Family Dollar Stores (NYSE: FDO) reported earnings on Jan. 3. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended Nov. 24 (Q1), Family Dollar Stores beat slightly on revenues and missed estimates on earnings per share.

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

Margins contracted across the board.

Revenue details
Family Dollar Stores booked revenue of $2.42 billion. The 24 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ hoped for revenue of $2.38 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 13% higher than the prior-year quarter's $2.15 billion.

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 $0.69. The 26 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ anticipated $0.75 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.69 for Q1 were 1.5% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.68 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 34.1%, 120 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 5.2%, 110 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 3.3%, 40 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $2.89 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.39.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $10.53 billion. The average EPS estimate is $4.25.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a three-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 560 members out of 614 rating the stock outperform, and 54 members rating it underperform. Among 187 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 172 give Family Dollar Stores a green thumbs-up, and 15 give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Family Dollar Stores is outperform, with an average price target of $72.39.

Is Family Dollar Stores the right retailer for your portfolio? Learn how to maximize your investment income and "Secure Your Future With 9 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks," including one above-average retailing powerhouse. Click here for instant access to this free report.