Bio-Reference Laboratories (Nasdaq: BRLI) reported earnings on Feb. 28. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Jan. 31 (Q1), Bio-Reference Laboratories missed estimates on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

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

Gross margins contracted, operating margins grew, net margins grew.

Revenue details
 Bio-Reference Laboratories recorded revenue of $161.3 million. The five analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ foresaw sales of $165.3 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 7.6% higher than the prior-year quarter's $149.9 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 $0.31. The five earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ anticipated $0.28 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.31 for Q1 were 19% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.26 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 44.0%, 550 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 9.8%, 90 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 5.4%, 50 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $183.4 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.40.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $737.8 million. The average EPS estimate is $1.76.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a four-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 314 members out of 333 rating the stock outperform, and 19 members rating it underperform. Among 102 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 97 give Bio-Reference Laboratories a green thumbs-up, and five give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Bio-Reference Laboratories is outperform, with an average price target of $31.00.

Is Bio-Reference Laboratories 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.