Acacia Research (Nasdaq: ACTG) reported earnings on Feb. 21. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q4), Acacia Research crushed expectations on revenues and crushed expectations on earnings per share.

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

Margins grew across the board.

Revenue details
 Acacia Research booked revenue of $66.3 million. The five analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ hoped for sales of $41.4 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were much higher than the prior-year quarter's $20.8 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 $0.86. The five earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ anticipated $0.24 per share. Non-GAAP EPS were $0.86 for Q4 versus -$0.17 per share for the prior-year quarter. GAAP EPS were $0.20 for Q4 compared to -$0.10 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 94.2%, much better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 22.1%, much better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 14.8%, much better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $45.8 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.37.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $293.0 million. The average EPS estimate is $2.37.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a four-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 132 members out of 153 rating the stock outperform, and 21 members rating it underperform. Among 39 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 36 give Acacia Research a green thumbs-up, and three give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Acacia Research is buy, with an average price target of $41.63.

Looking for alternatives to Acacia Research? 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.