Westar Energy (NYSE: WR) reported earnings on Feb. 23. Here are the numbers you need to know.

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

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

Margins increased across the board.

Revenue details
Westar Energy logged revenue of $486.2 million. The three analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ looked for net sales of $468.2 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 6.5% higher than the prior-year quarter's $456.7 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 $0.16. The eight earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ anticipated $0.15 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.16 for Q4 were 220% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.05 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 40.5%, 80 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 14.9%, 430 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 4.0%, 290 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $497.0 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.28.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $2.21 billion. The average EPS estimate is $1.96.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a four-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 156 members out of 164 rating the stock outperform, and eight members rating it underperform. Among 54 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 52 give Westar Energy 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 Westar Energy is outperform, with an average price target of $28.28.

Can your portfolio provide you with enough income to last through retirement? You'll need more than Westar Energy. Learn how to maximize your investment income and "Secure Your Future With 11 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks." Click here for instant access to this free report.