WEC Energy Group (NYSE:WEC) Azioni

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 49% electric generation and distribution, 34% gas distribution, 10% electric transmission, and 7% unregulated renewable energy.

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Scopri quali azioni dei servizi pubblici, WEC Energy e Consolidated Edison, potrebbero influenzare il mercato nel terzo trimestre 2024.

2 azioni dei servizi pubblici da monitorare nel Q3 del 2024

WEC Energy Group Inc

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JPMorgan analyst Jeremy Tonet sees utility companies relatively well-positioned amid concerns that recent tariff hikes could trigger <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/recession">a global recession</a>.
What Happened: JPMorgan projects a -0.3%<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/macro-economic-events" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> U.S. GDP contraction in 2025</a>.
Maia G. Crook, also a JPMorgan analyst, says the probability of a U.S. recession has surged to 60%. That&#8217;s up from 40% last month, due to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/04/44645681/jpmorgan-raises-recession-risk-to-60-as-largest-us-tax-hike-in-60-years-hits-global-economy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the latest round of tariff hikes</a>.
The analysts&#8217; view on utilities reflects the sector&#8217;s regulated return profile and cost-of-service structure, which insulate them from direct tariff-related EPS impacts.
Moreover, potential rate cuts may further boost their income appeal.
Meanwhile, Tonet says that prolonged tariff uncertainty could harm sentiment and the broader economy, creating affordability challenges that may impact utilities' capex plans and returns, especially in regions with tight energy supply.
Tonet downgraded Dominion Energy, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/D#NYSE">D</a>) from Neutral to Underweight and cut the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/d/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecast from $59 to $52</a>.
The company&#8217;s Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) project faces increased risks with $2.5 billion in remaining non-US spending and potential steel/EU/Mexico tariff impacts, which could add $500 million-$625 million in costs.
Combined with still-to-be-finalized PJM network upgrades (+$600 million), these factors pose external challenges, adds the analyst.
Moreover, the analyst writes that administration support for offshore wind seems to be uncertain, adding to concerns.
On the other hand, Tonet raised the rating for WEC Energy Group, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEC#NYSE">WEC</a>) from Underweight to Neutral and the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/wec/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecast from $106 to $108</a>.
Tonet says that WEC stands out due to its lack of rate case exposure and favorable regulatory environment in Wisconsin.
The company is well-positioned as a defensive stock, benefiting from regulatory stability and potential upside from projects like MSFT/Cloverleaf data centers, adds the analyst.
Also, the analyst upgraded Southern Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SO#NYSE">SO</a>) from Underweight to Neutral while <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/so/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">maintaining the price forecast at $94</a>.
The analyst writes that SO stands out within utility coverage for its strong regulatory environment, solid balance sheet, large scale, and economic resilience in its service area.
However, ongoing regulatory uncertainty tied to the Georgia Power rate case limits immediate upside, adds the analyst.
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Recession Risk Is High, But Analysts Say This Sector Is Shielded From Tariff Impact

JP Morgan analyst Jeremy Tonet upgrades WEC Energy Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEC#NYSE">WEC</a>) from Underweight to Neutral and raises the price target from $106 to $108.

Analyst Ratings

JP Morgan Upgrades WEC Energy Group to Neutral, Raises Price Target to $108

WEC Energy Group's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEC#NYSE">WEC</a>) short percent of float has fallen 6.47% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 11.16 million shares sold short, which is 4.05% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 4.92 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>WEC Energy Group Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1741975232_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for WEC Energy Group has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing WEC Energy Group's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>, WEC Energy Group's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 3.00%, which means the company has more short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

