Sappi Limited (NYSE: SPP) reported earnings on Feb. 8. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q1), Sappi Limited missed estimates on revenues and exceeded expectations on earnings per share.

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

Gross margins shrank, operating margins dropped, net margins grew.

Revenue details
 Sappi Limited logged revenue of $1.59 billion. The two analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ foresaw sales of $1.74 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 15% lower than the prior-year quarter's $1.87 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 $0.09. The one earnings estimate compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $0.00 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.09 for Q1 were 29% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.07 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 13.1%, 10 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 6.8%, 40 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 2.8%, 80 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $1.66 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is -$0.02.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $6.86 billion. The average EPS estimate is $0.38.

Investor sentiment
 The stock has a five-star rating (out of five) at Motley Fool CAPS, with 59 members out of 69 rating the stock outperform, and 10 members rating it underperform. Among 27 CAPS All-Star picks (recommendations by the highest-ranked CAPS members), 23 give Sappi Limited a green thumbs-up, and four give it a red thumbs-down.

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Sappi Limited is hold, with an average price target of $3.15.