Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group (NYSE: DTG) reported earnings on Feb. 21. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q4), Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group met expectations on revenues and crushed expectations on earnings per share.

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

Margins improved across the board.

Revenue details
Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group reported revenue of $353.7 million. The five analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected sales of $355.6 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 1.3% higher than the prior-year quarter's $349.1 million.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
Non-GAAP EPS came in at $1.09. The six earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $0.75 per share on the same basis. GAAP EPS of $1.08 for Q4 were 163% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.41 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 33.7%, 800 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 20.8%, 780 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 9.6%, 600 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $356.4 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.26.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $1.59 billion. The average EPS estimate is $5.07.

Investor sentiment
Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group is outperform, with an average price target of $76.20.

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