Connecticut Water Service (Nasdaq: CTWS) reported earnings on Nov. 8. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Sep. 30 (Q3), Connecticut Water Service met expectations on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

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

Gross margins dropped, operating margins contracted, net margins grew.

Revenue details
 Connecticut Water Service chalked up revenue of $24.5 million. The six analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ anticipated revenue of $24.5 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 19% higher than the prior-year quarter's $20.6 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 $0.67. The five earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ forecast $0.57 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.67 for Q3 were 60% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.42 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 58.0%, 20 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 40.1%, 60 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 24.4%, 630 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $18.3 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.19.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $82.6 million. The average EPS estimate is $1.42.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a five-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 42 members out of 45 rating the stock outperform, and three members rating it underperform. Among 21 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 19 give Connecticut Water Service a green thumbs-up, and two give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Connecticut Water Service is outperform, with an average price target of $32.75.

Can your retirement portfolio provide you with enough income to last? You'll need more than Connecticut Water Service. Learn about crafting a smarter retirement plan in "The Shocking Can't-Miss Truth About Your Retirement." Click here for instant access to this free report.