and affiliates is generally equal to the total borrowings subject to the Company’s guarantee. While such borrowings of the independents and affiliates are outstanding, the Company is required to maintain compliance with certain covenants, including a maximum debt to EBITDA ratio and certain limitations on additional borrowings. At December 31, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants. At December 31, 2017, the total borrowings of the independents and affiliates subject to guarantee by the Company were approximately $616,710,000. These loans generally mature over periods from one to six years. In the event that the Company is required to make payments in connection with guaranteed obligations of the independents or the affiliates, the Company would obtain and liquidate certain collateral (e.g., accounts receiv- able and inventory) to recover all or a portion of the amounts paid under the guarantee. When it is deemed prob- able that the Company will incur a loss in connection with a guarantee, a liability is recorded equal to this losses in connection with guarantees of estimated loss. To date, independents’ and affiliates’ borrowings. the Company has had no significant The Company has recognized certain assets and liabilities amounting to $65,000,000 and $42,000,000 for the guarantees related to the independents’ and affiliates’ borrowings at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. These assets and liabilities are included in other assets and other long-term liabilities in the con- solidated balance sheets. 10. Legal Matter On April 17, 2017, a jury awarded damages against the Company of $81,500,000 in a litigated automotive product liability dispute. Through post-trial motions and offsets from previous settlements, the initial verdict has been reduced to $77,100,000. The Company believes the verdict is not supported by the facts or the law and is contrary to the Company’s role in the automotive parts industry. The Company is challenging the verdict through an appeal to a higher court. At the time of the filing of these financial statements, based upon the Company’s legal defenses, insurance coverage, and reserves, the Company does not believe this matter will have a material impact to the consolidated financial statements. 11. Acquisitions and Equity Investments The Company acquired several companies and equity investments for approximately $1,457,000,000, $420,000,000, and $140,000,000, net of cash acquired, during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. Aside from the AAG acquisition and the Inenco investment in 2017, the remaining acquis- itions are considered individually immaterial, as well as immaterial in the aggregate. 2017 A significant portion of the acquisitions made in 2017 included twelve companies in the Automotive Parts Group, two companies in the Industrial Group, and one company in the Electrical/Electronic Materials Group. The purchase price for these fifteen acquisitions was approximately $1,334,000,000, net of cash acquired. F-34 Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued) December 31, 2017 Automotive Parts Group The twelve Automotive Parts Group acquisitions generate approximately $1,900,000,000. In the U.S., the Company acquired Standard Motor Parts, which operates five locations, as well as Olympic Brake Supply, which operates six locations, in January and February 2017, respectively. Addition- ally, the Company added 14 new locations with the acquisition of Merle’s Automotive Supply in May 2017 and 17 new locations with the addition of Monroe Motor Products in November 2017. In June 2017, the Company also added four new locations to its heavy vehicle parts operations with the acquisition of Stone Truck Parts. revenues of annual The Company expanded its distribution network in Australia with the addition of three single-location busi- nesses, including Welch Auto Parts in July 2017, Logan City autoBarn in August 2017, subsequently re-branded as a NAPA Auto Super Store, and Sulco Tools and Equipment in September 2017. In Canada, the Company acquired Service de Freins Montreal Ltee, with 4 locations and Belcher Parts and Attachments with one location in April 2017. In December 2017, the Company acquired Universal Supply Group, which has 21 locations in Canada serving the automotive, paint and body and heavy vehicle sectors. In November 2017, the Company acquired AAG, which is discussed further below. Industrial Group The two Industrial Group acquisitions generate annual revenues of approximately $118,000,000. In August 2017, the Company acquired Numatic Engineering, a distributor of automation products. In November 2017, the Company acquired Apache Hose & Belting Company, Inc. (“Apache”) and operates in seven locations in the U.S. Apache specializes in value-added fabrication of belts, hoses and other industrial products. Electrical/Electronic Materials Group The Electrical/Electronic Materials Group acquisition generates annual revenues of approximately $65,000,000. In April 2017, the Company acquired Empire Wire and Supply (“Empire”), an innovative provider of custom cable assemblies and distributor of network, electrical, automation and safety products. Empire oper- ates from three locations in the U.S., as well as one location in Canada. Net sales from these fifteen acquisitions included in the Company’s consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income at December 31, 2017 were approximately $429,000,000. For each acquisition, the Company allocated the purchase price to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on their fair values as of their respective acquisition dates. The results of operations for the acquired companies were included in the Company’s consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income beginning on their respective acquisition dates. The Company recorded approximately $1,926,000,000 of goodwill and other intangible assets associated with the 2017 acquisitions. Other intangible assets acquired con- trademarks of $176,000,000, and other intangibles of sisted of customer relationships of $619,000,000, $1,000,000 with weighted average amortization lives