Chico's FAS (NYSE: CHS) reported earnings on Feb. 22. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended Jan. 28 (Q4), Chico's FAS beat expectations on revenues and crushed expectations on earnings per share.

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

Gross margins contracted, operating margins increased, and net margins were steady.

Revenue details
Chico's FAS notched revenue of $569.2 million. The 18 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected a top line of $547.5 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 20% higher than the prior-year quarter's $475.0 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 $0.15. The 23 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ anticipated $0.11 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.15 for Q4 were 36% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.11 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 52.3%, 90 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 6.8%, 20 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 4.4%, about the same as the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $629.5 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.30.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $2.57 billion. The average EPS estimate is $1.02.

Investor sentiment
Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Chico's FAS is outperform, with an average price target of $12.82.

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