Xcel Energy (NYSE: XEL) reported earnings on Jan. 31. Here are the numbers you need to know.

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

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

Gross margins grew, operating margins dropped, net margins were steady.

Revenue details
 Xcel Energy reported revenue of $2.55 billion. The six analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ hoped for revenue of $2.92 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 0.7% lower than the prior-year quarter's $2.57 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 12 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $0.28 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.29 were the same as the prior-year quarter.

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 28.2%, 80 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 12.4%, 100 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 5.5%, about the same as the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $2.68 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.43.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $11.01 billion. The average EPS estimate is $1.89.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Xcel Energy is hold, with an average price target of $28.96.

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