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WEC Energy Group Inc (WEC)
NYSE:WEC

WEC Energy Group (WEC) AI Stock Analysis

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WEC Energy Group

(NYSE:WEC)

75Outperform
WEC Energy Group displays a stable financial foundation and promising growth prospects backed by a substantial capital plan and consistent dividend increases. The stock's moderate valuation and technical indicators support a positive outlook, although challenges such as regulatory issues and weather impacts present risks. Overall, WEC is well-positioned in the utilities sector, balancing profitability with substantial infrastructure investments.
Positive Factors
Growth Potential
The company plans to bring online approximately 800MWs of solar energy between the fourth quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, potentially providing significant growth momentum.
Regulatory Environment
The constructive outcome in the recently completed Wisconsin rate case contributes to a more favorable regulatory environment for WEC.
Negative Factors
Regulatory Challenges
Regulatory proceedings in Illinois continue to be challenging, though they have a diminishing impact on WEC's overall results.
Valuation Concerns
WEC shares are currently trading at a 5-6% premium compared to peers, which may limit further valuation growth despite strong execution and regulatory successes.

WEC Energy Group (WEC) vs. S&P 500 (SPY)

WEC Energy Group Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionWEC Energy Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides regulated natural gas and electricity, and renewable and nonregulated renewable energy services in the United States. The company operates through six segments: Wisconsin, Illinois, Other States, Electric Transmission, Non-Utility Energy Infrastructure, and Corporate and Other. It generates and distributes electricity from coal, natural gas, oil, hydroelectric, wind, solar, and biomass sources; provides electric transmission services; offers retail natural gas distribution services; transports natural gas; and generates, distributes, and sells steam. As of December 31, 2021, it operated approximately 35,800 miles of overhead distribution lines and 35,600 miles of underground distribution cables, as well as 440 electric distribution substations and 510,500 line transformers; 50,900 miles of natural gas distribution mains; 1,200 miles of natural gas transmission mains; 2.3 million natural gas lateral services; 500 natural gas distribution and transmission gate stations; and 68.2 billion cubic feet of working gas capacities in underground natural gas storage fields. The company was formerly known as Wisconsin Energy Corporation and changed its name to WEC Energy Group, Inc. in June 2015. WEC Energy Group, Inc. was incorporated in 1981 and is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
How the Company Makes MoneyWEC Energy Group makes money primarily through the generation, distribution, and sale of electricity and natural gas. The company's revenue streams are largely derived from regulated utility operations, where it charges customers based on their energy consumption. These rates are set and approved by state regulatory commissions, ensuring a stable and predictable income. Additionally, WEC Energy Group invests in infrastructure projects, such as renewable energy initiatives, which can provide long-term cost savings and potential tax incentives. The company's earnings are also supported by strategic partnerships and acquisitions that expand its service territory and customer base, further enhancing its revenue-generating capabilities.