of 19, 27, and 2 years, respectively. Additional disclosures for the 2017 automotive acquisition of AAG and the Inenco investment are provided below. Alliance Automotive Group The Company acquired all of the equity interests in AAG for approximately $1,080,000,000 in cash on November 2, 2017. The net cash consideration transferred of approximately $1,080,000,000 is net of the cash acquired of approximately $109,000,000. AAG, which is headquartered in London, is the second largest parts F-35 Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued) December 31, 2017 distribution platform in Europe, based on revenues, with a focus on light and commercial vehicle replacement parts distributed to the independent aftermarket in France, Germany, the U.K., and a recently acquired subsidiary in Poland. AAG has approximately 8,000 employees and over 2,000 company-owned stores and affiliated outlets across France, the U.K., Germany, and Poland, with annual revenues of approximately $1,700,000,000. Coincident with the transaction, GPC repaid a majority of AAG’s debt including publicly held notes and a revolving credit facility with a banking group, including accrued interest, for approximately $825,000,000. The acquisition and subsequent redemption of substantially all acquired debt, was financed using a combination of new borrowings under a term loan, five private placement notes, and borrowings under increased credit facilities. The following table summarizes the preliminary, estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date. The fair value of the acquired identifiable intangible assets is provisional pend- ing completion of the final valuations for these assets. The Company is in the process of analyzing the estimated values of all assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date, including, among other things, obtaining final valuations of certain tangible and intangible assets, as well as the fair value of certain contracts and the determination of certain tax balances. The allocation of the purchase price is therefore preliminary and subject to revision. Trade accounts receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Merchandise inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prepaid expenses and other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Property and equipment Total identifiable assets acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pension and other post-retirement benefit liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other long-term liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total liabilities assumed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net identifiable assets acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 2, 2017 (In Thousands) 380,000 $ 374,000 213,000 727,000 4,000 25,000 93,000 1,816,000 (768,000) (769,000) (14,000) (151,000) (32,000) (1,734,000) 82,000 (38,000) 1,036,000 Net assets acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 1,080,000 The acquired intangible assets of approximately $727,000,000 were provisionally assigned to customer rela- tionships of $550,000,000, trademarks of $176,000,000, and other intangibles of $1,000,000, with weighted average amortization lives of 19, 27 and 2 years, respectively, for a total weighted average amortizable life of 21 years. F-36 Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued) December 31, 2017 The estimated goodwill recognized as part of the acquisition is not tax deductible and has been assigned to the Automotive segment. The goodwill is attributable primarily to expected synergies and the assembled work- force. The fair values of the non-controlling interests in subsidiaries are at estimated fair values using income approaches. The amounts of net sales and earnings of AAG included in the Company’s consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income from November 2, 2017 to December 31, 2017 were approximately $256,400,000 in net sales and net income of $0.07 on a per share diluted basis, respectively. The unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income of the Company as if AAG had been included in the consolidated results of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 would be estimated at $17,627,000,000 and $16,575,000,000 in net sales, respectively, and net income of $4.56 and $4.55 on a per share diluted basis, respectively. The pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that the Company would have reported had the transaction actually occurred at the beginning of these periods, nor is it necessarily indicative of future results. The adjustments to the pro forma amounts include, but are not limited to, applying the Company’s account- ing policies, amortization related to fair value adjustments to intangible assets, one-time purchase accounting adjustments, interest expense on acquisition related debt, and any associated tax effects. Inenco Effective April 3, 2017, the Company acquired a 35% investment in the Inenco Group for approximately $72,100,000 from Conbear Holdings Pty Limited (“Conbear”). The equity investment was funded with the Company’s cash on hand. The Inenco Group, which is headquartered in Sydney, Australia, is an industrial distributor of bearings, power transmissions, and seals in Australasia, with annual revenues of approximately $325,000,000 and 161 locations across Australia and New Zealand, as well as an emerging presence in Asia. The Company and Conbear both have an option to acquire or sell, respectively, the remaining 65% of Inenco at a later date contingent upon certain conditions being satisfied. However, there can be no guarantee that such conditions will be met or, if they are met, whether either company would exercise its option. 