Gain detailed insights into the trading activity of Congress members for WEC Energy Group on our government trades page. Stay updated on how elected officials are investing in WEC.

WEC Energy Group - Government Trades

WEC Energy Group

WEC Energy Group's electric and gas utility businesses serve electric and gas customers in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin service territories. The company also owns a 60% stake in American Transmission Co. WEC's asset mix is approximately 48% electric generation and distribution, 36% gas distribution, 10% electric transmission, and 6% unregulated renewable energy.

WEC Energy Gr

Business,Partnership,Meeting,Concept.,Image,Businessmans,Handshake.,Successful,Businessmen,Handshaking

Equities

Large Cap

News

ECLN

PowerShares ETF Trust Dynamic Utilities Portfolio

WEC Energy to acquire 90% ownership of Delilah I Solar Energy Center for $459 million. Commercial operation expected by June. Exciting addition to clean energy portfolio.

What&#39;s Going On With WEC Energy Shares Monday?

Earnings

Earnings Beats

Markets

Trading Ideas

FirstEnergy (NYSE: FE) reported first-quarter 2024 operating earnings of 55 cents per share, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 53 cents by 3.8%. However, the bottom line decreased 8.3% from the year-ago quarter&#39;s figure of 60 cents.

FirstEnergy Q1 Earnings Beat Estimates, Revenues Lag

Price Target

Pre-Market Outlook

Analyst Ratings

AMZN

DECK

HOLX

LANC

MCHP

NYCB

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades and downgrades, please see our analyst ratings page.

Amazon To Rally Over 41%? Here Are 10 Top Analyst Forecasts For Friday

Analyst Color

Upgrades

Downgrades

Reiteration

11 Utility Stocks Get New Ratings, Forecasts After Recent Volatility: &#39;Higher Quality ... Low Valuation&#39;

Initiation

MSFT

RBC Capital Markets analyst Shelby Tucker initiated coverage of WEC Energy Group Inc (NYSE: WEC) with a Sector Perform rating 

WEC Energy Is &#39;Leader Of The Pack&#39; With Strong Prospect In Wisconsin, Analyst Says

WEC Energy: A Brighter Outlook Despite Regulatory Hurdles, Says Analyst

Long Ideas

RGCO

The most oversold stocks in the utilities sector presents an opportunity to buy into undervalued companies.

Top 4 Utilities Stocks That Could Lead To Your Biggest Gains In Q2

Guidance

WEC Energy Q1 Earnings Beat Despite Lower Energy Consumption, 2023 Outlook Reaffirmed

Penny Stocks

Eurozone

Commodities

Global

Intraday Update

APEI

BLCM

CASA

JNCE

SMAR

THMO

U.S. stocks traded lower midway through trading, with the Nasdaq Composite dropping more than 100 points on Wednesday.

The Dow traded down 1.52% to 31,665.62 while the NASDAQ fell 1% to 11,314.36. The S&amp;P 500, also fell, dropping, 1.36% to 3,865.91.

Nasdaq Down Over 100 Points; Crude Oil Drops 5%

Mid Cap

Dividends

Real Estate

As the threat of high inflation and rising interest rates looms into 2023, investors are turning to the top recession-proof stocks that can withstand a potential downturn. These include dividend stocks with pricing power, low debt, and essential products that generate steady cash flow.

Here are three stocks that could be worth considering.

So Much For A Soft Landing, 3 Dividend Stocks For Passive Income To Help Weather A Recession

WEC Energy Group Inc

WHITE ENERGY CO LTD by White Energy Company Ltd.

White Energy Co Ltd

WeCommerce Holdings Ltd Ordinary Shares - Class A

WECAPITAL HOLDINGS INC by WeCapital Holdings, Inc

WeCapital Holdings Inc

<p>WEC Energy Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEC#NYSE">WEC</a>) has been analyzed by 4 analysts in the last three months, revealing a diverse range of perspectives from bullish to bearish.</p>
<p>The following table summarizes their recent ratings, shedding light on the changing sentiments within the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.</p>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Bullish</strong></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Somewhat Bullish</strong></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Indifferent</strong></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Somewhat Bearish</strong></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Bearish</strong></th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><strong>Total Ratings</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Last 30D</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>1M Ago</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>2M Ago</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>3M Ago</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Analysts provide deeper insights through their assessments of 12-month price targets, revealing an average target of $88.0, a high estimate of $95.00, and a low estimate of $80.00. A 0.28% drop is evident in the current average compared to the previous average price target of $88.25. </p>
<p><img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1721674826_0.png" alt="price target chart" /></p>
<h2>Analyzing Analyst Ratings: A Detailed Breakdown</h2>
<p>The analysis of recent analyst actions sheds light on the perception of WEC Energy Group by financial experts. The following summary presents key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.</p>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Sophie Karp</td>
<td>Keybanc</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$95.00</td>
<td>$96.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>James Thalacker</td>
<td>BMO Capital</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Market Perform</td>
<td>$87.00</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Eric Beaumont</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Underweight</td>
<td>$80.00</td>
<td>$78.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>James Thalacker</td>
<td>BMO Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Market Perform</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
<td>$89.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Action Taken:</strong> Analysts respond to changes in market conditions and company performance, frequently updating their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to WEC Energy Group. This information offers a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li><strong>Rating:</strong> Analysts unravel qualitative evaluations for stocks, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings offer insights into expectations for the relative performance of WEC Energy Group compared to the broader market.</li>
<li><strong>Price Targets:</strong> Analysts explore the dynamics of price targets, providing estimates for the future value of WEC Energy Group's stock. This examination reveals shifts in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
<p>For valuable insights into WEC Energy Group's market performance, consider these analyst evaluations alongside crucial financial indicators. Stay well-informed and make prudent decisions using our Ratings Table.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WEC/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights"><strong>Stay up to date on WEC Energy Group analyst ratings.</strong></a></p>
<h2>About WEC Energy Group</h2>
<p>WEC Energy Group's electric and gas utility businesses serve electric and gas customers in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin service territories. The company also owns a 60% stake in American Transmission Co. WEC's asset mix is approximately 48% electric generation and distribution, 36% gas distribution, 10% electric transmission, and 6% unregulated renewable energy.</p>
<h3>Unraveling the Financial Story of WEC Energy Group</h3>
<p><strong>Market Capitalization Analysis:</strong> Above industry benchmarks, the company's market capitalization emphasizes a noteworthy size, indicative of a strong market presence.</p>
<p><strong>Revenue Challenges:</strong> WEC Energy Group's revenue growth over 3 months faced difficulties. As of 31 March, 2024, the company experienced a decline of approximately <strong>-7.2%</strong>. This indicates a decrease in top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Utilities sector, the company excelled with a growth rate higher than the average among peers.</p>
<p><strong>Net Margin:</strong> The company's net margin is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive net margin of <strong>23.22%,</strong> the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost control.</p>
<p><strong>Return on Equity (ROE):</strong> WEC Energy Group's ROE excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching <strong>5.22%</strong>. This signifies robust financial management and efficient use of shareholder equity capital.</p>
<p><strong>Return on Assets (ROA):</strong> WEC Energy Group's ROA excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching <strong>1.42%</strong>. This signifies efficient management of assets and strong financial health.</p>
<p><strong>Debt Management:</strong> WEC Energy Group's debt-to-equity ratio is below industry norms, indicating a sound financial structure with a ratio of <strong>1.53</strong>.</p>
<h2>The Basics of Analyst Ratings</h2>
<p>Ratings come from analysts, or specialists within banking and financial systems that report for specific stocks or defined sectors (typically once per quarter for each stock). Analysts usually derive their information from company conference calls and meetings, financial statements, and conversations with important insiders to reach their decisions.</p>
<p>Some analysts will also offer forecasts for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue to provide further guidance on stocks. Investors who use analyst ratings should note that this specialized advice comes from humans and may be subject to error.</p>
<p>This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.</p>


