Elbit Systems (Nasdaq: ESLT) reported earnings on Nov. 13. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Sep. 30 (Q3), Elbit Systems missed estimates on revenues and met expectations on earnings per share.

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

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

Revenue details
 Elbit Systems booked revenue of $677.5 million. The three analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected a top line of $691.7 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 2.1% higher than the prior-year quarter's $663.7 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 $0.95. The one earnings estimate compiled by S&P Capital IQ forecast $0.96 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.95 for Q3 were 12% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.85 per share. (The prior-year quarter included -$0.35 per share in earnings from discontinued operations.)

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 28.3%, 250 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 7.2%, 130 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 5.8%, 30 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $804.1 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.35.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $2.86 billion. The average EPS estimate is $4.41.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a five-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 246 members out of 247 rating the stock outperform, and one members rating it underperform. Among 49 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 49 give Elbit Systems a green thumbs-up, and give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Elbit Systems is hold, with an average price target of $44.00.