American Superconductor (Nasdaq: AMSC) reported earnings on Feb. 9. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q3), American Superconductor beat expectations on revenues and exceeded expectations on earnings per share.

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

Margins dropped across the board.

Revenue details
American Superconductor logged revenue of $18.1 million. The eight analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ looked for net sales of $15.6 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 43% lower than the prior-year quarter's $31.6 million.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
Non-GAAP EPS came in at -$0.34. The seven earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged -$0.42 per share on the same basis. GAAP EPS were -$0.52 for Q3 compared to -$0.38 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 -4.8%, 490 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was -124.5%, 5,180 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was -145.5%, 8,800 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $31.0 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is -$0.28.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $77.1 million. The average EPS estimate is -$1.76.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a two-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 698 members out of 807 rating the stock outperform, and 109 members rating it underperform. Among 168 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 124 give American Superconductor a green thumbs-up, and 44 give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on American Superconductor is hold, with an average price target of $4.58.

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