American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP) reported earnings on Oct. 26. Here are the numbers you need to know.

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Sep. 30 (Q3), American Electric Power missed estimates on revenues and met expectations on earnings per share.

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

Gross margins grew, operating margins contracted, net margins contracted.

Revenue details
 American Electric Power reported revenue of $4.20 billion. The six analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ looked for revenue of $4.61 billion on the same basis. 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
 EPS came in at $1.02. The 14 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ forecast $1.03 per share. 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.

Margin details
 For the quarter, gross margin was 39.0%, 120 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 21.9%, 70 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 11.7%, 970 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $3.77 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.45.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $15.50 billion.

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