Unitil (NYSE: UTL) reported earnings on Jan. 30. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q4), Unitil missed slightly on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

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

Margins contracted across the board.

Revenue details
 Unitil booked revenue of $98.8 million. The four analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ hoped for revenue of $100.6 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 4.3% higher than the prior-year quarter's $94.7 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 $0.66. The four earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ anticipated $0.64 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.66 for Q4 were 28% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.92 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 34.2%, 90 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 19.1%, 170 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 9.1%, 160 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $119.4 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.78.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $378.9 million. The average EPS estimate is $1.60.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Unitil is outperform, with an average price target of $29.00.

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