Cablevision Systems (NYSE: CVC) reported earnings on May 3. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended March 31 (Q1), Cablevision Systems met expectations on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

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

Margins dropped across the board.

Revenue details
Cablevision Systems recorded revenue of $1.66 billion. The 18 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ foresaw revenue of $1.67 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 0.2% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.66 billion.

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 $0.21. The 20 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ predicted $0.19 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.21 for Q1 were 42% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.36 per share. (The prior-year quarter included $0.12 per share in earnings from discontinued operations.)

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 52.7%, 270 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 15.1%, 290 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 3.5%, 280 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $1.69 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.19.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $6.75 billion. The average EPS estimate is $0.85.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a two-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 118 members out of 177 rating the stock outperform, and 59 members rating it underperform. Among 60 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 43 give Cablevision Systems a green thumbs-up, and 17 give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Cablevision Systems is hold, with an average price target of $16.66.

Can your portfolio provide you with enough income to last through retirement? You'll need more than Cablevision Systems. Learn how to maximize your investment income and "Secure Your Future With 9 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks." Click here for instant access to this free report.