Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE) reported earnings yesterday. Here are the numbers you need to know.

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

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

Gross margins dropped, operating margins expanded, net margins dropped.

Revenue details
Sempra Energy tallied revenue of $2.60 billion. The one analyst polled by S&P Capital IQ hoped for revenue of $2.35 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 11% higher than the prior-year quarter's $2.35 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 $1.21. The 10 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $1.06 per share. GAAP EPS of $1.21 for Q4 were 5.2% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.15 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 30.8%, 190 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 18.6%, 270 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 11.2%, 70 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $2.37 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.27.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $9.76 billion. The average EPS estimate is $4.47.

Investor sentiment
Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Sempra Energy is outperform, with an average price target of $57.82.

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