WEC Energy Group Financial Statement Overview

Summary
WEC Energy Group maintains a strong financial position, with stable profitability and efficient operations. While the revenue growth shows some fluctuation, the company is resilient in managing costs and generating healthy cash flows. The balance sheet reflects a sound financial position, although there is room for improvement in reducing leverage.
Income Statement
80
Positive
WEC Energy Group shows a stable financial performance with a strong gross profit margin of 44.0% and a solid net profit margin of 17.7% in 2024, indicating efficient cost management and profitability. The revenue growth rate shows fluctuations, with a decline of 3.3% from 2023 to 2024, but overall, the company remains profitable with consistent EBIT and EBITDA margins.
Balance Sheet
75
Positive
The balance sheet reflects a sound financial position with a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.62, which is manageable within the utilities sector. Return on equity stands at 12.3%, showing good returns for shareholders. The equity ratio of 26.2% indicates a stable capital structure, though there is room for improvement in reducing leverage.
Cash Flow
70
Positive
WEC Energy Group demonstrates healthy operating cash flows with an operating cash flow to net income ratio of 2.11, highlighting strong cash generation relative to profits. However, free cash flow shows volatility, with a negative growth rate over the years, reflecting high capital expenditures typical for the industry.
Breakdown
Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income StatementTotal Revenue
8.60B8.89B9.60B8.32B7.24B
Gross Profit
3.79B3.60B3.30B3.00B2.89B
EBIT
2.15B1.91B1.92B1.71B1.71B
EBITDA
3.52B3.53B3.15B2.86B2.72B
Net Income Common Stockholders
1.52B1.33B1.41B1.30B1.20B
Balance SheetCash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments
9.80M42.90M28.90M16.30M24.80M
Total Assets
47.36B43.94B41.87B38.99B37.03B
Total Debt
20.02B18.80B17.29B15.59B14.29B
Net Debt
20.01B18.75B17.27B15.57B14.27B
Total Liabilities
34.56B31.87B30.26B27.88B26.37B
Stockholders Equity
12.39B11.75B11.41B10.94B10.50B
Cash FlowFree Cash Flow
430.70M525.50M-273.40M-220.10M-42.80M
Operating Cash Flow
3.21B3.02B2.06B2.03B2.20B
Investing Cash Flow
-3.80B-3.56B-2.64B-2.31B-2.81B
Financing Cash Flow
467.70M522.80M676.40M294.00M601.10M

WEC Energy Group Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price105.51
Price Trends
50DMA
104.62
Positive
100DMA
100.33
Positive
200DMA
94.66
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
1.14
Positive
RSI
61.47
Neutral
STOCH
87.03
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For WEC, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 105.51 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 106.46, above the 50-day MA of 104.62, and above the 200-day MA of 94.66, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 1.14 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 61.47 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 87.03 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for WEC.

WEC Energy Group Risk Analysis

WEC Energy Group disclosed 31 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. WEC Energy Group reported the most risks in the “Production” category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

WEC Energy Group Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (65)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
DTDTE
77
Outperform
$27.08B19.2812.32%3.23%-1.13%0.16%
ETETR
75
Outperform
$34.86B32.927.04%2.89%-2.20%-55.73%
WEWEC
75
Outperform
$33.30B21.6312.64%3.25%-3.30%14.40%
EDED
74
Outperform
$38.10B20.188.44%3.16%4.23%-27.02%
XEXEL
69
Neutral
$39.40B19.9410.43%3.23%-5.25%7.11%
65
Neutral
$11.78B15.576.20%4.58%5.53%-8.93%
PCPCG
64
Neutral
$36.87B14.589.10%0.42%-0.04%6.80%
* Utilities Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
WEC
WEC Energy Group
106.96
30.82
40.48%
ED
Consolidated Edison
109.84
24.19
28.24%
DTE
DTE Energy
128.75
26.09
25.41%
ETR
Entergy
80.28
30.63
61.69%
PCG
PG&E
16.92
0.38
2.30%
XEL
Xcel Energy
68.41
17.09
33.30%

