Gentiva Health Services (Nasdaq: GTIV) reported earnings on May 9. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended March 31 (Q1), Gentiva Health Services missed estimates on revenues and missed estimates on earnings per share.

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

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

Revenue details
 Gentiva Health Services logged revenue of $415.6 million. The seven analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected to see a top line of $432.1 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 $0.23. The seven earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $0.30 per share. Non-GAAP EPS of $0.23 for Q1 were 4.2% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.24 per share. GAAP EPS were -$6.73 for Q1 against $0.16 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 46.7%, 20 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 8.2%, 30 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was -49.9%, much worse than the prior-year quarter. (Margins calculated in GAAP terms.)

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $421.6 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.22.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $1.70 billion. The average EPS estimate is $0.97.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a four-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 271 members out of 286 rating the stock outperform, and 15 members rating it underperform. Among 84 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 79 give Gentiva Health Services a green thumbs-up, and five give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Gentiva Health Services is hold, with an average price target of $13.00.

Is Gentiva Health Services the best health care stock for you? Learn how to maximize your investment income and "Secure Your Future With 9 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks," including one above-average health care logistics company. Click here for instant access to this free report.