Looking Into WEC Energy Group's Recent Short Interest

Companies with a long history of paying dividends and consistently hiking them remain appealing to income-focused investors. TXNM Energy, Altria, and WEC Energy have rewarded shareholders for years and recently announced dividend increases. These companies currently offer dividend yields of up to 7%.
TXNM Energy
TXNM Energy (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TXNM#NYSE">TXNM</a>) is a holding company that owns regulated utility companies providing energy to homes and businesses across Texas and New Mexico.
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TXNM has increased its dividends every year for the last 13 years. In its most recent dividend hike announcement on Dec. 3, its board raised the quarterly payout by 5.2% to $0.4075 per share, equal to an annual figure of $1.63 per share. The current dividend yield on the stock is 3.18%.
The company's annual revenue as of Dec. 31 stood at $1.97 billion. In its Q4 2024 earnings release on Feb. 21, the company posted revenues of $476.96 million, missing the consensus estimate of $496.05 million, while EPS of $0.30 matched expectations.
Altria
Altria Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MO#NYSE">MO</a>) manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the U.S.
Altria Group has raised its dividends 59 times in the past 55 years. As per its most recent dividend hike announcement on Aug. 22, the company increased the quarterly payout by 4.1% to $1.02 per share, equaling an annual figure of $4.08 per share. The current dividend yield is 7.02%.
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Altria Group's annual revenue as of Dec. 31 stood at $20.44 billion. In its most recent earnings release on Jan. 30, the company posted Q4 2024 revenues of $5.97 billion and EPS of $1.29, both above the Street estimates.
Check out this <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/12/42715995/heres-how-you-can-earn-100-in-passive-income-by-investing-in-altria-group-stock">article by Benzinga</a> to learn how to earn $100 in passive income by investing in Altria Group stock.
WEC Energy
WEC Energy Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEC#NYSE">WEC</a>) provides regulated natural gas and electricity, and renewable and nonregulated renewable energy services in the U.S.
The company has raised its dividends every year for the last 22 years. In its most recent dividend hike announcement on Jan. 16, it increased the quarterly payout by 6.90% to $0.8925 per share, which is equal to an annual figure of $3.57 per share. The dividend yield on the stock currently stands at 3.38%.
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WEC Energy Group&#8217;s annual revenue as of Dec. 31 stood at $8.60 billion. In its Q4 2024 earnings release on Feb. 4, the company posted revenues of $2.28 billion, missing the consensus estimate of $2.50 billion, while EPS of $1.43 was in line with expectations.&nbsp;
Check out this <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/analyst-ratings/25/02/43505798/assessing-wec-energy-group-insights-from-7-financial-analysts">article by Benzinga</a> for seven analysts&#8217; insights on WEC Energy Group.
TXNM Energy, Altria, and WEC Energy are good choices for investors seeking reliable passive income. Their dividend yields of up to 7% and long history of consistent hikes make them attractive to income-focused investors.
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Personal Finance

TXNM

Looking For Yields: TXNM, Altria, And WEC Energy Are Consistent Moneymakers

As of Feb. 27, 2025, three stocks in the utilities sector could be flashing a real warning to investors who value momentum as a key criteria in their trading decisions.
The RSI is a momentum indicator, which compares a stock&#8217;s strength on days when prices go up to its strength on days when prices go down. When compared to a stock&#8217;s price action, it can give traders a better sense of how a stock may perform in the short term. An asset is typically considered overbought when the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/rsi">RSI is above 70</a>, according to<a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/"> Benzinga Pro</a> 
Here's the latest list of major overbought players in this sector.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">WEC Energy Group Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEC#NYSE">WEC</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>On Feb. 4, the company reported worse-than-expected fourth-quarter financial results. The company's stock gained around 5% over the past month and has a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WEC">52-week high of $106.75</a>.</li>
<li>RSI Value: 70.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
<li>WEC Price Action: Shares of WEC Energy gained 0.1% to trade at $105.77 on Thursday.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Alliant Energy Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LNT#NASDAQ">LNT</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>On Feb. 20, Alliant Energy posted better-than-expected quarterly earnings. The company's stock gained around 7% over the past month and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/LNT">has a 52-week high</a> of $64.15.</li>
<li>RSI Value: 74.9</li>
<li>LNT Price Action: Shares of Alliant Energy gained 0.1% to trade at $64.00 on Thursday.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Avista Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVA#NYSE">AVA</a>)</h3>
<ul>
<li>On Feb. 26, Avista posted mixed quarterly results. The company's stock gained around 8% over the past month and has a<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AVA"> 52-week high</a> of $40.17.</li>
<li>RSI Value: 71.8</li>
<li>AVA Price Action: Shares of Avista fell 0.5% to trade at $39.70 on Thursday. </li>
</ul>
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Top 3 Utilities Stocks You May Want To Dump In February

WEC Energy Group's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEC#NYSE">WEC</a>) short percent of float has risen 11.65% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 11.31 million shares sold short, which is 4.12% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 4.76 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock?utm_source=insights&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest?utm_source=insights&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>WEC Energy Group Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1740164433_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for WEC Energy Group has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing WEC Energy Group's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>, WEC Energy Group's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 2.81%, which means the company has more short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze?utm_source=insights&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

What Does the Market Think About WEC Energy Group?

<a href="https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/783325/000010781525000098/wec-20250207.htm" title="https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/783325/000010781525000098/wec-20250207.htm">https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/783325/000010781525000098/wec-20250207.htm</a>

