Corporate Executive Board (NYSE: CEB) reported earnings on Nov. 1. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Sep. 30 (Q3), Corporate Executive Board beat slightly on revenues and crushed expectations on earnings per share.

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

Margins contracted across the board.

Revenue details
 Corporate Executive Board reported revenue of $164.7 million. The six analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ predicted revenue of $163.1 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 34% higher than the prior-year quarter's $122.9 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 $0.74. The seven earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ predicted $0.44 per share. GAAP EPS were -$0.01 for Q3 against $0.41 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 63.5%, 240 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 16.5%, 420 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was -0.3%, 1,170 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $185.4 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.55.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $595.3 million. The average EPS estimate is $1.92.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Corporate Executive Board is hold, with an average price target of $46.57.