American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) is expected to report Q3 earnings around Oct. 19. 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 expand 7.0% and EPS will contract -12.0%.

The average estimate for revenue is $4.60 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $1.03.

Revenue details
 Last quarter, American Electric Power logged revenue of $3.60 billion. 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
 Last quarter, non-GAAP EPS came in at $0.77. 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.

Recent performance
 For the preceding quarter, gross margin was 40.0%, 320 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 21.2%, 130 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 10.2%, 40 basis points better than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead

The full year's average estimate for revenue is $15.36 billion. The average EPS estimate is $3.06.

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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