Heckmann (NYSE: HEK) reported earnings on Mar. 8. Here are the numbers you need to know.

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

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

Margins contracted across the board.

Revenue details
Heckmann tallied revenue of $51.7 million. The six analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected a top line of $54.0 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were much higher than the prior-year quarter's $8.7 million.

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

EPS details
Non-GAAP EPS came in at -$0.04. The five earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $0.02 per share on the same basis. GAAP EPS were -$0.02 for Q4 versus $0.00 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 13.2%, 1,580 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was -19.4%, 320 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was -4.8%, 800 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $58.2 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.03.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $253.3 million. The average EPS estimate is $0.16.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a four-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 340 members out of 351 rating the stock outperform, and 11 members rating it underperform. Among 78 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 71 give Heckmann a green thumbs-up, and seven give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Heckmann is outperform, with an average price target of $7.00.

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