What is the main purpose of this 8-K filing?

The primary purpose of this 8-K filing is to disclose and reaffirm American Electric Power's (AEP) ongoing earnings per share guidance for the 2009 fiscal year to ensure compliance with Regulation FD (Fair Disclosure).

What is AEP's reaffirmed earnings guidance for 2009?

AEP has reaffirmed its ongoing earnings per share guidance for the 2009 fiscal year to be in the range of $2.75 to $3.05.

Why does AEP emphasize 'ongoing earnings' over GAAP earnings?

AEP management believes that ongoing earnings, which are GAAP earnings adjusted for certain items, provide a more meaningful representation of the company's performance and operational results. This adjusted metric is used for both internal performance tracking and external communication with investors and analysts.

What are some of the risks that could affect AEP's future performance?

The filing lists several potential risk factors, including electric load and customer growth, weather conditions, fuel costs and availability, generating capacity performance, regulatory decisions (like rate cases and environmental compliance), litigation, economic conditions in its service territory, changes in financial markets, and commodity price volatility.

AEP 8-K: Regulation FD — May 20, 2009

Summary

This 8-K filing by American Electric Power Co., Inc. (AEP) on May 20, 2009, primarily serves as a Regulation FD disclosure. The company is reaffirming its previously issued guidance for ongoing earnings per share (EPS) for the full fiscal year 2009, which remains in the range of $2.75 to $3.05. This guidance was initially communicated on April 24, 2009. Management emphasizes that "ongoing earnings," which adjust GAAP earnings for certain items, are considered a more meaningful measure of performance and are used internally and externally for reporting and strategic planning.

Key Highlights

1AEP reaffirms its 2009 ongoing earnings per share guidance of $2.75 to $3.05.
2The reaffirmation of guidance is being communicated during investor meetings on May 20 and May 27, 2009.
3The company utilizes 'ongoing earnings' as its primary performance metric, adjusted from GAAP earnings.
4Ongoing earnings are used for communicating the earnings outlook and results to analysts and investors.
5Management also uses ongoing earnings internally for performance measurement against budget and reporting to the board of directors.
6The filing includes standard forward-looking statements and disclaimers about potential risks and uncertainties that could impact actual results.

AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER CO INC 8-K Report, Regulation FD Disclosure (May 20, 2009)

Summary

Key Highlights

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