Guidance

WEC Energy Group Outlook 2025-2029 Capital Plan $24.8B

Providing a diverse range of perspectives from bullish to bearish, 7 analysts have published ratings on WEC Energy Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEC#NYSE">WEC</a>) in the last three months.
The following table provides a quick overview of their recent ratings, highlighting the changing sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Analysts' evaluations of 12-month price targets offer additional insights, showcasing an average target of $104.14, with a high estimate of $115.00 and a low estimate of $93.00. Witnessing a positive shift, the current average has risen by 5.04% from the previous average price target of $99.14.
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1738782031_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Diving into Analyst Ratings: An In-Depth Exploration</h2>
The standing of WEC Energy Group among financial experts is revealed through an in-depth exploration of recent analyst actions. The summary below outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<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>James Thalacker</td>
<td>BMO Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Market Perform</td>
<td>$100.00</td>
<td>$95.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Neil Kalton</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$115.00</td>
<td>$112.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nicholas Campanella</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$93.00</td>
<td>$89.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Julien Dumoulin-Smith</td>
<td>B of A Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$98.00</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Weisel</td>
<td>Scotiabank</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Sector Outperform</td>
<td>$110.00</td>
<td>$103.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sophie Karp</td>
<td>Keybanc</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$109.00</td>
<td>$108.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>James Thalacker</td>
<td>BMO Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Market Perform</td>
<td>$104.00</td>
<td>$97.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: In response to dynamic market conditions and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their reaction to recent developments related to WEC Energy Group. This insight gives a snapshot of analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Delving into assessments, analysts assign qualitative values, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings communicate expectations for the relative performance of WEC Energy Group compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Gaining insights, analysts provide estimates for the future value of WEC Energy Group's stock. This comparison reveals trends in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
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.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WEC/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on WEC Energy Group analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>About WEC Energy Group</h2>
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.
<h3>WEC Energy Group: Financial Performance Dissected</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: With a profound presence, the company's market capitalization is above industry averages. This reflects substantial size and strong market recognition.
Decline in Revenue: Over the 3 months period, WEC Energy Group faced challenges, resulting in a decline of approximately -4.8% in revenue growth as of 30 September, 2024. This signifies a reduction in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the revenue growth lags behind its industry peers. The company achieved a growth rate lower than the average among peers in Utilities sector.
Net Margin: WEC Energy Group's net margin is impressive, surpassing industry averages. With a net margin of 12.88%, the company demonstrates strong profitability and effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): WEC Energy Group's ROE lags behind industry averages, suggesting challenges in maximizing returns on equity capital. With an ROE of 1.99%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial performance.
Return on Assets (ROA): WEC Energy Group's ROA is below industry standards, pointing towards difficulties in efficiently utilizing assets. With an ROA of 0.53%, the company may encounter challenges in delivering satisfactory returns from its assets.
Debt Management: The company maintains a balanced debt approach with a debt-to-equity ratio below industry norms, standing at 1.6.
<h2>Analyst Ratings: What Are They?</h2>
Experts in banking and financial systems, analysts specialize in reporting for specific stocks or defined sectors. Their comprehensive research involves attending company conference calls and meetings, analyzing financial statements, and engaging with insiders to generate what are known as analyst ratings for stocks. Typically, analysts assess and rate each stock once per quarter.
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.
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>.
Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now?
Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=be8be9arja3be22bz21&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here to stay ahead of the market</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Assessing WEC Energy Group: Insights From 7 Financial Analysts

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 $95 to $100.

BMO Capital Maintains Market Perform on WEC Energy Group, Raises Price Target to $100

Wells Fargo analyst Neil Kalton 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 $112 to $115.

Wells Fargo Maintains Overweight on WEC Energy Group, Raises Price Target to $115

