Ascent Capital Group (Nasdaq: ASCM.A) reported earnings on Aug. 8. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended June 30 (Q2), Ascent Capital Group beat expectations on revenues and missed expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue expanded and GAAP loss per share dropped.

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

Revenue details
 Ascent Capital Group logged revenue of $83.3 million. The two analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ hoped for revenue of $79.7 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 7.4% higher than the prior-year quarter's $77.6 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 -$0.41. The two earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged -$0.32 per share. GAAP EPS were -$0.51 for Q2 compared to -$1.28 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 86.3%, 130 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 14.2%, 330 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was -8.6%, 1,500 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $81.0 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is -$0.23.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $330.5 million. The average EPS estimate is -$0.55.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Ascent Capital Group is buy, with an average price target of $65.00.