Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE: TMO) reported earnings on Feb. 1. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q4), Thermo Fisher Scientific beat expectations on revenues and earnings per share.

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

Gross margins increased, operating margins contracted, and net margins dropped.

Revenue details
Thermo Fisher Scientific booked revenue of $3.13 billion. The 18 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ wanted to see revenue of $3.07 billion. Sales were 13% higher than the prior-year quarter's $2.78 billion.

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

EPS details
Non-GAAP EPS came in at $1.18. The 19 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $1.16 per share on the same basis. GAAP EPS of $0.77 for Q4 were 4.1% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.74 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 43.3%, 140 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 12.0%, 180 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 9.2%, 150 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $3.03 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.11.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $12.45 billion. The average EPS estimate is $4.74.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a five-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 548 members out of 569 rating the stock outperform, and 21 members rating it underperform. Among 190 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 189 give Thermo Fisher Scientific a green thumbs-up, and one gives it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Thermo Fisher Scientific is buy, with an average price target of $60.84.