Aspen Technology (Nasdaq: AZPN) reported earnings on Nov. 1. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Sep. 30 (Q1), Aspen Technology beat expectations on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

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

Margins grew across the board.

Revenue details
 Aspen Technology tallied revenue of $71.5 million. The seven analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected to see sales of $65.2 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 39% higher than the prior-year quarter's $51.2 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 $0.08. The seven earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $0.02 per share. GAAP EPS were $0.05 for Q1 against -$0.12 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 82.7%, 970 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 12.6%, 4,320 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 6.2%, 2,910 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $70.2 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.04.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $288.1 million. The average EPS estimate is $0.19.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a two-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 68 members out of 96 rating the stock outperform, and 28 members rating it underperform. Among 31 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 19 give Aspen Technology a green thumbs-up, and 12 give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Aspen Technology is buy, with an average price target of $28.20.

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