American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) reported earnings on April 20. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended March 31 (Q1), American Electric Power met expectations on revenue and met expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue contracted slightly and GAAP earnings per share increased.

Gross margin contracted, operating margin shrank, and net margin expanded.

Revenue details
American Electric Power logged revenue of $3.60 billion. The four analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ hoped for a top line of $3.65 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 2.8% lower than the prior-year quarter's $3.73 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 $0.80. The 11 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ predicted $0.80 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.80 for Q1 were 9.6% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.73 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 38.4%, 40 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 20.7%, 160 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 10.7%, 120 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $3.58 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.70.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $15.12 billion. The average EPS estimate is $3.05.

Investor sentiment
Of Wall Street recommendations tracked by S&P Capital IQ, the average opinion on American Electric Power is outperform, with an average price target of $42.00.

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