Prudential Financial (NYSE: PRU) reported earnings on Feb. 8. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q4), Prudential Financial met expectations on revenue and beat expectations on earnings per share.

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

Gross margins dropped, operating margins grew, and net margins increased.

Revenue details
Prudential Financial reported revenue of $10.26 billion. The five analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ hoped for a top line of $10.17 billion. GAAP sales were 44% higher than the prior-year quarter's $8.11 billion.

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 $1.97. The 19 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $1.77 per share on the same basis. GAAP EPS of $1.45 for Q4 were 215% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.46 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 7.8%, 260 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 7.8%, 630 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 5.9%, 370 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $10.19 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.68.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $41.21 billion. The average EPS estimate is $7.07.

Investor sentiment
Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Prudential Financial is outperform, with an average price target of $68.81.

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