Icahn pushes for spinoffs at AEP

Article Excerpt

AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER CO. INC. $81 is a hold. Formed in 1906, this Columbus, Ohio-based company (New York symbol AEP; Utilities sector; Shares outstanding: 526.6 million; Market cap: $42.7 billion; Dividend yield: 4.4%; Takeover Target Rating: Medium; www.aep.com) generates and distributes electricity to 5.6 million customers in 11 U.S. states. Billionaire activist investor Carl Icahn, who owns 1% of AEP’s shares, recently secured two seats on the company’s board. AEP also removed its CEO, and is now looking for a permanent replacement. Icahn will probably push the company to sell or spin off more of its less-profitable businesses following several unfavourable regulatory decisions in 2023. For example, AEP recently sold its 50% stake in a New Mexico solar power project for $104 million. American Electric Power is a hold. hold. …