Tower International (NYSE: TOWR) filed its 10-K on March 8. Here are the numbers you need to know.

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

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

Margins improved across the board.

Revenue details
Tower International booked revenue of $614.7 million. The six analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected to see a top line of $596.8 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 14% higher than the prior-year quarter's $541.6 million.

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

EPS details
EPS came in at $0.33. The one earnings estimate compiled by S&P Capital IQ predicted $0.11 per share. GAAP EPS were $0.33 for Q4 compared to -$1.18 per share for the prior-year quarter.

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 11.1%, 130 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 7.0%, 160 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 1.1%, 500 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $574.6 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is -$0.01.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $2.34 billion. The average EPS estimate is $0.32.

Investor sentiment
Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Tower International is outperform, with an average price target of $19.17.

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