Nanometrics (Nasdaq: NANO) reported earnings on Feb. 4. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Dec. 29 (Q4), Nanometrics met expectations on revenues and exceeded expectations on earnings per share.

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

Margins dropped across the board.

Revenue details
 Nanometrics chalked up revenue of $30.3 million. The six analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ hoped for a top line of $30.2 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 33% lower than the prior-year quarter's $45.3 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 -$0.13. The five earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ predicted -$0.15 per share. GAAP EPS were -$0.16 for Q4 versus -$0.02 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 41.6%, 500 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was -21.6%, 2,600 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was -12.0%, 1,080 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $35.3 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is -$0.07.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $191.6 million. The average EPS estimate is $0.49.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Nanometrics is outperform, with an average price target of $16.20.

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