Core Laboratories (NYSE: CLB) reported earnings on Oct. 17. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Sep. 30 (Q3), Core Laboratories met expectations on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

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

Margins increased across the board.

Revenue details
 Core Laboratories reported revenue of $245.4 million. The six analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected revenue of $243.9 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 6.1% higher than the prior-year quarter's $231.3 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 $1.13. The 11 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ forecast $1.10 per share. GAAP EPS of $1.14 for Q3 were 23% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.93 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 36.7%, 170 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 30.7%, 270 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 22.2%, 280 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $245.6 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.13.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $972.5 million. The average EPS estimate is $4.45.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a five-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 547 members out of 557 rating the stock outperform, and 10 members rating it underperform. Among 115 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 113 give Core Laboratories a green thumbs-up, and two give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Core Laboratories is hold, with an average price target of $127.71.

Are you missing a big story in the energy space? Read about "One Stock to Own Before Nat Gas Act 2011 Becomes Law." Click here for instant access to this free report.