Enbridge Energy Partners (NYSE: EEP) reported earnings on Feb. 14. Here are the numbers you need to know.

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

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

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

Revenue details
 Enbridge Energy Partners reported revenue of $1.77 billion. The five analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ hoped for sales of $1.65 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 15% lower than the prior-year quarter's $2.08 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 $0.18. The 13 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $0.25 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.21 for Q4 were 70% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.71 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 27.9%, 690 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 18.7%, 1,280 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 3.1%, 790 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $2.00 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.28.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $7.86 billion. The average EPS estimate is $1.25.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Enbridge Energy Partners is hold, with an average price target of $32.39.

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