MKS Instruments (Nasdaq: MKSI) reported earnings on Oct. 24. Here are the numbers you need to know.

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

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

Margins contracted across the board.

Revenue details
 MKS Instruments chalked up revenue of $141.4 million. The six analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected to see revenue of $150.2 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 27% lower than the prior-year quarter's $194.5 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 $0.16. The seven earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ predicted $0.20 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.05 for Q3 were 91% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.57 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 40.0%, 510 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 8.9%, 1,220 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 1.8%, 1,380 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $144.7 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.17.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $663.3 million. The average EPS estimate is $1.15.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a four-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 180 members out of 189 rating the stock outperform, and nine members rating it underperform. Among 47 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 46 give MKS Instruments a green thumbs-up, and one give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on MKS Instruments is hold, with an average price target of $30.17.

Can your portfolio provide you with enough income to last through retirement? You'll need more than MKS Instruments. Learn how to maximize your investment income and "Secure Your Future With 9 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks." Click here for instant access to this free report.