Beacon Capital Management Cuts Stake in American Electric Power

Beacon Capital Management LLC has reduced its investment in American Electric Power Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:AEP), as revealed in their latest SEC filings for the fourth quarter. The investment firm's holdings in the utility company decreased by 24.3%, leaving them with 851 shares after the sale of 273 shares during the quarter. The value of Beacon Capital Management LLC's holdings in American Electric Power was estimated at approximately $64,000 at the close of the same quarter.

Investment Adjustments Among Large Investors

FSC Wealth Advisors LLC significantly increased its stake in American Electric Power by 222.0% during the third quarter, now owning 351 shares worth roughly $26,000. Fairfield Bush & CO. established a new position in the second quarter valued at the same amount. Another new investment in American Electric Power was initiated by Penserra Capital Management LLC in the first quarter, valued at $27,000. Pacifica Partners Inc. boosted their share count by an impressive 2,343.8% in the third quarter, bringing their new valuation to $28,000. Additionally, in the fourth quarter, True Wealth Design LLC entered into a new position worth $28,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds collectively hold 74.68% of American Electric Power's stock.

Overview of American Electric Power's Stock Performance

The company's shares began trading at $82.11 on the highlighted Friday, with a market cap of $43.20 billion. American Electric Power has shown a P/E ratio of 19.32, a P/E/G ratio of 2.93, and a beta of 0.51. Its 50-day and 200-day simple moving averages are $80.74 and $79.00, respectively. Additionally, the firm sustains a current ratio of 0.53, a quick ratio of 0.36, and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.49. Over the last year, the company's stock has fluctuated between a low of $69.38 and a high of $96.05.

American Electric Power reported quarterly earnings on February 27th, with an EPS of $1.23, falling short of the consensus forecast by $0.03. The company's quarterly revenue stood at $4.60 billion, again missing the estimated $5.12 billion. Despite falling 6.1% in revenue from the previous year, American Electric Power maintained a return on equity of 11.04% and a net margin of 11.64%. Analysts predict an EPS of 5.55 for the current financial year.

Recent Dividend and Analyst Perspectives

American Electric Power has recently issued dividends, with the latest quarterly payment of $0.88 per share dispatched to recorded shareholders as of February 9th, with an ex-dividend date of February 8th. This results in an annualized return of $3.52 per share, yielding 4.29%. The dividend payout ratio stands at 82.82% of earnings.

Several analysts have updated their ratings on the company's stock. American Electric Power has been downgraded to a 'sell' rating by one firm, while BMO Capital Markets and Cfra have both endorsed the company with positive target price revisions in their research notes. On the contrary, UBS Group downgraded their rating of the stock to 'sell' and lowered their price target. Overall, the company's stock is rated as 'Hold' with an average target price of $87.08 based on varied analyst opinions.

Company Profile Highlight

American Electric Power Company, Inc. operates as a public utility holding company in the United States, focusing on the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. Its operational scope includes Vertically Integrated Utilities, Transmission and Distribution Utilities, AEP Transmission Holdco, and Generation & Marketing segments.

Beacon, Investment, Electric