Imperial Oil (AMEX: IMO) reported earnings on Jan. 31. Here are the numbers you need to know.

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

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue expanded, and GAAP earnings per share increased significantly.

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

Revenue details
Imperial Oil reported revenue of $7.99 billion. The three analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ wanted to see a top line of $8.48 billion. Sales were 21% higher than the prior-year quarter's $6.97 billion.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions.

EPS details
EPS came in at $1.16. The one earnings estimate compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $0.99 per share. GAAP EPS of $1.16 for Q4 were 23% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.95 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Figures may be non-GAAP to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
For the quarter, gross margin was 15.6%, 740 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 15.6%, 10 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 12.4%, 20 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $7.62 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.89.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $30.76 billion. The average EPS estimate is $3.71.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a four-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 338 members out of 354 rating the stock outperform, and 17 members rating it underperform. Among 107 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 103 give Imperial Oil a green thumbs-up, and four give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Imperial Oil is hold, with an average price target of $46.87.

Are you missing a major story in the energy space? Read about "One Stock to Own Before Nat Gas Act 2011 Becomes Law." Click here for instant access to this free report.