First Trust Advisors 13F: Cuts AEP Stake by $37M

First Trust Advisors has reduced its stake in American Electric Power Company, Inc. (NasdaqGS: AEP) by 267,325 shares, according to its latest 13F filing with the SEC. This move, reported on May 13, 2026, reflects a 15.2% decrease in holdings. The fund now owns 1,488,974 shares valued at approximately $193.2 million.

What Changed in First Trust Advisors' American Electric Power Position

First Trust Advisors cut its American Electric Power holdings by 267,325 shares, bringing its total to 1,488,974 shares. This represents a 15.2% reduction from the previous quarter's 1,756,299 shares. The value of these holdings is about $193.2 million.

Other Institutional Activity in American Electric Power

Other major institutional investors have also adjusted their positions in American Electric Power. BlackRock, Inc. increased its holdings by 1,536,746 shares, ending up with 47,797,729 shares valued at approximately $6.27 billion. Vanguard Capital Management LLC and Vanguard Portfolio Management LLC both significantly increased their stakes, each adding over 15 million shares, now holding 35,138,422 and 15,608,556 shares, valued at $4.61 billion and $2.05 billion respectively. Meanwhile, GQG Partners LLC reduced its position by 1,876,988 shares to 15,025,884 shares, valued at about $1.97 billion.

American Electric Power Company, Inc. Stock Up 11.6%

Shares of American Electric Power (NasdaqGS: AEP) are trading near $129.75. The company has a market capitalization of $70.6 billion and a P/E ratio of 19.19. Its stock has a 52-week range between $100.8 and $139.44. The 50-day moving average is $131.31, while the 200-day moving average stands at $122.72. The company's beta is 0.518, indicating lower volatility compared to the market.

Recent Earnings

American Electric Power reported revenue of $22.43 billion, with a revenue growth of 10.2%. The company's net margin is 16.29%, and it has a return on equity of 12.59%. The next earnings report is expected on July 30, 2026.

Dividend

The company offers an annual dividend rate of $3.80, yielding 2.93%. The dividend payout ratio is 55.62%.

Insider Buying and Selling at American Electric Power Company, Inc.

Recent insider activity at American Electric Power includes sales by several executives. On May 1, 2026, Executive Vice President Greg Hall sold 4,306 shares at an average price of $136.91. Similarly, Controller and CAO Kate Dixon sold 636 shares, and President of AEP Transmission Douglas Cannon sold 1,770 shares on the same date. CEO and President William Fehrman sold 45 shares at $132.31 on March 10, 2026, but also purchased 96 shares on the same day.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Analysts have maintained their ratings on American Electric Power. On May 29, 2026, Truist Securities reiterated a 'buy' rating with a price target of $145. TD Cowen also maintained a 'buy' rating with a target of $148 on May 15, 2026. The consensus among 21 analysts is a 'buy' with a mean target price of $144.33.

About American Electric Power

American Electric Power Company, Inc., headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, is a leading electric utility holding company involved in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. The company serves both retail and wholesale customers across the United States through various segments such as Vertically Integrated Utilities and AEP Transmission Holdco. With about 25,000 megawatts of regulated owned generating capacity, AEP utilizes diverse energy sources including coal, nuclear, natural gas, and renewables.

Bottom Line

First Trust Advisors' reduction of its stake in American Electric Power is part of its latest 13F filing, reflecting holdings as of the end of the reporting period. Investors keep a close eye on such filings to gauge institutional sentiment. While the stock has shown stability, analysts maintain a positive outlook, supporting its position as a key player in the utilities sector.