American Electric Power Co., Inc. AEP reported fourth-quarter 2017 operating earnings per share (EPS) of 85 cents, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 81 cents by 4.9%.The bottom line also improved 4.9% from 67 cents per share reported a year ago.For 2017, American Electric Power’s earnings were $3.68 per share, down from $3.94 from the year-ago period.Total RevenuesAmerican Electric’s fourth-quarter revenues of $3.8 billion were in line with the top line figure in the year-ago quarter. The reported figure surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.5 billion by 8.8%.In 2017, total revenues decreased 6.5% year over year from $16.4 billion to $15.4 billion.Quarterly HighlightsOperating expenses in the reported quarter were $1,713.7 million compared with $1,851.7 million a year ago.Operating income in the quarter was $420.1 million, up 27.1% from $330.4 million a year ago.Segmental PerformanceVertically Integrated Utility Operations: Operating earnings in the quarter rose to $179.4 million from $150.6 million a year ago.Transmission & Distribution Utilities: Operating earnings were $123.9 million in the quarter, up from $81.5 million a year ago.AEP Transmission Holdco: This segment generated an operating income of $78.5 million, up from $58.8 million recorded in the fourth quarter of 2016.Generation and Marketing: Operating earnings were $24.5 million, down from $47.8 million in the year-ago quarter.Corporate & Other: Operating earnings were $13.8 million, compared to operating loss of $8.3 million.American Electric Power Company, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise American Electric Power Company, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | American Electric Power Company, Inc. QuoteFinancial UpdateAs of Dec 31, 2017, American Electric had $412.6 million in cash and cash equivalents compared with $399.7 million as of Dec 31, 2016.Long-term debt was $19.03 billion as of Dec 31, 2017, compared with $17.38 billion as of Dec 31, 2016.Cash flow from operations was $4,284 million at the end of 2017 compared with $4,521.8 million at the end of 2016.GuidanceAmerican Electric has reaffirmed its 2018 operating earnings guidance in the range of $3.75-$3.95.Upcoming Peer ReleasesCenterPoint Energy, Inc. CNP is scheduled to report fourth-quarter 2017 results on Feb 22. The company carries a Zacks Rank #2.Exelon Corporation EXC is scheduled to report fourth-quarter 2017 results on Feb 7. The company carries a Zacks Rank #2.Edison International EIX is scheduled to report fourth-quarter 2017 results on Feb 20. The company carries a Zacks Rank #3.Zacks RankAmerican Electric carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.Today's Stocks from Zacks' Hottest StrategiesIt's hard to believe, even for us at Zacks. But while the market gained +18.8% from 2016 - Q1 2017, our top stock-picking screens have returned +157.0%, +128.0%, +97.8%, +94.7%, and +90.2% respectively.And this outperformance has not just been a recent phenomenon. Over the years it has been remarkably consistent. From 2000 - Q1 2017, the composite yearly average gain for these strategies has beaten themarket more than 11X over. Maybe even more remarkable is the fact that we're willing to share their latest stocks with you without cost or obligation.See Them Free>>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report American Electric Power Company, Inc. (AEP): Free Stock Analysis Report CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (CNP): Free Stock Analysis Report Exelon Corporation (EXC): Free Stock Analysis Report Edison International (EIX): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research