WEC Energy Group announces plan to increase dividend by 6.7 percent

Core Viewpoint - WEC Energy Group plans to increase its quarterly dividend to 95.25 cents per share starting in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting a 6.7% increase from the previous dividend [1][2]. Dividend Announcement - The new dividend is expected to be declared in January 2026 and will be payable on March 1, 2026, to stockholders of record on February 13, 2026 [2]. - The annualized dividend rate will be $3.81 per share [2]. Dividend Policy and Earnings Guidance - The company aims for a dividend payout ratio of 65 to 70 percent of earnings, with a target to grow the dividend at a compound annual rate of 6.5 to 7 percent [3]. - Earnings guidance for 2026 is projected to be between $5.51 and $5.61 per share, aligning with short-term EPS growth expectations [3]. - Long-term EPS growth is anticipated to be 7 to 8 percent on a compound annual basis over the next five years [3]. Company Overview - WEC Energy Group is a leading energy company serving approximately 4.7 million customers across Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota [4]. - The company operates several principal utilities, including We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service, and has a significant presence in renewable energy through WEC Infrastructure LLC [5]. - As a Fortune 500 company and a component of the S&P 500, WEC Energy Group has around 32,000 stockholders and over $49 billion in assets [6].