Nordic American Tankers (NYSE: NAT) reported earnings on Nov. 15. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended Sep. 30 (Q3), Nordic American Tankers whiffed on revenues and missed expectations on earnings per share.

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

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

Revenue details
Nordic American Tankers notched revenue of $15.5 million. The four analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ looked for net sales of $22.0 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 26% lower than the prior-year quarter's $20.8 million.

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 -$0.44. The six earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ forecast -$0.35 per share. GAAP EPS were -$0.44 for Q3 versus -$0.80 per share for the prior-year quarter.

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 -4.8%, 770 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was -140.7%, 4,020 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was -151.0%, 3,020 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $21.7 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is -$0.31.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $102.0 million. The average EPS estimate is -$1.05.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a three-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 906 members out of 954 rating the stock outperform, and 48 members rating it underperform. Among 165 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 152 give Nordic American Tankers a green thumbs-up, and 13 give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Nordic American Tankers is underperform, with an average price target of $12.14.

Are you missing a major story in the energy space? Read about "One Stock to Own Before Nat Gas Act 2011 Becomes Law." Click here for instant access to this free report.