Ballard Power Systems (Nasdaq: BLDP) reported earnings on Feb. 23. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q4), Ballard Power Systems whiffed on revenues and missed expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue was unchanged, and GAAP loss per share contracted.

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

Revenue details
Ballard Power Systems reported revenue of $21 million. The four analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ anticipated a top line of $26.9 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 0.4% lower than the prior-year quarter's $21.1 million.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
Non-GAAP EPS came in at -$0.07. The three earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ forecast -$0.05 per share on the same basis. GAAP EPS were -$0.08 for Q4 versus -$0.10 per share for the prior-year quarter.

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 19.7%, 450 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was -25.2%, 1,980 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was -32%, 890 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $23.5 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is -$0.04.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $105.2 million. The average EPS estimate is -$0.14.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a two-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 257 members rating the stock outperform and 107 members rating it underperform. Among 93 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 44 give Ballard Power Systems a green thumbs-up, and 49 give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Ballard Power Systems is hold, with an average price target of $2.48.