Wisconsin Energy Group: WEC Stock Dividend Analysis

WEC Stock Is A Winner For Slow & Steady Investment Returns

WEC stock plus the WEC stock dividend is one of the most stable stocks and dividend combinations you can find.

So, let’s work through a WEC dividend stock analysis. Because WEC is a member of our dividend stock model portfolio. So, I want to check in on the WEC dividend history, dividend growth rate, and much more.

Let’s not delay. And get on with our WEC stock analysis and dividend assessment…

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Disclosure: At no cost to you, I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

WEC Stock Dividend Analysis: Key Takeaways

1. Wisconsin Energy is a stable, steady, and consistent dividend growth stock. Operating in the U.S. regulated utility sector.

2. Management believes earnings will grow consistently over the next few years. And dividend growth will be similar to earnings. Keeping the dividend payout ratio at a constant rate.

3. As of the time of this update, the stock looks reasonably valued.

4. Assuming the company is successful at executing its business plans. An investor can reasonably expect 8-10% total returns over the long run. And I define the long-term as at least 5 years.

5. I have a small position in WEC stock. As part of my dividend growth stock portfolio. And currently, rate it as a “buy on price weakness” for my personal investment decision-making. I’m seeking a dividend yield above 3% on any new purchases.

Are you like me and always on the hunt for new dividend stocks to invest in? If yes. Then, I have a couple of “go-to” sources I would like to suggest.

First, there is Simply Investing. It focuses on both U.S.-based and Canadian-based companies that pay regular dividends.

I also like the Motley Fool Stock Advisor. For its insightful stock reviews and recommendations.

Okay. With those highlights and thoughts taken care of. Let’s get into the details.

Starting with some background on today’s focus company, Wisconsin Energy Group.

WEC Company Background

WEC, a Fortune 500 company, is one of the largest electric generation, distribution, and natural gas delivery holding companies in the United States.  They provide energy services to millions of customers in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota.

WEC operates:

• 70,000+ miles of electric distribution lines
• 50,000+ miles of natural gas transmission lines
• 7,000+ megawatts of power plant capacity

WEC Operating Units

WEC does business through a number of energy companies and subsidiaries some of which include:

• We Energies – delivers electricity and natural gas to more than 2.2 million customers in Wisconsin
• Wisconsin Public Service – delivers electricity and natural gas to more than 776,000 customers in Wisconsin
• Peoples Gas – delivers natural gas to more than 869,000 customers in the city of Chicago
• North Shore Gas – delivers natural gas to more than 162,000 customers in Chicago’s northern suburbs
• Minnesota Energy Resources – delivers natural gas to more than 238,000 customers in Minnesota
• Michigan Gas Utilities – delivers natural gas to more than 178,000 customers in Michigan
• Upper Michigan Energy Resources – delivers electricity and natural gas to more than 42,000 customers in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
• Bluewater Gas Storage – provides natural gas storage and hub services to 1.4 million natural gas customers of We Energies and Wisconsin Public Service
• W.E. Power, LLC – designs, builds, and owns modern, efficient power plants that are leased to We Energies
• WEC Infrastructure LLC – holds ownership interests in wind generating facilities that have long-term offtake agreements for the energy they produce
• Wispark – develops high-quality, complex real estate projects

Source:  Wisconsin Energy Group – About Us

Having lived in the Midwest U.S. my entire life, I have been a customer of several of WEC’s energy companies.  And I have been an investor in WEC stock since 2017.

Related: Duke Energy dividend analysis

WEC Is A Regulated Utility

Most of the company’s earnings come from Wisconsin and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission regulations.  I cover regulated utilities frequently on Dividends Diversify, so what exactly does it mean?

Well, I was recently reading one of my longtime favorite investment newsletters called Utility Forecaster. Edited by Robert Rapier at the time.

He explained what a regulated utility is.   And he did it in pretty simple terms. 

A Regulated Utility Is…

Here is Mr. Rapier’s explanation…

Most of the U.S. gas and electric utility industries are regulated to some degree. In regulated markets, these utilities have a monopoly.   The rates they can charge are approved and regulated by state regulatory authorities.

