Sigma-Aldrich (Nasdaq: SIAL) reported earnings on Feb. 9. Here are the numbers you need to know.

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

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

Margins expanded across the board.

Revenue details
Sigma-Aldrich notched revenue of $610.0 million. The 12 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ predicted a top line of $625.2 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 4.8% higher than the prior-year quarter's $582.0 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 $0.91. The 15 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $0.89 per share on the same basis. GAAP EPS of $0.89 for Q4 were 17% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.76 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 53.1%, 140 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 26.2%, 200 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 17.7%, 150 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $660.3 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.99.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $2.69 billion. The average EPS estimate is $4.01.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a four-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 304 members out of 317 rating the stock outperform, and 13 members rating it underperform. Among 115 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 113 give Sigma-Aldrich 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 Sigma-Aldrich is outperform, with an average price target of $73.73.