Core Viewpoint - WEC Energy Group, Inc. is expected to report a decline in earnings per share (EPS) for Q4 fiscal 2025, while showing overall growth in EPS for the current year and the following year [2][3]. Financial Performance - WEC Energy is anticipated to generate earnings of $1.37 per share for Q4 fiscal 2025, a decrease of 4.2% from $1.43 per share in the same quarter last year [2]. - For the current fiscal year, analysts forecast an EPS of $5.24, reflecting a 7.4% increase from $4.88 in fiscal 2024 [3]. - EPS is expected to grow by 6.9% year over year to $5.60 in fiscal 2026 [3]. - The company reported Q3 revenue of $2.1 billion, exceeding Street estimates, and an EPS of $0.83, which also topped Wall Street expectations [5]. Stock Performance - WEC shares have increased by 12.4% over the past 52 weeks, underperforming the S&P 500 Index's 16.2% rise but outperforming the State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF's 10.8% return [4]. - Following the release of Q3 earnings results, WEC shares dipped more than 1% [5]. Analyst Ratings - The consensus view on WEC is moderately bullish, with a "Moderate Buy" rating overall. Among 18 analysts, seven suggest a "Strong Buy," 10 recommend a "Hold," and one analyst gives a "Strong Sell" [6]. - The mean price target for WEC is $121.72, indicating a potential upside of 15.5% from current price levels [6].

Core Insights - The Mairs & Power Balanced Fund reported a return of 6.47% in the first nine months of 2025, underperforming benchmark indexes which increased by 11.35% and 10.73% respectively [1] - The market remains concentrated with a few mega-cap stocks related to artificial intelligence driving most favorable outcomes [1] Company Overview - WEC Energy Group, Inc. (NYSE:WEC) provides regulated natural gas and electricity, as well as renewable and nonregulated energy services [2] - As of December 10, 2025, WEC Energy Group's stock closed at $103.66 per share, with a market capitalization of $34.04 billion [2] Investment Positioning - The fund initiated a new position in WEC Energy Group due to its stable service area and balanced regulatory environment, along with significant investments in AI-related data centers in Wisconsin [3] - The Utilities sector positively contributed to the fund's relative performance [3] Hedge Fund Interest - WEC Energy Group was held by 37 hedge fund portfolios at the end of the third quarter, an increase from 35 in the previous quarter [4] - Despite recognizing WEC's potential, the company believes certain AI stocks present greater upside potential and lower downside risk [4]

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].