WEC Energy(US:WEC) ZACKSยท2025-07-31 13:45Core Insights - WEC Energy Group reported Q2 2025 earnings of 76 cents per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 71 cents by 7% and increasing 13.4% from 67 cents in the same quarter last year [1][8] - Operating revenues reached $2.01 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.86 billion by approximately 8.2%, and also reflecting a 13.4% increase from $1.77 billion in the prior year [2][8] Revenue and Sales Performance - Electricity consumption by small commercial and industrial customers rose by 0.6%, while large commercial and industrial customers, excluding the iron ore mine, saw an increase of 0.8% [2] - On a weather-normal basis, retail electricity deliveries, excluding the iron ore mine, increased by 1.1% [3] - Total electric sales volume for the quarter was 10,656 thousand megawatt-hours, up 2.7% year over year [3] Operating Expenses and Income - Total operating expenses amounted to $1.6 billion, up 13.4% from $1.41 billion in the previous year, driven by higher sales costs and increased operating and maintenance expenses [3] - Operating income totaled $404.9 million, reflecting an 11% increase from $364.8 million in the year-ago quarter [3] Financial Position - As of June 30, 2025, WEC had cash and cash equivalents of $23 million, up from $9.8 million as of December 31, 2024 [5] - Long-term debt stood at $17.11 billion, slightly down from $17.18 billion as of December 31, 2024 [5] - Net cash provided by operating activities during the first half of 2025 was $2.01 billion, compared to $1.9 billion in the same period last year [5] Guidance and Future 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, which is higher than the midpoint of the company's guidance [6] - The company plans to invest $28 billion during the 2025-2029 period [6]