The Analyst Landscape: 4 Takes On WEC Energy Group

<p>Keybanc  analyst Sophie Karp   maintains WEC Energy Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEC#NYSE">WEC</a>) with a Overweight and lowers the price target from $96 to $95.</p>


Keybanc Maintains Overweight on WEC Energy Group, Lowers Price Target to $95

<p>BMO Capital  analyst James Thalacker   maintains WEC Energy Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEC#NYSE">WEC</a>) with a Market Perform and lowers the price target from $90 to $87.</p>


BMO Capital Maintains Market Perform on WEC Energy Group, Lowers Price Target to $87

<p>Barclays  analyst Eric Beaumont   maintains WEC Energy Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEC#NYSE">WEC</a>) with a Underweight and raises the price target from $78 to $80.</p>


Barclays Maintains Underweight on WEC Energy Group, Raises Price Target to $80

<p>WEC Energy Group granted the initial purchasers of the convertible notes an option to purchase, within a 13-day period beginning on, and including, the date the convertible notes are first issued, up to an additional&nbsp;$112,500,000&nbsp;in aggregate principal amount of the 2027 convertible notes and up to an additional&nbsp;$112,500,000&nbsp;in aggregate principal amount of the 2029 convertible notes. The offering is expected to close on&nbsp;May 28, 2024, subject to customary closing conditions.</p>
<p>The convertible notes will be senior, unsecured obligations of WEC Energy Group.&nbsp; Interest on the convertible notes will be paid semiannually, at a rate of&nbsp;4.375%&nbsp;per annum (in the case of the 2027 convertible notes) and at a rate of&nbsp;4.375%&nbsp;per annum (in the case of the 2029 convertible notes).&nbsp; The convertible notes will mature on&nbsp;June 1, 2027&nbsp;(in the case of the 2027 convertible notes) and&nbsp;June 1, 2029&nbsp;(in the case of the 2029 convertible notes), unless earlier converted or repurchased in accordance with their terms or (in the case of the 2029 convertible notes) redeemed by WEC Energy Group.</p>


WEC Energy Prices $750M 4.375% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2027 And $750M 4.375% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2029

<p>BMO Capital  analyst James Thalacker   maintains WEC Energy Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEC#NYSE">WEC</a>) with a Market Perform and raises the price target from $89 to $90.</p>


BMO Capital Maintains Market Perform on WEC Energy Group, Raises Price Target to $90

WEC Energy Reaffirms 2024 EPS Guidance Of $4.80-$4.90 Vs. Consensus Of $4.89

<p>WEC Energy Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEC#NYSE">WEC</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $1.97 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $1.91 by 3.14 percent. This is a 22.36 percent increase over earnings of $1.61 per share from the same period last year.  The company reported quarterly sales of $2.680 billion which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $2.916 billion by 8.11 percent.  This is a 7.20 percent decrease over sales of $2.888 billion the same period last year.</p>


Earnings Misses

WEC Energy Group Q1 2024 GAAP EPS $1.97 Beats $1.91 Estimate, Sales $2.680B Miss $2.916B Estimate

<p><strong>WEC Energy Group, Inc.&nbsp;</strong>(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEC#NYSE">WEC</a>) shares are trading higher after the company inked a deal to acquire a 90% ownership interest in the Delilah I&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/04/n38487298/wec-energy-group-to-acquire-90-ownership-of-delilah-i-solar-energy-center" rel="noreferrer noopener">Solar Energy Center for $459 million</a>.</p>
<p>Delilah I is a 300-megawatt project located around 140 miles northeast of&nbsp;Dallas, Texas, and the commercial operation&nbsp;is expected&nbsp;to begin by the end of June.</p>
<p>Delilah I is part of the five-phase Samson &amp; Delilah solar portfolio and is one of the&nbsp;largest&nbsp;solar facilities under construction in&nbsp;the U.S.&nbsp;</p>
<p>WEC Energy Group owns a majority stake in Samson I,&nbsp;which is&nbsp;a separate phase of the Samson &amp; Delilah project.</p>
<p>Gale Klappa,&nbsp;executive&nbsp;chairman,&nbsp;said, &#8220;The Delilah Solar project is an exciting addition to our Infrastructure business and highlights our continued investment in affordable, reliable&nbsp;and&nbsp;clean energy.&nbsp;This project will help one of the world&#8217;s largest automakers meet their clean energy goals for years to come.&#8221;&nbsp;</p>
<p>The company plans to release&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/earnings" rel="noreferrer noopener">first-quarter FY24 earnings&nbsp;on May 1</a>.</p>
<p>Investors can gain exposure to the stock via&nbsp;<strong>Invesco Dorsey Wright Utilities Momentum ETF&nbsp;</strong>(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PUI#NASDAQ">PUI</a>) and&nbsp;<strong>First Trust EIP Carbon Impact ETF</strong>&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ECLN#NYSE">ECLN</a>).</p>
<p><strong>Price Action</strong>: WEC shares are up 1.41% at $82.64 at the last check Monday.</p>
<p><em>Photo via Shutterstock</em></p>


What's Going On With WEC Energy Shares Monday?

<p>WEC Energy Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEC#NYSE">WEC</a>) today announced that the company has agreed to acquire a 90% ownership interest in the Delilah I Solar Energy Center.</p>
<p>Delilah I is a 300-megawatt project located approximately 140 miles northeast of Dallas, Texas. The project was developed and built by Invenergy — a leading global developer and operator of sustainable energy solutions. Commercial operation is expected to begin by the end of June.</p>
<p>Delilah I will generate renewable energy under a long-term power purchase agreement with a global automaker. WEC Energy Group's investment is expected to total $459 million for the 90% ownership interest.</p>
<p>"The Delilah Solar project is an exciting addition to our Infrastructure business and highlights our continued investment in affordable, reliable and clean energy. This project will help one of the world's largest automakers meet their clean energy goals for years to come," said Gale Klappa, executive chairman.</p>
<p>Delilah I is part of the five-phase Samson &amp; Delilah solar portfolio, one of the largest solar facilities under construction in the United States. WEC Energy Group already owns a majority interest in Samson I — a separate phase of the Samson &amp; Delilah project.</p>
<p>The Delilah Solar investment is eligible for production tax credits as outlined in the Inflation Reduction Act passed by Congress. The transaction is subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals.</p>
<p>WEC Energy Group's Infrastructure segment has existing or planned investments in 11 solar and wind projects totaling more than 2 gigawatts of capacity. All of the projects have long-term off-take agreements.</p>


WEC Energy Group To Acquire 90% Ownership Of Delilah I Solar Energy Center; Investment Is Expected To Total $459M For The 90% Ownership Interest

