Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE: EW) reported earnings on Feb. 4. Here are the numbers you need to know.

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

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

Margins increased across the board.

Revenue details
 Edwards Lifesciences reported revenue of $510.5 million. The 21 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected net sales of $500.1 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 19% higher than the prior-year quarter's $430.2 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 $0.90. The 24 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ forecast $0.77 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.77 for Q4 were 45% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.53 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 75.4%, 320 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 25.8%, 570 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 17.8%, 310 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $518.6 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.77.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $2.14 billion. The average EPS estimate is $3.26.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a four-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 145 members out of 196 rating the stock outperform, and 51 members rating it underperform. Among 63 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 45 give Edwards Lifesciences a green thumbs-up, and 18 give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Edwards Lifesciences is outperform, with an average price target of $95.05.

Is Edwards Lifesciences the best health care stock for you? Learn how to maximize your investment income and "Secure Your Future With 9 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks," including one above-average health care logistics company. Click here for instant access to this free report.