Merit Financial Group Boosts Stake in American Electric Power

Investment firm increases holdings in major utility company by 17.7%

Apr. 19, 2026 at 9:56am

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An extreme close-up of the heavy, industrial machinery and gears of an electric power substation, conveying the scale and complexity of the utility's infrastructure as a metaphor for its stability and long-term appeal to investors.An institutional investor's increased stake in American Electric Power reflects the stability and long-term appeal of the utility's diversified assets and regulated business model.Columbus Today

Merit Financial Group LLC, an institutional investor, has increased its position in American Electric Power Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:AEP) by 17.7% in the fourth quarter, according to a recent SEC filing. The firm now owns 63,526 shares of the utility company's stock, valued at $7.325 million.

Why it matters

This transaction highlights the continued interest from institutional investors in American Electric Power, a major electric utility serving customers across multiple states. The increase in Merit Financial Group's stake suggests confidence in AEP's long-term prospects and the stability of its regulated business model.

The details

According to the filing, Merit Financial Group purchased an additional 9,532 shares of AEP stock during the fourth quarter. This brings the firm's total holdings in the company to 63,526 shares. American Electric Power is one of the largest investor-owned electric utilities in the United States, operating a diverse portfolio of generation assets and an extensive high-voltage transmission network.

  • The transaction was reported in Merit Financial Group's 13F filing for the fourth quarter of 2025.
  • The additional 9,532 shares were purchased during the fourth quarter of 2025.

The players

Merit Financial Group LLC

An institutional investor and registered investment advisor based in the United States.

American Electric Power Company, Inc.

A major investor-owned electric utility headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, serving retail customers through regulated utility subsidiaries and providing wholesale power and grid services across multiple regional markets.

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The takeaway

This transaction reflects the continued appeal of American Electric Power's stable, regulated business model and its position as a leading electric utility in the United States. The increase in Merit Financial Group's stake suggests that institutional investors see long-term value in AEP's diversified generation assets and extensive transmission network.