MetroPCS Communications (NYSE: PCS) reported earnings on Oct. 30. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Sep. 30 (Q3), MetroPCS Communications met expectations on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

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

Margins increased across the board.

Revenue details
 MetroPCS Communications reported revenue of $1.26 billion. The 22 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ wanted to see revenue of $1.26 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 4.5% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.21 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 24 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ forecast $0.26 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.52 for Q3 were 174% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.19 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 49.3%, 950 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 23.3%, 850 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 15.3%, 950 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $1.28 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.10.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $5.05 billion. The average EPS estimate is $0.81.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a three-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 434 members out of 477 rating the stock outperform, and 43 members rating it underperform. Among 80 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 64 give MetroPCS Communications a green thumbs-up, and 16 give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on MetroPCS Communications is hold, with an average price target of $9.28.