Core Viewpoint - WEC Energy Group reported quarterly earnings of $2.27 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.19 per share, and showing an increase from $1.97 per share a year ago, indicating a positive earnings surprise of 3.65% [1] Financial Performance - The company achieved revenues of $3.15 billion for the quarter ended March 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 11.85%, compared to $2.68 billion in the same quarter last year [2] - Over the last four quarters, WEC Energy has exceeded consensus EPS estimates three times [2] Stock Performance - WEC Energy shares have increased approximately 15.6% since the beginning of the year, contrasting with a decline of 3.9% in the S&P 500 [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating expectations of outperforming the market in the near future [6] Earnings Outlook - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.75 on revenues of $1.87 billion, and for the current fiscal year, it is $5.24 on revenues of $9.34 billion [7] - The trend of estimate revisions for WEC Energy is favorable, which could influence future stock movements [6] Industry Context - The Utility - Electric Power industry, to which WEC Energy belongs, is currently ranked in the top 20% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a strong performance potential [8]

Exhibit 99.1 From: Brendan Conway (media) 414-221-4444 brendan.conway@wecenergygroup.com Beth Straka (investment community) 414-221-4639 beth.straka@wecenergygroup.com May 6, 2025 WEC Energy Group reports first-quarter results MILWAUKEE – WEC Energy Group (NYSE: WEC) today reported net income of $724.2 million, or $2.27 per share, for the first quarter of 2025. This compares to earnings of $622.3 million, or $1.97 per share, for last year's first quarter. Consolidated revenues totaled $3.1 billion, up $469. ...

The upcoming report from WEC Energy Group (WEC) is expected to reveal quarterly earnings of $2.19 per share, indicating an increase of 11.2% compared to the year-ago period. Analysts forecast revenues of $2.82 billion, representing an increase of 5.1% year over year.Over the past 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been adjusted downward by 6.3% to its current level. This demonstrates the covering analysts' collective reassessment of their initial projections during this period.Before a ...

MILWAUKEE, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- WEC Energy Group Inc. (NYSE: WEC) will issue its 2025 first-quarter earnings news release before the stock market opens Tuesday, May 6. A conference call for investors and security analysts is scheduled for the same day at 1 p.m. Central time.Detailed financial information will be available on the WEC Energy Group website by 6:30 a.m. Central time May 6.To listen to webcast Go to wecenergygroup.com. Under 'Webcasts,' select 'Q1 Earnings' at any point within 15 minut ...

Group 1 - The company operates on a principle that emphasizes simplicity and common sense as drivers of success [1] - The hedge fund is built with a clear purpose, disciplined focus, and aims for consistent alpha generation [1] - The investment approach is fully quantitative, relying on a model that provides stock tickers and recommendations without human interference [1] Group 2 - The motto "invest first, investigate later" reflects the company's strategy of purchasing based on model suggestions before conducting further research [1] - The company discourages human influence in stock selection to ensure decisions are data-driven and free from individual bias [1]

Group 1 - The professional background includes experience in private banking, corporate finance, and strategic advisory across multiple continents [1] - A private banking department was developed and led in Dubai, focusing on tailored investment solutions for affluent clients in the Middle East [1] - Involvement in managing cross-border M&A transactions in Indonesia, with a successful track record in emerging markets [1] Group 2 - The aim is to provide timely insights into various industries and asset classes, including high-growth technology equities and undervalued blue-chip stocks [1] - The goal is to offer well-researched commentary based on real-world experience to help navigate complex global markets [1] - Emphasis on a risk-aware and fundamentally driven investment approach [1]

