Nordic American Tankers (NYSE: NAT) reported earnings on Aug. 7. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended June 30 (Q2), Nordic American Tankers beat expectations on revenues and exceeded expectations on earnings per share.

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

Margins improved across the board.

Revenue details
Nordic American Tankers notched revenue of $28.5 million. The three analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ anticipated net sales of $24.2 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 20% higher than the prior-year quarter's $23.8 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 -$0.15. The five earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ predicted -$0.23 per share. GAAP EPS were -$0.15 for Q2 against -$0.21 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 45.1%, 10 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was -25.2%, 1,500 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was -27.8%, 1,420 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $21.0 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is -$0.16.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $98.8 million. The average EPS estimate is -$0.60.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a three-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 919 members out of 963 rating the stock outperform, and 44 members rating it underperform. Among 166 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 155 give Nordic American Tankers a green thumbs-up, and 11 give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Nordic American Tankers is hold, with an average price target of $15.25.

Can your portfolio provide you with enough income to last through retirement? You'll need more than Nordic American Tankers. 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.