American Electric Power (AEP) Gets Price Target Hikes from Evercore ISI and Argus

Core Viewpoint - American Electric Power Company, Inc. (AEP) is recognized as a potential candidate for becoming a Dividend Aristocrat, indicating its strong dividend performance and stability in the utility sector [1] Group 1: Price Target Increases - Evercore ISI raised its price target for AEP to $153 from $137 while maintaining an Outperform rating [2] - Argus Research also increased its price objective for AEP to $140 from $128, keeping a Buy rating, highlighting AEP's extensive operations across 11 states [3] Group 2: Earnings Guidance and Growth Outlook - During its Q4 2025 earnings call, AEP reaffirmed its 2026 full-year operating earnings guidance of $6.15 to $6.45 per share [4] - The company anticipates a long-term earnings growth rate of 7% to 9% from 2026 through 2030, supported by a $72 billion five-year capital plan [4] Group 3: Company Overview - AEP is a public utility holding company providing generation, transmission, and distribution services to over five million retail customers across multiple states including Arkansas, Indiana, and Texas [5]