Market Overview - Wall Street experienced significant losses, with the Dow recording back-to-back losses exceeding 1,500 points on April 3 and 4, including a drop of 2,231 points on April 4, marking one of the highest single-day declines in history [4] - The S&P 500 index fell more than 10% over the last two trading days of the previous week, with a 6% drop on April 6, its worst day since March 2020, currently in correction territory with a 17% decline from its February peak [5] - The Nasdaq Composite also plummeted 6% on each of the last two trading days, now in bear territory with a 22% drop from its recent high, while the CBOE VIX reached 45 on April 4, indicating extreme market fear [6] Defensive Stocks Recommendations - Investing in defensive sectors such as consumer staples, utilities, and healthcare is recommended, with five stocks identified: Molson Coors Beverage Co. (TAP), CenterPoint Energy Inc. (CNP), WEC Energy Group Inc. (WEC), Abbott Laboratories (ABT), and HCA Healthcare Inc. (HCA) [3][7] Company Insights Molson Coors Beverage Co. (TAP) - TAP has shown strong performance in Canada and EMEA&APAC, with Q4 2024 results surpassing estimates and year-over-year earnings growth [11] - Projected sales growth for 2025 is in low-single digits, with underlying EPS expected to grow in high-single digits [12] - Current revenue and earnings growth rates are 0.1% and 6.9%, respectively, with a dividend yield of 3.07% [13] CenterPoint Energy Inc. (CNP) - CNP is positioned to benefit from rising electricity demand due to the electrification of transportation and investments in renewable energy [14] - The company is investing in infrastructure to support electric vehicle (EV) growth, including off-road electrification initiatives [16] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 3.2% and 8%, respectively, with a dividend yield of 2.44% [17] WEC Energy Group Inc. (WEC) - WEC is benefiting from both organic and inorganic growth, with strategic investments aimed at enhancing infrastructure and achieving net carbon neutrality by 2050 [18] - Demand from commercial and residential customers is improving, with expected revenue growth in the 2025-2027 period [19] - Current revenue and earnings growth rates are 9.2% and 8.5%, respectively, with a dividend yield of 3.42% [20] Abbott Laboratories (ABT) - ABT utilizes AI for healthcare solutions, including advanced medical imaging and predictive algorithms for heart attack prevention [21] - The company holds a strong position in point-of-care testing across various health areas [22] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 5.9% and 10.3%, respectively, with a dividend yield of 1.90% [23] HCA Healthcare Inc. (HCA) - HCA's revenues are increasing due to growth in admissions and surgeries, with projected revenues for 2025 between $72.8 billion and $75.8 billion, indicating a 5.2% rise from 2024 [24] - The company has benefited from acquisitions and its telemedicine business, with operating cash flows rising 11.5% year over year in 2024 [25] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 5.8% and 13.8%, respectively, with a dividend yield of 0.87% [25]

Core Viewpoint - Investors in the Utility - Electric Power sector should consider Exelon (EXC) and WEC Energy Group (WEC) as potential undervalued stocks [1] Group 1: Investment Metrics - Both Exelon and WEC Energy Group currently hold a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a positive earnings outlook due to favorable analyst estimate revisions [3] - Value investors typically analyze traditional metrics such as P/E ratio, P/S ratio, earnings yield, and cash flow per share to identify undervalued stocks [4] Group 2: Valuation Comparisons - Exelon has a forward P/E ratio of 17.31, while WEC has a forward P/E of 20.79, suggesting Exelon may be the more attractive option based on this metric [5] - Exelon’s PEG ratio is 3.03, compared to WEC’s PEG ratio of 3.06, indicating similar expected earnings growth rates [5] - Exelon has a P/B ratio of 1.72, while WEC’s P/B ratio is 2.70, further supporting Exelon’s stronger valuation profile [6] - Based on these valuation metrics, Exelon is rated with a Value grade of B, while WEC has a Value grade of D, highlighting Exelon as the superior value option [6][7]

Company Performance - WEC Energy Group reported Q4 2024 earnings of $1.43 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.44 by 0.7%, but showing a 30% increase from $1.10 in the same quarter last year [2] - Operating revenues for the quarter were $2.28 billion, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.6 billion by approximately 12.1%, but up 2.7% from $2.22 billion year-over-year [3] - Total operating expenses decreased to $1.69 billion, down 10% from $1.88 billion a year ago, leading to an operating income of $590.9 million, which is a 73.1% increase from $341.4 million in the previous year [5] Financial Position - As of December 31, 2024, WEC had cash and cash equivalents of $9.8 million, a decrease from $42.9 million as of December 31, 2023, and long-term debt increased to $17.2 billion from $15.4 billion [6] - Net cash provided by operating activities during 2024 was $3.21 billion, compared to $3.02 billion in the prior year [6] Guidance and Outlook - WEC reaffirmed its 2025 earnings projection in the range of $5.17-$5.27 per share, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate at $5.23 per share, indicating a positive outlook [7] - The company plans to invest $28 billion in the period from 2025 to 2029 [7] - Estimates for the stock have been trending upward, suggesting a promising outlook for the upcoming months [10] Industry Context - WEC Energy is part of the Zacks Utility - Electric Power industry, which has seen mixed performance; for instance, NextEra Energy reported a revenue decline of 21.7% year-over-year [11] - NextEra's earnings for the current quarter are expected to be $0.99 per share, reflecting an 8.8% increase from the previous year [12]

