Windstream (Nasdaq: WIN) reported earnings on Nov. 8. Here are the numbers you need to know.

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

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

Margins shrank across the board.

Revenue details
 Windstream recorded revenue of $1.55 billion. The 11 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ foresaw a top line of $1.54 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 52% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.02 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 $0.12. The 16 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ forecast $0.13 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.09 for Q3 were 36% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.14 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 53.1%, 810 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 17.6%, 1,040 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 3.5%, 350 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $1.55 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.14.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $6.17 billion. The average EPS estimate is $0.52.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Windstream is outperform, with an average price target of $10.98.

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