Mueller Water Products (NYSE: MWA) reported earnings on Feb. 5. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q1), Mueller Water Products beat expectations on revenues and missed expectations on earnings per share.

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

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

Revenue details
 Mueller Water Products reported revenue of $245.1 million. The eight analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ looked for revenue of $231.1 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 14% higher than the prior-year quarter's $215.4 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 -$0.02. The seven earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ forecast -$0.01 per share. GAAP EPS were $0.04 for Q1 against -$0.08 per share for 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 23.3%, 120 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 3.1%, 20 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 2.9%, 840 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $268.3 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.03.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $1.09 billion. The average EPS estimate is $0.17.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Mueller Water Products is hold, with an average price target of $5.50.

Looking for alternatives to Mueller Water Products? It takes more than great companies to build a fortune for the future. Learn the basic financial habits of millionaires next door and get focused stock ideas in our free report, "3 Stocks That Will Help You Retire Rich." Click here for instant access to this free report.