Rush Enterprises (Nasdaq: RUSH-B) reported earnings on Feb. 14. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q4), Rush Enterprises beat expectations on revenue and crushed expectations on earnings per share.

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

Gross margin dropped, operating margin improved, and net margin increased.

Revenue details
Rush Enterprises tallied revenue of $696.4 million. The seven analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ anticipated a top line of $673.8 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 68% higher than the prior-year quarter's $463.0 million.

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 $0.50. The one earnings estimate compiled by S&P Capital IQ forecast $0.17 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.50 for Q3 were 108% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.24 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 15.7%, 150 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 4.4%, 150 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 2.5%, 50 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $723.2 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.36.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $2.52 billion. The average EPS estimate is $1.23.

Investor sentiment
Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Rush Enterprises is outperform, with an average price target of $24.

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