American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) reported earnings on July 27. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
For the quarter ended June 30 (Q2), American Electric Power met expectations on revenue and beat expectations on earnings per share.

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

Margins expanded across the board.

Revenue details
American Electric Power booked revenue of $3.60 billion. The four analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ expected to see sales of $3.61 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 1.6% lower than the prior-year quarter's $3.61 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 $0.77. The 12 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ predicted $0.71 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.75 for Q2 were 2.7% 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 39.7%, 290 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 20.9%, 100 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 10.2%, 40 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $4.60 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.05.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $15.43 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 $41.81.

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