Leap Wireless International (Nasdaq: LEAP) reported earnings on Feb. 20. Here are the numbers you need to know.

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

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue dropped slightly. Non-GAAP loss per share expanded. GAAP loss per share contracted.

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

Revenue details
Leap Wireless International notched revenue of $756.0 million. The 20 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ predicted a top line of $778.8 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were the same as the prior-year quarter's.

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 -$1.71. The 18 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ anticipated -$1.57 per share. Non-GAAP EPS were -$1.71 for Q4 compared to -$1.18 per share for the prior-year quarter. GAAP EPS were -$0.96 for Q4 compared to -$1.10 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 41.4%, 130 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was -2.2%, 100 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was -9.8%, 120 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $787.6 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is -$1.29.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $3.09 billion. The average EPS estimate is -$3.82.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a two-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 186 members out of 239 rating the stock outperform, and 53 members rating it underperform. Among 52 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 39 give Leap Wireless International 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 Leap Wireless International is hold, with an average price target of $5.73.

Is Leap Wireless International the best telecom bet for you? Learn how to maximize your investment income and "Secure Your Future With 9 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks," including one above-average telecom company. Click here for instant access to this free report.