Boston Scientific (NYSE: BSX) reported earnings on Jan. 29. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q4), Boston Scientific beat expectations on revenues and met expectations on earnings per share.

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

Gross margins grew, operating margins expanded, net margins dropped.

Revenue details
 Boston Scientific booked revenue of $1.82 billion. The 22 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ looked for a top line of $1.76 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 1.5% lower than the prior-year quarter's $1.85 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 $0.11. The 23 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ forecast $0.11 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.04 for Q4 were 43% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.07 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 66.4%, 340 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 12.7%, 100 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 3.3%, 250 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $1.79 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.10.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $7.12 billion. The average EPS estimate is $0.43.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a three-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 749 members out of 934 rating the stock outperform, and 185 members rating it underperform. Among 185 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 164 give Boston Scientific a green thumbs-up, and 21 give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Boston Scientific is hold, with an average price target of $6.38.

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