RockTenn, the Norcross-based paperboard and packaging maker, reported a record profit in the fiscal third quarter despite a drop in sales.

The company, which offset the sales decline through cost containment measures, reported earnings per share of $2.24 compared with 49 cents in the year-ago quarter. The results include charges related to an alternative fuel tax credit, which expires in December.

Excluding that charge, RockTenn said it earned $1.44 per share in the quarter, compared with 70 cents for the same period last year.

-- Péralte C. Paul

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