2016 and 2015 A significant portion of the 2016 companies acquired included eleven companies in the Automotive Parts Group, five companies in the Industrial Group, two companies in the Business Products Group, and one company in the Electrical/Electronic Materials Group. The purchase price for these nineteen acquisitions was approx- imately $370,000,000, net of cash acquired. A significant portion of the 2015 companies acquired included one company in the Electrical/Electronic Materials Group, three companies in the Business Products Group, four companies in the Industrial Group, and five store groups in the Automotive Parts Group for approximately $120,000,000, net of cash acquired. For each acquisition, the Company allocated the purchase price to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on their fair values as of their respective acquisition dates. The results of operations for the acquired companies were included in the Company’s consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income beginning on their respective acquisition dates. The Company recorded approximately $260,000,000 and $90,000,000 of goodwill and other intangible assets associated with the 2016, and 2015 acquisitions, respectively. For the 2016 acquisitions, other intangible assets acquired consisted of customer relationships of $112,000,000 and trademarks of $28,000,000 with weighted average amortization lives of 17 and 35 years, respectively. For the 2015 acquisitions, other intangible assets acquired consisted of customer relationships of $39,000,000 with weighted average amortization lives of 15 years. F-37 Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued) December 31, 2017 12. Segment Data The Company’s reportable segments consist of automotive, industrial, business products, and electrical/ electronic materials. Within the reportable segments, certain of the Company’s operating segments are aggregated since they have similar economic characteristics, products and services, type and class of customers, and distribution methods. The Company’s automotive segment distributes replacement parts (other than body parts) for substantially all makes and models of automobiles, trucks, and other vehicles. The Company’s industrial segment distributes a wide variety of industrial bearings, mechanical and fluid power transmission equipment, including hydraulic and pneumatic products, material handling components, and related parts and supplies. The Company’s business products segment distributes a wide variety of office products, computer supplies, office furniture, and business electronics. The Company’s electrical/electronic materials segment distributes a wide variety of electrical/electronic materials, including insulating and conductive materials for use in electronic and electrical apparatus. Inter-segment sales are not significant. Operating profit for each industry segment is calculated as net sales less operating expenses excluding general corporate expenses, interest expense, and equity in income from investees, amortization, and noncontrolling interests. Approximately $196,200,000, $139,900,000 and $118,800,000 of income before income taxes was generated in jurisdictions outside the United States for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. Net sales and net property, plant and equipment by country relate directly to the Company’s operations in the respective country. Corporate assets are principally cash and cash equivalents and headquarters’ facilities and equipment. For management purposes, net sales by segment exclude the effect of certain discounts, incentives, and freight billed to customers. The line item “other” represents the net effect of the discounts, incentives, and freight billed to customers that are reported as a component of net sales in the Company’s consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. F-38 Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued) December 31, 2017 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 (In Thousands) Net sales: Automotive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Industrial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Business products . . . . . . . . . . . . Electrical/electronic materials . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 8,662,696 4,966,518 1,998,946 780,928 (100,287) $ 8,111,511 4,634,212 1,969,405 715,650 (91,065) $ 8,015,098 4,646,689 1,937,629 750,770 (70,142) $ 8,096,877 4,771,080 1,802,754 739,119 (68,183) $ 7,489,186 4,429,976 1,638,618 568,872 (48,809) Total net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16,308,801 $15,339,713 $15,280,044 $15,341,647 $14,077,843 Operating profit: Automotive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Industrial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Business products . . . . . . . . . . . . Electrical/electronic materials . . . $ $ $ 720,465 384,247 98,882 56,207 715,154 336,608 117,035 60,539 $ $ 729,152 339,180 140,866 70,151 700,386 370,043 133,727 64,884 641,492 320,720 122,492 47,584 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total operating profit Interest expense, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corporate expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intangible asset amortization . . . . . . . . 1,259,801 (38,677) (159,863) (51,993) 1,229,336 (19,525) (94,601) (40,870) 1,279,349 (20,354) (100,436) (34,878) 1,269,040 (24,192) (90,242) (36,867) 1,132,288 (24,330) (34,667) (28,987) Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . $ 1,009,268 $ 1,074,340 $ 1,123,681 $ 1,117,739 $ 1,044,304 Assets: Automotive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Industrial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Business products . . . . . . . . . . . . Electrical/electronic materials . . . Corporate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Goodwill and other intangible $ 6,140,829 1,437,125 859,335 208,146 212,566 $ 4,601,150 1,292,063 907,119 203,334 281,071 $ 4,293,290 1,143,952 831,546 191,866 322,323 $ 4,275,298 1,224,735 835,592 196,400 327,623 $ 4,009,244 1,162,697 708,944 156,780 353,276 assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,554,380 1,574,663 1,361,794 1,386,590 1,289,356 Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $12,412,381 $ 8,859,400 $ 8,144,771 $ 8,246,238 $ 7,680,297 Depreciation and amortization: $ Automotive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Industrial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Business products . . . . . . . . . . . . Electrical/electronic materials . . . Corporate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intangible asset amortization . . . . $ 71,405 10,353 11,262 3,093 19,585 51,993 $ 65,372 10,371 11,398 2,967 16,509 40,870 $ 70,112 9,960 10,922 2,933 12,870 34,878 $ 77,645 9,906 10,728 2,658 10,509 36,867 76,238 8,751 10,166 1,904 7,911 28,987 Total depreciation and amortization . . $ 167,691 $ 147,487 $ 141,675 $ 148,313 $ 133,957 F-39 Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements — (Continued) December 31, 2017 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 (In Thousands) Capital expenditures: $ Automotive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Industrial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Business products . . . . . . . . . . . . Electrical/electronic materials . . . Corporate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 118,181 23,267 6,726 5,299 3,287 $ 73,339 27,383 12,072 5,710 42,139 $ 77,504 13,998 12,323 2,824 2,895 $ 78,537 12,442 11,135 3,003 2,564 97,735 8,808 9,297 1,730 6,493 Total capital expenditures . . . . . . . . . . $ 156,760 $ 160,643 $ 109,544 $ 107,681 $ 124,063 Net sales: United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Europe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Australasia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mexico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13,293,325 256,364 1,549,915 1,185,487 123,997 (100,287) $12,822,320 — 1,390,979 1,104,511 112,968 (91,065) $12,843,078 — 1,395,695 992,064 119,349 (70,142) $12,565,329 — 1,583,075 1,133,620 127,806 (68,183) $11,594,713 — 1,560,799 839,353 131,787 (48,809) Total net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16,308,801 $15,339,713 $15,280,044 $15,341,647 $14,077,843 Net property, plant, and equipment: $ United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Europe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Australasia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mexico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 647,386 96,857 90,857 95,299 6,303 $ 561,164 — 81,260 79,413 6,287 $ 495,073 — 79,023 65,289 8,832 $ 495,452 — 98,939 65,707 10,004 503,882 — 99,135 60,614 6,430 Total net property, plant, and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 936,702 $ 728,124 $ 648,217 $ 670,102 $ 670,061 13. Subsequent Event Effective January 1, 2018, the electrical/electronic materials segment became a division of the industrial segment. These two reportable segments will become a single reporting segment in 2018 and prospectively. The Company’s reportable segments will consist of the automotive, industrial, and business products segments and segment data will be presented under this new basis for all interim and annual periods beginning in 2018. F-40 Financial Statement Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries Balance at Beginning of Period Charged to Costs and Expenses Deductions(1) Balance at End of Period Year ended December 31, 2015: Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts: Allowance for doubtful accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . Year ended December 31, 2016: Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts: Allowance for doubtful accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . Year ended December 31, 2017: Reserves and allowances deducted from asset accounts: Allowance for doubtful accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . (1) Doubtful accounts written off, net of recoveries. $11,836,000 $12,373,000 $(13,516,000) $10,693,000 $10,693,000 $11,515,000 $ (6,651,000) $15,557,000 $15,557,000 $13,932,000 $(11,877,000) $17,612,000 S-1 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K INDEX OF EXHIBITS The following exhibits are filed (or furnished, if so indicated) herewith as a part of this Report: 10.30 10.31 21 23 31.1 31.2 32.1 32.2 Genuine Parts Company Syndicated Facility Agreement Genuine Parts Company Note Purchase Agreement Subsidiaries of the Company. Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. Certification signed by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to SEC Rule 13a-14(a). Certification signed by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to SEC Rule 13a-14(a). Statement of Chief Executive Officer of Genuine Parts Company pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith). Statement of Chief Financial Officer of Genuine Parts Company pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith). 101 Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T. The following exhibits are incorporated by reference as set forth in Item 15 of this Form 10-K. Instruments with respect to long-term debt where the total amount of securities authorized there under does not exceed 10% of the total assets of the Registrant and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis have not been filed. The Registrant agrees to furnish to the Commission a copy of each such instrument upon request. — 2.1 — 3.1 — 3.2 — 4.2 — 10.1* — 10.2* — 10.3* — 10.4* — 10.5* — 10.6* — 10.7* — 10.8* — 10.9* Genuine Parts Company Sale and Purchase Agreement relating to the Alliance Automotive Group by and between BCP Funds, AIG Managers, GPC Europe Acquisition Co. Limited and Genuine Parts Company dated September 22, 2017. Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company, amended April 23, 2007. By-Laws of the Company as amended and restated November 18, 2013. Specimen Common Stock Certificate. The Genuine Parts Company Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, effective January 1, 1993. Amendment No. 1 to the Genuine Parts Company Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, dated June 1, 1996, effective June 1, 1996. Amendment No. 2 to the Genuine Parts Company Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, dated April 19, 1999, effective April 19, 1999. Amendment No. 3 to the Genuine Parts Company Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, dated November 28, 2001, effective July 1, 2001. Amendment No. 4 to the Genuine Parts Company Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, dated June 5, 2003, effective June 5, 2003. Amendment No. 5 to the Genuine Parts Company Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, dated December 28, 2005, effective January 1, 2006. Amendment No. 6 to the Genuine Parts Company Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, dated November 28, 2007, effective January 1, 2008. Amendment No. 7 to the Genuine Parts Company Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, dated November 16, 2010, effective January 1, 2011. Amendment No. 8 to the Genuine Parts Company Tax-Deferred Savings Plan, dated December 7, 2012, effective December 7, 2012. — 10.10* — 10.11* The Genuine Parts Company Original Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated as of August 19, 1996. Amendment to the Genuine Parts Company Original Deferred Compensation Plan, dated April 19, 1999, effective April 19, 1999. S-2 — 10.12* — 10.13* — 10.14* — 10.15* — 10.16* — 10.17* — 10.18* Genuine Parts Company Supplemental Retirement Plan, as amended and restated as of January 1, 2009. Amendment No. 1 to the Genuine Parts Company Supplemental Retirement Plan, as amended and restated as of January 1, 2009, dated August 16, 2010, effective August 16, 2010. Amendment No. 2 to the Genuine Parts Company Supplemental Retirement Plan, as amended and restated as of January 1, 2009, dated November 16, 2010, effective January 1, 2011. Amendment No. 3 to the Genuine Parts Company Supplemental Retirement Plan, as amended and restated as of January 1, 2009, dated December 7, 2012, effective December 31, 2013. Genuine Parts Company Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2003, and executed November 11, 2003. Amendment No. 1 to the Genuine Parts Company Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan, dated November 19, 2007, effective January 1, 2008. Amendment No. 2 to the Genuine Parts Company Director’s Deferred Compensation Plan, dated December 7, 2012, effective December 7, 2012 — 10.19* Description of Director Compensation. — 10.20* Genuine Parts Company 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended and restated as of November 19, 2001. — 10.21* Genuine Parts Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan, effective April 17, 2006. — 10.22* — 10.23* Amendment to the Genuine Parts Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated November 20, 2006, effective November 20, 2006. Amendment No. 2 to the Genuine Parts Company 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan, dated November 19, 2007, effective November 19, 2007. — 10.24* Genuine Parts Company 2015 Incentive Plan, effective November 17, 2014. — 10.25* Genuine Parts Company Performance Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement. — 10.26* Genuine Parts Company Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement. — 10.27* Genuine Parts Company Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement. — 10.28* Form of Executive Officer Change in Control Agreement. — 10.29 Genuine Parts Company 364-Day Bridge Credit Agreement. * Indicates management contracts and compensatory plans and arrangements. S-3 Name % Owned Jurisdiction of Incorporation SUBSIDIARIES OF THE COMPANY (as of December 31, 2017) EXHIBIT 21 INDIANA GEORGIA GEORGIA DELAWARE GEORGIA MICHIGAN DELAWARE GEORGIA GEORGIA GEORGIA GEORGIA NORTH CAROLINA PUEBLA, MEXICO PUEBLA, MEXICO 100.0% BALKAMP, INC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% EIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% EIS DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% GPC FINANCE COMPANY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% GPC PROCUREMENT COMPANY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% NATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE PARTS ASSOCIATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% MOTION INDUSTRIES, INC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% S.P. RICHARDS COMPANY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% SPR PROCUREMENT COMPANY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% SHUSTER CORPORATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51.0% 1ST CHOICE AUTO PARTS, INC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46.5% THE FLOWERS COMPANY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% GPC MEXICO, S.A. de C.V. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% GRUPO AUTO TODO S.A. de C.V. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% GUADALAJARA, JALISCO, MEXICO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . COMSERES de MEXICO, S. de R.L. de C.V. 100.0% EIS HOLDINGS (CANADA) INC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% POLIFIBRA CANADA (1987) INC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% MOTION INDUSTRIES (CANADA), INC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% MOTION—MEXICO, S. de R.L. de C.V. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% S. P. RICHARDS CO. CANADA INC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UAP INC. 100.0% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GARANAT INC. 100.0% UAPRO INC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% UNITED AUTO PARTS (Eastern) LTD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% SERVICES FINANCIERS UAP INC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75.0% WTC PARTS CANADA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75.0% PIECES DE CAMION DE LA BEAUCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% GPC GLOBAL SOURCING LIMITED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GENUINE PARTS SOURCING (SHENZHEN) COMPANY LIMITED 100.0% 100.0% ALTROM AUTO GROUP LTD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% GUADALAJARA, JALISCO, MEXICO EIS-GPC SERVICIOS de MEXICO, S. de R.L. de C.V. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22.0% RIEBE’S AUTO PARTS, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20.0% AUTOPARTSPROS, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75.8% MOTOR PARTS OF CARROLL COUNTY, INC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79.0% POTOMAC AUTO PARTS, INC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79.0% REISTERSTOWN AUTO PARTS, INC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79.0% WILLIAMSPORT AUTOMOTIVE, INC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% AST BEARINGS LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS GPC GLOBAL HOLDINGS B.V. