Aspen Technology (Nasdaq: AZPN) reported earnings on Jan. 29. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q2), 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 increased significantly.

Margins grew across the board.

Revenue details
 Aspen Technology reported revenue of $77.3 million. The seven analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ wanted to see net sales of $67.3 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 16% higher than the prior-year quarter's $66.6 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 $0.13. The seven earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $0.05 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.10 for Q2 were 150% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.04 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 84.0%, 340 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 19.3%, 870 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 12.9%, 710 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $72.9 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.05.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $296.0 million. The average EPS estimate is $0.33.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a one-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 68 members out of 98 rating the stock outperform, and 30 members rating it underperform. Among 34 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 21 give Aspen Technology a green thumbs-up, and 13 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 $29.80.

Software and computerized services are being consumed in radically different ways, on new and increasingly mobile devices. Many old leaders will be left behind. Whether or not Aspen Technology makes the coming cut, you should check out the company that Motley Fool analysts expect to lead the pack in "The Next Trillion-dollar Revolution." Click here for instant access to this free report.