AMCOL International (NYSE: ACO) reported earnings on Jan. 25. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q4), AMCOL International missed estimates on revenues and missed estimates on earnings per share.

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

Margins dropped across the board.

Revenue details
 AMCOL International reported revenue of $239.1 million. The three analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ predicted net sales of $250.3 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 2.3% higher than the prior-year quarter's $233.7 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 $0.35. The three earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ anticipated $0.47 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.37 for Q4 were 14% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.43 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 26.0%, 60 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 7.8%, 80 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 5.1%, 80 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $250.6 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.49.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $1.05 billion. The average EPS estimate is $2.30.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on AMCOL International is hold, with an average price target of $30.00.

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