Core Insights - Mairs & Power Balanced Fund experienced a challenging start to Q2 2025 but rebounded to a 25% increase by the end of the quarter, with a total return of 2.66% in the first half of 2025, underperforming benchmark indexes [1] Fund Performance - The fund's performance was below benchmark composite indexes, which rose 5.43%, and the Morningstar Moderate Allocation peer group, which increased by 5.67% [1] Investment Focus - The fund highlighted WEC Energy Group, Inc. (NYSE:WEC) as a key investment, noting a one-month return of 3.79% and a 52-week gain of 18.14%, with a market capitalization of $35.972 billion as of September 23, 2025 [2][3] Rationale for Investment - The fund established a new position in WEC Energy Group due to its favorable regulatory environment in Wisconsin and stable service area, providing a quasi-fixed income holding in utilities [3] Hedge Fund Interest - WEC Energy Group was held by 35 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q2 2025, a slight decrease from 37 in the previous quarter, indicating moderate interest among hedge funds [4]

Core Viewpoint - WEC Energy Group, Inc. is a significant player in the utility sector, providing regulated natural gas and electricity, as well as non-regulated renewable energy services, with a market capitalization of $35.7 billion [1][2]. Financial Performance - WEC Energy's operating revenues for Q2 increased by 13.4% year-over-year to $2 billion, exceeding expectations by 8.2% [5]. - The company's earnings per share (EPS) rose by 13.4% to $0.76, surpassing consensus estimates by 7% [5]. - Year-to-date, WEC stock has appreciated by 18%, and over the past 52 weeks, it has increased by 15.8%, outperforming the Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU) [4][6]. Stock Performance - WEC Energy's stock reached an all-time high of $111.90 on August 5 and is currently trading slightly below that peak [3]. - The stock has maintained a bullish trend, consistently staying above its 200-day moving average over the past year and mostly above its 50-day moving average since mid-July [4]. Market Position - WEC Energy has outperformed its peer, Xcel Energy Inc. (XEL), which saw 8.2% gains year-to-date and 14.4% over the past 52 weeks [6]. - Despite strong performance, analysts have a cautious outlook, with a consensus rating of "Hold" among the 15 analysts covering the stock [6].