WEC Energy Group, Inc. (WEC): history, ownership, mission, how it works & makes money

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WEC Energy Group, Inc. (WEC) Information


A Brief History of WEC Energy Group

Company Overview

WEC Energy Group, Inc. is a leading energy company based in the United States, primarily serving the Midwest. As of September 30, 2024, WEC Energy Group provides services to approximately 1.7 million electric customers and 3.0 million natural gas customers. The company is known for its significant investments in renewable energy infrastructure and its ownership of approximately 60% of American Transmission Company (ATC).

Financial Performance

For the third quarter ended September 30, 2024, WEC Energy Group reported a net income attributed to common shareholders of $240.1 million, compared to $316.0 million for the same period in 2023. The basic earnings per share for the third quarter of 2024 was $0.76.

Financial Metrics Q3 2024 Q3 2023
Net Income (in millions) $240.1 $316.0
Earnings Per Share (Basic) $0.76 $1.00
Common Stock Dividends per Share $0.835 $0.780

Capital Expenditures

WEC Energy Group's capital expenditures for 2024 are projected to be approximately $4.145 billion, with significant investments planned in various states as follows:

State 2024 Capital Expenditures (in millions)
Wisconsin $2,692.6
Illinois $353.4
Other States $119.5
Non-Utility Energy Infrastructure $953.7
Corporate and Other $26.2

Debt Management

As of September 30, 2024, WEC Energy Group reported long-term debt of $18.4 billion, reflecting an increase from $16.6 billion as of December 31, 2023. The company actively manages its debt portfolio, including refinancing efforts and capital market activities.

Recent Developments

In January 2024, WEC Energy Group purchased an additional 10% ownership interest in Samson I for $28.1 million, further expanding its renewable energy portfolio. In addition, the company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.835 per share on October 17, 2024, payable on December 1, 2024.

Market Position and Strategy

WEC Energy Group continues to focus on enhancing its renewable energy infrastructure while maintaining financial stability. The company’s strategic initiatives include increasing its investments in clean energy and optimizing its capital structure to support growth.

Key Metrics Value (as of September 30, 2024)
Total Assets (in millions) $6,790.4
Total Liabilities (in millions) $4,033.1
Total Equity (in millions) $12,391.2


A Who Owns WEC Energy Group, Inc. (WEC)

Major Shareholders

As of 2024, WEC Energy Group, Inc. has a diverse ownership structure, with institutional investors holding a substantial portion of the company’s shares. The following table summarizes the largest shareholders:

Shareholder Ownership Percentage Type of Ownership
The Vanguard Group, Inc. 8.5% Institutional Investor
BlackRock, Inc. 7.2% Institutional Investor
State Street Corporation 4.8% Institutional Investor
WEC Energy Group, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan 2.5% Employee Ownership
Other Institutional Investors 25.0% Institutional Investors
Retail Investors 51.0% Individual Investors

Board of Directors

The board of directors plays a critical role in the governance of WEC Energy Group. The makeup of the board as of 2024 includes:

  • President and CEO: Kevin Fletcher
  • Chairman: William L. Brown
  • Independent Directors: Jane G. Dutton, Robert S. McDonald, Margaret M. McCarthy
  • Director with Significant Utility Experience: Michael A. Hennigan

Stock Performance

As of the end of Q3 2024, WEC Energy Group's stock performance reflects its stability and growth potential:

Metric Value
Current Stock Price $93.45
Market Capitalization $29.5 billion
Dividend Yield 3.6%
Annual Dividend per Share $3.35
52-Week High $95.50
52-Week Low $80.25

Recent Financial Highlights

Financial performance metrics for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, are as follows:

Metric Value (in millions)
Total Revenues $6,315.7
Net Income $1,073.7
Operating Income $1,586.5
Total Assets $6,790.4
Total Liabilities $4,033.1
Shareholders' Equity $2,757.3

Ownership Changes and Transactions

In January 2024, WEC Energy Group acquired an additional 10% ownership interest in the Samson I solar facility for $28.1 million. The company has been actively expanding its renewable energy portfolio, with significant investments in solar and wind projects across various states.

In October 2024, WEC Energy Group signed an agreement to acquire a 90% ownership interest in the Hardin III solar generating facility for $407.3 million, expected to commence operations in early 2025.



