Twenty-one research analysts covering American Electric Power have delivered an average recommendation of Moderate Buy based on the most recent MarketBeat survey. Among those, one analyst recommends selling the shares, nine recommend holding and nine recommend buying, while two analysts rate the shares as a strong buy. This distribution marks an improvement in sentiment compared with six months earlier, when buy and strong-buy recommendations combined for just 38% of the total. The consensus twelve-month target price across these brokers stands at 127.29.

In the past two months, several firms have adjusted their outlook for American Electric Power. Mizuho raised its twelve-month target from 113.00 to 123.00 and maintained a neutral stance on October 30. Citigroup lifted its target from 111.00 to 132.00 while also retaining a neutral recommendation on October 31. Wells Fargo increased its objective from 132.00 to 139.00 on October 30, reflecting confidence in the company’s transmission network investments. Morgan Stanley set a 120.00 target in mid-December, citing stable regulated earnings and ongoing infrastructure modernization plans.

Director Benjamin G. S. Fowke III sold 5,000 shares on December 12 at an average of 115.07 per share, reducing his holding by 16.18% to 25,898 shares. This transaction, valued at 575,350, was disclosed via SEC filing. Hedge funds and institutional investors continue to back the utility: Harbor Capital Advisors and Meeder Asset Management each initiated small positions valued at 26,000 in the third quarter. Dogwood Wealth Management boosted its stake by 330.2% to 228 shares during the same period, while Advantage Trust Co and Montag A & Associates increased their holdings by 57.1% and 166.0%, respectively. Overall, 75.24% of the company’s shares are held by institutional investors and hedge funds.