Covanta Holding (NYSE: CVA) reported earnings on Oct. 17. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Sep. 30 (Q3), Covanta Holding missed estimates on revenues and met expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue contracted and GAAP earnings per share dropped significantly.

Margins contracted across the board.

Revenue details
 Covanta Holding recorded revenue of $412.0 million. The seven analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected a top line of $423.4 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 4.6% lower than the prior-year quarter's $432.0 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 $0.25. The eight earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ predicted $0.25 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.19 for Q3 were 37% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.30 per share. (The prior-year quarter included -$0.05 per share in earnings from discontinued operations.)

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 45.4%, 340 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 20.9%, 90 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 6.3%, 340 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $424.9 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.27.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $1.65 billion. The average EPS estimate is $0.58.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Covanta Holding is outperform, with an average price target of $20.20.

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