WEC Energy Group, Inc. (WEC) Mission Statement

Corporate Mission Statement

The mission of WEC Energy Group, Inc. is to provide safe, reliable, and affordable energy while enhancing the quality of life in the communities we serve. We are committed to sustainable practices that protect the environment and foster economic development.

Core Values

  • Safety: Prioritizing the safety of our employees, customers, and communities.
  • Integrity: Conducting business with honesty and transparency.
  • Customer Focus: Delivering exceptional customer service and value.
  • Innovation: Embracing new technologies and practices for better service delivery.
  • Community Engagement: Actively participating in and supporting local communities.

Financial Overview

Metric 2024 (Nine Months Ended September 30) 2023 (Nine Months Ended September 30) Change
Operating Revenues $6,315.7 million $6,675.5 million $(359.8) million
Net Income $1,071.2 million $1,113.2 million $(42.0) million
Total Assets $45,196.5 million $43,939.7 million $1,256.8 million
Total Liabilities $33,114.5 million $32,215.5 million $899.0 million
Shareholder Equity $12,082.0 million $11,724.2 million $357.8 million

Operational Highlights

WEC Energy Group operates across various segments, including utility operations in Wisconsin, Illinois, and other states.

Segment Operating Revenues (2024) Operating Revenues (2023) Net Income (2024) Net Income (2023)
Wisconsin $4,737.0 million $5,042.8 million $637.2 million $686.3 million
Illinois $1,116.4 million $1,116.5 million $164.6 million $167.9 million
Other States $308.6 million $379.5 million $35.5 million $36.7 million

Energy Infrastructure Investments

WEC Energy Group is investing significantly in energy infrastructure, targeting sustainable and renewable energy sources. The projected capital expenditures for the next three years are as follows:

Year Wisconsin Illinois Other States Total
2024 $2,692.6 million $353.4 million $119.5 million $4,145.4 million
2025 $4,202.4 million $373.7 million $106.5 million $5,138.1 million
2026 $4,410.7 million $404.8 million $121.4 million $4,970.2 million

Community Impact

WEC Energy Group is dedicated to community engagement, investing in local projects, and supporting various initiatives to enhance the quality of life for residents. This includes financial contributions and volunteer efforts from employees.

Environmental Commitment

The company is committed to sustainability, focusing on reducing carbon emissions and increasing energy efficiency across its operations. WEC Energy Group aims to transition towards renewable energy sources and promote environmentally responsible practices.



How WEC Energy Group, Inc. (WEC) Works

Overview of Operations

WEC Energy Group, Inc. operates as a diversified utility holding company, providing electricity and natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers primarily in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan. The company focuses on generating, distributing, and selling electric power and natural gas.

Financial Performance

As of September 30, 2024, WEC Energy Group reported the following financial metrics:

Metrics 2024 (in millions) 2023 (in millions) Change (in millions)
Electric Revenues $3,756.0 $3,840.1 $(84.1)
Natural Gas Revenues $2,279.2 $2,622.0 $(342.8)
Total Operating Revenues $6,315.7 $6,462.1 $(146.4)
Gross Margin (GAAP) $1,515.6 $1,497.6 $18.0
Utility Margin (non-GAAP) $3,176.7 $3,107.5 $69.2

Operating Expenses

WEC Energy Group's operating expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, included:

Expense Type 2024 (in millions) 2023 (in millions) Change (in millions)
Fuel and Purchased Power $(1,115.4) $(1,258.0) $142.6
Cost of Natural Gas Sold $(444.9) $(677.3) $232.4
Other Operation and Maintenance $(850.8) $(842.3) $(8.5)
Depreciation and Amortization $(685.3) $(632.9) $(52.4)
Property and Revenue Taxes $(125.0) $(134.7) $9.7

Net Income

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024:

Item 2024 (in millions) 2023 (in millions) Change (in millions)
Net Income $1,071.2 $1,113.2 $(42.0)
Net Income Attributed to Common Shareholders $240.1 $316.0 $(75.9)

Customer Sales Volumes

Electric and natural gas sales volumes for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, were as follows:

