St. Jude Medical (NYSE: STJ) reported earnings on Oct. 17. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended Sep. 29 (Q3), St. Jude Medical met expectations on revenues and beat slightly on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue shrank and GAAP earnings per share contracted significantly.

Gross margins expanded, operating margins grew, net margins dropped.

Revenue details
St. Jude Medical reported revenue of $1.33 billion. The 23 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected to see sales of $1.34 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 4.1% lower than the prior-year quarter's $1.38 billion.

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

EPS details
EPS came in at $0.83. The 26 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ anticipated $0.81 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.56 for Q3 were 19% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.69 per share.

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

Margin details
For the quarter, gross margin was 73.8%, 10 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 26.5%, 200 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 13.3%, 310 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $1.40 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.88.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $5.55 billion. The average EPS estimate is $3.43.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on St. Jude Medical is outperform, with an average price target of $45.90.

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