Shire (Nasdaq: SHPG.Y) reported earnings on Feb. 9. Here are the numbers you need to know.

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

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

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

Revenue details
Shire reported revenue of $1.14 billion. The 19 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ predicted revenue of $1.13 billion. GAAP sales were 23% higher than the prior-year quarter's $931.2 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 $1.51. The 16 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ anticipated $1.37 per share on the same basis. GAAP EPS of $0.44 for Q4 were 52% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.29 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 86.6%, 30 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 27.9%, 600 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 22.4%, 460 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $1.15 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.46.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $4.77 billion. The average EPS estimate is $6.12.

Investor sentiment
Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Shire is outperform, with an average price target of $107.79.

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