CNH Global (NYSE: CNH) reported earnings on April 30. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended March 31 (Q1), CNH Global beat expectations on revenues and crushed expectations on earnings per share.

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

Gross margins increased, operating margins were steady, net margins expanded.

Revenue details
 CNH Global booked revenue of $4.70 billion. The six analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ predicted sales of $4.58 billion 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 $1.33. The eight earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ forecast $0.97 per share. Non-GAAP EPS of $1.33 for Q1 were 20% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.11 per share. GAAP EPS of $1.35 for Q1 were 22% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.11 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 24.7%, 70 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 12.1%, much about the same as the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 6.6%, 110 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. (Margins calculated in GAAP terms.)

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $5.24 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.48.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $20.01 billion. The average EPS estimate is $5.07.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a three-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 289 members out of 316 rating the stock outperform, and 27 members rating it underperform. Among 64 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 63 give CNH Global a green thumbs-up, and one give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on CNH Global is hold, with an average price target of $48.78.

Is CNH Global 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.