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS GPC ASIA PACIFIC HOLDINGS COOPERATIEF U.A. . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% GPC ASIA PACIFIC HOLDINGS PTY LTD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AUTOPARTES NAPA MEXICO, S. de R.L. de C.V. 100.0% SUPPLY SOURCE ENTERPRISES, INC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% IMPACT PRODUCTS LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% GPIC LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% GPIC CANADA LP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% GPC ASIA PACIFIC LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% THE SAFETY ZONE, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100.0% THE SAFETY ZONE (CANADA), ULC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . INENCO GROUP PTY LTD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35.0% SOUTH AUSTRALIA, AUSTRALIA GPC ASIA PACIFIC INDUSTRIAL HOLDINGS PTY LTD . . . . . . . . GPC EUROPE, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GPC EUROPE HOLDINGS B.V. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GPC EUROPE AUTOMOTIVE GROUP LTD. BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA ONTARIO, CANADA OTTAWA, ONTARIO GUADALAJARA, MEXICO BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA QUEBEC, CANADA FEDERAL, CANADA FEDERAL, CANADA ONTARIO, CANADA QUEBEC, CANADA FEDERAL, CANADA QUEBEC, CANADA HONG KONG, CHINA SHENZHEN, CHINA BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA PUEBLA, MEXICO GEORGIA DELAWARE GEORGIA ALBERTA, CANADA GEORGIA CONNECTICUT NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS 100.0% GEORGIA GEORGIA MARYLAND MARYLAND MARYLAND PENNSYLVANIA DELAWARE VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA GEORGIA LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM EXHIBIT 23 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm We consent to the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements: (1) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-21969) pertaining to the Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan of Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries, (2) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-133362) pertaining to the 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan of Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries, and (3) Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-204390) pertaining to the 2015 Incentive Plan of Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries; of our reports dated February 27, 2018, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries, included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of Genuine Parts Company and Subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2017. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Atlanta, Georgia February 27, 2018 CERTIFICATIONS I, Paul D. Donahue, certify that: EXHIBIT 31.1 1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Genuine Parts Company; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not mis- leading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has mate- rially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. /s/ Paul D. Donahue Paul D. Donahue President and Chief Executive Officer Date: February 27, 2018 CERTIFICATIONS I, Carol B. Yancey, certify that: EXHIBIT 31.2 1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Genuine Parts Company; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not mis- leading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has mate- rially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. /s/ Carol B. Yancey Carol B. Yancey Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Date: February 27, 2018 EXHIBIT 32.1 STATEMENT OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF GENUINE PARTS COMPANY PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO § 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 In connection with the Annual Report of Genuine Parts Company (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Paul D. Donahue, President and Chief Executive Officer, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge: 1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and 2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. /s/ Paul D. Donahue Paul D. Donahue President and Chief Executive Officer February 27, 2018 EXHIBIT 32.2 STATEMENT OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF GENUINE PARTS COMPANY PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO § 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 In connection with the Annual Report of Genuine Parts Company (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Carol B. Yancey, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge: 1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and 2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. /s/ Carol B. Yancey Carol B. Yancey Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer February 27, 2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY Board of Directors Elizabeth W. “Betsy” Camp Paul D. Donahue Gary P. Fayard Thomas C. Gallagher P. Russell Hardin John R. Holder Donna W. Hyland John D. Johns Robert C. “Robin” Loudermilk, Jr. President and Chief Executive Officer of The Loudermilk Companies, LLC Wendy B. Needham Jerry W. Nix E. Jenner Wood III President and Chief Executive Officer of DF Management, Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Retired Chief Financial Officer of The Coca-Cola Company Chairman President, Robert W. Woodruff Foundation Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Holder Properties President and Chief Executive Officer of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Executive Chairman of Protective Life Corporation Retired Managing Director, Global Automotive Research at Credit Suisse First Boston Retired Chief Financial Officer Retired Executive Vice President of SunTrust Banks, Inc. Corporate Officers Paul D. Donahue Carol