Enbridge Energy Partners (NYSE: EEP) reported earnings on Nov. 1. Here are the numbers you need to know.

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

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

Margins expanded across the board.

Revenue details
 Enbridge Energy Partners chalked up revenue of $1.56 billion. The six analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ hoped for a top line of $1.73 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 34% lower than the prior-year quarter's $2.37 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 $0.29. The 14 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ predicted $0.26 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.74 for Q3 were 106% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.36 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 30.5%, 820 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 19.8%, 1,430 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 13.8%, 860 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $1.78 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.25.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $6.94 billion. The average EPS estimate is $1.03.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Enbridge Energy Partners is outperform, with an average price target of $32.67.

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