<p><strong>FirstEnergy</strong> (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/fe#NYSE">FE</a>) reported first-quarter 2024 operating earnings of 55 cents per share, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 53 cents by 3.8%. However, the bottom line decreased 8.3% from the year-ago quarter&#39;s figure of 60 cents.</p>
<h3>Total Revenues</h3>
<p>Operating revenues of $3.29 billion missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.36 billion by 2.04%. The top line, however, increased 1.8% from $3.23 billion recorded in the year-ago quarter.</p>
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>
<div class="chart_embed">
<h3>FirstEnergy Corporation Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise <a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/chart/FE/price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart?icid=chart-FE-price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart"> <img alt="FirstEnergy Corporation Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/charts/94/1714122526.png" style="height:282px; width:615px" title="" /> </a></h3>
<p>FirstEnergy Corporation price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | FirstEnergy Corporation Quote</p>
</div>
<h3>Segmental Performance</h3>
<p><strong>Distribution: </strong>Earnings from this segment totaled $1.77 billion, down 2.8% from the prior-year quarter&#39;s level. The decline can be attributed to higher planned operating expenses during 2024.<br />
<strong>Integrated:</strong> Earnings from this segment amounted to $1.09 billion, up 6.5% from the prior-year quarter&#39;s reported actuals. The improvement was primarily due to the approval of recent base rate cases in Maryland, New Jersey and West Virginia, investments in formula rate capital programs, and higher weather-related demand.<br />
<strong>Stand-Alone Transmission:</strong> Earnings from this segment totaled $438 million, up 9.5% from the prior-year quarter&#39;s figure. The first-quarter results were driven by the rate base growth in formula rates from its capital investment program.<br />
<strong>Corporate/Other: </strong>The loss from this segment amounted to $13 million compared with a loss of $14 million in the year-ago quarter.</p>
<h3>Highlights of the Release</h3>
<p>Total operating expenses were $2.65 billion, up 1.1% from the year-ago quarter&#39;s level of $2.62 billion.<br />
The company reported an interest expense of $305 million, up 16% from the prior-year quarter&#39;s level of $263 million.<br />
Total distribution deliveries for the first quarter increased 1.5% from that recorded in the year-ago period. Usage increased 1% among residential customers. While industrial sales increased 3% year over year, sales were essentially flat in the commercial sector.</p>
<h3>Financial Highlights</h3>
<p>As of Apr 22, 2024, FE reported available liquidity of $4.73 billion, including cash and cash equivalents of $110 million.<br />
Long-term debt and other long-term obligations as of Mar 31, 2024, totaled $21.65 billion compared with $22.89 billion as of Dec 31, 2023.<br />
Net cash used for operating activities for the first three months of 2024 totaled $40 million compared with $112 million in the year-ago period.</p>
<h3>Guidance</h3>
<p>FirstEnergy expects 2024 earnings per share in the range of $2.61-$2.81, which indicates a 7% increase over the 2023 guidance midpoint, driven by robust regulated growth. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the same is pegged at $2.67, lower than $2.71, the midpoint of the company&#39;s guided range.<br />
FirstEnergy reaffirmed its long-term annual operating EPS growth rate of 6-8%. FE continues with its capital investment plan of $26 billion for the 2024-2028 period.</p>
<h3>Zacks Rank</h3>
<p>FirstEnergy currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).</p>
<h3>Upcoming Releases</h3>
<p><strong>WEC Energy Group</strong> (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/wec#NYSE">WEC</a>) is scheduled to report first-quarter results on May 1, before market open. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter earnings is pegged at $1.92 per share.<br />
WEC&#39;s long-term (three to five years) earnings growth rate is 5.9%. It delivered an average earnings surprise of 4.9% in the last four quarters.<br />
<strong>Pinnacle West Capital </strong>(NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/pnw#NYSE">PNW</a>) is scheduled to report first-quarter results on May 2, before market open. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter earnings is pegged at 3 cents per share.<br />
PNW&#39;s long-term earnings growth rate is 7.6%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2024 earnings is pegged at $4.76 per share.<br />
<strong>NRG Energy</strong> (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/nrg#NYSE">NRG</a>) is scheduled to report first-quarter results on May 7, before market open. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for first-quarter earnings is pegged at 51 cents per share.<br />
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2024 earnings is pinned at $5.36 per share. NRG delivered an average earnings surprise of 6.4% in the last four quarters.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2263047/firstenergy-fe-q1-earnings-beat-estimates-revenues-lag?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|earnings_article-2263047">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a></p>


<p>Scotiabank  analyst Andrew Weisel   maintains WEC Energy Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEC#NYSE">WEC</a>) with a Sector Outperform and lowers the price target from $96 to $90.</p>


Scotiabank Maintains Sector Outperform on WEC Energy Group, Lowers Price Target to $90

<p>WEC Energy Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEC#NYSE">WEC</a>) underwent analysis by 7 analysts in the last quarter, revealing a spectrum of viewpoints from bullish to bearish.</p>
<p>The table below summarizes their recent ratings, showcasing the evolving sentiments within the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.</p>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Bullish</strong></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Somewhat Bullish</strong></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Indifferent</strong></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Somewhat Bearish</strong></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Bearish</strong></th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><strong>Total Ratings</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">3</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Last 30D</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>1M Ago</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>2M Ago</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>3M Ago</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">3</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>The 12-month price targets assessed by analysts reveal further insights, featuring an average target of $86.14, a high estimate of $96.00, and a low estimate of $75.00. This current average represents a 3.21% decrease from the previous average price target of $89.00. </p>
<p><img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1713531619_0.png" alt="price target chart" /></p>
<h2>Understanding Analyst Ratings: A Comprehensive Breakdown</h2>
<p>The perception of WEC Energy Group by financial experts is analyzed through recent analyst actions. The following summary presents key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.</p>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Sophie Karp</td>
<td>Keybanc</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$96.00</td>
<td>$95.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Carly Davenport</td>
<td>Goldman Sachs</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$88.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Eric Beaumont</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Underweight</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
<td>$79.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shelby Tucker</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Sector Perform</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
<td>$95.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Neil Kalton</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$91.00</td>
<td>$93.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jeremy Tonet</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Underweight</td>
<td>$84.00</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Eric Beaumont</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Underweight</td>
<td>$79.00</td>
<td>$82.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Action Taken:</strong> Analysts respond to changes in market conditions and company performance, frequently updating their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to WEC Energy Group. This information offers a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li><strong>Rating:</strong> Providing a comprehensive analysis, analysts offer qualitative assessments, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings reflect expectations for the relative performance of WEC Energy Group compared to the broader market.</li>
<li><strong>Price Targets:</strong> Understanding forecasts, analysts offer estimates for WEC Energy Group's future value. Examining the current and prior targets provides insight into analysts' changing expectations.</li>
</ul>
<p>To gain a panoramic view of WEC Energy Group's market performance, explore these analyst evaluations alongside essential financial indicators. Stay informed and make judicious decisions using our Ratings Table.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WEC/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights"><strong>Stay up to date on WEC Energy Group analyst ratings.</strong></a></p>
<h2>About WEC Energy Group</h2>
<p>WEC Energy Group's electric and gas utility businesses serve electric and gas customers in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin service territories. The company also owns a 60% stake in American Transmission Co. WEC's asset mix is approximately 48% electric generation and distribution, 36% gas distribution, 10% electric transmission, and 6% unregulated renewable energy.</p>
<h3>A Deep Dive into WEC Energy Group's Financials</h3>
<p><strong>Market Capitalization Analysis:</strong> Above industry benchmarks, the company's market capitalization emphasizes a noteworthy size, indicative of a strong market presence.</p>
<p><strong>Revenue Growth:</strong> WEC Energy Group's revenue growth over a period of 3 months has faced challenges. As of 31 December, 2023, the company experienced a revenue decline of approximately <strong>-13.32%</strong>. This indicates a decrease in the company's top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Utilities sector, the company faces challenges, achieving a growth rate lower than the average among peers.</p>
<p><strong>Net Margin:</strong> WEC Energy Group's net margin falls below industry averages, indicating challenges in achieving strong profitability. With a net margin of <strong>9.85%,</strong> the company may face hurdles in effective cost management.</p>
<p><strong>Return on Equity (ROE):</strong> WEC Energy Group's ROE is below industry averages, indicating potential challenges in efficiently utilizing equity capital. With an ROE of <strong>1.86%,</strong> the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial returns.</p>
<p><strong>Return on Assets (ROA):</strong> The company's ROA is below industry benchmarks, signaling potential difficulties in efficiently utilizing assets. With an ROA of <strong>0.5%,</strong> the company may need to address challenges in generating satisfactory returns from its assets.</p>
<p><strong>Debt Management:</strong> The company maintains a balanced debt approach with a debt-to-equity ratio below industry norms, standing at <strong>1.6</strong>.</p>
<h2>The Core of Analyst Ratings: What Every Investor Should Know</h2>
<p>Ratings come from analysts, or specialists within banking and financial systems that report for specific stocks or defined sectors (typically once per quarter for each stock). Analysts usually derive their information from company conference calls and meetings, financial statements, and conversations with important insiders to reach their decisions.</p>
<p>Analysts may enhance their evaluations by incorporating forecasts for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, delivering additional guidance to investors. It is vital to acknowledge that, although experts in stocks and sectors, analysts are human and express their opinions when providing insights.</p>
<p>This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.</p>