WEC Energy Group Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date: Feb 4, 2025 | % Change Since: 5.94% | Next Earnings Date: May 6, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
WEC Energy Group demonstrated strong financial performance and growth prospects with a robust capital plan, despite some weather-related impacts and project delays. The economic growth in Wisconsin and continued dividend increases are positive indicators. However, challenges such as regulatory proceedings in Illinois and project delays with Microsoft were noted.
Highlights
Strong Full-Year Financial Performance
WEC Energy Group reported full-year 2024 adjusted earnings of $4.88 per share, representing an increase of $0.25 per share over 2023 adjusted earnings.
Robust Capital Plan
WEC Energy Group announced a $28 billion five-year capital plan, which is the largest in the company's history, including $9.1 billion planned investment in 4,300 megawatts of renewable energy.
Economic Growth in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin unemployment rate stands at 3%, below the national average, with significant investments from companies like Eli Lilly and Microsoft in the region.
Dividend Increase
The Board increased the dividend by 6.9% to an annualized $3.57 per share, marking the 22nd consecutive year of increased dividends.
Infrastructure Business Growth
Projects like Delilah I and Maple Flats solar went online, with a total investment of $890 million for 550 megawatts of capacity.
Lowlights
Weather-Related Earnings Impact
The warmest winter on record led to an estimated weather headwind of $0.25 per share compared to normal conditions.
Microsoft Project Delays
Microsoft paused construction to evaluate technical designs, which affected project timelines, although these changes are not expected to impact WEC Energy Group's capital plan.
Regulatory Challenges in Illinois
WEC Energy Group is engaged in proceedings evaluating the future of natural gas in Illinois, with a decision expected this quarter.
Company Guidance
During WEC Energy Group's conference call discussing the fiscal year 2024 results, the company provided guidance for 2025, projecting earnings per share in the range of $5.17 to $5.27, with a long-term compound annual growth rate target of 6.5% to 7%. The company highlighted a robust $28 billion five-year capital plan, including $9.1 billion allocated for 4,300 megawatts of renewable energy investments. Significant economic developments were noted, such as Eli Lilly's $3 billion expansion and Microsoft's $3.3 billion data center project, which align with WEC's growth projections. The Wisconsin unemployment rate remains low at 3%. WEC also discussed its regulatory environment, confirming no current rate cases, and maintaining a 9.8% return on equity for Wisconsin Utilities. The company plans to issue $700 million to $800 million in common equity in 2025, contributing to the expected $2.7 billion to $3.2 billion total over five years.

WEC Energy Group Corporate Events

DividendsBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
WEC Energy Group Highlights Strategic Initiatives and Growth
Positive
Apr 4, 2025

WEC Energy Group announced its participation in investor meetings, highlighting its consistent financial performance and strategic initiatives. The company has achieved 21 consecutive years of meeting or exceeding earnings guidance and continues to demonstrate robust dividend growth. Additionally, WEC Energy Group has proposed a new tariff for very large customers in Wisconsin, aimed at meeting their unique needs while protecting other stakeholders. The company is also involved in significant regional growth projects, including Microsoft’s $3.3 billion data center in Mount Pleasant, which is expected to create thousands of jobs and drive substantial energy demand.

DividendsBusiness Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
WEC Energy Group Highlights Strategic Growth Plans
Positive
Mar 3, 2025

In March 2025, WEC Energy Group announced its participation in upcoming investor meetings, highlighting its consistent financial performance and strategic growth plans. The company has demonstrated robust earnings and dividend growth, with a 6.9% increase in dividends for 2025 and a strong focus on infrastructure investments, including a $28 billion capital plan for 2025-2029. Additionally, the Illinois Commerce Commission lifted a pause on the Safety Modernization Program, directing Peoples Gas to replace certain pipelines by 2035, which WEC is evaluating for its operational impact.

DividendsBusiness Operations and Strategy
WEC Energy Group Announces Major Dividend Increase
Positive
Feb 7, 2025

WEC Energy Group has announced a significant increase in its dividend by 6.9% to an annual rate of $3.57 per share, marking the 22nd consecutive year of dividend growth. The company is included in the S&P’s High Yield Dividend Aristocrats Index for its strong performance. Additionally, WEC Energy has outlined its largest five-year capital plan in company history, totaling $28 billion from 2025-2029, aiming to support robust regional growth, particularly around Milwaukee and the Chicago corridor, with increased electric demand forecasted to add 1,800 MW by 2029.

Glossary
OutperformA stock rated as "Outperform" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider this stock a good buying opportunity.
NeutralA stock rated as "Neutral" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly attractive nor unattractive for investment. Investors may consider holding onto the stock, as it is not expected to either significantly outperform or underperform the market.
UnderperformA stock rated as "Underperform" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests that the stock may deliver lower returns compared to the average returns of other stocks in the same sector or market index. Investors might consider selling the stock or avoiding it as an investment.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.