WEC Energy Group (WEC) Stock: Plans to Increase Quarterly Dividend by 6.7% in 2026

TLDR:

WEC Energy raises Q1 2026 dividend to 95.25¢ per share, a 6.7% increase.
WEC projects 2026 earnings between $5.51-$5.61 per share, supporting growth.
WEC’s dividend hike aligns with 6.5-7% compound annual growth rate target.
Dividend increase reflects WEC’s solid financial position and growth strategy.
WEC Energy serves 4.7 million customers and targets 7-8% long-term EPS growth.

WEC Energy Group (NYSE: WEC) has announced plans to increase its quarterly dividend by 6.7% in the first quarter of 2026. The company intends to raise the dividend to 95.25 cents per share, up from the previous 89.25 cents. This marks a substantial increase, equating to an annual dividend rate of $3.81 per share.

The new dividend will be payable on March 1, 2026, to stockholders of record on February 13, 2026. This decision aligns with WEC Energy Group’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a healthy dividend payout ratio. The company targets a payout ratio of 65 to 70 percent of its earnings, which is consistent with its dividend growth strategy.

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Dividend Increase Reflects Company’s Strong Financial Health

WEC Energy Group’s plan to increase its dividend comes as the company projects earnings for the year 2026 between $5.51 and $5.61 per share. This range aligns with its previously stated short-term earnings-per-share (EPS) growth target. The company’s long-term EPS growth is expected to range from 7 to 8 percent annually over the next five years.

In a statement, Scott Lauber, WEC’s president and CEO, said the planned dividend increase is in line with the company’s goal of growing dividends at a compound annual rate of 6.5 to 7 percent. He emphasized that the projected dividend is a direct reflection of the company’s solid financial position and growth trajectory. With the dividend hike, WEC Energy Group aims to deliver consistent value to its shareholders while maintaining its focus on long-term financial health.

WEC Energy Group’s Earnings and Growth Outlook for 2026

The increase in the quarterly dividend comes at a time when WEC Energy Group is projecting steady growth in its earnings. The company’s earnings for the 2026 calendar year are expected to remain strong, supported by a combination of factors, including its extensive customer base and diverse energy infrastructure. WEC Energy serves 4.7 million customers across multiple states, including Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and Minnesota.

WEC’s portfolio includes a variety of utilities such as We Energies, Peoples Gas, and Michigan Gas Utilities, along with a significant renewable energy fleet. These assets play a key role in the company’s continued ability to generate solid earnings and maintain its competitive edge in the energy sector. WEC Energy Group is committed to long-term growth and financial sustainability, which is reflected in its dividend strategy and earnings outlook for the coming years.

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