Peeling Back The Layers: Exploring WEC Energy Group Through Analyst Insights

<p>Keybanc  analyst Sophie Karp   maintains WEC Energy Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEC#NYSE">WEC</a>) with a Overweight and raises the price target from $95 to $96.</p>


Keybanc Maintains Overweight on WEC Energy Group, Raises Price Target to $96

WIIM

Shares of utilities stocks are trading lower amid a rise in yields following hotter-than-expected March inflation data. A rise in yields could pressure dividend-paying sectors.

<p>Goldman Sachs  analyst Carly Davenport   initiates coverage on WEC Energy Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEC#NYSE">WEC</a>) with a Neutral rating and announces Price Target of $88.</p>


Goldman Sachs Initiates Coverage On WEC Energy Group with Neutral Rating, Announces Price Target of $88

<p>Highlighted on March 5, it was unveiled in an SEC filing that KLAPPA, Executive Chairman at <strong>WEC Energy Group</strong> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEC#NYSE">WEC</a>), executed a significant transaction involving the exercise of company stock options.</p>
<p><strong>What Happened:</strong> The latest Form 4 filing on Tuesday with the <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000783325/000010781524000104//Archives/edgar/data/783325/000010781524000104/0000107815-24-000104-index.htm">U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission</a> uncovered KLAPPA, Executive Chairman at WEC Energy Group, exercising stock options for 50,000 shares of WEC. The total transaction was valued at $1,368,250.</p>
<p>The Tuesday morning market activity shows <strong>WEC Energy Group</strong> shares up by 0.68%, trading at $80.26. This implies a total value of $1,368,250 for KLAPPA's 50,000 shares.</p>
<h3>All You Need to Know About WEC Energy Group</h3>
<p>WEC Energy Group's electric and gas utility businesses serve electric and gas customers in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin service territories. The company also owns a 60% stake in American Transmission Co. WEC's asset mix is approximately 49% electric generation and distribution, 36% gas distribution, 10% electric transmission, and 5% unregulated renewable energy.</p>
<h3>Financial Milestones: WEC Energy Group's Journey</h3>
<p><strong>Negative Revenue Trend:</strong> Examining WEC Energy Group's financials over 3 months reveals challenges. As of 31 December, 2023, the company experienced a decline of approximately <strong>-13.32%</strong> in revenue growth, reflecting a decrease in top-line earnings. In comparison to its industry peers, the company trails behind with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Utilities sector.</p>
<p><strong>Holistic Profitability Examination:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>
<p><strong>Gross Margin:</strong> The company shows a low gross margin of <strong>40.7%</strong>, indicating concerns regarding cost management and overall profitability relative to its industry counterparts.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Earnings per Share (EPS):</strong> WEC Energy Group's EPS reflects a decline, falling below the industry average with a current EPS of <strong>0.69</strong>.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Debt Management:</strong> WEC Energy Group's debt-to-equity ratio is below industry norms, indicating a sound financial structure with a ratio of <strong>1.6</strong>.</p>
<p><strong>Assessing Valuation Metrics:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>
<p><strong>Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio:</strong> The current P/E ratio of <strong>18.89</strong> is below industry norms, indicating potential undervaluation and presenting an investment opportunity.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Price to Sales (P/S) Ratio:</strong> With a higher-than-average P/S ratio of <strong>2.83</strong>, WEC Energy Group's stock is perceived as being overvalued in the market, particularly in relation to sales performance.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>EV/EBITDA Analysis (Enterprise Value to its Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation &amp; Amortization):</strong> WEC Energy Group's EV/EBITDA ratio of <strong>12.46</strong> exceeds industry averages, indicating a premium valuation in the market</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Market Capitalization Analysis:</strong> With an elevated market capitalization, the company stands out above industry averages, showcasing substantial size and market acknowledgment.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.schwab.com/brokerage?aff=XEC"><em>Now trade stocks online commission free with Charles Schwab, a trusted and complete investment firm.</em></a></p>
<h3>The Relevance of Insider Transactions</h3>
<p>Insider transactions contribute to decision-making but should be supplemented by a comprehensive investment analysis.</p>
<p>From a legal standpoint, the term "insider" pertains to any officer, director, or beneficial owner holding more than ten percent of a company's equity securities as outlined in Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This encompasses executives in the c-suite and significant hedge funds. These insiders are mandated to inform the public of their transactions through a Form 4 filing, to be submitted within two business days of the transaction.</p>
<p>A company insider's new purchase is a indicator of their positive anticipation for a rise in the stock.</p>
<p>While insider sells may not necessarily reflect a bearish view and can be motivated by various factors.</p>
<h3>Navigating the World of Insider Transaction Codes</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/investing-tools">Investors</a> prefer focusing on transactions that take place in the open market, indicated in Table I of the Form 4 filing. A  <strong>P</strong> in Box 3 indicates a purchase, while  <strong>S</strong> indicates a sale. Transaction code <strong>C</strong> indicates the conversion of an option, and transaction code <strong>A</strong> indicates grant, award or other acquisition of securities from the company.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/sec/insider-trades/search/index?company_cik=0000783325"><strong>Check Out The Full List Of WEC Energy Group's Insider Trades.</strong></a></p>
<p><em>This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.</em></p>