U.S. stocks advanced midday Tuesday, demonstrating resilience despite escalating geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainties between the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/econ-s">world&#8217;s two largest economies.</a>
China responded to President Donald Trump&#8216;s 10% import tariff with targeted countermeasures, including restrictions on key mineral exports to the U.S. and tariffs on American energy products.
Beijing is raising tariffs by 10%-15% on select U.S. imports, including coal, liquefied natural gas, crude oil, agricultural machinery and vehicles. Additionally, China added PVH Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PVH#NYSE">PVH</a>) and Illumina Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ILMN#NASDAQ">ILMN</a>) to its &#8220;Unreliable Entity List,&#8221; citing the need to &#8220;safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests,&#8221; and opened an antitrust investigation on Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>)(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>).
Market participants had anticipated a call between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday, but media reports indicated the conversation would not happen today.
The trade developments had an immediate impact on oil markets, with West Texas Intermediate crude futures plunging 3% overnight to as low as $70 per barrel. 
Yet, prices rebounded sharply Tuesday morning following reports that Trump is considering issuing a memorandum aimed at inflicting <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/02/43469234/trump-prepares-maximum-pressure-on-iran-oil-jumps-above-73-energy-stocks-rally">maximum economic damage on Iran</a>, potentially leading to a sharp decline in Iranian oil production.
Energy stocks outperformed on the day, while utilities lagged. 
Among individual stocks, Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>) rocketed 22% after posting strong earnings and a revenue beat. 
In the commodities market, gold added more than 1%, extending its all-time high, and silver jumped 2.2%. Meanwhile, Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) declined 2% to $99,000.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Tuesday&#8217;s Performance In Major U.S. Indices, ETFs</h1>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Major Indices</td>
<td>Price</td>
<td>1-day % chg</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>2,281.54</td>
<td>1.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>21,495.31</td>
<td>0.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>6,029.97</td>
<td>0.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>44,501.00</td>
<td>0.2%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Updated at 12:55 p.m. ET</figcaption></figure>
According to&nbsp;<a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent020325&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>&nbsp;data:
<ul>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>)&nbsp;rose 0.5% to $600.53.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>) inched 0.1% higher to $444.77.</li>
<li>The tech-heavy&nbsp;Invesco QQQ Trust Series&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>)&nbsp;rose 0.9% to $522.81.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>) rallied 1.1% to $226.80.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLE#NYSE">XLE</a>) outperformed, up 1.9%; the&nbsp;Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLU#NYSE">XLU</a>) lagged, down 0.8%.</li>
</ul>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Tuesday&#8217;s Stock Movers</h1>
Stocks reacting to earnings report included: 
<ul>
<li>Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>): down 1.53%</li>
<li>PepsiCo Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>): down 4.43%</li>
<li>Merck &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>): down 10.49%</li>
<li>PayPal Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PYPL#NASDAQ">PYPL</a>): down 11.57%</li>
<li>Archer-Daniels-Midland Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ADM#NYSE">ADM</a>): down 3.58%</li>
<li>KKR &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KKR#NYSE">KKR</a>): down 7.90%</li>
<li>Cummins Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMI#NYSE">CMI</a>): up 3.81%</li>
<li>Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EPD#NYSE">EPD</a>): down 0.99%</li>
<li>Marathon Petroleum Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MPC#NYSE">MPC</a>): up 5.85%</li>
<li>Estee Lauder Companies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EL#NYSE">EL</a>): down 16.35%</li>
<li>Apollo Global Management Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APO#NYSE">APO</a>): down 2.78%</li>
<li>Fox Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FOXA#NASDAQ">FOXA</a>): up 4.00%</li>
<li>Ametek Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AME#NYSE">AME</a>): down 1.00%</li>
<li>Xylem Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XYL#NYSE">XYL</a>): up 5.85%</li>
<li>Ferrari NV (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RACE#NYSE">RACE</a>): up 7.62%</li>
<li>Spotify Technology SA (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPOT#NYSE">SPOT</a>): up 10.46%</li>
<li>Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/REGN#NASDAQ">REGN</a>): up 4.71%</li>
<li>Jacobs Solutions Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/J#NYSE">J</a>): down 2.72%</li>
<li>Aramark (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARMK#NYSE">ARMK</a>): down 1.51%</li>
<li>Gartner Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IT#NYSE">IT</a>): up 0.77%</li>
<li>Centene Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CNC#NYSE">CNC</a>): down 3.41%</li>
<li>Atkore Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ATKR#NYSE">ATKR</a>): down 20.50%</li>
<li>Berry Global Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BERY#NYSE">BERY</a>): up 4.15%</li>
<li>WEC Energy Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEC#NYSE">WEC</a>): down 1.52%</li>
<li>Hubbell Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HUBB#NYSE">HUBB</a>): down 0.55%</li>
<li>TransDigm Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TDG#NYSE">TDG</a>): down 1.60%</li>
<li>Graphic Packaging Holding Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GPK#NYSE">GPK</a>): down 1.76%</li>
<li>CNH Industrial NV (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CNHI#NYSE">CNHI</a>): up 1.71%</li>
<li>Ingredion Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INGR#NYSE">INGR</a>): down 6.12%</li>
<li>ATI Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ATI#NYSE">ATI</a>): up 7.02%</li>
<li>Ball Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BALL#NYSE">BALL</a>): down 8.03%</li>
<li>Lancaster Colony Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LANC#NASDAQ">LANC</a>): up 9.27%</li>
<li>Premier Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PINC#NASDAQ">PINC</a>): down 15.36%</li>
<li>MPLX LP (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MPLX#NYSE">MPLX</a>): up 2.92%</li>
<li>Oaktree Specialty Lending Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OCSL#NASDAQ">OCSL</a>): down 3.42%</li>
<li>PJT Partners Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PJT#NYSE">PJT</a>): up 12.77%</li>
<li>Energizer Holdings Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ENR#NYSE">ENR</a>): down 4.45%</li>
<li>Silicon Laboratories Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SLAB#NASDAQ">SLAB</a>): down 1.05%</li>
<li>Hamilton Lane Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HLNE#NASDAQ">HLNE</a>): down 0.01%</li>
<li>Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSGS#NYSE">MSGS</a>): down 3.74%</li>
<li>Pentair Plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PNR#NYSE">PNR</a>): down 1.89%</li>
<li>Amcor Plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMCR#NYSE">AMCR</a>): up 3.87%</li>
<li>Inmode Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INMD#NASDAQ">INMD</a>): up 2.82%</li>
<li>Willis Towers Watson Plc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WTW#NASDAQ">WTW</a>): down 3.54%</li>
<li>Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXTA#NYSE">AXTA</a>): up 7.86%</li>
<li>Mesa Laboratories Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MLAB#NASDAQ">MLAB</a>): up 10.48%</li>
</ul>
Major companies reporting their earnings after the close are Alphabet Inc., Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>), Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>), Mondelez International Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MDLZ#NASDAQ">MDLZ</a>), Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMG#NYSE">CMG</a>), Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EA#NASDAQ">EA</a>), Prudential Financial Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PRU#NYSE">PRU</a>), Simon Property Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPG#NYSE">SPG</a>), Atmos Energy Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ATO#NYSE">ATO</a>), Aspen Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZPN#NASDAQ">AZPN</a>), Carlisle Cos. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CSL#NYSE">CSL</a>), Fair Isaac Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FICO#NYSE">FICO</a>), Jack Henry &amp; Associates Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JKHY#NASDAQ">JKHY</a>), Idex Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IEX#NYSE">IEX</a>) and Enphase Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ENPH#NASDAQ">ENPH</a>).
Read Now: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43468887/robert-f-kennedy-nomination-advances-to-full-senate-vaccine-stocks-drop">Robert F. Kennedy&#8217;s Health Secretary Nomination Advances To Full Senate: Vaccine Stocks Drop</a></li>
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WEC Energy Affirms 2025 EPS Guidance Range Of $5.17-$5.27 Vs. Cons. Of $5.23

