Monolithic Power Systems (Nasdaq: MPWR) reported earnings on Feb. 6. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q4), Monolithic Power Systems met expectations on revenues and met expectations on earnings per share.

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

Gross margins grew, operating margins dropped, net margins dropped.

Revenue details
 Monolithic Power Systems logged revenue of $48.2 million. The nine analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ anticipated a top line of $48.2 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were the same as the prior-year quarter's.

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 $0.21. The seven earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ forecast $0.21 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.01 for Q4 were 86% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.07 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 53.0%, 50 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was -3.4%, 1,040 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 0.5%, 470 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $49.4 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.16.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $225.5 million. The average EPS estimate is $0.95.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a two-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 132 members out of 144 rating the stock outperform, and 12 members rating it underperform. Among 32 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 28 give Monolithic Power Systems a green thumbs-up, and four give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Monolithic Power Systems is outperform, with an average price target of $23.00.

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