B. Yancey Scott W. LeProhon Treg S. Brown Charles A. Chesnutt Sidney G. Jones Gregory N. Miller Robert A. Milstead James R. Neill Michael D. Orr Napoleon B. Rutledge, Jr. Scott C. Smith Kirk J. Allan Thomas K. Davis Thomas E. Dunmon, Jr. Christopher T. Galla Derek B. Goshay Lisa K. Hamilton David A. Haskett Philip C. Johnson J. Scott Mosteller Vickie S. Smith Robert L. Swann Jennifer L. Ellis David R. Nagel Matthew P. Brigham Kathleen F. Eidbo Christine E. Powell President and Chief Executive Officer Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer Executive Vice President—Global Procurement Senior Vice President—Planning and Acquisitions Senior Vice President and Treasurer Senior Vice President—Investor Relations Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer Senior Vice President—Digital Senior Vice President—Human Resources Senior Vice President—Operations and Logistics Senior Vice President—Finance Senior Vice President and General Counsel Vice President—Human Resources Operations and Compliance Vice President—Supplier Business IT Vice President—Corporate Reporting and Analysis Vice President and Assistant General Counsel Vice President—Safety & Sustainability Vice President—Benefits and Communications Vice President—Tax Vice President—Compensation Vice President—Supply Chain Vice President—Employee Relations Vice President—Internal Audit, Compliance and Risk Corporate Secretary and Associate Counsel Chief Information Security Officer Assistant Vice President and Assistant Treasurer Assistant Vice President and Senior Counsel Assistant Vice President—Financial Analysis U.S. Automotive Parts Group Lee A. Maher Kevin E. Herron M. Todd McMurtrie Daniel F. Askey J. Richard Borman Marie Claire Dupuis Byron H. Frantz Thomas M. Hall Rozina Kassam Gaylord M. Spencer Michael A. Briggs Thu-Quyen Clifton Vinay Dhawan Richard A. Geiger Jett W. Kuntz Grant F. Nelson David B. Nicki Todd A. Nowicki Gina Ormsby J. Michael Phillips Cameron Richardson Aaron Surasky Michael L. Swartz Janet M. Thomas Dennis P. Tolivar Divisions J. Michael Riess Bret A. Robyck Gregg T. Sargent Dennis G. Gibbs Eric G. Fritsch Patrick A. Wolfe Stuart A. Kambury Thomas E. Skov U.S. Automotive Supply Group Balkamp (Indianapolis, IN) Gary T. Dunwell Matthew N. LeTexier Mark W. Conklin Mary F. Knudsen Rayloc (Atlanta, GA) William J. Westerman III Michael S. Gaffney II Timothy W. Davis Cheryl Hiles Scott J. Rolf President and Chief Operating Officer Executive Vice President Group Senior Vice President Senior Vice President—Sales Senior Vice President—Operations Senior Vice President—Human Resources Senior Vice President—Product Management Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Senior Vice President—Marketing Vice President—Retail Product Management and Merchandising Vice President—Human Resources Vice President—Information Systems Vice President—Finance Vice President—Integrated Business Solutions Vice President—Strategic Financial Analytics Vice President—NAPA Tools and Equipment Sales Vice President—U.S. Automotive Supply Chain Vice President—Financial Planning, Reporting, and Analysis Vice President—Organizational Development Vice President—Retail Vice President—Pricing Vice President—Inventory & Procurement Vice President—Talent Vice President—Major Accounts Vice President—Atlantic Division Vice President—Central Division Vice President—Eastern Division Vice President—Midwest Division Vice President—Mountain Division Vice President—Southeast Division Vice President—Southwest Division Vice President—Western Division President Senior Vice President Vice President—Sales and Operations Planning Vice President—Finance and Treasurer President Senior Vice President—Finance and Supply Chain Vice President—Operations Vice President—Human Resources Vice President—Sales and Marketing Heavy Vehicle Parts (Atlanta, GA) Greg A. Lancour A. Keith McLemore Donald R. Purcell Charles E. Stille Vice President—Marketing and Product Management Vice President—Stone Truck Parts Vice President—Wholesale and National Accounts Vice President—Traction Altrom Import Parts (Vancouver, Canada) President Matthew D. Johnson NAPA Canada & HVPG/ UAP Inc. (Montreal, Canada) Alain Masse Frank Pipito Pierre Rachiele Riley G. Pratt Carl Boucher Marc Phillipe Beaudoin Simon Bourque Martin Brisebois Francois Cadoret Thomas Hunt Eric Leveille Mark Miron John O’Dowd Michel Pomerleau Simon Weller President Executive Vice President—Finance and Administration Executive Vice President—Heavy Vehicle Parts Division Senior Vice President—Auto Parts Division Chief Information Officer Vice President—Product Management—Heavy Vehicle Parts Division Vice President—Heavy Vehicle Operations Vice President—Accounting Vice President—Corporate Planning and Strategic Development Vice President—NAPA Product Development Vice President—Paint, Body and Equipment Vice President—Distribution and Logistics Vice President—NAPA Marketing Vice President—NAPA Store Operations Vice President—NAPA Sales and Business Development Grupo Auto Todo (Puebla, Mexico) Juan Lujambio Virginia Garcia Iriarte Alfredo Quesnel Juan Quintal Manuel del Rio President and Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer Chief Information Officer Vice President and General Manager NAPA Mexico General Manager Autotodo Mexicana GPC Asia Pacific (Melbourne, Australia) John L. Moller Rob Cameron Julian A. Buckley Marc Anderle Mark G. Brunton Wayne F. Bryant Aileen N. Hayes Cary D. Laverty Jonathon E. Maddren Jamie Walton Chairman Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Chief Fianancial Officer and Executive General Manager—Logistics Executive General Manager—Business Systems Executive General Manager—Automotive Specialist Group Executive General Manager—Automotive Parts Division Australia Executive General Manager—Human Resources Executive General Manager—Legal and Commercial Executive General Manager—Automotive Parts Division New Zealand Executive General Manager—Merchandise and Strategic Marketing, Australia and New Zealand Alliance Automotive Group (London, United Kingdom) Jean-Jacques Lafont Alistair Brown Denis Andre Sylvain Lemercier Christian Schmolke Angelo Arnone Franck