Monolithic Power Systems (Nasdaq: MPWR) reported earnings on Nov. 1. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Sep. 30 (Q3), Monolithic Power Systems missed estimates on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue grew and GAAP earnings per share didn't change.

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

Revenue details
 Monolithic Power Systems reported revenue of $56.5 million. The nine analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ foresaw a top line of $58.0 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 6.7% higher than the prior-year quarter's $53.0 million.

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 $0.27. The nine earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ predicted $0.26 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.16 were the same as the prior-year quarter.

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 53.1%, 60 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 10.8%, 10 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 10.5%, 20 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $55.8 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.23.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $222.9 million. The average EPS estimate is $0.95.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a three-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 132 members out of 143 rating the stock outperform, and 11 members rating it underperform. Among 30 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 27 give Monolithic Power Systems a green thumbs-up, and three give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Monolithic Power Systems is outperform, with an average price target of $23.75.

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