NextEra Energy: Built for Long-Term Growth?

Core Viewpoint - NextEra Energy is positioned as a reliable investment opportunity due to its strong performance, commitment to shareholder returns, and conservative business model [2][12]. Business Overview - NextEra Energy is one of the largest regulated electric utilities in North America, primarily generating revenue from Florida Power and Light (FPL) and NextEra Energy Resources, serving over six million customers [4][5]. - The company operates a diversified portfolio of clean energy assets totaling approximately 38 gigawatts (GW), including solar, wind, and nuclear power [6]. Financial Performance - NextEra Energy has maintained an average EBITDA margin of 51.8% from 2020 to 2024, outperforming peers like Southern Company and Duke Energy [8]. - The company has averaged a payout ratio of 81% over the past five years and has increased its dividend for over 30 consecutive years [12]. Growth Strategies - NextEra Energy plans to petition the Florida Public Service Commission for rate increases, proposing base rate hikes of about $1.6 billion and$0.9 billion for 2026 and 2027, respectively [13]. - The company has a backlog of renewable energy projects totaling 28 GW and a pipeline of 300 GW, with recent additions of 1.4 GW of wind, 2.5 GW of solar, and 0.8 GW of battery storage capacity [14]. - Acquisitions have been a growth strategy, including the 2019 acquisition of Gulf Power for approximately $4.4 billion and the 2021 acquisition of GridLiance for$502 million [15]. Investment Consideration - With the stock trading at 11.4 times operating cash flow, below its five-year average of 14.9, it is suggested that now may be an opportune time to invest in NextEra Energy [16].