American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) is expected to report Q4 earnings around Jan. 27. Here's what Wall Street wants to see:

The 10-second takeaway
 Comparing the upcoming quarter to the prior-year quarter, average analyst estimates predict American Electric Power's revenues will grow 4.7% and EPS will expand 12.5%.

The average estimate for revenue is $3.56 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.45.

Revenue details
 Last quarter, American Electric Power reported revenue of $4.20 billion. GAAP reported sales were 4.1% lower than the prior-year quarter's $4.33 billion.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Dollar amounts in millions. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

EPS details
 Last quarter, non-GAAP EPS came in at $1.02. GAAP EPS of $1.00 for Q3 were 48% lower than the prior-year quarter's $1.92 per share.

Source: S&P Capital IQ. Quarterly periods. Non-GAAP figures may vary to maintain comparability with estimates.

Recent performance
 For the preceding quarter, gross margin was 39.0%, 120 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 22.3%, 30 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 11.7%, 970 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead

The full year's average estimate for revenue is $15.43 billion. The average EPS estimate is $3.04.

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 $44.72.

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