American Electric Power Company Earnings Preview: Analysts Expect Rising Revenue, Falling EPS

American Electric Power Company (NYSE: AEP) unveils its next round of earnings this Wednesday, October 26, 2011. Get the latest predictions in Benzinga's essential guide to the company's third quarter earnings report.

Earnings and Revenue:

Analysts are predicting an EPS reading of $1.13/share and revenues of $4.61 billion. American Electric Power Company's latest numbers will no doubt be compared with the company's year-ago quarter, when it reported a profit of $1.15/share on revenues of $4.1 billion. We'll have to wait for Wednesday to see if American Electric Power Company reports a decline in EPS and a boost in revenue from the year-ago quarter, as analysts are predicting.

Here's how the company's reported EPS has stacked up against analyst estimates in the past:

Stock Performance:

At last check, shares of American Electric Power Company were trading at $39.05. Since January 1st, shares of American Electric Power Company have given investors a return of 12.8%. For a full 12 months, the return has risen by 11.7%. Given that these returns are generally positive, long-term shareholders are probably satisfied going into this earnings release.

• Long-term shareholders are already enjoying 12-month gains prior to the announcement

Average Stock Rating:

The average rating by analysts for American Electric Power Company is a Hold. This rating has strengthened slightly over the past ninety days.

Competitors:

Wondering how American Electric Power Company compares to rivals in the same sector? Here are a few of the company's peers.

• Constellation Energy Group (NYSE: CEG): Hold with a $0.76 recent quarter EPS
• Cleco (NYSE: CNL): Hold with a $0.52 recent quarter EPS
• DPL (NYSE: DPL): Hold with a $0.33 recent quarter EPS
• Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK): Moderate Sell with a $0.33 recent quarter EPS

American Electric Power Company is in the utility-electric power industry, which has experienced price/earnings growth of 28%.

Finally, a description of the company's main areas of operation: American Electric Power is a public utility holding company that provides electric service, consisting of generation, transmission, and distribution, to its retail customers through subsidiaries.

Take Action:

Now that you've gotten an advanced peak at American Electric Power Company's upcoming earnings numbers, keep an eye out for any surprises in the report and be ready to take action. Also, check back in with us after the announcement for a full recap and a guide to your next steps.

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