11 Defensive Stocks Billionaires are Buying amid US Trade Tariff Uncertainty

5. American Electric Power Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:AEP)

Year to Date Returns as of July 29: 17.41%

Number of billionaires: 13

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 55

American Electric Power Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:AEP) is one of the defensive stocks that billionaires are buying amid US trade tariff uncertainty. On July 22, the company’s board of directors approved a regular quarterly dividend of $0.93 per share.

The dividend is payable on September 10, 2025, to shareholders of record as of August 8, 2025. The dividend offering represents a yield of 3.43%. Its payment will mark 461 consecutive quarterly cash dividends, affirming American Electric Power’s commitment to returning value to shareholders.

The quarterly dividend comes on the heels of the company announcing plans to invest $54 billion through 2029 to enhance customer service. The investment will also be used to support the company’s efforts to meet growing customer energy needs.

American Electric Power Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:AEP) operates one of the nation’s largest electric transmission networks. Its system comprises 40,000 line miles and over 225,000 miles of distribution lines. It provides power to over 5.6 million customers across 11 states.