WEC Energy Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEC#NYSE">WEC</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $1.10 per share which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $1.42 by 22.54 percent. This is unchanged from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $2.284 billion which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $2.626 billion by 13.03 percent. This is a 2.98 percent increase over sales of $2.218 billion the same period last year.

Earnings

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WEC Energy Group Q4 2024 Adj. EPS $1.10 Misses $1.42 Estimate, Sales $2.284B Miss $2.626B Estimate

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Earnings Scheduled For February 4, 2025

The board of directors of&nbsp;WEC Energy Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEC#NYSE">WEC</a>) today declared a quarterly cash dividend of 89.25 cents per share on the company's common stock, an increase of 6.9 percent over the current quarterly dividend of 83.50 cents per share. This raises the annual dividend rate to $3.57 per share.
The higher dividend is payable March 1, 2025, to stockholders of record on Feb. 14, 2025. This marks the 330th&nbsp;consecutive quarter — dating back to 1942 — that the company will have paid a dividend to its stockholders.

Dividends

WEC Energy Group Raises Quarterly Dividend From $0.8350 To $0.8925

In a new SEC filing on January 7, it was revealed that Mulroy, EVP &amp; Chief Admin Officer at WEC Energy Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEC#NYSE">WEC</a>), executed a significant exercise of company stock options.
What Happened: Mulroy, EVP &amp; Chief Admin Officer at WEC Energy Group, made a strategic move by exercising stock options for 0 shares of WEC as detailed in a Form 4 filing on Tuesday with the <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000783325/000010781525000035//Archives/edgar/data/783325/000010781525000035/0000107815-25-000035-index.htm">U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission</a>. The transaction value amounted to $0.
As of Tuesday morning, WEC Energy Group shares are up by 1.56%, with a current price of $93.56. This implies that Mulroy's 0 shares have a value of $0.
<h3>Unveiling the Story Behind WEC Energy Group</h3>
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.
<h3>A Deep Dive into WEC Energy Group's Financials</h3>
Negative Revenue Trend: Examining WEC Energy Group's financials over 3 months reveals challenges. As of 30 September, 2024, the company experienced a decline of approximately -4.8% in revenue growth, reflecting a decrease in 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.
Profitability Metrics:
<ul>
<li>
Gross Margin: The company faces challenges with a low gross margin of 41.64%, suggesting potential difficulties in cost control and profitability compared to its peers.
</li>
<li>
Earnings per Share (EPS): WEC Energy Group's EPS is below the industry average, signaling challenges in bottom-line performance with a current EPS of 0.76.
</li>
</ul>
Debt Management: WEC Energy Group's debt-to-equity ratio is notably higher than the industry average. With a ratio of 1.6, the company relies more heavily on borrowed funds, indicating a higher level of financial risk.
Navigating Market Valuation:
<ul>
<li>
Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio: The current Price to Earnings ratio of 22.52 is higher than the industry average, indicating the stock is priced at a premium level according to the market sentiment.
</li>
<li>
Price to Sales (P/S) Ratio: With a relatively high Price to Sales ratio of 3.41 as compared to the industry average, the stock might be considered overvalued based on sales performance.
</li>
<li>
EV/EBITDA Analysis (Enterprise Value to its Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation &amp; Amortization): WEC Energy Group's EV/EBITDA ratio of 13.39 exceeds industry averages, indicating a premium valuation in the market
</li>
</ul>
Market Capitalization: Positioned above industry average, the company's market capitalization underscores its superiority in size, indicative of a strong market presence.
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<h3>Navigating the Impact of Insider Transactions on Investments</h3>
Insider transactions shouldn't be used primarily to make an investing decision, however an insider transaction can be an important factor in the investing decision. 
Within the legal framework, an "insider" is defined as any officer, director, or beneficial owner holding more than ten percent of a company's equity securities as per Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This includes executives in the c-suite and major hedge funds. These insiders are mandated to disclose their transactions through a Form 4 filing, to be submitted within two business days of the transaction.
The initiation of a new purchase by a company insider serves as a strong indication that they expect the stock to rise.
However, insider sells may not always signal a bearish view and can be influenced by various factors.
<h3>Breaking Down the Significance of Transaction Codes</h3>
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 P in Box 3 denotes a purchase,while S signifies a sale. Transaction code C signals the conversion of an option, and transaction code A denotes a grant, award, or other acquisition of securities from the company.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/sec/insider-trades/search/index?company_cik=0000783325">Check Out The Full List Of WEC Energy Group's Insider Trades.</a>
Insider Buying Alert: Profit from C-Suite Moves
Benzinga Edge reveals every insider trade in real-time. Don't miss the next big stock move driven by insider confidence. Unlock this ultimate sentiment indicator now. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22in8&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Insider Trades

