Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE: TMO) reported earnings on Jan. 31. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q4), Thermo Fisher Scientific beat expectations on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

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

Margins expanded across the board.

Revenue details
 Thermo Fisher Scientific logged revenue of $3.26 billion. The 16 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected to see revenue of $3.15 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 4.0% higher than the prior-year quarter's $3.13 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 $1.36. The 19 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $1.28 per share. GAAP EPS of $1.04 for Q4 were 35% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.77 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 44.3%, 180 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 13.2%, 60 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 11.5%, 230 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $3.19 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.29.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $12.94 billion. The average EPS estimate is $5.43.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a five-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 550 members out of 571 rating the stock outperform, and 21 members rating it underperform. Among 180 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 178 give Thermo Fisher Scientific a green thumbs-up, and two give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Thermo Fisher Scientific is outperform, with an average price target of $68.28.

Looking for alternatives to Thermo Fisher Scientific? 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.