Connecticut Water Service (Nasdaq: CTWS) reported earnings on March 18. Here are the numbers you need to know.

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

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

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

Revenue details
 Connecticut Water Service notched revenue of $17.8 million. The five analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ predicted a top line of $18.5 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 26% higher than the prior-year quarter's $15.4 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 $0.17. The five earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ predicted $0.17 per share. Non-GAAP EPS of $0.17 for Q4 were 19% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.21 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.18 for Q4 were 14% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.21 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 46.9%, 10 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 23.1%, 40 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 8.2%, 370 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. (Margins calculated in GAAP terms.)

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $20.7 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.28.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $91.9 million. The average EPS estimate is $1.45.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a five-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 41 members out of 44 rating the stock outperform, and three members rating it underperform. Among 21 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 19 give Connecticut Water Service a green thumbs-up, and two give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Connecticut Water Service is outperform, with an average price target of $33.00.

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