Praxair (NYSE: PX) reported earnings on July 25. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended June 30 (Q2), Praxair missed estimates on revenues and met expectations on earnings per share.

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

Margins expanded across the board.

Revenue details
Praxair logged revenue of $2.81 billion. The 12 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ wanted to see a top line of $2.92 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 1.6% lower than the prior-year quarter's $2.86 billion.

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 $1.42. The 16 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ predicted $1.42 per share. GAAP EPS of $1.42 for Q2 were 2.9% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.38 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 43.0%, 40 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 22.6%, 60 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 15.3%, 40 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $2.98 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.49.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $11.73 billion. The average EPS estimate is $5.79.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a four-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 667 members out of 694 rating the stock outperform, and 27 members rating it underperform. Among 151 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 148 give Praxair a green thumbs-up, and three give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Praxair is outperform, with an average price target of $119.89.

Can your retirement portfolio provide you with enough income to last? You'll need more than Praxair. Learn about crafting a smarter retirement plan in "The Shocking Can't-Miss Truth About Your Retirement." Click here for instant access to this free report.