Spartech (NYSE: SEH) reported earnings on Dec. 13. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Nov. 3 (Q4), Spartech missed estimates on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue dropped slightly and GAAP loss per share shrank.

Margins expanded across the board.

Revenue details
 Spartech notched revenue of $286.8 million. The two analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ foresaw net sales of $293.0 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 2.2% lower than the prior-year quarter's $293.2 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 $0.14. The three earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ anticipated $0.07 per share. GAAP EPS were -$0.03 for Q4 against -$0.90 per share for the prior-year quarter.

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 11.4%, 280 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 3.4%, 130 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was -0.2%, 930 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $266.9 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is -$0.04.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $1.20 billion. The average EPS estimate is $0.39.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a two-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 57 members out of 89 rating the stock outperform, and 32 members rating it underperform. Among 31 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 21 give Spartech a green thumbs-up, and 10 give it a red thumbs-down.

Looking for alternatives to Spartech? It takes more than great companies to build a fortune for the future. Learn the basic financial habits of millionaires next door and get focused stock ideas in our free report, "3 Stocks That Will Help You Retire Rich." Click here for instant access to this free report.