Genuine Parts (NYSE: GPC) reported earnings on Oct. 18. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Sep. 30 (Q3), Genuine Parts missed estimates on revenues and met expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue expanded slightly and GAAP earnings per share increased.

Gross margins were steady, operating margins expanded, net margins grew.

Revenue details
 Genuine Parts notched revenue of $3.38 billion. The eight analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected revenue of $3.48 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 2.7% higher than the prior-year quarter's $3.29 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 $1.11. The 10 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $1.11 per share. GAAP EPS of $1.11 for Q3 were 14% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.97 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 28.9%, about the same as the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 8.0%, 30 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 5.1%, 50 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $3.20 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.94.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $13.18 billion. The average EPS estimate is $4.06.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a four-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 340 members out of 362 rating the stock outperform, and 22 members rating it underperform. Among 125 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 118 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 $63.79.

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