Limited Brands (NYSE: LTD) reported earnings on Feb. 27. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Feb. 2 (Q4), Limited Brands beat slightly on revenues and met expectations on earnings per share.

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

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

Revenue details
 Limited Brands recorded revenue of $3.86 billion. The 22 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ wanted to see sales of $3.80 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 9.7% higher than the prior-year quarter's $3.52 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 $1.76. The 25 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ anticipated $1.74 per share. Non-GAAP EPS of $1.76 for Q4 were 17% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.50 per share. GAAP EPS of $1.39 for Q4 were 20% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.16 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 44.5%, much worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 22.8%, 40 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 10.7%, 50 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $2.25 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.51.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $10.90 billion. The average EPS estimate is $3.25.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a three-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 565 members out of 662 rating the stock outperform, and 97 members rating it underperform. Among 226 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 212 give Limited Brands a green thumbs-up, and 14 give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Limited Brands is outperform, with an average price target of $52.27.

Can your portfolio provide you with enough income to last through retirement? You'll need more than Limited Brands. Learn how to maximize your investment income and "Secure Your Future With 9 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks." Click here for instant access to this free report.