Windstream (Nasdaq: WIN) reported earnings on Feb. 19. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q4), Windstream met expectations on revenues and missed estimates on earnings per share.

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

Margins increased across the board.

Revenue details
Windstream logged revenue of $1.54 billion. The 13 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ anticipated sales of $1.55 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 27% 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 $0.11. The 17 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ anticipated $0.12 per share. Non-GAAP EPS of $0.11 for Q4 were 42% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.19 per share. GAAP EPS were $0.02 for Q4 versus -$0.06 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 50.9%, 250 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 12.1%, 80 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 0.7%, 330 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $1.54 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.13.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $6.17 billion. The average EPS estimate is $0.54.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Windstream is hold, with an average price target of $10.15.

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