Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC) reported earnings on Feb. 1. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q4), Northrop Grumman missed estimates on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

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

Gross margins dropped, operating margins improved, net margins grew.

Revenue details
Northrop Grumman logged revenue of $6.51 billion. The 18 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ looked for revenue of $6.68 billion. Sales were 24% lower than the prior-year quarter's $8.61 billion.

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

EPS details
Non-GAAP EPS came in at $2.09. The 22 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ forecast $1.68 per share on the same basis. GAAP EPS of $2.08 for Q4 were 64% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.27 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 -14.0%, 3,260 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 12.3%, 310 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 8.4%, 400 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $6.30 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.63.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $25.20 billion. The average EPS estimate is $6.76.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a three-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 798 members out of 859 rating the stock outperform, and 61 members rating it underperform. Among 257 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 246 give Northrop Grumman a green thumbs-up, and 11 give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Northrop Grumman is hold, with an average price target of $59.88.

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