Cbeyond (Nasdaq: CBEY) reported earnings on May 1. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended March 31 (Q1), Cbeyond beat slightly on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue dropped. Non-GAAP earnings per share contracted to zero. GAAP loss per share contracted.

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

Revenue details
Cbeyond reported revenue of $119.9 million. The 10 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ predicted a top line of $117.8 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were the same as the prior-year quarter's.

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 $0.00. The nine earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged -$0.10 per share. Non-GAAP EPS shrank to zero from the prior-year quarter's $0.00. GAAP EPS were -$0.02 for Q1 versus -$0.04 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 67.7%, 40 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was -0.2%, 100 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was -0.5%, 50 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. (Margins calculated in GAAP terms.)

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $118.2 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is -$0.08.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $476.5 million. The average EPS estimate is -$0.27.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a one-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 105 members out of 141 rating the stock outperform, and 36 members rating it underperform. Among 43 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 27 give Cbeyond a green thumbs-up, and 16 give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Cbeyond is hold, with an average price target of $8.54.

Is Cbeyond the best telecom bet for you? Learn how to maximize your investment income and "Secure Your Future With 9 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks," including one above-average telecom company. Click here for instant access to this free report.