Baduel Eric Girot Steve Richardson Fabian Roberg Chief Executive Officer Vice Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer Chief Purchasing Officer Chief Information Officer Co-General Manager—United Kingdom Co-General Manager—France Co-General Manager—France Co-General Manager—United Kingdom General Manager—Germany Motion Industries (Birmingham, AL) Timothy P. Breen Randall P. Breaux Kevin P. Storer Anthony G. Cefalu Gregory S. Cook Billy W. Hamilton Ellen H. Holladay Scott A. MacPherson Mark A. Stoneburner Mark R. Thompson Austin W. Amos Richard W. Burmester James F. Howe James Randazzo Gerald V. Sourbeer Randy R. Till Donald Bland Darryl J. Britain Frederick H. “Ted” Cowie Zahirudin K. Hameer M. Keith Knight N. Joe Limbaugh Douglas R. Osborne Eric S. Riddle Brandon C. Scordino J. Marvin Walker James F. Williams Michael D. Harper Dermot R. Strong President and Chief Executive Officer Executive Vice President—Marketing, Distribution and Purchasing Executive Vice President—U.S. Operations and President—Motion Mexico Senior Vice President—Hose & Rubber, Shops and Service Centers Senior Vice President—Finance and CFO Senior Vice President—Human Resources Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer and Operational Excellence Officer Senior Vice President—Sales and Acquisitions Senior Vice President—Industry Segments and Business Development Senior Vice President—Corporate Accounts, Government and Global Sourcing Senior Vice President & Group Executive—Midwest Senior Vice President & Group Executive—Southwest Senior Vice President & Group Executive—West Senior Vice President & Group Executive—Central Senior Vice President & Group Executive—Southeast Senior Vice President & Group Executive—East Vice President—Corporate Accounts Vice President—IT Infrastructure Vice President—Safety and Industrial Vice President—Inventory, Branch Support and Quality Vice President—Business Systems Vice President—Operations, Distribution Centers and Fleet Vice President—MI Services Vice President—IT Governance and Computer Operations Vice President—Technology Planning and Integration Vice President—Finance Vice President—Corporate Purchasing and Supplier Relations Treasurer President—Motion Canada EIS, Inc., a Division of Motion Industries Larry L. Griffin Marc Benesh Alexander Gonzalez Ronald W. Harris Peter F. Sheehan President Chief Financial Officer Senior Vice President—Electrical and Industrial Markets Senior Vice President—Markets, Strategy Senior Vice President—Cable and Connectivity Markets S.P. Richards Company (Atlanta, GA) Richard T. Toppin E. Chadwick Lee Bryan A. Wight Brian M. McGill Donald C. Mikolasy John R. “Jack” Reagan Doug H. Sawyer Dennis J. Arnold John K. Burgess Dennis J. Flynn Paul D. Gatens A. Gaius Gough Bryan T. Hall Manning N. Lomax Tom C. Maley Stephanie A. Moy Jason R. Smith James D. Starr Richard G. “Rick” Weeks Brad J. Zwigart Lester P. Christian Rick C. May Ray J. Sreca Peter R. Dalglish President and Chief Executive Officer Senior Vice President Senior Vice President Senior Vice President—Information Technology & CIO Senior Vice President—Sales Senior Vice President—Merchandising Senior Vice President—Finance and CFO Vice President—Furniture Vice President—Sales Vice President—Supply Chain Vice President—E-Commerce and Marketing Vice President—Sales Vice President—Sales and Operations Vice President—Facilities, Breakroom, & Cleaning Supplies Vice President—Business Development and Analytics Vice President—Strategic Pricing Vice President—Sales—Emerging Markets Vice President—Human Resources Vice President—Operational Excellence Vice President—Logistics Vice President—South Division Vice President—West Division Vice President—East Division Managing Director—S.P. Richards Canada ® CELEBRATING YEARS SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION GENUINE PARTS COMPANY STOCK LISTING Genuine Parts Company’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “GPC”. STOCK TRANSFER AGENT, REGISTRAR OF STOCK, DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT AND OTHER SHAREHOLDER SERVICES Communications concerning share transfer requirements, duplicate mailings, direct deposit of dividends, lost certiﬁ cates or dividend checks or change of address should be directed to the Company’s transfer agent via mail or the shareholder website provided at the bottom of this page. REGULAR MAIL COMPUTERSHARE P.O. BOX 30170 COLLEGE STATION, TX 77842-3170 OVERNIGHT COMPUTERSHARE 211 QUALITY CIRCLE, SUITE 210 COLLEGE STATION, TX 77845 DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN Shareholders can build their investments in Genuine Parts Company through a low-cost plan for automatically reinvesting dividends and by making optional cash purchases of the Company’s stock. For plan and enrollment information, write to the stock transfer agent listed or visit the plan website provided at the bottom of this page. INVESTOR RELATIONS Inquiries from security analysts and investment professionals should be directed to the Company’s investor relations contacts: Carol B. Yancey, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Ofﬁ cer Sid Jones, Senior Vice President - Investor Relations, at 678-934-5000. INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM Ernst & Young LLP - Atlanta, Georgia OUTSIDE COUNSEL Alston & Bird LLP - Atlanta, Georgia EXECUTIVE OFFICES GENUINE PARTS COMPANY 2999 WILDWOOD PARKWAY ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30339 678-934-5000 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS The 2018 annual meeting of the shareholders of Genuine Parts Company will be held at the Executive Ofﬁ ces of the Company, 2999 Wildwood Parkway, Atlanta, Georgia at 10:00 a.m. on MONDAY, APRIL 23, 2018. Shareholder Website: www.computershare.com/investor Shareholder Online Inquiries: www-us.computershare.com/investor/contact Dividend Reinvestment Plan and Enrollment Inquiries: www-us.computershare.com/investor/3x/plans/planslist.asp 58272.indd 7 2/19/18 12:25 PM GENUINE PARTS COMPANY 2999 WILDWOOD PARK WAY ATL ANTA, GA 30339 678-934-5000 W W W.GENPT.COM 58272.indd 8 2/19/18 12:25 PM

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