American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) reported earnings on April 26. 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 revenues and met expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue grew. Non-GAAP earnings per share stayed the same. GAAP earnings per share shrank.

Margins dropped across the board.

Revenue details
 American Electric Power chalked up revenue of $3.80 billion. The six analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ foresaw sales of $3.79 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were 5.5% higher than the prior-year quarter's $3.63 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 15 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ predicted $0.81 per share. Non-GAAP EPS of $0.80 were the same as the prior-year quarter. GAAP EPS of $0.75 for Q1 were 6.3% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.80 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 37.2%, 130 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 20.5%, 30 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 9.5%, 120 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. (Margins calculated in GAAP terms.)

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $3.68 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.80.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $15.61 billion. The average EPS estimate is $3.16.

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 $47.58.

Can your portfolio provide you with enough income to last through retirement? You'll need more than American Electric Power. Learn how to maximize your investment income and "Secure Your Future With 9 Rock-Solid Dividend Stocks." Click here for instant access to this free report.