Acacia Research (Nasdaq: ACTG) reported earnings on Oct. 18. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Sep. 30 (Q3), Acacia Research whiffed on revenues and missed estimates on earnings per share.

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

Gross margins expanded, operating margins increased, net margins contracted.

Revenue details
 Acacia Research reported revenue of $34.9 million. The five analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected to see revenue of $41.9 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 31% lower than the prior-year quarter's $50.6 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 $0.17. The five earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $0.25 per share. GAAP EPS were -$0.13 for Q3 versus $0.25 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 85.6%, 1,640 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 18.5%, 1,860 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was -18.3%, 3,970 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $50.2 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.30.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $241.6 million. The average EPS estimate is $2.45.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a four-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 127 members out of 148 rating the stock outperform, and 21 members rating it underperform. Among 32 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 27 give Acacia Research 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 Acacia Research is outperform, with an average price target of $55.00.