HNI (NYSE: HNI)  reported earnings on Feb. 7. Here are the numbers you need to know.

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

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

Gross margins contracted, operating margins contracted, and net margins improved.

Revenue details
HNI booked revenue of $500.3 million. The five analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected net sales of $490.1 million. Sales were 7.3% higher than the prior-year quarter's $466.1 million.

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

EPS details
Non-GAAP EPS came in at $0.41. The five earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ forecast $0.40 per share on the same basis. GAAP EPS of $0.40 for Q4 were 43% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.28 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 35.6%, 10 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 6.2%, 10 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 3.6%, 90 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $424.0 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $1.95 billion. The average EPS estimate is $1.44.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a two-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 34 members out of 46 rating the stock outperform, and 12 members rating it underperform. Among 16 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 14 give HNI a green thumbs-up, and two give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on HNI is hold, with an average price target of $27.50.

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