In a regulated market, a regulated utility can own and operate the entire value chain, from generation through transmission to customers.  Regulated utilities have less exposure to market volatility because they can request a rate increase if market conditions dictate the need.

On the other hand, during times of high power demand. Regulated businesses will be at a competitive disadvantage to deregulated businesses that can charge market prices.

For investors, a major appeal of regulated utilities is higher predictability and lower investment risk.

If a regulated utility needs to raise rates to earn an acceptable return, it will make that case to the regulatory authorities for approval.  This is known as a rate case, and regulated utilities go before state regulators to make these cases all the time.

Being a regulated utility helps WEC to be one of the most stable stocks and most consistent stocks to own.

Here you can read my full review of the Utility Forecaster investment newsletter. I will use some of its insights later in the article.

WEC Regulated Business Details

Finally, WEC’s regulated business breaks down in several components. Based on energy type and geographic location.

Most of their business is regulated by the states of Wisconsin and Illinois.  Another share is regulated at the national level by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission known as FERC.

Now that we know a little bit more about WEC and regulated utilities, let’s look at the WEC stock and its dividend.

Wisconsin Energy Stock Symbol

Wisconsin Energy Group stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange using the ticker symbol WEC (NYSE: WEC).  For ease, I will refer to the company as WEC and to its stock as WEC stock.

Most importantly, when I buy (and hopefully never sell) my dividend stocks. I use the Webull app. It’s fast and powerful. And has great research tools.

And best of all, trades are commission-free. You can learn more about Webull here.

Let’s move right along with our feature company. And next up is, the important dividend information for WEC.

WEC Stock Dividend Rate Per Share

A company’s annual forward dividend is the last cash dividend payment approved by the board of directors. Multiplied by the number of times a company pays dividends each year.

After dividing by the stock price the annual dividend rate gives us a dividend yield…

WEC Dividend Yield

WEC’s dividend yield is typically a little low for a regulated utility.  But usually falls near my desired target range between 3-5%.

Then I use that dividend yield range as a first screen. When looking for dividend stocks to purchase.

How Often Does WEC Pay Dividends?

WEC’s dividends are paid frequently. More specifically, 4 times per year.

Each quarterly dividend payment is one-fourth of the annual rate.

When Does WEC Pay Dividends?

WEC dividends are paid in these months: March, June, September, and December. During these months the dividend payments are made on the first day.

When Is The Ex-Dividend Date For WEC Stock?

To receive the next dividend payment from WEC. An investor must complete their purchase before the ex-dividend date.

WEC’s ex-dividend date is approximately 3 weeks in advance of when the quarterly dividends are paid.

Know Your Dividend Dates

The timing of dividend payments varies slightly each quarter. So, it’s a good idea to check the company’s investor relations site. For the most recent dividend announcements.

Better yet, be a long-term dividend investor. Buy and hold.

Then collect your dividends whenever they are paid. Using this approach you don’t have to worry about tracking dividend dates.

WEC Dividend History

WEC has paid dividends every quarter since 1942. That’s a good cash dividends history from this company.

And, they have a nice consecutive annual dividend increase streak going. Specifically, they have increased the dividend every year since 2004.

Making WEC, a Dividend Achiever. These companies have increased dividends annually. For at least 10 years in a row.

WEC Dividend Growth Rate

The WEC dividend growth rate is quite attractive. And very consistent.

I think management will continue to increase the dividend annually.

So, let’s look forward…

WEC Dividend Policy & Dividend Growth Forecast

In the past, WEC management has provided the following dividend growth guidance.

• Continuing targeting a dividend payout of 65-70 percent of earnings
• Projecting dividend growth in line with earnings growth

And management expects earnings to grow 5-7% annually for the foreseeable future.

Now our WEC dividend picture becomes clear.  Specifically,

• 6% potential annual WEC dividend growth

Most of all, I really like it when company management provides clear guidance about earnings and dividend growth.  As we know, predictability is one of the advantages of investing in regulated utilities that pay regular dividends.

On the other hand, a company is not required to pay dividends. And they can change their dividend rate or dividend policy without notice.

So, this is just my dividend growth forecast. Based on what I know as of this update.

I could be wrong. Only time will tell.

We will circle back to the dividend in a moment. But now, let’s check out business fundamentals and financial position. To help with that assessment.

