Compagnie Générale de Géophysique-Veritas Meets on the Top Line, Misses Where it Counts

Compagnie G�n�rale de G�ophysique-Veritas (NYSE: CGG  ) reported earnings on Feb. 28. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q4), Compagnie G�n�rale de G�ophysique-Veritas met expectations on revenues and missed estimates on earnings per share.

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

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

Revenue details
Compagnie G�n�rale de G�ophysique-Veritas tallied revenue of $943.8 million. The seven analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected a top line of $947.6 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 9.1% higher than the prior-year quarter's $860.1 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 $0.05. The one earnings estimate compiled by S&P Capital IQ forecast $0.62 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.05 for Q4 were 50% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.10 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 23.1%, 370 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 8.1%, 280 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 1.0%, 80 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $1.03 billion.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $4.64 billion. The average EPS estimate is $2.38.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Compagnie G�n�rale de G�ophysique-Veritas is outperform, with an average price target of $38.02.

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