Chesapeake Utilities (NYSE: CPK) reported earnings on March 8. Here are the numbers you need to know.

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

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

Margins grew across the board.

Revenue details
 Chesapeake Utilities reported revenue of $109.5 million. The two analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected to see a top line of $108.3 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 5.3% higher than the prior-year quarter's $104.0 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 $1.02. The three earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ forecast $0.86 per share. GAAP EPS of $1.02 for Q4 were 23% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.83 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 23.8%, 120 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 16.9%, 140 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 9.0%, 130 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. (Margins calculated in GAAP terms.)

Looking ahead
 On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.30.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $428.8 million. The average EPS estimate is $3.14.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a four-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 96 members out of 105 rating the stock outperform, and nine members rating it underperform. Among 24 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 24 give Chesapeake Utilities 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 Chesapeake Utilities is buy, with an average price target of $49.75.

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