Ascena Retail Group (Nasdaq: ASNA) reported earnings on June 5. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended April 27 (Q3), Ascena Retail Group missed estimates on revenues and missed estimates on earnings per share.

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

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

Revenue details
Ascena Retail Group reported revenue of $1.14 billion. The nine analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected to see sales of $1.17 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 46% higher than the prior-year quarter's $783.3 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 $0.26. The 11 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ forecast $0.30 per share. Non-GAAP EPS of $0.26 for Q3 were 24% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.34 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.19 for Q3 were 39% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.31 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 57.6%, much better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 6.4%, 460 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 2.7%, 360 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. (Margins calculated in GAAP terms.)

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $1.19 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.31.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $4.73 billion. The average EPS estimate is $1.25.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a four-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 236 members out of 264 rating the stock outperform, and 28 members rating it underperform. Among 81 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 76 give Ascena Retail Group a green thumbs-up, and five give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Ascena Retail Group is outperform, with an average price target of $21.50.

Is Ascena Retail Group 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.