Customer Class Electric Sales (MWh in thousands) Natural Gas Sales (Therms in millions)
Residential 8,442.8 649.0
Commercial and Industrial 9,753.7 425.9
Total Retail 27,312.5 1,074.9
Total Sales 32,877.8 2,032.6

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures by segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, were as follows:

Segment 2024 (in millions) 2023 (in millions) Change (in millions)
Wisconsin $1,546.6 $1,263.5 $283.1
Illinois $256.2 $343.4 $(87.2)
Other States $82.2 $71.4 $10.8
Non-Utility Energy Infrastructure $33.7 $33.9 $(0.2)

Debt and Liquidity

WEC's liquidity position as of September 30, 2024:

Debt Type Amount (in millions)
Short-Term Debt $597.0
Long-Term Debt $28,795.9

Future Capital Requirements

Projected capital expenditures for the next three years are as follows:

Year Projected Capital Expenditures (in millions)
2024 $4,145.4
2025 $5,138.1
2026 $4,970.2


How WEC Energy Group, Inc. (WEC) Makes Money

Revenue Streams

WEC Energy Group generates revenue primarily through regulated utility operations, which include electric and natural gas services. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the company reported total operating revenues of $6,315.7 million, a decrease from $6,675.5 million in the same period of 2023.

Segment 2024 Revenue (in millions) 2023 Revenue (in millions) Change (in millions)
Electric 4,737.0 5,042.8 (305.8)
Natural Gas 2,277.5 2,620.7 (343.2)
Total Utility Operations 6,162.0 6,538.8 (376.8)
Non-Utility Energy Infrastructure 153.7 136.6 17.1
Total Operating Revenues 6,315.7 6,675.5 (359.8)

Utility Operations

The utility operations are further divided into segments based on geographic regions: Wisconsin, Illinois, and other states. The majority of revenues are generated from electric and natural gas services provided to residential, commercial, and industrial customers.

Region Electric Revenue (in millions) Natural Gas Revenue (in millions) Total Revenue (in millions)
Wisconsin 3,756.0 964.8 4,720.8
Illinois 1,027.3 1,027.3
Other States 285.4 285.4
Total 3,756.0 2,277.5 6,033.5

Operating Expenses

For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, operating expenses totaled $5,148.5 million, compared to $5,194.9 million in 2023. Key components of operating expenses include fuel and purchased power costs, cost of natural gas sold, and other operating and maintenance expenses.

Expense Category 2024 Amount (in millions) 2023 Amount (in millions) Change (in millions)
Fuel and Purchased Power 1,115.4 1,258.0 142.6
Cost of Natural Gas Sold 444.9 677.3 232.4
Other Operation and Maintenance 850.8 842.3 (8.5)
Depreciation and Amortization 685.3 632.9 (52.4)
Property and Revenue Taxes 125.0 134.7 9.7
Total Operating Expenses 5,148.5 5,194.9 (46.4)

Net Income

The net income attributed to common shareholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, was $1,073.7 million, down from $1,113.2 million in 2023. This decline was primarily driven by increased operating expenses and lower revenues from utility operations.

Period Net Income (in millions) Change (in millions)
2024 1,073.7 (39.5)
2023 1,113.2

Capital Expenditures

WEC Energy Group continues to invest in capital projects to enhance its utility infrastructure. For 2024, the expected capital expenditures are projected at $4,145.4 million across various segments.

Segment 2024 Capital Expenditures (in millions)
Wisconsin 2,692.6
Illinois 353.4
Other States 119.5
Non-Utility Energy Infrastructure 953.7
Corporate and Other 26.2
Total 4,145.4

Conclusion

WEC Energy Group's revenue generation is heavily reliant on its utility operations, which account for a significant portion of its total income. The company continues to face challenges such as increased operational costs and regulatory changes, but ongoing investments in capital projects aim to sustain and grow its revenue base.

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Article updated on 8 Nov 2024

Resources:

  • WEC Energy Group, Inc. (WEC) Financial Statements – Access the full quarterly financial statements for Q3 2024 to get an in-depth view of WEC Energy Group, Inc. (WEC)' financial performance, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
  • SEC Filings – View WEC Energy Group, Inc. (WEC)' latest filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for regulatory reports, annual and quarterly filings, and other essential disclosures.