Xcel Energy (NYSE: XEL) reported earnings on April 26. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended March 31 (Q1), Xcel Energy missed estimates on revenues and met expectations on earnings per share.

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

Gross margins grew, operating margins dropped, and net margins shrank.

Revenue details
Xcel Energy logged revenue of $2.58 billion. The five analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected sales of $2.72 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 8.5% lower than the prior-year quarter's $2.82 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 $0.38. The 12 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $0.38 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.38 for Q1 were 9.5% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.42 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 30.2%, 100 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 14.7%, 40 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 7.1%, 10 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $2.49 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.34.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $11.07 billion. The average EPS estimate is $1.78.

Investor sentiment
Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Xcel Energy is outperform, with an average price target of $27.88.

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