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

The 10-second takeaway
 For the quarter ended Dec. 31 (Q4), American Electric Power beat slightly on revenues and beat expectations on earnings per share.

Compared to the prior-year quarter, revenue increased. Non-GAAP earnings per share increased significantly. GAAP earnings per share dropped significantly.

Gross margins expanded, operating margins increased, net margins dropped.

Revenue details
 American Electric Power notched revenue of $3.60 billion. The six analysts polled by S&P Capital IQ foresaw a top line of $3.56 billion on the same basis. GAAP reported sales were the same as the prior-year quarter's.

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 $0.50. The 14 earnings estimates compiled by S&P Capital IQ averaged $0.45 per share. Non-GAAP EPS of $0.50 for Q4 were 25% higher than the prior-year quarter's $0.40 per share. GAAP EPS of $0.04 for Q4 were 94% lower than the prior-year quarter's $0.64 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 32.3%, 370 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Operating margin was 14.8%, 340 basis points better than the prior-year quarter. Net margin was 0.6%, 830 basis points worse than the prior-year quarter.

Looking ahead
 Next quarter's average estimate for revenue is $3.75 billion. On the bottom line, the average EPS estimate is $0.81.

Next year's average estimate for revenue is $15.49 billion. The average EPS estimate is $3.15.

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 $45.72.

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