Molly Mulroy At WEC Energy Group Exercises Options Worth $0

A substantial insider activity was disclosed on January 7, as Lauber, President and CEO at WEC Energy Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEC#NYSE">WEC</a>), reported the exercise of a large sell of company stock options.
What Happened: Lauber, President and CEO at WEC Energy Group, exercised stock options for 0 shares of WEC stock. This information was disclosed in a Form 4 filing with the <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000783325/000010781525000036//Archives/edgar/data/783325/000010781525000036/0000107815-25-000036-index.htm">U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission</a> on Tuesday. The exercise price of the options was $0.0 per share.
WEC Energy Group shares are trading up 1.56% at $93.56 at the time of this writing on Tuesday morning. Since the current price is $93.56, this makes Lauber's 0 shares worth $0.
<h3>About WEC Energy Group</h3>
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.
<h3>WEC Energy Group: Delving into Financials</h3>
Revenue Growth: WEC Energy Group's revenue growth over a period of 3 months has faced challenges. As of 30 September, 2024, the company experienced a revenue decline of approximately -4.8%. This indicates a decrease in the company's 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.
Key Profitability Indicators:
<ul>
<li>
Gross Margin: The company issues a cost efficiency warning with a low gross margin of 41.64%, indicating potential difficulties in maintaining profitability compared to its peers.
</li>
<li>
Earnings per Share (EPS): WEC Energy Group's EPS lags behind the industry average, indicating concerns and potential challenges with a current EPS of 0.76.
</li>
</ul>
Debt Management: WEC Energy Group's debt-to-equity ratio stands notably higher than the industry average, reaching 1.6. This indicates a heavier reliance on borrowed funds, raising concerns about financial leverage.
Valuation Metrics:
<ul>
<li>
Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio: The current Price to Earnings ratio of 22.52 is higher than the industry average, indicating the stock is priced at a premium level according to the market sentiment.
</li>
<li>
Price to Sales (P/S) Ratio: A higher-than-average P/S ratio of 3.41 suggests overvaluation in the eyes of investors, considering sales performance.
</li>
<li>
EV/EBITDA Analysis (Enterprise Value to its Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation &amp; Amortization): With an impressive EV/EBITDA ratio of 13.39, WEC Energy Group demonstrates exemplary market valuation, surpassing industry averages.
</li>
</ul>
Market Capitalization: Boasting an elevated market capitalization, the company surpasses industry averages. This signals substantial size and strong market recognition.
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<h3>Why Insider Activity Matters in Finance</h3>
Investors should view insider transactions as part of a multifaceted analysis and not rely solely on them for decision-making.
Exploring the legal landscape, an "insider" is defined as any officer, director, or beneficial owner holding more than ten percent of a company's equity securities, as stipulated by Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This encompasses executives in the c-suite and major hedge funds. These insiders are required to report their transactions through a Form 4 filing, which must be submitted within two business days of the transaction.
Highlighted by a company insider's new purchase, there's a positive anticipation for the stock to rise.
But, insider sells may not necessarily indicate a bearish view and can be motivated by various factors.
<h3>Transaction Codes Worth Your Attention</h3>
Surveying the realm of stock transactions, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/investing-tools">investors</a> often give prominence to those unfolding in the open market, systematically detailed in Table I of the Form 4 filing. A P in Box 3 indicates a purchase, while S signifies a sale. Transaction code C denotes the conversion of an option, and transaction code A denotes a grant, award, or other acquisition of securities from the company.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/sec/insider-trades/search/index?company_cik=0000783325">Check Out The Full List Of WEC Energy Group's Insider Trades.</a>
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Major Update: Scott Lauber At WEC Energy Group Exercises Options, Realizing $0

