SLM (Nasdaq: SLM) reported earnings on Jan. 18. Here are the numbers you need to know.

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

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue improved slightly and earnings per share grew significantly.

Gross margins contracted, operating margins shrank, and net margins grew.

Revenue details
SLM booked revenue of $879.0 million. The three analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected a top line of $732.7 million. Sales were 12% lower than the prior-year quarter's $856.8 million.

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

EPS details
Non-GAAP EPS came in at $0.51. The five earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ anticipated $0.49 per share on the same basis. GAAP EPS of $0.99 for Q4 were 21% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.82 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 69.3%, 3,070 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 68.7%, 110 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 64.5%, 1,480 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $804.5 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.51.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $3.72 billion. The average EPS estimate is $2.05.

Investor sentiment
Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on SLM is outperform, with an average price target of $17.60.

Can your portfolio provide you with enough income to last through retirement? You'll need more than SLM. Learn how to maximize your investment income and "Secure Your Future With 11 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks." Click here for instant access to this free report.