Lithia Motors (NYSE: LAD) reported earnings on April 27. Here are the numbers you need to know.

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

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

Gross margins shrank, operating margins grew, net margins grew.

Revenue details
 Lithia Motors logged revenue of $758.9 million. The six analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ looked for sales of $688.5 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 30% higher than the prior-year quarter's $582.9 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 $0.60. The seven earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ forecast $0.42 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.63 for Q1 were 97% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.32 per share. (The prior-year quarter included $0.01 per share in earnings from discontinued operations.)

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 16.8%, 60 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 4.2%, 70 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 2.2%, 70 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $778.8 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.63.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $3.13 billion. The average EPS estimate is $2.46.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Lithia Motors is outperform, with an average price target of $28.38.

While many retailers continue to struggle in these tough economic time, a select few are changing the face of the business, and reaping outsized rewards. Is Lithia Motors the right stock for you? Read "The Death of Wal-Mart: The Real Cash Kings Changing the Face of Retail" and decide. Click here for instant access to this free report.