Genuine Parts (NYSE: GPC) is expected to report Q3 earnings on Oct. 18. Here's what Wall Street wants to see:

The 10-second takeaway
 Comparing the upcoming quarter to the prior-year quarter, average analyst estimates predict Genuine Parts's revenues will increase 6.0% and EPS will grow 15.5%.

The average estimate for revenue is $3.48 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.12.

Revenue details
 Last quarter, Genuine Parts reported revenue of $3.34 billion. GAAP reported sales were 4.8% higher than the prior-year quarter's $3.18 billion.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
 Last quarter, EPS came in at $1.08. GAAP EPS of $1.08 for Q2 were 13% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.96 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Recent performance
 For the preceding quarter, gross margin was 29.1%, 30 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 8.2%, 40 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 5.1%, 30 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead

The full year's average estimate for revenue is $13.23 billion. The average EPS estimate is $4.07.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a four-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 339 members out of 359 rating the stock outperform, and 20 members rating it underperform. Among 128 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 121 give Genuine Parts a green thumbs-up, and seven give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Genuine Parts is hold, with an average price target of $62.50.

Can your retirement portfolio provide you with enough income to last? You'll need more than Genuine Parts. Learn about crafting a smarter retirement plan in "The Shocking Can't-Miss Truth About Your Retirement." Click here for instant access to this free report.