Novartis (SWX: NOVN) reported earnings on Oct. 25. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Sep. 30 (Q3), Novartis 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.

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

Revenue details
 Novartis booked revenue of $13.81 billion. The 13 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected revenue of $14.15 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 6.6% lower than the prior-year quarter's $15.03 billion.

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 $1.34. The 10 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ forecast $1.34 per share. GAAP EPS of $1.00 for Q3 were 1.0% lower than the prior-year quarter's $1.01 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 67.4%, 80 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 21.6%, 200 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 17.4%, 100 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $14.50 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.41.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $56.74 billion. The average EPS estimate is $5.17.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Novartis is outperform, with an average price target of $63.03.

Can your portfolio provide you with enough income to last through retirement? You'll need more than Novartis. Learn how to maximize your investment income and get "The 3 DOW Stocks Dividend Investors Need." Click here for instant access to this free report.