American Electric Power Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:AEP) is included among the The best low-risk stocks for a retirement stock portfolio.

Barclays raised their target price on American Electric Power Company, Inc. in a report on January 22. (NASDAQ:AEP) to $121 from $117. The company maintained an equal weight rating. The upgrade came as the company upgraded ratings for the energy and utilities group ahead of fourth-quarter earnings.

AEP has also received more attention from investors. In a recent segment on CNBC, Ritholtz Wealth Management’s Sean Russo singled out the firm as a standout within the utilities space. American Electric Power is conducting one of the largest grid modernization programs in the US, focused on expanding transmission capacity and improving reliability. Management has said demand expectations continue to rise, driven by electrification and rapid data center growth, underscoring the need for continued investment in its regulated assets.

The company’s five-year capital plan totals $72 billion and includes commitments to customers for about 20 gigawatts of additional power by 2030. That demand is being fueled by data centers, manufacturing relocation and broader economic development. AEP also pays a dividend yield of approximately 3.26%.

American Electric Power Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:AEP) is a regulated electric utility holding company whose subsidiaries provide electricity generation, transmission and distribution services.

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