Insider Trades

Insider Unloading: GALE KLAPPA Sells Options, Realizes $1.37M

<p>On March 5, it was revealed in an SEC filing that <strong>Scott Lauber</strong>, President and CEO at <strong>WEC Energy Group</strong> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEC#NYSE">WEC</a>) executed a significant exercise of company stock options.</p>
<p><strong>What Happened:</strong> Lauber, President and CEO at WEC Energy Group, exercised stock options for 5,330 shares of WEC stock. This information was disclosed in a Form 4 filing with the <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000783325/000010781524000105//Archives/edgar/data/783325/000010781524000105/0000107815-24-000105-index.htm">U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission</a> on Tuesday. The exercise price of the options was $52.9 per share.</p>
<p>As of Tuesday morning, <strong>WEC Energy Group</strong> shares are down by 0.0%, with a current price of $79.72. This implies that Lauber's 5,330 shares have a value of $142,977.</p>
<h3>All You Need to Know About WEC Energy Group</h3>
<p>WEC Energy Group's electric and gas utility businesses serve electric and gas customers in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin service territories. The company also owns a 60% stake in American Transmission Co. WEC's asset mix is approximately 49% electric generation and distribution, 36% gas distribution, 10% electric transmission, and 5% unregulated renewable energy.</p>
<h3>WEC Energy Group's Financial Performance</h3>
<p><strong>Revenue Challenges:</strong> WEC Energy Group's revenue growth over 3 months faced difficulties. As of 31 December, 2023, the company experienced a decline of approximately <strong>-13.32%</strong>. This indicates a decrease in top-line earnings. As compared to competitors, the company encountered difficulties, with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Utilities sector.</p>
<p><strong>Evaluating Earnings Performance:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>
<p><strong>Gross Margin:</strong> The company issues a cost efficiency warning with a low gross margin of <strong>40.7%</strong>, indicating potential difficulties in maintaining profitability compared to its peers.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Earnings per Share (EPS):</strong> WEC Energy Group's EPS is below the industry average. The company faced challenges with a current EPS of <strong>0.69</strong>. This suggests a potential decline in earnings.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Debt Management:</strong> WEC Energy Group's debt-to-equity ratio is below industry norms, indicating a sound financial structure with a ratio of <strong>1.6</strong>.</p>
<p><strong>Valuation Metrics:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>
<p><strong>Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio:</strong> The current P/E ratio of <strong>18.89</strong> is below industry norms, indicating potential undervaluation and presenting an investment opportunity.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>Price to Sales (P/S) Ratio:</strong> A higher-than-average P/S ratio of <strong>2.83</strong> suggests overvaluation in the eyes of investors, considering sales performance.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p><strong>EV/EBITDA Analysis (Enterprise Value to its Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation &amp; Amortization):</strong> The company's EV/EBITDA ratio <strong>12.46</strong> is above the industry average, suggesting that the market values the company more highly for each unit of EBITDA. This could be attributed to factors such as strong growth prospects or superior operational efficiency.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Market Capitalization Analysis:</strong> The company's market capitalization surpasses industry averages, showcasing a dominant size relative to peers and suggesting a strong market position.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.schwab.com/brokerage?aff=XEC"><em>Now trade stocks online commission free with Charles Schwab, a trusted and complete investment firm.</em></a></p>
<h3>Delving Into the Significance of Insider Transactions</h3>
<p>Insider transactions are not the sole determinant of investment choices, but they are a factor worth considering.</p>
<p>From a legal standpoint, the term "insider" pertains to any officer, director, or beneficial owner holding more than ten percent of a company's equity securities as outlined in Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This encompasses executives in the c-suite and significant hedge funds. These insiders are mandated to inform the public of their transactions through a Form 4 filing, to be submitted within two business days of the transaction.</p>
<p>A company insider's new purchase is a indicator of their positive anticipation for a rise in the stock.</p>
<p>While insider sells may not necessarily reflect a bearish view and can be motivated by various factors.</p>
<h3>Transaction Codes To Focus On</h3>
<p>When analyzing transactions, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/investing-tools">investors</a> tend to focus on those in the open market, detailed in Table I of the Form 4 filing. A <strong>P</strong> in Box 3 denotes a purchase,while <strong>S</strong> signifies a sale. Transaction code <strong>C</strong> signals the conversion of an option, and transaction code <strong>A</strong> denotes a grant, award, or other acquisition of securities from the company.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/sec/insider-trades/search/index?company_cik=0000783325"><strong>Check Out The Full List Of WEC Energy Group's Insider Trades.</strong></a></p>
<p><em>This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.</em></p>


At WEC Energy Group, Scott Lauber Chooses To Exercise Options, Resulting In $142K

<p>Barclays  analyst Eric Beaumont   maintains WEC Energy Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEC#NYSE">WEC</a>) with a Underweight and lowers the price target from $79 to $75.</p>


