St. Jude Medical (NYSE: STJ) reported earnings on Jan. 25. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q4), St. Jude Medical met expectations on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

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

Gross margins improved, operating margins expanded, net margins shrank.

Revenue details
St. Jude Medical booked revenue of $1.4 billion. The 25 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ predicted sales of $1.4 billion. Sales were 4.2% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.4 billion.

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

EPS details
Non-GAAP EPS came in at $0.86. The 28 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $0.84 per share on the same basis. GAAP EPS of $0.51 for Q4 were 18% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.62 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 73.5%, 80 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 25.6%, 290 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 11.6%, 370 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $1.4 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.85.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $5.8 billion. The average EPS estimate is $3.52.

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 $44.62.

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