WEC Energy(US:WEC)2026-02-05 20:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported adjusted earnings of $5.27 per share for 2025, an increase of $0.39 per share compared to 2024 [3][15] - Adjusted earnings from utility operations increased by $0.63 per share, with weather positively impacting utility earnings by approximately $0.35 [15][16] - Overall, the company achieved an 8% year-over-year growth in adjusted EPS [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted earnings from the energy infrastructure segment increased by $0.10 due to higher production tax credits from solar projects [17] - The investment in American Transmission Company saw earnings increase by $0.02, driven by capital investments [17] - Retail electric deliveries in Wisconsin increased by 1.1% year-over-year, with projections for a 1.6% growth in 2026 [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is projecting a total of 3.9 GW of electric demand growth in the I-94 corridor and north of Milwaukee over the next five years [8][9] - The capital plan has been updated to $37.5 billion over the next five years, driven by increased demand from data centers [9][21] - The company expects long-term earnings per share growth of 7%-8% annually from 2026 to 2030 [9][22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing its capital plan, which includes significant investments in natural gas generation and renewable energy [9][10] - The strategy includes maintaining a balanced generation mix and investing in modern, efficient energy solutions [9] - The company aims to enhance transparency and protect other customers through the proposed Very Large Customer tariff [11][43] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to execute its capital plan and continue its growth trajectory [10][22] - The economic growth in the region is driving demand, with significant investments from partners like Microsoft and Vantage Data Centers [4][6] - Management highlighted the importance of addressing affordability in light of upcoming rate cases and political considerations [62][64] Other Important Information - The company plans to issue between $900 million and $1.1 billion of common equity in 2026 [19] - A proposed settlement in Illinois is expected to resolve approximately $2.3 billion of open dockets, including a $130 million rate-based reduction [12][86] - The board approved a 6.7% increase in dividends, marking the 23rd consecutive year of dividend increases [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the 500 MW related to Microsoft and the additional CapEx? - Management indicated that Microsoft is expanding its data center operations, which is expected to add 500 MW of demand and $1 billion to the capital plan [24][25] Question: How are negotiations for Point Beach progressing? - Management stated that they are in communication with NextEra and are considering options for replacement power as contracts end in 2030 and 2033 [32] Question: Are there additional interests from other hyperscaler customers? - Management confirmed ongoing discussions with other potential customers and emphasized the importance of transparency and community engagement [41][43] Question: What is the expected impact of the Very Large Customer tariff on general customers? - Management explained that the tariff aims to ensure large customers pay their fair share, which could help mitigate rate increases for other customers [54][87] Question: How does the Microsoft ramp impact customer rates? - Management noted that as data centers grow, corporate allocations will spread across a larger rate base, potentially benefiting other customers in the long term [90]