Barclays Maintains Underweight on WEC Energy Group, Lowers Price Target to $75

<p>Ratings for WEC Energy Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEC#NYSE">WEC</a>) were provided by 10 analysts in the past three months, showcasing a mix of bullish and bearish perspectives.</p>
<p>The table below provides a concise overview of recent ratings by analysts, offering insights into the changing sentiments over the past 30 days and drawing comparisons with the preceding months for a holistic perspective.</p>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Bullish</strong></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Somewhat Bullish</strong></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Indifferent</strong></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Somewhat Bearish</strong></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Bearish</strong></th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><strong>Total Ratings</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">4</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Last 30D</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>1M Ago</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>2M Ago</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>3M Ago</strong></td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Providing deeper insights, analysts have established 12-month price targets, indicating an average target of $86.6, along with a high estimate of $95.00 and a low estimate of $78.00. A negative shift in sentiment is evident as analysts have decreased the average price target by 3.35%. </p>
<p><img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1707408045_0.png" alt="price target chart" /></p>
<h2>Decoding Analyst Ratings: A Detailed Look</h2>
<p>An in-depth analysis of recent analyst actions unveils how financial experts perceive WEC Energy Group. The following summary outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.</p>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Shelby Tucker</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Sector Perform</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
<td>$95.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Neil Kalton</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$91.00</td>
<td>$93.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jeremy Tonet</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Underweight</td>
<td>$84.00</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Eric Beaumont</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Underweight</td>
<td>$79.00</td>
<td>$82.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Julien Dumoulin-Smith</td>
<td>B of A Securities</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Underperform</td>
<td>$78.00</td>
<td>$84.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sophie Karp</td>
<td>Keybanc</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$95.00</td>
<td>$94.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Anthony Crowdell</td>
<td>Mizuho</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$86.00</td>
<td>$88.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Eric Beaumont</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Underweight</td>
<td>$82.00</td>
<td>$81.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jeremy Metz</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$93.00</td>
<td>$91.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Anthony Crowdell</td>
<td>Mizuho</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$88.00</td>
<td>$98.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li><strong>Action Taken:</strong> Analysts respond to changes in market conditions and company performance, frequently updating their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to WEC Energy Group. This information offers a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li><strong>Rating:</strong> Unveiling insights, analysts deliver qualitative insights into stock performance, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of WEC Energy Group compared to the broader market.</li>
<li><strong>Price Targets:</strong> Understanding forecasts, analysts offer estimates for WEC Energy Group's future value. Examining the current and prior targets provides insight into analysts' changing expectations.</li>
</ul>
<p>Analyzing these analyst evaluations alongside relevant financial metrics can provide a comprehensive view of WEC Energy Group's market position. Stay informed and make data-driven decisions with the assistance of our Ratings Table.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WEC/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights"><strong>Stay up to date on WEC Energy Group analyst ratings.</strong></a></p>
<h2>Discovering WEC Energy Group: A Closer Look</h2>
<p>WEC Energy Group's electric and gas utility businesses serve electric and gas customers in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin service territories. The company also owns a 60% stake in American Transmission Co. WEC's asset mix is approximately 49% electric generation and distribution, 36% gas distribution, 10% electric transmission, and 5% unregulated renewable energy.</p>
<h3>WEC Energy Group: Financial Performance Dissected</h3>
<p><strong>Market Capitalization:</strong> Positioned above industry average, the company's market capitalization underscores its superiority in size, indicative of a strong market presence.</p>
<p><strong>Decline in Revenue:</strong> Over the 3 months period, WEC Energy Group faced challenges, resulting in a decline of approximately <strong>-2.28%</strong> in revenue growth as of 30 September, 2023. This signifies a reduction in the company's top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Utilities sector, the company excelled with a growth rate higher than the average among peers.</p>
<p><strong>Net Margin:</strong> The company's net margin is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive net margin of <strong>16.14%,</strong> the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost control.</p>
<p><strong>Return on Equity (ROE):</strong> The company's ROE is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROE of <strong>2.7%,</strong> the company showcases effective utilization of equity capital.</p>
<p><strong>Return on Assets (ROA):</strong> WEC Energy Group's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional ROA, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable ROA of <strong>0.73%,</strong> the company showcases efficient use of assets and strong financial health.</p>
<p><strong>Debt Management:</strong> The company maintains a balanced debt approach with a debt-to-equity ratio below industry norms, standing at <strong>1.55</strong>.</p>
<h2>Analyst Ratings: What Are They?</h2>
<p>Analyst ratings serve as essential indicators of stock performance, provided by experts in banking and financial systems. These specialists diligently analyze company financial statements, participate in conference calls, and engage with insiders to generate quarterly ratings for individual stocks.</p>
<p>Some analysts publish their predictions for metrics such as growth estimates, earnings, and revenue to provide additional guidance with their ratings. When using analyst ratings, it is important to keep in mind that stock and sector analysts are also human and are only offering their opinions to investors.</p>
<p>If you want to keep track of which analysts are outperforming others, you can view updated analyst ratings along withanalyst success scores in <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.</p>
<p>This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.</p>


What Analysts Are Saying About WEC Energy Group Stock

Buy Alert: 2 Top Dividend Stocks To Buy In June

<p><a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice &amp; Trading Tips</a></p>
<p>&ldquo;If you don&rsquo;t know who you are the stock market is an expensive place to find out,&rdquo; stated <a href="https://www.surinenglish.com/opinion/202103/19/expensive-place-find-20210319100135-v.html">legendary economist</a> Adam Smith, back in 1723!&nbsp;That certainly applies currently to degenerative or &ldquo;degen&rdquo; traders.&nbsp;As described&nbsp;in a recent <em>Wall Street Journal </em>article, these are <a href="https://www.wsj.com/finance/stocks/degen-stock-crypto-trading-market-trend-69d12a56">more gamblers than traders</a>. Like so many others, they are all consumed by the wild&nbsp;swings in <strong>GameStop</strong> (NYSE:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/gme-stock-quote/"><strong>GME</strong></a></span>) and other volatile <a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-types/meme-stocks/">meme stocks</a>. But savvy day traders can enjoy the same rush with robust returns and much reduced risk by trading <a href="https://investorplace.com/industries/energy/utility/">utility stocks</a> instead.</p>



<p>Any stock, even those with a beta well below the market average, has plenty of movement.&nbsp;From these ups and downs in the share price daily traders can buy or short the&nbsp;stocks&nbsp;to profit. Much of this is based on <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/meanreversion.asp">mean reversion trading</a>.&nbsp;If the price is higher than the historical average, short it.&nbsp;If the price is lower than the historical&nbsp;average, buy!&nbsp;Long story short, the price was set at that historical&nbsp;level by the market so it will probably return.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As a day trader, the risk&nbsp;is reduced as you are not holding your position for long.&nbsp;Trading utility stocks is ideal for mean reversion trading&nbsp;as they offer a high daily volume of shares&nbsp;traded with a low beta. And many times, a high dividend yield for those who want income from their assets.&nbsp;Just like all other day trading, you want a tax-free account with no commission transactions and the best execution to net the most.</p>



<h2>CENTERPOINT ENERGY (CNP)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cnp-1600-300x169.jpg" alt="Centerpoint Energy Southern Indiana headquarters."><div>Source: Kurt D. Eichmiller / Shutterstock.com</div></div><p>Headquartered in Houston, <strong>CenterPoint Energy</strong> (NYSE:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/cnp-stock-quote/"><strong>CNP</strong></a></span>) operates in the Southwest and the Midwest. Volume is around 5 millions shares daily with a beta close to the market avereage of 1. That combination is ideal for day trading utility stocks. There is plenty of liquidity and movement to profit from going long and short.</p>



<p>With a 2.62% dividend&nbsp;yield, there are capture-the-dividend&nbsp;profits that await.&nbsp;These can also be from shorting the stock at this period too.&nbsp;The stock price does not just rise around the X-dividend, or any date for that matter.&nbsp;It falls, too, to be back to the optimal price as determined by market forces.</p>



<p>The customer base for CenterPoint is growing. During the pandemic, the stock traded well below $20 a share. Now it is over $30, right around the year-high.&nbsp;The low this year was around $27.&nbsp;For those day trading utility stocks, CenterPoint Energy clearly has the stability and liquidity for profits.</p>



<h2>EXELON (EXC)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/exc-exelon-1600-300x169.png" alt="The logo for Exelon (EXC) is visible at the top of an office building."><div>Source: photosounds / Shutterstock.com</div></div><p><strong>EXELON</strong> (NYSE:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/exc-stock-quote/"><strong>EXC</strong></a></span>) is the <a href="https://www.exeloncorp.com/company/about-exelon">nation&rsquo;s largest utility</a>.&nbsp;There is much to be said for go big or go home in day trading.&nbsp;With about 6.3 million&nbsp;shares traded daily, traders do not have to worry about distorting the price when going long or short.</p>



<p>The low beta is testament to that.&nbsp;The price of Exelon does not move that much, owing largely to institutional ownership.&nbsp;Stocks that do not swing wildly are good for day traders as there is little concern about being caught on the wrong side of a volatile swing.&nbsp;There are many feeling that pain now from GameStop movements that you will not get from trading utility stocks.</p>



<p>Even though the beta is about half the market average, the price of Exelon still ranged from $33 to $43 over the last year.&nbsp;That is pleny of latitude for those trading utility stocks to profit both long and short. There is also a 4.34% dividend to reward those who want to focus on buying and holding EXC.</p>



<h2>WEC ENERGY GROUP (WEC)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/wec-1600-300x169.jpg" alt="WEC Energy Group logo seen displayed on a smartphone"><div>Source: rafapress / Shutterstock.com</div></div><p><strong>WEC Energy Group</strong> (NYSE:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/wec-stock-quote/"><strong>WEC</strong></a></span>) also serves Midwestern states.&nbsp;The stock is trading near its year low.&nbsp;WEC is down for the last week, month, quarter and year of market action. That is good news for those who looked to short the stock.</p>



