Canadian National Railway (TSX: CNR) reported earnings on Oct. 22. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Sep. 30 (Q3), Canadian National Railway met expectations on revenues and met expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue increased and GAAP earnings per share grew.

Margins dropped across the board.

Revenue details
 Canadian National Railway recorded revenue of $2.53 billion. The 16 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ foresaw revenue of $2.55 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 14% higher than the prior-year quarter's $2.22 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 $1.54. The 24 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ predicted $1.53 per share. GAAP EPS of $1.54 for Q3 were 9.2% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.41 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 51.4%, 190 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 39.4%, 130 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 26.6%, 200 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $2.57 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.42.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $10.00 billion. The average EPS estimate is $5.62.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Canadian National Railway is hold, with an average price target of $92.61.