Norfolk Southern (NYSE: NSC) reported earnings on Jan. 24. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q4), Norfolk Southern missed slightly on revenues and met expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue increased significantly, and earnings per share grew significantly.

Margins increased across the board.

Revenue details
Norfolk Southern booked revenue of $2.8 billion. The 18 analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ predicted revenue of $2.8 billion. Sales were 17% higher than the prior-year quarter's $2.4 billion.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions.

EPS details
Non-GAAP EPS came in at $1.39. The 25 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ forecast $1.40 per share on the same basis. GAAP EPS of $1.42 for Q4 were 30% higher than the prior-year quarter's $1.09 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Figures may be non-GAAP to maintain comparability with estimates.

Margin details
For the quarter, gross margin was 62.7%, 2,720 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 28.6%, 130 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 17.2%, 40 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $2.8 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.23.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $11.9 billion. The average EPS estimate is $5.98.

Investor sentiment
The stock has a four-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 1,084 members out of 1,112 rating the stock outperform, and 28 members rating it underperform. Among 353 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 347 give Norfolk Southern a green thumbs-up, and six give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Norfolk Southern is outperform, with an average price target of $84.70.

Can your portfolio provide you with enough income to last through retirement? You'll need more than Norfolk Southern. Learn how to maximize your investment income and "Secure Your Future With 11 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks." Click here for instant access to this free report.