Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) reported earnings on Nov. 1. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended Sep. 30 (Q3), Pfizer missed estimates on revenues and beat slightly on earnings per share.

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

Gross margins expanded, operating margins shrank, net margins increased.

Revenue details
Pfizer chalked up revenue of $13.98 billion. The 11 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ anticipated a top line of $14.68 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 19% lower than the prior-year quarter's $17.19 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 $0.53. The 14 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ forecast $0.52 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.42 for Q3 were 13% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.48 per share. (The prior-year quarter included $0.17 per share in earnings from discontinued operations.)

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 80.9%, 190 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 23.6%, 880 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 23.0%, 130 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $14.82 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.44.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $59.51 billion. The average EPS estimate is $2.19.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a four-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 5,458 members out of 6,049 rating the stock outperform, and 591 members rating it underperform. Among 1,539 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 1,440 give Pfizer a green thumbs-up, and 99 give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Pfizer is outperform, with an average price target of $26.82.

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