Coventry Health Care (NYSE: CVH) reported earnings on Feb. 8. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q4), Coventry Health Care beat slightly on revenues and missed expectations on earnings per share.

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

Margins shrank across the board.

Revenue details
Coventry Health Care booked revenue of $3.13 billion. The 14 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ anticipated net sales of $3.07 billion. GAAP sales were 3.2% higher than the prior-year quarter's $3.03 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 $0.60. The 19 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ anticipated $0.63 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.60 for Q4 were 41% lower than the prior-year quarter's $1.01 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 23.1%, 370 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 4.8%, 320 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 2.7%, 230 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $3.45 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.64.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $13.84 billion. The average EPS estimate is $3.28.

Investor sentiment
Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Coventry Health Care is outperform, with an average price target of $36.59.

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