Pernix Therapeutics Holdings (Nasdaq: PTX) reported earnings on March 18. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q4), Pernix Therapeutics Holdings whiffed on revenues and missed expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue contracted. Non-GAAP earnings per share shrank to a loss. GAAP earnings per share dropped to a loss.

Margins dropped across the board.

Revenue details
 Pernix Therapeutics Holdings reported revenue of $18.2 million. The six analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected a top line of $23.4 million on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 15% lower than the prior-year quarter's $21.4 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 -$0.03. The six earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ anticipated $0.03 per share. Non-GAAP EPS were -$0.03 for Q4 versus $0.16 per share for the prior-year quarter. GAAP EPS were -$0.05 for Q4 compared to $0.14 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 58.7%, much worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was -8.6%, much worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was -7.7%, much worse than the prior-year quarter. (Margins calculated in GAAP terms.)

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $28.3 million. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is -$0.05.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $119.7 million. The average EPS estimate is -$0.11.

Investor sentiment

Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on Pernix Therapeutics Holdings is outperform, with an average price target of $12.40.