Multi-Color (Nasdaq: LABL) reported earnings on Feb. 8. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q3), Multi-Color missed estimates on revenues and missed expectations on earnings per share.

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

Margins dropped across the board.

Revenue details
Multi-Color reported revenue of $146.4 million. The one analyst polled by S&P Capital IQ expected a top line of $153.1 million. GAAP sales were 76% higher than the prior-year quarter's $83.4 million.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
Non-GAAP EPS came in at $0.31. The one earnings estimate compiled by S&P Capital IQ forecasts $0.39 per share on the same basis. GAAP EPS of $0.10 for Q3 were 72% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.36 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
For the quarter, gross margin was 16.1%, 330 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 4.9%, 510 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 1.1%, 460 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $156.2 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.44.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $512.6 million. The average EPS estimate is $1.98.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a five-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 167 members out of 173 rating the stock outperform, and six members rating it underperform. Among 53 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 53 give Multi-Color a green thumbs-up.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Multi-Color is hold, with an average price target of $29.00.

Over the decades, small-cap stocks, like Multi-Color 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.