H.B. Fuller (NYSE: FUL) reported earnings on Jan. 18. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended Dec. 3 (Q4), H.B. Fuller beat expectations on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

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

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

Revenue details
H.B. Fuller booked revenue of $437 million. The five analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ wanted to see net sales of $423 million. Sales were 21% higher than the prior-year quarter's $360 million.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions.

EPS details
Non-GAAP EPS came in at $0.65. The six earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ predicted $0.60 per share on the same basis. GAAP EPS of $0.53 for Q4 were 21% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.44 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Figures may be non-GAAP to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
For the quarter, gross margin was 28.8%, 50 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 9.2%, 100 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 6.0%, 10 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $387 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.37.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $1.9 billion. The average EPS estimate is $2.03.

Investor sentiment
Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on H.B. Fuller is outperform, with an average price target of $24.33.