Bridgepoint Education (NYSE: BPI) reported earnings on Mar. 6. Here are the numbers you need to know.

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

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

Margins shrank across the board.

Revenue details
Bridgepoint Education booked revenue of $221.3 million. The nine analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ wanted to see revenue of $217.1 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 15% higher than the prior-year quarter's $192.4 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 $0.41. The nine earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ predicted $0.38 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.41 for Q4 were 11% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.46 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 67.6%, 410 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 16.0%, 720 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 10.3%, 340 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $244.3 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.87.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $972.9 million. The average EPS estimate is $2.80.

Investor sentiment
Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Bridgepoint Education is outperform, with an average price target of $29.80.

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