WEC Energy Group, Inc. (NYSE:WEC) last week reported its latest second-quarter results, which makes it a good time for investors to dive in and see if the business is performing in line with expectations. It looks like a credible result overall - although revenues of US$2.1b were in line with what the analysts predicted, WEC Energy Group surprised by delivering a statutory profit of US$0.91 per share, a notable 12% above expectations. The analysts typically update their forecasts at each earnings report, and we can judge from their estimates whether their view of the company has changed or if there are any new concerns to be aware of. With this in mind, we've gathered the latest statutory forecasts to see what the analysts are expecting for next year.

Following last week's earnings report, WEC Energy Group's 15 analysts are forecasting 2026 revenues to be US$10.3b, approximately in line with the last 12 months. Statutory earnings per share are predicted to accumulate 7.8% to US$5.59. Before this earnings report, the analysts had been forecasting revenues of US$10.2b and earnings per share (EPS) of US$5.59 in 2026. The consensus analysts don't seem to have seen anything in these results that would have changed their view on the business, given there's been no major change to their estimates.

It will come as no surprise then, to learn that the consensus price target is largely unchanged at US$123. There's another way to think about price targets though, and that's to look at the range of price targets put forward by analysts, because a wide range of estimates could suggest a diverse view on possible outcomes for the business. Currently, the most bullish analyst values WEC Energy Group at US$140 per share, while the most bearish prices it at US$110. The narrow spread of estimates could suggest that the business' future is relatively easy to value, or thatthe analysts have a strong view on its prospects.

Of course, another way to look at these forecasts is to place them into context against the industry itself. We would highlight that WEC Energy Group's revenue growth is expected to slow, with the forecast 2.3% annualised growth rate until the end of 2026 being well below the historical 2.9% p.a. growth over the last five years. By way of comparison, the other companies in this industry with analyst coverage are forecast to grow their revenue at 4.2% per year. Factoring in the forecast slowdown in growth, it seems obvious that WEC Energy Group is also expected to grow slower than other industry participants.

The Bottom Line

The most important thing to take away is that there's been no major change in sentiment, with the analysts reconfirming that the business is performing in line with their previous earnings per share estimates. On the plus side, there were no major changes to revenue estimates; although forecasts imply they will perform worse than the wider industry. There was no real change to the consensus price target, suggesting that the intrinsic value of the business has not undergone any major changes with the latest estimates.

With that in mind, we wouldn't be too quick to come to a conclusion on WEC Energy Group. Long-term earnings power is much more important than next year's profits. We have forecasts for WEC Energy Group going out to 2028, and you can see them free on our platform here.

Even so, be aware that WEC Energy Group is showing 2 warning signs in our investment analysis , and 1 of those is concerning...

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.