GEO Group (NYSE: GEO) reported earnings on Feb. 21. Here are the numbers you need to know.

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

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

Gross margins grew, operating margins shrank, net margins grew.

Revenue details
 GEO Group logged revenue of $378.7 million. The seven analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected to see sales of $415.2 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 6.8% lower than the prior-year quarter's $406.5 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 seven earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ predicted $0.41 per share. Non-GAAP EPS of $0.44 for Q4 were 13% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.39 per share. GAAP EPS of $1.33 for Q4 were 343% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.30 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 25.7%, 100 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 10.4%, 180 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 21.5%, much better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $414.1 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.36.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $1.66 billion. The average EPS estimate is $1.64.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on GEO Group is outperform, with an average price target of $34.25.

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