General Communication (Nasdaq: GNCMA) reported earnings on May 2. Here are the numbers you need to know.

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

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

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

Revenue details
 General Communication notched revenue of $186.2 million. The three analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected sales of $180.4 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 8.3% higher than the prior-year quarter's $171.9 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 $0.08. The three earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $0.06 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.08 for Q1 were 167% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.03 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 65.3%, 160 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 12.4%, 90 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 1.7%, 90 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. (Margins calculated in GAAP terms.)

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $186.1 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.09.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $765.4 million. The average EPS estimate is $0.36.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on General Communication is buy, with an average price target of $12.67.

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