<p>But there is plenty to like for the long side too.&nbsp;The profit margin and operating margin are bullish.&nbsp;Sure, some of that is due to the price falling.&nbsp;But a 16.65% profit margin when the average for a <a href="https://stockanalysis.com/stocks/sector/utilities/">utility is under 10%</a> is certainly alluring.</p>



<p>So is the dividend yield of 4.2% , a beta of 0.41 and institutional ownershop&nbsp;of aroud 80%. This a bullish combination as it shows institutional investors such as mutual funds and pension groups are committed to the stock. Much of that is due to the dividend. This dedication is ideal for day trading utility stocks for long and short profits as there should not be wild swings.</p>



<p><em>On the date of publication, Jonathan Yates did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com<a href="https://investorplace.com/corporate/investorplace-publishing-guidelines/" target="_blank">&nbsp;Publishing Guidelines</a>.&nbsp;</em></p>
<h3>More From InvestorPlace</h3>
		<ul><li>
						<a href="https://investorplace.com/2023/10/no-1-ai-investment-might-be-this-company-youve-never-heard-of/?cid=MKT764787&amp;eid=MKT802110">The #1 AI Investment Might Be This Company You&rsquo;ve Never Heard Of</a>
					</li>
																<li>
						<a href="https://investorplace.com/2023/07/elon-musks-project-omega-stuns-silicon-valley-insiders/?cid=MKT738510&amp;eid=MKT766411">Musk&rsquo;s &ldquo;Project Omega&rdquo; May Be Set to Mint New Millionaires. Here&rsquo;s How to Get In.</a>
					</li>
																<li>
						<a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/04/legendary-investor-predicts-forget-a-i-this-technology-is-the-future/?cid=MKT794457&amp;eid=MKT802109">Legendary Investor Predicts: &ldquo;Forget A.I. THIS Technology Is the Future&rdquo;</a>
					</li>
									</ul><div>
			<div></div>
						<div></div>
					</div>
	
<p>The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/06/from-degen-to-disciplined-why-trading-utility-stocks-beats-chasing-meme-stock-jackpots/">From &#8216;Degen&#8217; to Disciplined: Why Trading Utility Stocks Beats Chasing Meme Stock Jackpots</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.</p>

From 'Degen' to Disciplined: Why Trading Utility Stocks Beats Chasing Meme Stock Jackpots

11 Sleep Well At Night Blue-Chip Bargains For Today's Overvalued Market

Utilities is the second best performer amongst S&P 500 sectors in Q2; VST, CEG, and NRG among YTD gainers

The Highest Quality Dividend Growth Stocks In 2024

<p><a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice &amp; Trading Tips</a></p>
<p>Recession-proof <a target="_blank" href="https://investorplace.com/industries/energy/utility/">utility stocks</a> have always been stable dividend payers, making them popular long-term investments. But new exponential demand driven by artificial intelligence transforms these Wall Street wallflowers into high-growth AI plays. According to Goldman Sachs Research analysts, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.goldmansachs.com/intelligence/pages/AI-poised-to-drive-160-increase-in-power-demand.html">AI is set to drive a 160% increase in data center power demand.</a> With interest rates potentially lowering this year, now is an opportune time to power up portfolios with utilities.</p>



<p>These stocks carry interest rate risk that can draw conservative investors away when rates rise. However, with Treasury yields declining and grid infrastructure requiring upgrades to meet swelling power demand, utilities may soon shine brighter. As Exelon&rsquo;s CEO predicts, electricity consumption from <a href="https://www.datacenterknowledge.com/ai-data-centers/ai-driven-power-demand-is-set-to-jump-900-in-chicago-area-exelon-ceo-says" target="_blank">Chicago&rsquo;s data centers alone could jump 900%</a>, rivaling multiple nuclear plants. Beyond dividends, growth potential is why Goldman Sachs touts utilities as an alternative way to tap the AI boom. Some companies are bracing for <a href="https://www.datacenterknowledge.com/ai-data-centers/ai-boom-s-secret-winners-the-companies-powering-data-centers" target="_blank">up to 80% sales jumps from data centers</a>. Yet valuations don&rsquo;t account for this pending surge.</p>



<p>That disconnect signals an underpriced upside, perfect for investors wanting <a href="https://www.semafor.com/article/07/03/2024/utility-stocks-are-wall-streets-secret-backdoor-to-ai" target="_blank">AI exposure</a> without overpaying for <a href="https://investorplace.com/industries/technology/" target="_blank">tech stocks</a> basking in the hype. As AI transforms utilities from merely recession-proof to growth-charged, their stocks could electrify portfolios with power to spare this year.</p>



<h2>NextEra Energy (NEE)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/nee1600-300x169.jpg" alt="Nextra Energy (NEE) website on a mobile phone screen"><div>Source: madamF / Shutterstock.com</div></div><p>As one of the U.S.&rsquo;s largest electric utilities and renewable energy companies, <strong>NextEra Energy</strong> (NYSE:<strong><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/nee-stock-quote/" target="_blank">NEE</a></strong>) has established itself as one of the top recession-proof <a href="https://investorplace.com/industries/energy/utility/">utility stocks</a>. Its subsidiary, <a href="http://www.nexteraenergyresources.com/" target="_blank">Florida Power &amp; Light (FPL)</a>, is America&rsquo;s largest electric utility, serving over <a href="https://www.investor.nexteraenergy.com/" target="_blank">12 million people</a>. It also projects continued strong growth, with <a href="https://www.investor.nexteraenergy.com/~/media/Files/N/NEE-IR/news-and-events/events-and-presentations/2024/04-23-24/2024-0423%20NEEQ12024News%20Release%20Final.pdf" target="_blank">over 100,000 new customers</a> added in the first quarter of 2024 alone.</p>



<p>Despite economic downturns, people still need electricity, which provides NextEra Energy with steady revenue. For 2024, NextEra Energy expects adjusted earnings per share between $3.23 to $3.43. It also <a target="_blank" href="https://www.investor.nexteraenergy.com/news-and-events/news-releases/2024/02-16-2024-170701888">plans to grow its dividends per share by 10% through 2026</a>. NextEra Energy Resources, its renewable energy subsidiary, also <a target="_blank" href="https://www.investor.nexteraenergy.com/~/media/Files/N/NEE-IR/news-and-events/events-and-presentations/2024/04-23-24/1Q%202024%20Slides%20vF.pdf">had a record quarter</a>. Thus, it added 2,765 megawatts of solar and storage projects to its portfolio.</p>



<p>With renewable energy demand rapidly rising <a target="_blank" href="https://www.datacenterknowledge.com/ai-data-centers/ai-boom-s-secret-winners-the-companies-powering-data-centers">to power data centers and AI technology</a>, NextEra Energy is positioned to capitalize through its $85-95 billion infrastructure investments planned through 2025. Over the next decade, FPL expects a huge boost in renewable energy production. Therefore, it&rsquo;s projected to increase from 6% to 38% of total solar generation and a doubling of battery storage. So, while recessions may negatively impact other stocks, NextEra Energy&rsquo;s essential electric services, strong earnings, dividend growth, and pivotal role in the renewable energy transition make it a stable, recession-proof utility stock.</p>