Revenue and Customer Growth - In 2024, retail revenues accounted for 93.4% of total electric operating revenues, while wholesale revenues accounted for 2.1% and resale revenues accounted for 3.6%[42] - The total number of electric customers at the end of 2024 was 1,682.7 thousand, an increase from 1,669.3 thousand in 2023, representing a growth of 0.8%[48] - The total number of customers increased to 1,530.9 thousand in 2024, up from 1,520.0 thousand in 2023[77] - The Illinois segment serves 1,059.9 thousand customers at the end of 2024, with residential customers increasing to 929.0 thousand from 922.9 thousand in 2023[90] - The other states segment serves 440.3 thousand customers at the end of 2024, with residential customers increasing to 383.7 thousand from 379.3 thousand in 2023[104] Environmental Initiatives and Carbon Emissions - The company has achieved a 56% reduction in carbon emissions from its electric generation fleet from a 2005 baseline as of the end of 2024, aiming for a 60% reduction by the end of 2025[53] - The company aims to achieve a 60% reduction in carbon emissions from its electric generation fleet by the end of 2025 and an 80% reduction by the end of 2030, both from a 2005 baseline[197] - The company plans to eliminate coal as an energy source by the end of 2032, transitioning to natural gas as a backup fuel[55] - The company has implemented co-firing with natural gas at its coal-fired units as part of its carbon emission reduction goals[123] - The company aims to achieve net-zero methane emissions across its natural gas distribution operations by the end of 2030, supported by contracts for 2.1 Bcf of renewable natural gas (RNG)[117] Renewable Energy Projects - The company plans to retire approximately 1,200 MWs of additional coal-fired generation by the end of 2031, including the planned retirements of OCPP Units 7 and 8[56] - The construction of the solar portion of the Paris project, with a capacity of 180 MWs, was completed in December 2024, and battery storage of 99 MWs is expected to be completed in 2025[60] - The company filed a request to acquire and construct two wind-powered electric generating facilities, Badger Hollow Wind and Whitetail, which will collectively add 160 MWs of wind generation upon completion[59] - The company has filed requests to acquire and construct 868 MWs of additional renewable generation and 244 MWs of battery storage in Wisconsin[61] - If approved, the construction of the Good Oak and Gristmill solar facilities will collectively add 148 MWs of solar generation, expected to be completed in 2028[61] Financial Performance and Revenue - Total utility operating revenues for 2024 amounted to $8,382.7 million, a decrease from $8,702.8 million in 2023 and $9,469.9 million in 2022[140] - Electric operating revenues in Wisconsin for 2024 were $4,496.0 million, representing 91.3% of total electric revenues[140] - Natural gas operating revenues in Wisconsin for 2024 were $1,405.4 million, accounting for 40.6% of total natural gas revenues[140] - The company has power purchase commitments of 1,133 MWs per year for 2025 through 2029 to meet anticipated electric energy supply needs[72] Regulatory and Compliance Issues - The company is subject to various state regulatory commissions, which oversee retail utility rates and standards of service[141] - The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) disallowed certain previously incurred capital costs, resulting in impairment losses for the company in Q4 2023[182] - The expiration of the QIP rider has subjected the recovery of necessary infrastructure improvement costs to regulatory lag, impacting financial results[183] - Future recovery of regulatory assets is uncertain and subject to review and approval by regulators, which could adversely impact cash flows[181] Operational Challenges and Risks - The company’s operations are subject to risks from the reliability of its electric generation and distribution facilities, which could lead to substantial financial losses due to equipment failures or severe weather events[211] - Fluctuations in energy sales are influenced by customer growth, economic conditions, and weather, which could adversely affect the company’s results of operations and cash flows[215] - Supply chain disruptions and inflation could adversely affect the availability of critical materials and resources necessary for the company’s operations and corporate strategy[222] - Public health crises could adversely impact the company’s business functions, financial condition, and access to capital markets, potentially leading to decreased revenues and increased bad debt expenses[208] Employee and Safety Initiatives - As of December 31, 2024, the total number of employees across the company is 7,017, with 4,128 represented under union agreements[172] - The company has a commitment to zero incidents under its "Target Zero" safety program, focusing on employee safety and health[175] - The company emphasizes competitive wages and benefits to attract and retain talent, including a 401(k) savings plan and healthcare benefits[173] Future Investments and Capital Expenditures - Significant capital expenditures are required for investments in electric generating facilities, distribution infrastructure, and renewable energy projects, with a goal of being net carbon neutral by 2050[225] - Anticipated capital expenditures for environmental compliance over the next three years are included in the financial estimates[167] - The company has significantly reduced its consolidated federal and state income tax liabilities through tax credits, net operating losses, and charitable contribution deductions, which could be adversely affected by any reduction or disallowance of these tax benefits[201] Market and Economic Factors - New tariffs and changes in U.S. trade policy could exacerbate global supply chain disruptions and inflation, adversely affecting business operations and financial condition[224] - The company’s corporate strategy may be influenced by changing expectations from customers and regulators regarding sustainability and energy needs, which could impact its reputation and financial outcomes[220] - Equipment, materials, and resource prices have increased due to supply chain disruptions and inflation, potentially impacting financial condition and operations[223]