Ashland (NYSE: ASH) reported earnings on Oct. 30. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Sep. 30 (Q4), Ashland met expectations on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

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

Gross margins increased, operating margins dropped, net margins dropped.

Revenue details
 Ashland logged revenue of $2.06 billion. The six analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected a top line of $2.08 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 11% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.85 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 $1.87. The eight earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ predicted $1.76 per share. GAAP EPS were -$3.20 for Q4 versus -$1.45 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 22.3%, 160 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was -13.2%, 450 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was -13.3%, 720 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $1.96 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.48.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $8.67 billion. The average EPS estimate is $7.51.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Ashland is outperform, with an average price target of $83.67.