WEC Revenue

Revenue can grow rapidly. When WEC acquires other utilities. This was the case after the acquisition of Integrys Energy.

Otherwise, revenue growth is constrained by the growth of the economies in which the company operates.  This retrains organic revenue growth to the 1-3% range during most years.

Furthermore, recessions can decrease the demand for energy. And result in revenue declines during those times.

WEC Earnings & Dividend Payout Ratio

WEC has an excellent historical earnings trend.

Exactly what you want from the most consistent and stable stocks. That being slow but steady growth.

With management maintaining the dividend payout ratio. In line with its communicated plans.

WEC Stock Dividend & Cash Flow

WEC energy group does not generate a significant amount of free cash flow. This is typical for utilities because of their high levels of capital expenditures.

However, the capital expenditures are financed by debt. And the debt is serviced by the predictability of ongoing business operations and the cash it generates. This leaves plenty of money to pay dividends to investors.

Since WEC uses debt financing, like other utilities. Let’s take a look at the financial position of the company now.

WEC Credit Rating & Balance Sheet

The company holds public debt across a number of its operating units.  And S&P Global typically rates WEC credit investment grade.

On a side note, be sure to keep an eye on your personal credit score. I check mine for free using Credit Karma. You can learn more about Credit Karma here.

Furthermore, investing in dividend stocks is just one aspect of solid money management. It’s also a good idea to treat your entire financial picture as a business.

To do so, I manage all of my investments and spending in one place. By using web-based Personal Capital.

You can learn more about Personal Capital here. It’s easy to sign up. And free to use.

Table 2: Credit Rating Evaluation Grid

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Finally, WEC’s debt to equity profile usually runs in line with other regulated utility companies.

So, it appears that the company’s credit rating and balance sheet are strong. As compared to the utility sector as a whole.

Now, 1 more point about WEC’s dividend…

WEC Dividend Safety

I make a judgment about dividend safety for all of my stocks.

Reviewing the business model and dividend metrics we have discussed so far. As a result, I judge the WEC dividend to be very safe. And I define “safe” as a dividend reduction is unlikely for the foreseeable future.

Our WEC stock analysis and dividend review would not be complete with assessing stock valuation. Let’s do that next. Then, wrap up.

WEC Stock Valuation

Let’s judge value in a couple of different ways:

• Dividend discount model
• Simply Investing

Dividend Discount Model Value for WEC Stock

The single-stage dividend discount model considers several factors I have discussed thus far.

• Current dividend payment
• Projected dividend growth

And one more thing, yet to be discussed. My desired annual return on investment.

Using these assumptions, the dividend discount model suggest WEC stock is undervalued.

Simply Investing

As of the time of this update, Simply Investing considers WEC stock to be undervalued.

As I mentioned earlier, Simply Investing is an excellent resource for dividend stock analysis and recommendations.

I refer to it frequently. To get the latest analysis and stock valuations.

You can learn more about Simply Investing by clicking the image below…

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WEC Stock Valuation Conclusions

WEC shares look to be reasonable priced at this time.

But changes in stock prices and business fundamentals can change valuation estimates very quickly.

So, do your research before investing.

WEC Stock & Dividend Analysis Conclusions

WEC has a small position in my dividend growth stock portfolio.  I only wish I owned more.

Since I think it is one of the best dividend stocks in the utility sector. So, I’m willing to add more shares on any price weakness.

WEC can be a very steady stock to add to an investment portfolio.  It has a nice combination of current dividends and moderate but predictable dividend growth.

Further Reading About Slow & Steady Stocks In the Utility Sector

• Southern Company stock and dividend review
• American Electric Power stock analysis
• NextEra Energy dividend analysis
• VPU ETF review – Vanguard utilities ETF

My Favorite Dividend Investing Resources

The dividend investing and personal finance resources I mentioned in this article are summarized here for your convenience.

I use all of them. To make the most of my money and investments.

Author Bio: Tom Scott founded the consulting and coaching firm Dividends Diversify, LLC. He leverages his expertise and decades of experience in goal setting, relocation assistance, and investing for long-term wealth to help clients reach their full potential.

I currently own WEC stock and collect the WEC stock dividends!