Unitil (NYSE: UTL) reported earnings on April 24. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended March 31 (Q1), Unitil met expectations on revenues and missed estimates on earnings per share.

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

Margins grew across the board.

Revenue details
 Unitil reported revenue of $118.2 million. The two analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ looked for revenue of $119.1 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 $0.79. The five earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $0.85 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.79 for Q1 were 3.7% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.82 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 29.7%, 230 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 13.0%, 80 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 9.1%, 120 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. (Margins calculated in GAAP terms.)

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $72.4 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.02.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $376.5 million. The average EPS estimate is $1.56.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Unitil is outperform, with an average price target of $29.00.

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