Xcel Energy (NYSE: XEL) reported earnings on Oct. 25. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Sep. 30 (Q3), Xcel Energy whiffed on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

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

Margins grew across the board.

Revenue details
 Xcel Energy reported revenue of $2.72 billion. The five analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected revenue of $3.03 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 3.8% lower than the prior-year quarter's $2.83 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 $0.78. The 12 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $0.72 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.81 for Q3 were 17% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.69 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 41.4%, 420 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 26.4%, 340 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 14.6%, 270 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $2.77 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.32.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $10.73 billion. The average EPS estimate is $1.78.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Xcel Energy is outperform, with an average price target of $29.27.

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