Is American Electric Power Stock Underperforming the Nasdaq?

Company Overview - American Electric Power Company, Inc. (AEP) has a market cap of $57.5 billion and serves over 5.6 million customers across 11 states, generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity through a diverse energy portfolio including coal, natural gas, nuclear, renewables, hydro, solar, and wind [1][2]. Stock Performance - AEP shares have declined 6.2% from their 52-week high of $115.36, while the stock has risen 6.6% over the past three months, underperforming the Nasdaq Composite's 11.3% increase during the same period [3]. - Over the past 52 weeks, AEP shares have gained 4.3%, lagging behind the Nasdaq's 29.2% return, but are up 17.2% year-to-date, outperforming the Nasdaq's nearly 13% gain [4]. Recent Financial Results - On July 30, AEP shares climbed 3.7% after posting stronger-than-expected Q2 2025 results, with adjusted EPS of $1.43 and revenue of $5.1 billion, driven by higher electricity rates from rate case proceedings [6]. - AEP reaffirmed its full-year profit guidance of $5.75 to $5.95 per share, now expected toward the upper end, and plans to unveil a $70 billion five-year capital plan to meet rising U.S. energy demand [6]. Analyst Sentiment - Analysts maintain a moderately optimistic outlook on AEP, with a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" from 19 analysts and a mean price target of $115.86, representing a 7.1% premium to current levels [7].