AEP

Over the past six months, AEP's stock decreased by 2.46% in the last month and 9.98% over the last three months, though its year-to-date return was 6.09% and a 3.51% increase over the last 12 months. Key influences include strong data-center-driven demand growth, leading to a significant capital plan of approximately $78 billion for 2026-2030. AEP also raised its full-year 2026 operating EPS guidance due to stronger-than-expected electricity demand from data centers and industrial customers, with commercial load in its vertically integrated segment surging by 14.9% in Q2 2026. Regulatory developments, such as a settlement in its SWEPCO rate case improving Return on Equity to 9.53% and updated FERC filings for the Niagara Project, were also in focus. However, the broader utilities sector, including AEP, faced pressure from rising Treasury yields and oil-driven inflation worries.