Brinker International (NYSE: EAT) reported earnings on Jan. 24. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended Dec. 28 (Q2), Brinker International met expectations on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

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

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

Revenue details
Brinker International reported revenue of $682 million. The 16 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ predicted net sales of $686 million. Sales were 1.5% higher than the prior-year quarter's $672 million.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions.

EPS details
Non-GAAP EPS came in at $0.47. The 17 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ predicted $0.45 per share on the same basis. GAAP EPS of $0.44 for Q2 were 7.3% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.41 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Figures may be non-GAAP to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
For the quarter, gross margin was 17.9%, 50 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 8.2%, 50 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 5.2%, 40 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $726 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.55.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $2.8 billion. The average EPS estimate is $1.86.

Investor sentiment
Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Brinker International is hold, with an average price target of $25.86.

Over the decades, small-cap stocks like Brinker International have provided market-beating returns, provided they're value priced and have solid businesses. Read about a pair of companies with a lock on their markets in "Too Small to Fail: Two Small Caps the Government Won't Let Go Broke." Click here for instant access to this free report.