Covanta Holding (NYSE: CVA) reported earnings on April 18. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended March 31 (Q1), Covanta Holding beat slightly on revenue and missed expectations on earnings per share.

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

Gross margin dropped, operating margin grew, and net margin dropped.

Revenue details
Covanta Holding tallied revenue of $392.0 million. The seven analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ hoped for sales of $386.5 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 4.0% higher than the prior-year quarter's $376.8 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 -$0.09. The eight earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged -$0.08 per share. GAAP EPS were -$0.09 for Q1, versus $0.91 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 21.9%, 610 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 2.8%, 110 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was -3.1%, 3,850 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $415.6 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.15.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $1.66 billion. The average EPS estimate is $0.60.

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.

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