Rock-Tenn (NYSE: RKT) reported earnings on Jan. 24. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q1), Rock-Tenn missed on revenues and whiffed on earnings per share.

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

Margins contracted across the board.

Revenue details
Rock-Tenn logged revenue of $2.3 billion. The nine analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ foresaw revenue of $2.3 billion. Sales were much higher than the prior-year quarter's $761 million.

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

EPS details
Non-GAAP EPS came in at $1.18. The 10 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $1.39 per share on the same basis. GAAP EPS of $1.06 for Q1 were 17% lower than the prior-year quarter's $1.27 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 17.3%, 620 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 7.3%, 530 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 3.4%, 320 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $2.4 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.43.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $9.7 billion. The average EPS estimate is $6.38.

Investor sentiment
Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Rock-Tenn is outperform, with an average price target of $75.80.