Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) reported earnings on Feb. 2. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended Jan. 1 (Q3), Alliant Techsystems met expectations on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue dropped slightly and GAAP earnings per share dropped significantly.

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

Revenue details
Alliant Techsystems reported revenue of $1.12 billion. The 11 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ predicted a top line of $1.13 billion. Sales were 1.0% lower than the prior-year quarter's $1.13 billion.

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

EPS details
Non-GAAP EPS came in at $2.28. The seven earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ forecast $2.02 per share on the same basis. GAAP EPS of $1.51 for Q3 were 28% lower than the prior-year quarter's $2.09 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 22.0%, 140 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 9.4%, 180 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 4.4%, 180 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $1.27 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $2.29.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $4.59 billion. The average EPS estimate is $8.73.

Investor sentiment
Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Alliant Techsystems is hold, with an average price target of $74.33.

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