Tower International (NYSE: TOWR) reported earnings on Feb. 15. Here are the numbers you need to know.

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

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue dropped significantly and GAAP earnings per share increased significantly. The non-GAAP profit was a surprise, as analysts had predicted a loss.

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

Revenue details
 Tower International reported revenue of $508.1 million. The four analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected revenue of $502.4 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 17% lower than the prior-year quarter's $614.7 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 $0.05. The five earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged -$0.10 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.68 for Q4 were 106% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.33 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 6.6%, 450 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was -0.1%, 460 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 2.7%, 160 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $514.6 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.03.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $2.17 billion. The average EPS estimate is $1.10.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Tower International is outperform, with an average price target of $11.50.

The rich are different than you and me: They might not notice the moneymaking stories right under our noses. In our new report, "Middle-Class Millionaire-Makers: 3 Stocks Wall Street's Too Rich to Notice," we give you three Peter Lynch-inspired buy-what-you-know stocks for the 99%. Click here for instant access to this free report.