AFLAC (NYSE: AFL) reported earnings on April 24. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended March 31 (Q1), AFLAC met expectations on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

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

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

Revenue details
AFLAC reported revenue of $6.24 billion. The eight analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ looked for sales of $6.20 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 21% higher than the prior-year quarter's $5.15 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 $1.74. The earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ forecast $1.65 per share on the same basis. GAAP EPS of $1.68 for Q1 were 102% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.83 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 19.3%, 450 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 19.3%, 610 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 12.6%, 490 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $6.11 billion.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $24.79 billion.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a five-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 1,852 members out of 1,928 rating the stock outperform, and 76 members rating it underperform. Among 516 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 500 give AFLAC a green thumbs-up, and 16 give it a red thumbs-down.

Can your portfolio provide you with enough income to last through retirement? You'll need more than AFLAC. Learn how to maximize your investment income and "Secure Your Future With 9 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks." Click here for instant access to this free report.