Xia Liu, EVP and CFO at WEC Energy Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEC#NYSE">WEC</a>), reported a large exercise of company stock options on January 7, according to a new SEC filing.
What Happened: A notable Form 4 filing on Tuesday with the <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000783325/000010781525000052//Archives/edgar/data/783325/000010781525000052/0000107815-25-000052-index.htm">U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission</a> revealed that Liu, EVP and CFO at WEC Energy Group, exercised stock options for 0 shares of WEC, resulting in a transaction value of $0.
The Tuesday morning update indicates WEC Energy Group shares up by 0.25%, currently priced at $92.35. At this value, Liu's 0 shares are worth $0.
<h3>Unveiling the Story Behind WEC Energy Group</h3>
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.
<h3>WEC Energy Group: A Financial Overview</h3>
Revenue Growth: WEC Energy Group's revenue growth over a period of 3 months has faced challenges. As of 30 September, 2024, the company experienced a revenue decline of approximately -4.8%. This indicates a decrease in the company's 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.
Interpreting Earnings Metrics:
<ul>
<li>
Gross Margin: The company faces challenges with a low gross margin of 41.64%, suggesting potential difficulties in cost control and profitability compared to its peers.
</li>
<li>
Earnings per Share (EPS): With an EPS below industry norms, WEC Energy Group exhibits below-average bottom-line performance with a current EPS of 0.76.
</li>
</ul>
Debt Management: With a high debt-to-equity ratio of 1.6, WEC Energy Group faces challenges in effectively managing its debt levels, indicating potential financial strain.
Valuation Metrics: A Closer Look
<ul>
<li>
Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio: A higher-than-average P/E ratio of 22.52 suggests caution, as the stock may be overvalued in the eyes of investors.
</li>
<li>
Price to Sales (P/S) Ratio: The current P/S ratio of 3.41 is above industry norms, reflecting an elevated valuation for WEC Energy Group's stock and potential overvaluation based on sales performance.
</li>
<li>
EV/EBITDA Analysis (Enterprise Value to its Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation &amp; Amortization): WEC Energy Group's EV/EBITDA ratio of 13.39 exceeds industry averages, indicating a premium valuation in the market
</li>
</ul>
Market Capitalization: Surpassing industry standards, the company's market capitalization asserts its dominance in terms of size, suggesting a robust market position.
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<h3>Why Insider Transactions Are Key in Investment Decisions</h3>
Emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach, considering insider transactions is valuable, but it's crucial to evaluate them in conjunction with other investment factors.
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.
A company insider's new purchase is a indicator of their positive anticipation for a rise in the stock.
While insider sells may not necessarily reflect a bearish view and can be motivated by various factors.
<h3>Breaking Down the Significance of Transaction Codes</h3>
For <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/investing-tools">investors</a>, a primary focus lies on transactions occurring in the open market, as indicated in Table I of the Form 4 filing. A P in Box 3 denotes a purchase, while S signifies a sale. Transaction code C signals the conversion of an option, and transaction code A denotes a grant, award, or other acquisition of securities from the company.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/sec/insider-trades/search/index?company_cik=0000783325">Check Out The Full List Of WEC Energy Group's Insider Trades.</a>
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This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Options Exercise Activity Initiated By Xia Liu At WEC Energy Group Worth $0

On January 7, it was revealed in an SEC filing that William Mastoris, Vice President at WEC Energy Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEC#NYSE">WEC</a>) executed a significant exercise of company stock options.
What Happened: A notable Form 4 filing on Tuesday with the <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000783325/000010781525000054//Archives/edgar/data/783325/000010781525000054/0000107815-25-000054-index.htm">U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission</a> revealed that Mastoris, Vice President at WEC Energy Group, exercised stock options for 0 shares of WEC, resulting in a transaction value of $0.
Currently, WEC Energy Group shares are trading up 1.56%, priced at $93.56 during Tuesday's morning. This values Mastoris's 0 shares at $0.
<h3>Delving into WEC Energy Group's Background</h3>
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.
<h3>WEC Energy Group: Delving into Financials</h3>
Revenue Growth: WEC Energy Group's revenue growth over a period of 3 months has faced challenges. As of 30 September, 2024, the company experienced a revenue decline of approximately -4.8%. This indicates a decrease in the company's 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.
Navigating Financial Profits:
<ul>
<li>
Gross Margin: The company issues a cost efficiency warning with a low gross margin of 41.64%, indicating potential difficulties in maintaining profitability compared to its peers.
</li>
<li>
Earnings per Share (EPS): WEC Energy Group's EPS is below the industry average, signaling challenges in bottom-line performance with a current EPS of 0.76.
</li>
</ul>
Debt Management: WEC Energy Group's debt-to-equity ratio is notably higher than the industry average. With a ratio of 1.6, the company relies more heavily on borrowed funds, indicating a higher level of financial risk.
Assessing Valuation Metrics:
<ul>
<li>
Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio: With a higher-than-average P/E ratio of 22.52, WEC Energy Group's stock is perceived as being overvalued in the market.
</li>
<li>
Price to Sales (P/S) Ratio: With a higher-than-average P/S ratio of 3.41, WEC Energy Group's stock is perceived as being overvalued in the market, particularly in relation to sales performance.
</li>
<li>
EV/EBITDA Analysis (Enterprise Value to its Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation &amp; Amortization): The company's EV/EBITDA ratio 13.39 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.
</li>
</ul>
Market Capitalization Analysis: With an elevated market capitalization, the company stands out above industry averages, showcasing substantial size and market acknowledgment.
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<h3>Unmasking the Significance of Insider Transactions</h3>
Insightful as they may be, insider transactions should be considered alongside a thorough examination of other investment criteria.
Within the legal framework, an "insider" is defined as any officer, director, or beneficial owner holding more than ten percent of a company's equity securities as per Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This includes executives in the c-suite and major hedge funds. These insiders are mandated to disclose their transactions through a Form 4 filing, to be submitted within two business days of the transaction.
The initiation of a new purchase by a company insider serves as a strong indication that they expect the stock to rise.
However, insider sells may not always signal a bearish view and can be influenced by various factors.
<h3>Exploring Key Transaction Codes</h3>
Examining transactions, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/investing-tools">investors</a> often concentrate on those unfolding in the open market, meticulously detailed in Table I of the Form 4 filing. A P in Box 3 denotes a purchase, while S signifies a sale. Transaction code C indicates the conversion of an option, and transaction code A denotes a grant, award, or other acquisition of securities from the company.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/sec/insider-trades/search/index?company_cik=0000783325">Check Out The Full List Of WEC Energy Group's Insider Trades.</a>
Insider Buying Alert: Profit from C-Suite Moves
Benzinga Edge reveals every insider trade in real-time. Don't miss the next big stock move driven by insider confidence. Unlock this ultimate sentiment indicator now. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22in8&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

