Crosstex Energy (Nasdaq: XTXI) reported earnings on Feb. 28. Here are the numbers you need to know.

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

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

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

Revenue details
Crosstex Energy reported revenue of $480.9 million. The two analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ looked for revenue of $471.9 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 13% higher than the prior-year quarter's $427.2 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 -$0.03. The one earnings estimate compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged -$0.01 per share. GAAP EPS were -$0.03 for Q4 against -$0.05 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 14.0%, 580 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 3.6%, 60 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was -0.4%, 10 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $481.2 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.01.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $2.17 billion. The average EPS estimate is $0.09.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a three-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 300 members out of 340 rating the stock outperform, and 40 members rating it underperform. Among 120 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 111 give Crosstex Energy a green thumbs-up, and nine give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Crosstex Energy is hold, with an average price target of $18.00.

Are you missing a major story in the energy space? Read about "One Stock to Own Before Nat Gas Act 2011 Becomes Law." Click here for instant access to this free report.