El Paso Pipeline Partners (NYSE: EPB) reported earnings on Feb. 27. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q4), El Paso Pipeline Partners missed estimates on revenues and whiffed on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue expanded slightly and GAAP earnings per share contracted significantly.

Gross margins dropped, operating margins dropped, and net margins increased.

Revenue details
El Paso Pipeline Partners booked revenue of $362.0 million. The eight analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ predicted a top line of $385.2 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 52% lower than the prior-year quarter's $761.9 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 $0.51. The 14 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $0.62 per share on the same basis. GAAP EPS of $0.36 for Q4 were 61% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.93 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 70.2%, 190 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 54.1%, 250 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 34.8%, 1,400 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $384.2 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.60.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $1.59 billion. The average EPS estimate is $2.25.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a five-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 262 members out of 266 rating the stock outperform, and four members rating it underperform. Among 86 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 85 give El Paso Pipeline Partners a green thumbs-up, and one gives it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on El Paso Pipeline Partners is outperform, with an average price target of $38.42.

Can your portfolio provide you with enough income to last through retirement? You'll need more than El Paso Pipeline Partners. Learn how to maximize your investment income and "Secure Your Future With 11 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks." Click here for instant access to this free report.