National Retail Properties (NYSE: NNN) reported earnings on Feb. 6. Here are the numbers you need to know.

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

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

Gross margins shrank, operating margins increased, and net margins expanded.

Revenue details
National Retail Properties reported revenue of $74.4 million. The nine analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ foresaw revenue of $70.9 million. Sales were 26% higher than the prior-year quarter's $59.4 million.

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

EPS details
EPS came in at $0.26. The five earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ predicted $0.25 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.26 for Q4 were 86% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.14 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 81.6%, 70 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 53.1%, 570 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 32.1%, 1,120 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $73.5 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.25.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $301.3 million. The average EPS estimate is $1.04.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a two-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 85 members out of 111 rating the stock outperform, and 26 members rating it underperform. Among 33 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 24 give National Retail Properties a green thumbs-up, and nine give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on National Retail Properties is outperform, with an average price target of $27.63.

Can your portfolio provide you with enough income to last through retirement? You'll need more than National Retail Properties. 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.