William Mastoris Decides To Exercise Options At WEC Energy Group Worth $0

Across the recent three months, 9 analysts have shared their insights on WEC Energy Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEC#NYSE">WEC</a>), expressing a variety of opinions spanning from bullish to bearish.
Summarizing their recent assessments, the table below illustrates the evolving sentiments in the past 30 days and compares them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Providing deeper insights, analysts have established 12-month price targets, indicating an average target of $100.67, along with a high estimate of $110.00 and a low estimate of $89.00. This current average has increased by 4.74% from the previous average price target of $96.11. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1735822817_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Analyzing Analyst Ratings: A Detailed Breakdown</h2>
The standing of WEC Energy Group among financial experts becomes clear with a thorough analysis of recent analyst actions. The summary below outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<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>Nicholas Campanella</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$93.00</td>
<td>$89.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Julien Dumoulin-Smith</td>
<td>B of A Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$98.00</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Weisel</td>
<td>Scotiabank</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Sector Outperform</td>
<td>$110.00</td>
<td>$103.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sophie Karp</td>
<td>Keybanc</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$109.00</td>
<td>$108.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>James Thalacker</td>
<td>BMO Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Market Perform</td>
<td>$104.00</td>
<td>$97.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sophie Karp</td>
<td>Keybanc</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$108.00</td>
<td>$103.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Neil Kalton</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$106.00</td>
<td>$103.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Eric Beaumont</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Underweight</td>
<td>$89.00</td>
<td>$86.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Eric Beaumont</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Underweight</td>
<td>$89.00</td>
<td>$86.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: 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>Rating: Analysts assign qualitative assessments to stocks, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey the analysts' expectations for the relative performance of WEC Energy Group compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts gauge the dynamics of price targets, providing estimates for the future value of WEC Energy Group's stock. This comparison reveals trends in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
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.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/WEC/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on WEC Energy Group analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Discovering WEC Energy Group: A Closer Look</h2>
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.
<h3>WEC Energy Group: Delving into Financials</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: The company's market capitalization surpasses industry averages, showcasing a dominant size relative to peers and suggesting a strong market position.
Revenue Challenges: WEC Energy Group's revenue growth over 3 months faced difficulties. As of 30 September, 2024, the company experienced a decline of approximately -4.8%. This indicates 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.
Net Margin: WEC Energy Group's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional net margin, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable net margin of 12.88%, the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): The company's ROE is below industry benchmarks, signaling potential difficulties in efficiently using equity capital. With an ROE of 1.99%, the company may need to address challenges in generating satisfactory returns for shareholders.
Return on Assets (ROA): WEC Energy Group's ROA is below industry averages, indicating potential challenges in efficiently utilizing assets. With an ROA of 0.53%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial returns.
Debt Management: WEC Energy Group's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average at 1.6, reflecting a lower dependency on debt financing and a more conservative financial approach.
<h2>The Significance of Analyst Ratings Explained</h2>
Benzinga tracks 150 analyst firms and reports on their stock expectations. Analysts typically arrive at their conclusions by predicting how much money a company will make in the future, usually the upcoming five years, and how risky or predictable that company's revenue streams are.
Analysts attend company conference calls and meetings, research company financial statements, and communicate with insiders to publish their ratings on stocks. Analysts typically rate each stock once per quarter or whenever the company has a major update.
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.
Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now?
Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=be8be9arja3be22bz21&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here to stay ahead of the market</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Deep Dive Into WEC Energy Group Stock: Analyst Perspectives (9 Ratings)

Press Releases

WEC Energy Group Announces Cash Tender Offer for up to $350 Million of its Outstanding Senior Notes

Bocanegra named president -- Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas

WEC Energy Group Announces Early Results and Upsize of Its Cash Tender Offer for Its Outstanding Senior Notes

WEC Energy Group Announces Pricing Terms of Its Cash Tender Offer

WEC Energy Group raises quarterly dividend by 6.9 percent

Wisconsin Electric declares quarterly dividends

WEC Energy Group to announce 2024 fourth-quarter and year-end financial results Feb. 4

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