<h2>Southern Company (SO)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/southern_company_so1600a-300x169.jpg" alt="the southern company logo displayed several times on a screen"><div>Source: 360b / Shutterstock.com</div></div><p><strong>Southern Company</strong> (NYSE:<strong><a target="_blank" href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/so-stock-quote/">SO</a></strong>), the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.southerncompany.com/">Atlanta-based energy giant</a>, has established itself as one of the more stable recession-proof utility stocks. Its operations across electricity and natural gas position it well to provide consistent shareholder returns regardless of economic conditions.</p>



<p>In Q1 2024, Southern Company reported strong financials. This included <a target="_blank" href="https://southerncompany.mediaroom.com/2024-05-02-Southern-Company-reports-first-quarter-2024-earnings">$6.6 billion in operating revenues</a> and $1.3 billion in earnings before income taxes. It also achieved $1.1 billion in net income available to shareholders. These represent respectable year-over-year growth rates of 2.6%, 44.4%, and 31.0%, respectively. Southern&rsquo;s earnings per share also grew from $0.79 in Q1 2023 to $1.03 in Q1 2024.</p>



<p>Southern&rsquo;s regulated electric and gas utilities are a fundamental factor that makes it recession-proof. The latter generate steady revenues across business cycles. For example, in Q1 2024, the company saw 1.7% weather-adjusted retail sales growth. Additionally, it added over 75,000 new utility customers. Southern also has major infrastructure projects, like the recently completed <a target="_blank" href="https://www.southerncompany.com/innovation/vogtle-3-and-4.html">Plant Vogtle nuclear facility in Georgia</a>, which will supply carbon-free energy to over 1 million homes and businesses for decades.</p>



<p>With strong operational performance, consistent customer growth, and long-term clean energy investments, Southern has shown resilience regardless of the economy. For these reasons, Southern remains a stable choice among recession-proof utility stocks.</p>



<h2>WEC Energy Group (WEC)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/wec-1600-300x169.jpg" alt="WEC Energy Group logo seen displayed on a smartphone"><div>Source: rafapress / Shutterstock.com</div></div><p><strong>WEC Energy Group</strong> (NYSE:<strong><a target="_blank" href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/wec-stock-quote/">WEC</a></strong>), headquartered in Wisconsin, is one of the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wecenergygroup.com/about/aboutus.htm">Midwest&rsquo;s biggest electric and natural gas utility holding firms</a>. With a focus on reliable service and consistent dividend growth, WEC qualifies as one of the top recession-proof utility stocks.</p>



<p>A critical factor that makes WEC Energy recession-proof is its impressive record of dividend growth. The company has increased its dividend for 21 consecutive years, with <a target="_blank" href="https://investor.wecenergygroup.com/investors/news-releases/press-release-details/2024/WEC-Energy-Group-raises-quarterly-dividend-by-7-percent/default.aspx">a 7% dividend raise</a> announced in January 2024 to $3.34 per share. This stability results from consistent earnings growth, with 2023 <a target="_blank" href="https://s22.q4cdn.com/994559668/files/doc_financials/2023/ar/wec2023-annual-report.pdf">adjusted earnings per share rising 4% to $4.63</a>. Even in times of economic uncertainty, households and businesses still need electricity and heating, allowing WEC&rsquo;s profits to remain steady.</p>



<p>In addition, WEC Energy intends to pay out <a target="_blank" href="https://investor.wecenergygroup.com/investors/stock-information/dividend-program-and-history/default.aspx">65-70% of its earnings as dividends</a>. With a forward dividend yield of 3.7% based on the newly announced dividend rate, the stock offers an attractive income stream for investors. This aligns with the company&rsquo;s focus on shareholder returns.</p>



<p>We Energies, a subsidiary of WEC Energy, has also just obtained approval for a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wpr.org/politics/we-energies-plans-100m-project-support-new-microsoft-data-center-law-passed-foxconn-may-exempt-it">$300 million distribution project in Mount Pleasant</a>, where <strong>Microsoft</strong> (NASDAQ:<strong><a target="_blank" href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/msft-stock-quote/">MSFT</a></strong>) <a target="_blank" href="https://news.microsoft.com/2024/05/08/microsoft-announces-3-3-billion-investment-in-wisconsin-to-spur-artificial-intelligence-innovation-and-economic-growth/">is building its new data center campus and investing $3.3 billion</a> to spur AI innovation. Therefore, for investors seeking a defensive stock that can weather market volatility but with AI exposure, WEC Energy stands out in the utility sector.</p>



<p><em>On the date of publication, Andrea van Schalkwyk did not hold (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com&nbsp;</em><a href="https://investorplace.com/corporate/investorplace-publishing-guidelines/"><em>Publishing Guidelines</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<p><em>On the date of publication, the responsible editor did not have (either directly or</em> <em>indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article.</em></p>
<div><p>Andrea van Schalkwyk is a value investor who adheres to the principles of the renowned Warren Buffett and his mentor Benjamin Graham. He holds a Master of Engineering (MEng) from the University of Padua and an Executive MBA from the CUOA Business School.</p></div><h3>More From InvestorPlace</h3>
		<ul><li>
						<a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/04/legendary-investor-predicts-forget-a-i-this-technology-is-the-future/?cid=MKT794457&amp;eid=MKT802109">Legendary Investor Predicts: &ldquo;Forget A.I. THIS Technology Is the Future&rdquo;</a>
					</li>
									</ul><div>
			<div></div>
						<div></div>
					</div>
	
<p>The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/07/3-recession-proof-utility-stocks-to-power-up-your-portfolio-this-july/">3 Recession-Proof Utility Stocks to Power Up Your Portfolio This July</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.</p>

3 Recession-Proof Utility Stocks to Power Up Your Portfolio This July

WEC Energy declares $0.835 dividend

In a report released today, Nicholas Campanella from Barclays maintained a Sell rating on WEC Energy Group (WEC – Research Report), with a price ta...

Barclays Sticks to Their Sell Rating for WEC Energy Group (WEC)

WEC Energy Group (WEC – Research Report), the Utilities sector company, was revisited by a Wall Street analyst yesterday. Analyst James Thalacker f...

Balanced Outlook: Hold Rating for WEC Energy Amid Near-Term Challenges and Long-Term Growth

Consolidated Edison cut at Barclays ahead of filing for next three-year GRC

AAPL

AVGO

CMCSA

COST

CSCO

CTAS

CUBE

DELL

FAST

FELE

GOOGL

INTU

LRCX

NVSEF

ORCL

SEIC

WTRG

Press Releases

WEC Energy Group declares quarterly dividend

Wisconsin Electric declares quarterly dividends

WEC Energy Group to announce 2024 first-quarter results May 1

WEC Energy Group to acquire 90% ownership of Delilah I Solar Energy Center

WEC Energy Group reports first-quarter results

Klappa, Lauber highlight exceptional year for WEC Energy Group

Offerings

WEC Energy Group announces offering of Convertible Senior Notes due 2027 and Convertible Senior Notes due 2029

WEC Energy Group announces pricing of $750 million of 4.375% Convertible Senior Notes due 2027 and $750 million of 4.375% Convertible Senior Notes due 2029

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Government Trades

WEC Energy Group Inc

top performing WEC trades