Barnes & Noble (NYSE: BKS) reported earnings on Nov. 29. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Oct. 27 (Q2), Barnes & Noble met expectations on revenues and exceeded expectations on earnings per share.

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

Gross margins increased, operating margins contracted, net margins expanded.

Revenue details
 Barnes & Noble recorded revenue of $1.88 billion. The five analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ foresaw sales of $1.88 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 0.4% lower than the prior-year quarter's $1.89 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 -$0.04. The seven earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ predicted -$0.08 per share. GAAP EPS were $0.04 for Q2 versus -$0.20 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 25.5%, 60 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 0.4%, 10 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 0.1%, 40 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $2.55 billion.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $7.30 billion.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a one-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 306 members out of 664 rating the stock outperform, and 358 members rating it underperform. Among 179 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 66 give Barnes & Noble a green thumbs-up, and 113 give it a red thumbs-down.

Is Barnes & Noble the right retailer for your portfolio? Learn how to maximize your investment income and "Secure Your Future With 9 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks," including one above-average retailing powerhouse. Click here for instant access to this free report.